Mindlessly he f.u.c.ked, wanting her release, needing her climax with a desire so strong it was impossible to ignore. He reached around her, his fingers finding her p.u.s.s.y. Parting the slick engorged lips, his fingertips found her c.l.i.t. Settling the pad of one against the hard kernel, he began a quick, vibrating movement. Hayley's wail of release pulled a rolling growl from his chest.

A growing tingle slid the length of his spine. His seed-laden b.a.l.l.s drew up. Hard and full, they smacked against the cushioning mound of her p.u.s.s.y. Those small, electrifying shocks merely added to his pleasure. A pleasure that finally became too great to deny. In a wave, his s.e.m.e.n rushed the length of his c.o.c.k and burst free, inundating Hayley's channel. Hard spasms clenched his insides, pulling him tight against Hayley with each spurt of seed that released. He clutched her hips, grunting at the sheer force of pleasure that knotted his gut.

Moments pa.s.sed and the spasms eased. Jace released his grip on Hayley's shoulder and panted against her skin. Her scent swept over him in a wave and reality slowly returned. Her weakened shudders moved him to wrap his arms around her. Withdrawing from her, he turned her unresisting body in his arms. They collapsed in a graceful tangle of limbs to loll in silence, but for their panting breaths.

An occasional, barely audible whimper from Hayley brought Jace up on his elbow. "Are you all right? I didn't hurt you, did I?" he questioned with a worried frown, concern causing a renewed spark in his blue-green eyes.

"No, I'm not hurt," she answered in a breathless daze. She sighed, the sound sated and satisfied.

A tender smile curved his lips. "Rest a minute. Then we'll go upstairs so I can take care of you."

"I think you already did," Hayley replied. "My bones have turned to oatmeal. What's upstairs?"

"The bathroom, my bedroom. First I'm going to clean you up. Then I'm going to make love to you," he murmured, bending down to nuzzle her throat.

Hayley shivered. "I thought we just did."

"Oh no. That was a mating, hard and fast to satisfy the wolf. This is going be slow and easy, just for us."

Sudden tears filled her eyes. "Jace," she whispered. "The things you do to me. The things you make me feel. Sometimes it's just too much."

"Do you want me to stop, Hayley?" he offered, softly brushing the hair back from her face.

She wound her arms around him and pulled him close. "Never. Never stop."

"Never," he promised and sat up, pulling her with him.

Jace got to his feet and cradled Hayley in his arms. He held her possessively, easily climbing the stairs. His first stop was the bathroom. As promised, he put them both in the shower and tenderly washed her. The water was warm and refreshing. Hayley reveled in his attention. Moving at his direction, she ended up clinging to his shoulders as he backed her against the wall and let his fingers play between her thighs.

Just short of bringing her to o.r.g.a.s.m, he urged her out of the shower where he dried her, then himself and led her to his bedroom. He lifted her, laid her down and joined her on the bed. The next hours pa.s.sed in a sensual blur. Jace loved Hayley slow and easy. He caressed every inch of her skin. His large hands, slightly roughened by work, glided over her. Hips, thighs, b.u.t.tocks and torso, all were explored over and over with equal depth.

His touch lit an ember that flared to a flickering fire and eventually became a raging inferno. Hayley moved to his touch, moaning softly as his fingers brushed her skin and gently kneaded the firm muscles beneath. He turned her to her stomach, stroking her back and b.u.t.tocks. He let his mouth wander over her skin. Moving down her body, he gently nipped the full globes of her a.s.s and smiled at her shivers.

Going further still, his mouth found the backs of her knees, which he kissed and laved with his tongue before sucking gently at the skin. Hayley whimpered and shook in reaction. Satisfied, Jace again turned her over and rose above her. He urged her to part her thighs and moved between them. Moving closer, he lifted her b.u.t.tocks slightly to rest on his knees. He took himself in hand. His c.o.c.k had thickened to bursting. The skin was tight and flushed, the plump head weeping thick, crystal tears.

His gaze held hers as he gently parted her delicate, swollen folds and fitted the head of his c.o.c.k against her. He swept the throbbing head through her liquid silk, down to her entrance, then up to her c.l.i.t, again and again. Hayley's lips were parted, her pants of antic.i.p.ation coming faster when he slid inside that first small bit.

Ever so slowly, he entered. He felt the delicate, silky heat of her channel part for him as he eased inside. Hayley's legs lifted, wrapping around him, urging him to move faster, but Jace was determined. An eon later he was fully seated. He clasped her hands in his, raising them above her head while leaning forward to rest on his elbows.

