Page 17

L ily

“My Lily,” Kai whispered as he moved down my body. Once he was at eye level with my breasts, he opened his mouth and latched onto one. I jolted as pleasure consumed me. His tongue darted out and brushed the tip back and forth before sucking long and hard. His teeth grazed just enough to cause me to moan his name and squirm beneath him. Kai was relentless as he moved to my other breast, licking and nibbling. The delicious torment sent electric currents zipping directly to my center. Moisture trickled down my thigh and my clit throbbed.

“Oh, yes, Kai.” I arched my back, hoping for more. Needing so much more. His mouth, his touch. I skimmed my fingernails down his back. I was rewarded with a curse from Kai. His head lifted. Our gazes collided. God, the man was gorgeous. Scratch that. Gorgeous Yucilon . A shapeshifter. My shapeshifter. And every part of my body was attuned to him. As if he’d reached deep inside me and found something that no other man had ever touched. I caressed the length of his back. It was Kai’s turn to moan and heat spiraled through every inch of my body. By slow degrees he was turning me inside out.

His skillful mouth went on a journey over my torso even as his hands moved slowly over my curves. His fingers delved into the neatly trimmed curls between my thighs. I moved my legs wider apart, trusting Kai to take me to the heavens and beyond. As his fingers danced over my clit, stroking and squeezing the small bud, I threw my head back and shut my eyes tight, riding along the wild sea of pleasure. He teased my slit with a finger, eliciting a series of moans and whimpers from me. That single finger slid deep, then retreated, only to do it all over again. When another joined the first, I lost all reason. Kai’s mouth closed over my clitoris, suckling and licking. I felt a tickling sensation at my entrance. I opened my eyes just in time to catch the tip of Kai’s index finger teasing me there. The little strokes sent me into orbit. The orgasm crashed over me in a violent wave, overcoming me. My thighs quivered and my hips bucked as it blasted through me. Several earth-shattering seconds later, my muscles went limp, and I collapsed against the bed. Kai’s big, strong hands caressed my thighs, hips, then he lifted his head from between my thighs and pressed a light kiss on my mound. I stared down at him. His heated gaze captured me.

“My beautiful mate,” he growled.

I couldn’t think straight. For now, I only wanted him to take me back up that jagged, rocky cliff. This time we would jump off together.

I held out my arms and smiled. “Make love to me, Kai.”

“I ache to make this last, but the tether on my control snapped a long time ago.”

I touched his forearm, smoothing my hand up and down. Kai sucked in a breath and gritted his teeth.

“I don’t want you controlled,” I murmured. “Screw that.”

He lifted and sat on his haunches between my thighs, his gaze roaming over my bare body. I got to my knees, then leaned forward. The movement put my mouth in direct line with his jutting cock. I reached a finger out and touched the tip of him there, enthralled when a pearl of moisture emerged.

“I want this,” I confessed boldly. Bracing myself with one hand on Kai’s thigh, I used my other to wrap around his massive length. I pumped him once, luxuriating in his curse, then angled my head and took him into my mouth. I sucked him deep, unwilling to give the big bad wolf a chance to think beyond the feel of my lips wrapped around him, my eager tongue stroking him.

“Lily,” he groaned as a fist dug into my hair and held me firmly against his groin. His body wrapped around mine, caging me in an intimate embrace.

I closed my eyes and licked his bulbous tip, then sucked him deeper. His heavy length nudged the back of my throat and I had to open wider to accommodate his girth. I tasted the salty flavor of his pre-cum and moaned in pleasure at the delicious flavor so unique to Kai. My hand came up and cupped his sac, squeezing gently. Kai’s eyes shut and he threw his head back on a groan. I allowed my hands and mouth to play for another minute, but I was too excited for him to be inside of me and I didn’t let the pleasurable torture go on for long. I slid my mouth backward, leaving a loving kiss on his tip before breaking free completely.

