For now, all she wanted to do was soak up every ounce of pleasure. He'd been touching her when she'd awoken. His soft, gentle caress had already built the heat inside her. She was so close to coming. She wanted this. Knew this kind of closeness now would make it harder for him to leave her down the road.

It was funny, she didn't mind being naked in front of him this morning. Having his hands already stroking her body when she first opened her eyes had made it all seem so natural. Until he'd asked her to put her hands behind her head, that is. That left her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

But she no longer cared. His clever tongue lapped at her nipples. First one. Then the other. Alex locked her fingers together, squeezing tight. She wanted to clutch his head to her breast, demand he do something more. But she didn't, knowing instinctively he'd stop as soon as she moved her hands away from where he wanted them.

What he was doing felt wonderful, but she needed something else. Her core was throbbing with emptiness, demanding to be filled by him. She licked her lips, watching intently as his mouth opened to cover her nipple. "Yes," she cried as she pushed forward, shoving her breast toward him. He closed his mouth over the tip and sucked. The sensation shot straight to between her thighs and she spread her legs further, rubbing her swollen c.l.i.t over his belly.

Her hands itched to touch his chest. Bands of muscle were prominently displayed, stretched across tanned flesh. A thick covering of black hair stretched from nipple to nipple before arrowing downward toward his groin. She wanted to thread her fingers through it and feel its crispness against her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

Joshua released her nipple, blowing softly across the damp flesh. Alex shivered, goose b.u.mps forming on her arms and belly. "Joshua," she pleaded.

"What, my sweet?" He nuzzled the plump mound of one breast, the stubble on his jaw abrading it slightly.

Her heart expanded at the endearment and she savored the sound of it. "I need more."

"What do you need?" He carefully tugged a nipple into his mouth and played with it with his teeth.

Alex's s.e.x was clenching rhythmically. Her blood was pounding through her veins. Her skin felt tight and she had to swallow the urge to growl. Growl? She began to sweat as she sensed the female wolf within her for the first time. It frightened her even as it made her feel stronger, more desirable.

As if sensing her momentary distraction, Joshua pulled back and blew on her damp flesh again. "Tell me what you need."

"You." Everything she was feeling came out in the emotion attached to that one small word. Joshua was all she wanted and she wanted him right now.

He lay back down on the bed and slid lower on the pillows. She started to fall forward, but he caught her easily, holding her steady. "Shift upward, Alex. I want to taste your p.u.s.s.y."

Her entire body seemed to clench and release as she scooted forward. She started to remove her hands to use them for support, but glanced down at him. Deciding that she wasn't going to take any chances, she kept them where they were. His deep brown eyes gleamed with pleasure as she shifted into place with her thighs on either side of his head.

"You're so beautiful. So pink and wet and s.e.xy." His finger stroked over the slick folds, ignoring the hard nub at the apex of her s.e.x. He sucked in a deep breath. "You smell hot, like woman and s.e.x."

Alex bit her lip to keep from moaning aloud. She was going to come with him just talking to her. His words were almost a physical caress against her skin. Heat rocketed through her as though she were burning up with a fever. Need unlike anything she'd ever experienced shook her.

He slipped one of his hands around her, caressing her behind while the other one continued to explore her s.e.x. "I'll bet your p.u.s.s.y is tight and hot." His finger dipped just inside her slit before withdrawing. Her v.a.g.i.n.a contracted and her thighs trembled. Alex swallowed back a cry when his finger slipped away.

Wrapping his hands around her hips, he pulled her downward until she could feel his warm breath brushing against the moist folds of her s.e.x. Her breath was coming in hard gasps now, making her b.r.e.a.s.t.s quiver with every mouthful of air she sucked in. He snaked his tongue out, lapping at her sensitive flesh and this time she could not suppress the groan of pure pleasure that was drawn from deep within her.

"You like that, do you?" She could hear the sheer male satisfaction in his tone. If she liked it any more she'd explode. But she wasn't going to tell him that.

She closed her eyes and tipped back her head when his tongue began to taste her again. He captured her c.l.i.toris between his lips and sucked gently on it. Alex began to whimper. The stubble on his jaw brushed against her inner thighs and the sensitive flesh of her l.a.b.i.a, sending tendrils of heat rushing though her. Every time Joshua touched her she was bombarded with a new depth of sensation. She seemed to want him more and more with each pa.s.sing minute.