"I love you, Hayley Royden," he whispered and took her lips with his own. Their lips met and melded as their tongues languidly explored. Jace began a slow rocking movement that sent his c.o.c.k sliding forward and back in an endless, unhurried pace. Their loving went on and on. His measured, deliberate thrusts wrung constant shivers from Hayley. Each diminutive o.r.g.a.s.m had her shuddering.

Jace watched her. The delicate flush of her cheeks, the silver sparkle of her eyes. Her lips were swollen from his kisses, dewy and plump. Her tongue licked over the full curves as another soft moan issued from her mouth. Her nipples were a rosy red, engorged, the areolas puffy from his repeated suckling.

"Jace, please," she pleaded, her head tossing on the pillow. "Do you love me, Hayley?" he asked softly. "Yes!" "Say the words. Please, Hayley, say the words." Hayley smiled up at him, her lips trembling. "I love you, Jace McKenna. I love you." Jace smiled in return. "That's all I need. That's all I'llever need." With those words he increased the pace. Thrusting deeper, harder, faster, he sent them both spiraling over the edge into the wild freefall of climax. Bodies heaving, arms clutching and holding, they rode the pleasure to its waning conclusion then rested together, drifting peacefully to sleep in each other's arms.

Hayley woke alone in Jace's bed to the sound of her own stomach growling. The smell of coffee and bacon wafted to her nostrils, bringing on another insistent rumble. She rolled out of bed and made a quick trip to the bathroom to take care of essentials.

Realizing she had nothing to wear, she opened the closet door in Jace's bedroom. She found a neat row of shirts and picked out a dark blue one. Following her nose, she found the kitchen where Jace, barefoot and wearing only a pair of jeans, was working at the stove. Softly she crept up behind him.

"I know you're there. I can smell you," he said, putting down the fork he was using before turning to take her in his arms.

"Great. I stink," Hayley groused. Jace laughed out loud, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Darlin', you far fromstink ," he claimed, buryinghis face between her shoulder and neck while taking a deep breath.

His action sent a shiver cascading down Hayley's spine.

"You smell so d.a.m.n good, I can't get enough," he confessed in a husky rumble. "What are you doin'

down here? I was gonna serve you breakfast in bed."

Hayley turned her head and kissed his cheek. "We can't stay in bed forever, you know. I was getting tired of being horizontal. I need a little vertical time," she teased. Jace raised his head, giving her an impudent grin. "I can do vertical. You already know that." She chuckled and returned his grin. "I know. But before you get too riled up, I think you better save your bacon." "Oh s.h.i.t!" Jace exclaimed and released her. He quickly transferred the bacon to a plate covered with paper towels. "Hayley, set the table, would you? The plates and things are in that cupboard over there and the silver's in the drawer right below it." Hayley smiled and complied, liking the domesticity of it all. She set the table while Jace a.s.sembled the meal. He'd already made pancakes and had them warming in the oven. "How do you like your eggs?" "Scrambled is good." "Scrambled it is. b.u.t.ter and juice are in the fridge and the syrup's in the cupboard here to my left," he instructed.

Hayley completed her tasks and a few minutes later the meal was ready and brought to the table. Jace poured coffee and juice before settling in his chair beside her. He watched Hayley take her first mouthful. "Mmm," she murmured while chewing. She finished her first bite then told him, "You realize this is the second time you've cooked for me? I think we're setting a precedent here."

"I don't mind," he answered with a smile. "I've been on my own since I was nineteen. I learned to cook in self-defense, to keep from poisoning myself. But, um,can you cook?" Hayley grinned at him. "I know my way around the kitchen. I'm no gourmet, but Mom saw to it that Bryn and I knew the basics. I have some recipes she sent with me. I make a mean beef and noodles." "Sounds good. You know, there's a lot we don't know about each other." "Are you worried you'll find out something you don't like?" "No, more like worried you'll find out somethingyoudon't like." Hayley gave him a look filled with understanding. "Jace, I love you. I think we've made it across some pretty high hurdles. Let's eat, then we'll talk. I want you to tell me everything that you're worried about.

Logan said communication is the key, and I've learned how right he is." Jace nodded and gave her a smile. "He's pretty good at that kind of thing. That's why he's pack liaison."