“Lily,” Kai groaned, his strong hands clasping me around the middle. He lifted me in the air, then placed me on my back before moving on top, his cock poised at my entrance. His gaze sought mine. “Now,” he growled, as he pushed his cock into me a bare inch.

My brain disintegrated the instant Kai entered me. He was thick and so big, and I had to widen my legs to take him. I watched Kai strain to remain in control, slowly moving in and out of me until my body adjusted to his intimate invasion. When he reached between our bodies and played with my clitoris, I closed my eyes once more, luxuriating in Kai’s masterful touch.

****

K ai

My mate was a luscious mix of sweet innocent and wild lioness. Her tight body surrounded my cock, milking it and sending me into oblivion. Her long flame-red hair fanned out around her body. She was a woman of natural beauty. I sniffed the air, taking in Lily’s erotic scent, allowing the alluring spice to fill me. I was the only one with the privilege to tease that addicting smell from her. My animalistic nature practically salivated with predatory delight.

I braced myself on my elbows on either side of her delicate body, and pushed into her faster, harder. My Yucilon fought for dominance inside me. I dipped my head and kissed her lips. So soft and pliable. Her mouth had taken me to the very edge when she’d sucked my cock.

Her legs moved to wrap around my waist, anchoring me to her. My fingers played with her clit while my dick thrust in and out of her tight heat. Lily’s soft curves fit me the way no other woman’s had. She was made for me to love. Mine. No other would ever have her this way. A growl escaped my throat as I imagined her leaving me. My teeth scraped over her sensitized nipples and I sucked one turgid peak into my mouth, longing to bite into her again, to somehow strengthen our bond. Lily was not Yucilon . Could she walk away? For me it would be torture. The separation would drive me mad. The not knowing pushed me to take her deeper. My hips thrusting against her. Lily shouted my name as another orgasm overtook her. I let my claws extend, then slammed them into the mattress on either side of her body, pinning her in place. Her name escaped with a ragged groan.

My arms became steel bands beside her. A haze of lust threatened to envelop me. I fought my way through it, slowly bringing my mind back from that black place.

Lily.

My mate.

I covered one round breast with my mouth, sucking on her nipple, filling my mind with her smile, her expressive green eyes. My breathing calmed and my claws retracted. I lifted my head and stared down at her. “My love,” I whispered. Just as Lily’s hands caressed their way down my shoulders and over to my chest, her soft palm resting directly over my heart, I lost it. I was thrown headfirst into the most intense orgasm of my life. Nothing could compare to making love to my Lily. I emptied my seed deep inside the clutch of her body, then teased her clit and watched in fascination as she found another climax.

I waited precious moments until she came back down to earth before I kissed her, lingering at her mouth, tasting her heavy breaths and licking at her plump lower lip. I littered her cheeks and chin with kisses, then journeyed south to her neck where I found the wild beat of her pulse. I suckled her there, and knew a sense of possessive satisfaction when Lily moaned and arched against me.

I gently drew my mouth off her, then stared down at her closed eyes and the delicate smile on her face. The feeling that we weren’t merely satisfying a physical need but also quenching the insatiable thirst of two souls destined for each other overcame me. This was what I’d been missing.

“That was ... intense,” she breathed out, an upward tilt to her lips.

“Forgive me,” I gritted out. “I got a little out of hand.”

She lifted her hand and caressed my cheek. “It’s the Yucilon , right?”

I nodded. “I expected it to be powerful, but the force of our bonding took me off guard.”

“I love you, Kai,” she murmured. “And I loved our bonding. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

My heart filled with the sincerity of her words. When I would’ve offered the words back to her, something caught my eye. “Look at your body.”

She glanced down and her gaze widened. “They’re nearly gone! Oh, my God, Kai,” she rushed out. “How?”

I grinned. Pleased that I could take her pain away. Happy that I could erase the physical evidence of her abuse. “It’s my Yucilon blood. Remember?”