Alex was alive in a way she'd never been before. She felt weak and powerful at the same time, feminine yet strong. Every fiber of her being strained for completion. Tension built low in her pelvis, gathering strength, waiting for just the right touch to ignite it.

He gave one last suck on her c.l.i.toris and licked a path straight to her opening, stabbing his tongue inside her. Almost blind with pleasure, her hands flailed out to grab onto the headboard, digging her fingers into the cheap wood veneer for support, as Joshua continued to stoke the flames of desire within her.

"Joshua." It was more a demand then a plea. She was suspended on the edge of desire, unable to go back, but not yet able to go over into release.

His tongue stabbed deeper as his finger stroked over her c.l.i.t. Alex cried out as the first spasm struck. Her entire body jerked and heaved as she came. At some point, she released her grasp on the headboard and gripped Joshua's head, holding it to her. He continued to lap and suck and pleasure her until she couldn't bear it any longer. The fingers that had been holding him to her so tightly now began to push him away.

"Stop," she moaned. "Enough." She half-rolled, half-dragged herself away from him, fell to the mattress and curled herself into a ball. His arms came around her, dragging her back against his chest. One of his hands rested low on her belly while the other wrapped around one of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. His heart pounded against her back and she could hear the hoa.r.s.e gasps of his breathing.

"You taste incredible." He feathered light kisses across her nape before nipping at her shoulder.

Alex groaned, shifting her legs restlessly. Her inner muscles were still pulsing, liquid still seeped from her core, dampening her inner thighs, but already she felt restless, as if this wasn't enough. Her body craved something more. Alex was very afraid that she wouldn't be satisfied until Joshua took her, claiming her in every way.

Joshua kept his touch light and undemanding and eventually her body began to relax. He was still tucked securely around her and she could feel the hard bulge of his erection pressing against her behind. She shifted the tiniest bit and he groaned, jerking back his hips as he tried to move away from the subtle caress.

Alex licked her lips. He'd had his turn. Now it was hers.

Chapter Thirteen.

Alex straightened her legs and started to turn toward Joshua. His arms tightened around her momentarily before he relaxed and let her move. His eyes were hooded, his lips pursed together in a thin line. If she didn't know him as well as she did, the fire burning in his eyes would have frightened her. It seemed strange she'd only been aware of his existence for a mere twenty-four hours. He was such a big part of her life now that, with each pa.s.sing minute, it got harder to remember life without him.

Now that was a frightening thought.

Pushing it out of her mind for the moment, she focused on the task at hand. That was pleasure. Specifically, pleasuring Joshua Striker. The man had brought her to o.r.g.a.s.m several times now and she wanted the chance to do the same for him. She hadn't meant to fall asleep while she was waiting for him last night, but had been unable to fight against the physical and mental fatigue that had dragged her down into slumber as soon as her head had hit the pillow.

But she was wide awake now and Joshua was lying next to her, warm and hard and waiting. He watched her intently as she raised her hand and cupped his jaw. Stubble covered his chin, making him appear even more dangerous. Other than her father, she'd never known a man who emitted such raw power. She was drawn to Joshua in a way she'd never expected. Wanted to lay claim to this man who had in such a short while become such an integral and central part of her life.

"What are you thinking?" He brushed a stray lock of hair off her forehead.

She smiled as she stroked her thumb across his bottom lip. "I'm thinking that you've had your turn and now it's mine."

He froze, every muscle tensing. "Alex." The way he said her name was half-warning, half-plea.

"It's only fair." She slipped her hand higher, letting it sift through the silky strands of his hair. He moved his head against her hand in obvious pleasure. She wanted to know everything that pleased him, wanted to learn what made him groan and what made him lose control.

"Alex." There was a warning undertone now, but she ignored it. Coming up on one elbow, she leaned over him, kissing him softly. His lips were warm and supple. She didn't linger, but moved lower, peppering his jaw with kisses as she worked her way down his neck. Her tongue trailed along that thick column. His skin was rough and salty.

His hand covered her hip and for a moment she thought he would push her away. Instead, his fingers kneaded her skin, and she could sense him fighting himself.

"Let me pleasure you, Joshua," she whispered as she tangled her fingers in his chest hair. She loved the way the black curls wrapped around them as if he didn't want to let her go.

He heaved a deep sigh and relaxed. His hand dropped away from her hip, giving his silent permission for her to do whatever she chose. Alex hid her grin against his chest. Obviously, Joshua didn't like being out of control even for a minute. That was okay. Based on his reaction to her, she was rapidly gaining confidence in her own abilities to be able to rock his control upon occasion. She got the feeling he didn't relax and let go much, but that was about to change.