"Pack liaison?" Hayley questioned with a raised brow. "As in wolf pack?" "Oh, darlin', we are going to have one interesting conversation."

"OhLord ," Hayley groaned. Without another word she dug into her food like a prisoner enjoying her last meal. * * * * * A few days later, Hayley and Jace put in an appearance at Bryn and Logan's. "I was beginning to wonder if you two were ever going to come up for air," Bryn teased. The four of them sat, comfortable and relaxed, in Logan's den. "I don't know why you wondered. You and Logan are still under," Hayley retorted with a grin.

Jace and Logan chuckled at their sisterly banter.

"So what have you been up to?" Bryn questioned innocently, then blushed scarlet at her words. "I mean, I know what you've been up to. No. Wait. That is... Well, c.r.a.p."

Jace, Hayley and Logan burst out laughing and Logan hugged his mate to him. "We know what you

mean, sweetheart."

Taking pity on her sister, Hayley stepped in. "We've actually spent a great deal of time doing something constructive." At Logan's raised brow, she smiled. "We've been talking. Jace has told me all about the Iron Tower and Twin Pines packs and the fact that you're pack liaison. Which, by the way, I think is pretty great. It's nice knowing my sister is marrying such a levelheaded guy."

"And how did you take the news about this new reality you've been thrown into?" Logan asked with a curious brow raised.

"She smacked me," Jace answered with a teasing gleam in his eyes. "I didnot , though I have some reservations about being the mate of an alpha. Everyone knows they'rebossy know-it-alls," she retaliated with a smile. "Did you really have to fight for Logan?" She asked Brynearnestly.

Bryn frowned at the memory. "I tried to, but two pushy alphas got in the way." "Now, Bryn," Logan began. "Bryn, honey," Jace chimed in. She held up her hand to silence them. "I know,I know . Lillian would have torn me up and Reece needed the confrontation with her to win her as his mate." "That's right," Logan agreed, giving her an approving look. "Still doesn't mean Iliked it." "Bloodthirsty wench," Logan teased. "Speaking of which, has Jace taken you hunting yet?" Bryn asked. She glanced at Jace to find him shaking his head, trying to signal her to hush.

"No..." Hayley turned her gaze to Jace for a moment. He immediately subsided, giving her a look of total innocence. Hayley c.o.c.ked a suspicious brow at him. "Hunting for what?"

Bryn didn't give him time to wiggle out of it. "Bunnies," she announced with a teasing smile.

"Bunnies!"

"Or deer or squirrels."

"Oh my G.o.d. Don't tell meyou've been hunting."

"Yep. It comes naturally to wolves."

Hayley looked at Jace. "Something tells me we've got alot more to talk about."

"I didn't say we'd covered everything," Jace replied, giving her an apologetic smile.

"I can see that," Hayley declared, her temper beginning to heat.

"Who wants coffee?" Logan interrupted, giving his friend a break.

Jace immediately grabbed the line Logan threw him. "I do."

"You ladies stay and relax, Jace and I'll fix coffee," Logan said, rising.

"Cookies?" Bryn asked with a hopeful smile.

He leaned down to kiss the top of her head. "Anything for you, sweetheart."

"What about you, darlin', is there anything you'd like?" Jace asked Hayley cautiously.

Hayley studied him for a moment and felt what little ire that had been stirred by the conversation melt away. She shook her head. "I've got everything I need," she answered softly.

A grateful smile curved Jace's lips. "Same here, darlin', same here."

Bryn sniffed and the two of them looked at her. Her eyes were shiny with welling tears. "That is...o...b..autiful."

Hayley shook her head and laughed. She rose and settled by Bryn, throwing an arm around her shoulders. "No more beautiful than you and Logan. Go on, guys. My sister and I need some privacy,"

she explained gently. "What's wrong?" Hayley asked, once the guys had made their exit.

"Nothing. I'm just really happy for you. When you told us about Steve, I hurt for you."

"Oh, Bryn," Hayley replied, truly touched. "Steve was a disappointment, I'll admit, but I didn't suffer anything near the pain that a.s.shole ex of yours put you through. Seeing you with Logan has given me such joy. And as for me, I wouldn't change a thing. It all led to Jace, and I couldn't be happier."

The two of them hugged and shed a few sentimental tears before laughing at themselves.

"Have you and Jace talked about marriage or having children?" Bryn asked.