“Oh, yeah.” She sighed. “Wow, I didn’t realize.” She tilted her head, then lifted her hand, staring at it. “I think I’d enjoy being able to shift. To run through the forest with you.”

The thought sent my heart racing. “I’d enjoy that too.”

“Wait.” She pushed me off, then lifted herself to a seated position and crossed her legs in front of her. “Will you resent me if I can’t shift? If I can be ... everything you want me to be?”

“Never,” I cupped her chin in a firm hold. “You already are everything to me.”

Lily’s fear simmered just below the surface, her brows furrowed as she regarded me with uncertainty. “You’re sure?” she asked, a note of hope slipping through.

I curled my fingers around hers. “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life,” I vowed, meaning the words.

Lily’s gaze softened as she met my eyes, a note of vulnerability reflected in her expression. “I just wish I knew what might happen next. If I’ll be able to shift or not. It’s scary not having answers.”

My thumb brushed over the back of her hand in a gentle caress. She exhaled, shoulders loosening as the tightness in her posture unraveled. The worry in her eyes softened, giving way to something warmer—something that held me captive. “We’ll handle it. Together.”

She sighed, “Together.”

“Yes. You are my mate, Lily. I know this deep down. In my soul. You’re a part of me. The mating is safe. I’m just not certain if you’ll have the ability to shift. Everything else is clear to me.”

“It’s just ... I want to be a part of your world, fully . To experience everything, even if it’s challenging.”

“I want that too.” My grip on her hand tightened, my eyes locking onto hers, as an unshakable determination took hold of me. “But you already are a part of my world, Lily. Even if you can’t shift. It doesn’t matter to me. Does it to you?”

“It matters because I want to be your equal. I don’t want to be a burden to you.”

“You could never, my love.”

Lily tilted her head and leaned in, her forehead resting against mine, our link strong and unbroken. “I love you, Kai,” she whispered. “Either way this comes out, we’re in this together.”

I cupped the back of her head, as I hoped to convey a promise that spoke of my unwavering commitment. “Yes, we are.”

“Will it hurt? Shifting, I mean.”

“I won’t lie, at first there will be some pain, until your body gets used to it. Then it’ll come naturally.”

Her lips kicked up sideways. “We’re in some seriously uncharted territory, huh?”

“We are, but our mating is true,” I vowed. “This is known in my heart.”

Her gaze shot toward the door. “Kai, I hear something outside,” she whispered. “Could Patterson have—”

“Hush, my love, it’s only a raccoon. It’s about four hundred yards away,” I replied. “You can hear that?”

She nodded, then glanced down at my chest. “Your heart, it’s so strong, so fast.”

“Lily,” I said, “get dressed. I want to show you something.”

Curiosity ignited in her green eyes and she nodded, slipping off the bedding. I had to keep my hands fisted at my sides in order to keep them off her. She was a temptation. I watched as she quickly pulled on my t-shirt—it hung to mid-thigh. “This good enough?”

I swallowed hard. “Yes,” I groaned, before taking her by the hand and bringing her outside. The last rays of sunlight kissed the horizon, painting the sky in a vibrant tapestry of oranges and purples. A cool breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying the promise of the night to come.

“Kai, what are we doing out here?” Lily asked, her voice a blend of excitement and wonder.

I stood beside Lily, attempting to be a source of comfort amidst the whirlwind of changes she was experiencing. We were in a secluded grove deep within the forest, a place my family often retreated to for privacy. Tonight, however, it held a different significance, as it marked the beginning of Lily’s transformation after our mating.

****

L ily

My heart raced, senses heightened to a level I’d never imagined. I could hear the rustle of leaves in the distance, the call of a night owl, and even the subtle whispers of the wind as it brushed against my skin. My breath came in shallow gasps as I struggled to adjust to the overwhelming flood of sensations.