Nuzzling the hard muscles of his chest, she worked her way over to his nipple. A light sprinkling of hair surrounded the flat disc. Flicking out her tongue, she touched it. His entire body jerked. Leaning back, she blew on the damp nub before covering it again with her mouth and this time sucking gently.

Joshua groaned, his hand coming up to tangle in her short hair as he held her mouth tighter to him. Alex slid her hand over his torso, lightly scratching his skin. The muscles in his belly flexed beneath her questing fingers and he sucked in a deep breath, creating a s.p.a.ce between the band of his jeans and his stomach. She skimmed her fingers just below the band. Joshua emitted a low growl. She raised her head and smiled down at him as she scooted lower on the bed. He was so tense, every muscle on his body sharply delineated as he held himself still.

She took her time undoing the b.u.t.ton at his waist. Grasping the tab of the zipper in her fingers, she pulled it down ever so slowly. His shaft sprang upward, unhindered by any underwear. She raised an eyebrow and looked at him.

He gave her a s.e.xy grin and shrugged. "Too confining."

Note to self, she thought. He doesn't wear underwear. It was hard enough to function sensibly around Joshua as it was, but knowing he was bare beneath his soft, faded jeans was going to make it even harder. The turgid flesh b.u.mped against her hand, demanding her attention. She spread the fabric wide and pushed it downward. Joshua lifted his behind long enough for her to yank his jeans just below his thighs. She started to pull his pants off, but got distracted.

His p.e.n.i.s was long and thick and the plum-shaped head was dark. Blue veins pulsed as his shaft flexed impatiently. Licking her lips, she trailed a single finger from the tip to the base and up again, fascinated by the texture of his skin. His erection was hard, but the flesh covering it was soft and velvety. She could feel it throbbing beneath her finger as she stroked him again.

"Alex," he groaned. She glanced up at him. His jaw was clenched tightly. She realized he was too close to the edge for her to tease him for much longer. Still, she didn't want to rush things. This was the first time she'd ever touched a man, but she didn't think she'd be near as fascinated if it were anyone but Joshua.

Lowering her head, she licked a path from the base all the way to the top, dainty little flicks of her tongue that made him groan again. She reached between his legs and cupped his t.e.s.t.i.c.l.es, ma.s.saging them. His sac felt heavy, the skin rougher and sprinkled with hair. She was enthralled with the sheer magnificence of him.

Liquid seeped from the slit at the top of his shaft and she stroked her tongue over it, wanting to taste him as he'd tasted her. It was warm and salty and she decided that she liked it.

Her own body was reacting to what she was doing. Her nipples were firm nubs and her b.r.e.a.s.t.s felt swollen. She shifted her legs restlessly, unable to believe how aroused she was becoming simply by touching Joshua. Her s.e.x was damp and soft and every now and again she would feel a trickle of liquid roll down her inner thigh.

"Alex." His voice was edged with desperation as he arched his hips upward. Opening her mouth, she sucked the head of his shaft inside, swirling her tongue around it. She could feel his t.e.s.t.i.c.l.es actually pulling tighter against his body. Giving them one final gentle squeeze, she released them and wrapped her hand around the base of his p.e.n.i.s. Taking her time, she stroked upward and then back down, all the while her tongue and mouth continued to tease the top of his shaft.

His large hand covered hers, wrapping her fingers snugly around him and guiding her into the rhythm he wanted. When she took over on her own, he dropped his hand back to the mattress with a soft thud. She could feel the power in him, feel it collecting low in his groin, knew he was close.

Losing herself in the moment, she blocked out everything else but Joshua. She forgot the desire thrumming through her own body. Nothing mattered but bringing him the kind of pleasure that he'd given her.

"Harder, baby. Suck me harder," he groaned.

Her mouth and hand moved in tandem as she took his c.o.c.k deeper into her mouth with each stroke. His hips were bucking against her now, his fingers tangled in her hair, holding her close, making sure she didn't leave him now. As if she would. She wanted this as badly as he did.

His breathing was harsh in the quiet of the room. Both their bodies were covered in sweat as Alex continued to stroke him with her mouth and hand.

"I'm coming," he gritted out from between clenched teeth. She felt him start to push her head away, wanting to give her a choice, but she was having none of that. She wanted all of him, wanted the whole experience.

He gave a hoa.r.s.e cry as he came, jetting into her mouth. She swallowed and continued to suck. Joshua's fingers tightened in her hair, making her scalp sting slightly as his shaft continued to spasm. Finally, he relaxed back onto the bed with a groan. "Enough." His hand was gentle but firm as he pushed her away and carefully untangled his fingers from her hair.

Laying her head on his stomach, she wrapped her arm around him and held him. Neither one of them spoke. Joshua rested his hand on the top of her head and it slid down until he was cupping her cheek. His thumb absently caressed her skin. Alex was content to revel in the closeness that enveloped them even as she knew it couldn't last.

Long before she was ready to relinquish the closeness between them, Joshua shifted beneath her and she reluctantly raised her head. His eyes were serious, but beyond that she couldn't read any other emotions.

"Thank you."

She shrugged. "You're welcome." The words were almost stilted, the comfortable silence of a few moments before slipping away. She became very aware of her nakedness and self-consciousness began to creep in.

Sighing, he sat up. "We've got to go." He glanced down at his watch. "It's getting late and I want to get on the road early."

Alex rolled out of bed and grabbed the bedspread, wrapping it around her body. "I'll just get a quick shower and get dressed." Ignoring his searching gaze, she gathered her jeans, socks and the T-shirt he'd bought her and hurried to the bathroom. Only when the door was closed behind her did she let out the breath she'd been holding.

She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her face was rosy and there were faint traces of beard burn on her jaw. Lowering the bedspread, she could see a few more light red patches near her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. Her skin tingled and low-level desire still thrummed within her. Partly due to her attraction to Joshua and partly due to the chemical changes she knew were taking place inside her body.

She dropped the bedspread, bolted into the shower and turned on the spray, not wanting to think about the fact her body would soon be out of her control. She shivered as the cold water hit her and quickly adjusted the temperature. Tipping her face up, she let the water cascade over her. Cowardly or not, she still wasn't sure she was ready to deal with the whole werewolf thing.

It was strange that she so readily accepted it in Joshua, but was having a very hard time accepting it within herself. It seemed natural with him. But for her, it was a shift in thinking after a lifetime of believing certain things about herself. For twenty-two years she'd been human only to be told now that she was something else entirely.

She started to scrub, but had to lighten her touch. Her b.r.e.a.s.t.s were extremely sensitive and so was the area between her legs. Finishing quickly, she turned off the water and jumped out of the shower. She grabbed a towel and dried off. Thankfully, her panties and bra were dry and within moments she was dressed. She ignored her sweatshirt from the day before, instead opting to wear the T-shirt Joshua had bought for her.

She smeared some of the lotion he'd given her on her face, pleased to note the redness from the sun she'd gotten yesterday had pretty much faded. She brushed her teeth and picked up the bedspread. Ready or not, it was time to face Joshua.

Joshua watched Alex hurry to the bathroom, admiring the curve of her back as she disappeared into the other room. The sound of the water being turned on in the shower made him drop back on the bed and groan. He could well imagine her naked beneath the hot spray, her body soapy and smooth.

Cursing, he rolled off the bed and yanked his jeans up, quickly zipping and b.u.t.toning them. He hadn't meant to let things get so out of hand between them, but he'd been unable to resist Alex. He was drawn to her, lured by her very essence.

He stilled. She was his Achilles' heel. Because of his position within the pack and indeed the werewolf world, he kept his emotions buried, caring for n.o.body but his brothers. If his enemies ever found out how much Alex meant to him, they would use her to hurt him.

He stalked over to the window and carefully pulled back a corner of the drapes, peering out onto the parking lot. There was no movement. Everything was quiet. Maybe it wasn't too late to back away from Alex. After all, she'd soon meet every eligible male from the pack. Perhaps she'd find one of them more to her liking. Someone who wasn't as controlled as him. Someone who wasn't as comfortable with killing as he was.

A growl started low in his chest and his fingers started to change, becoming long, sharp claws as they curled around the frame of the window, biting into the wooden frame. The thought of another man touching Alex, tasting her smooth skin, being the recipient of her smiles and her temper, made him feel vicious. She was his.

He swore again. Releasing his hold on the windowsill, he willed his wolf into submission. Ignoring the gouges in the wood, he turned away from the window. He took a deep breath and dragged a hand through his hair. If he had any kind of honor at all, he'd keep his distance from her. His only job was to deliver her safely to the pack. After that, he could leave, retreat to his home and lick his wounds in private. No one would ever have to know what had happened between them. That was probably for the best, he a.s.sured himself.