Kai turned his piercing golden eyes toward me. “Lily,” he said, his voice a soothing melody, “I know it’s a lot to take in right now. But you’re not alone in this. I’m here with you every step of the way.”

I nodded, my eyes widened in awe. “This is ... it’s all so unreal,” I admitted, my voice a hushed whisper.

Kai stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently touch my cheek. “Your abilities are a reflection of our bond,” he explained. “As we become more connected, your senses will merge with mine, allowing you to experience the world in ways you’ve never known before.”

He guided me to sit on a fallen log, then stood over me magnificently nude. “Let’s start with your hearing,” he instructed, his voice soothing. “Close your eyes and focus on the sounds around you. Let them come to you, but don’t let them overwhelm you.”

I followed his instructions, taking a deep breath and closing my eyes. Gradually, I began to filter through the symphony of sounds, homing in on each one individually. The distant chirping of crickets, the swift gurgle of a nearby stream, and even the faint hum of my own heartbeat.

Kai’s hand settled on my shoulder. “Now, let’s work on your sense of smell,” he said. “Take in a deep breath through your nose and let the scents come to you. Focus on one scent at a time, like picking out individual notes from a melody.”

I inhaled deeply, my senses flooding with a plethora of smells I hadn’t noticed before. The earthy aroma of the forest floor, the sweet fragrance of blooming wildflowers, and the faint hint of pine carried by the breeze. It was exhilarating.

Kai’s voice was a steady presence in the sea of sensations. “Remember, control is key,” he advised. “When it gets too much, take a moment to close your eyes, and use the calming techniques I showed you.”

I nodded, a sense of gratitude washing over me. With Kai’s guidance, I felt a growing sense of confidence at the power I now possessed.

Kai smiled at me, his gaze steady. “I want to share something with you, something that’s a part of who I am,” he replied. “But before I do, I want you to know that no matter what you see, I’m still the same Kai you’ve come to care for.”

I nodded, my trust in him unwavering. “I believe you, Kai.”

He took a step back, his eyes locking onto me. The air shifted around him, charged with otherworldly energy. And then, before my eyes, his body changed. Bones shifted and muscles rippled beneath his skin as he transformed.

A low growl filled the air, and my breath caught in my throat as I watched Kai’s form morph into a massive black wolflike creature. His fur glistened in the fading light, his golden eyes piercing the dusk with such intensity. He was a magnificent presence, a being that seemed to belong to the realm of dreams and nightmares.

My heart raced as I stared at the incredible creature before me. Fear and awe mingled within me, an array of emotions I struggled to comprehend. And yet, amidst the overwhelming sensations, there was an undeniable sense of connection. A bond with this creature, with Kai, that went beyond the physical.

Kai’s eyes never left mine, and I could feel his reassuring presence even in his transformed state. Slowly, he approached me, his movements controlled. His large head lowered, and he nuzzled me gently, his touch both tender and fierce.

Lily. Kai’s voice was a deep rumble in my mind.

How are we able to do this? I thought the words rather than speaking them.

Mate, was his only reply as he nudged my thigh with his snout. You are the first human to ever mate with one of our kind. And I want you to know every facet of my existence.

I smoothed my hand against the coarse fur of his neck, my heart swelling with emotion. I met his golden gaze, my eyes filled with unshed tears. “You’re magnificent, Kai,” I said aloud. “Terrifying and beautiful all at once.”

Kai’s wolfish form softened, vulnerability in his gaze. And you, Lily, have entranced me like no other. You’ve accepted me, and embraced every aspect of who I am.

As the last traces of daylight gave way to the embrace of night, Kai’s form shifted back to that of a man. He stood before me once again with tenderness in his eyes.

I stepped closer, my fingers tracing the contours of his face. “I am yours, Kai, in every way,” I whispered.

He pulled me into a warm embrace, our hearts beating in unison. “And I’m yours,” he murmured against my lips with a kiss that held the promise of a world uncharted and a love everlasting.