Then the bathroom door opened and Alex stepped out. He'd been so lost in his thoughts he hadn't noticed the water stopping. She shot him a tentative, slightly nervous smile and everything he'd just told himself, everything he'd just decided was for the best, went out the window.

She looked hot and s.e.xy and adorable all at the same time. He was primal enough to enjoy the fact she was wearing the T-shirt he'd bought for her. She put her head down and went to the nightstand, checking her knives and gun before strapping the weapons to her body. The action reminded him not only of how competent Alex was, but also of the danger surrounding them Alex belonged with him.

He'd tried to bury his attraction, tried to pretend it didn't really matter, reminded himself the honorable thing to do was to let her have a choice. He'd been lying to himself. From the moment he'd laid eyes on her, it was as if a switch deep inside him had gone off and all his hormones had stood up and said, "Mine!"

He'd just have to do everything within his power to protect her. And until he got her home to the Wolf Creek compound, where he could keep her safe, he had to shove aside all the physical attraction and pay strict attention to her safety.

"I need to get a quick shower. I'll only be a few minutes."

"Okay." There was no trace of emotion in her voice and that made Joshua unaccountably angry. He knew there was no time for emotional confessions. And even if there was time, he wasn't the kind of man to make them. But d.a.m.n, he hated sensing her withdrawal from him even if it was what was necessary. And if he was standing here thinking about such things when they needed to be on the road, he was further gone than he'd thought. Swearing under his breath, he stalked to the bathroom and closed the door with a solid thunk.

Stripping off his boots, socks and jeans, he stepped into the shower and turned the water on full. It took him about two minutes to lather from head to toe and rinse. Three more minutes and he was dried and dressed. He stared at himself in the mirror and rubbed his jaw. He needed a shave, but there was no time. He wondered if Alex had beard-burn on any parts of her body and grinned. It made him feel better to know she would have a reminder of him and what they'd done as she moved through her day.

By the time he was fully dressed again and stepped outside the bathroom door, he had himself under control. He'd buried his emotions deep inside himself. It was something he'd had a lot of practice doing and he was good at it.

Alex had thrown the covers over the bed and had shoved her few belongings into the bag he'd brought back from the store last night. He almost told her to leave them, that she'd have everything she needed when she got to Wolf Creek, but he kept his mouth shut. It probably made her feel better to have some of her own stuff with her. It wasn't much, but it was hers.

She was sitting on one of the wooden chairs, obviously ready and waiting. He checked the knives he had tucked into his boots and walked over to her, crouching down in front of her. She didn't look at him, but he waited patiently until finally she gave a small sigh and tilted her head down slightly so that their gazes met.

"Everything will be all right." He'd never felt the need to rea.s.sure another person before in his life. He'd arrogantly believed if he ever found a mate she would fit comfortably into his life, not bothering the smooth running of his days. Alex was proving to be anything but convenient or easy. She made him experience deep emotions he'd never dealt with before and he already knew she would challenge his authority at every turn, keeping him constantly on his toes.

Strange as it was, that thought invigorated him. He was proud of her independent spirit and her skills at caring for herself, while at the same time he wanted to tuck her away in his home and keep her safe. He shook his head at his wayward thoughts. If he didn't claim her soon he was obviously going to turn into a raving lunatic.

She shook her head. "You can't guarantee that. No one can." She glanced away for a moment before turning back to him. "What's our plan?"

"Speed is of the essence. We're running out of time." He wouldn't tell her, but he could already smell the difference in her. She was getting closer to going into full heat and there was no time to lose. As her scent strengthened, it would make it easier for the rogue males from the other packs to find them. Plus, he wanted her safely mated to him when the time came for her to embrace her werewolf heritage.

She nodded, but said nothing.

"As much as I hate to risk it, we'll get a cab from here. We'll stop a few blocks from our destination and walk the rest of the way just in case."

Alex frowned thoughtfully. "In case of what?"

Her brows were furrowed and he longed to smooth away the lines of worry from her face. "Alex, we not only have other werewolves searching for us, but bounty hunters as well. There's no telling who is on their payroll, or who might have heard they were searching for us. I'm sure by now that our picture has been circulated in certain areas. They'll be offering money. A reward to anyone who helps them find us."

She swallowed hard. "I understand."