Hayley smiled indulgently and shook her head. "Give us a little time, sis. We're just getting to know each

other. I'm sure we'll get around to all that." She gave Bryn a considering look. "Speaking of getting

married, when are you and Logan going to do the deed?" "I thought we already did," Logan interrupted before Bryn could answer. He and Jace had returned with coffee and Bryn's requested cookies.

"Notthat deed. The wedding deed," Bryn answered, sending a quelling look in his direction. "Oh. Three months. November third. You guys coming?" he announced with a teasing gleam in his eyes. "November third!" Hayley exclaimed. "h.e.l.l yes, we're coming," Jace replied with a disgruntled growl. "That's good, 'cause you're my best man. If you'll accept the job?" Logan questioned with a hopeful smile. A delighted grin broke over Jace's face. "'Bout time you asked me, you b.a.s.t.a.r.d." The two of them laughed as Jace pounded Logan on the back. Bryn was shaking her head. "It must be a man thing, this lack of finesse. Hayley," she addressed her sister calmly, "Logan and I have decided to get married on November third. I'd very much like you to be my maid of honor." "I'd be honored, Bryn," Hayley replied with a smile and a sparkle in her eyes as she went along with Bryn's formality. "See, that's how you do it properly," Bryn instructed. "Must be a girl thing," Logan answered, shooting Jace a grin. "Yeah, but you know? Some girl stuff I'm beginning to appreciate," Jace replied, his loving gaze fixed on Hayley. "Oh man. He's gone," Logan lamented. "Who was it, not so long ago I might add, who was saying something about the mush getting too deep? I think I need some waders." Jace just smiled as Hayley returned his grin. He was indeed gone. Chapter Eleven Three months later, on a briskly cool evening in November, Hayley and Jace were returning home. Bryn and Logan's wedding had gone off without a hitch. Logan's parents had returned several weeks earlier and spent time getting to know their future daughter-in-law and her family. Bryn and Hayley's parents had been there for the past week, staying at Bryn's old house. There was plenty of room now that Hayley had moved in with Jace. As the car rolled slowly up the driveway, the headlights swept over the area and glinted off the front windows of the house. Falling leaves skittered across the lawn as the short gra.s.s bent under the gentle breeze. Soon winter storms would move in and Hayley dreamed of nights in front of the fire with Jace.

Her hand rested on his thigh and she gave it a gentle squeeze. "Everything went so well," she said with a happy sigh. "Didn't Bryn look beautiful?" "She did. It's a shame her maid of honor almost outshone her," he teased. "Well, it wouldn't be right to draw attention from the bride. But onlyalmost ?" Hayley asked wistfully. "In my eyes, darlin', you shine like the sun."

"Oh, Jace," Hayley's voice quivered with suppressed emotion. He parked the car and silently got out, walking around to open her door. Jace helped her out and slid his arm around Hayley's shoulders, quickly guiding her up the front steps and inside out of cold. A dim light shone on them from the living room, and there in the hallway, Jace took her in his arms and kissed her. Hayley wrapped her arms around him and gave back, heat for heat, need for need and love for love. When he broke the kiss, Jace's eyes were glowing. Hayley's reflected his perfectly.

"Marry me, Hayley. I love you. I want to make babies with you. Now. Tonight."

"You mean?" Hayley touched her stomach.

"You're ovulating again, sweetheart. You smell so sweet and ripe. I feel like the big bad wolf. I'm ready

to eat you up."

Hayley took a breath to reply, when a sudden smell set the hair rising on the back of her neck.

"Well, ain't that sweet," came a reply out of the darkness, heavy with sarcasm. "n.o.body would believe

me when I told 'em about you bein' a werewolf. They all thought I was crazy." Jim Beeman, dressed in hospital scrubs, stepped forward into the dim light. He held a gun in his hand. "So I let 'em believe it."

"No," Hayley whispered as a thrill of fear swept through her.

Jace took a half step forward and tried to ease Hayley behind him, but she followed and stood fast at his side, sending him a glare. Jace sent her an exasperated warning glare in return. "How'd you get out of jail, Beeman? I thought they had you locked up tight." He shifted a bit in front of Hayley.

"Both of you just stand right there," Beeman warned. "And to answer your question, that's the beauty of bein' crazy. I got transferred to a mental ward. Some fancy doctor took a likin' to my psy...my psy..."

"Psychosis?" Jace supplied. "That's the word," Jim admitted with happy nod. "I played along. I was the ideal patient.Well behavedand cooperative , Doc Henderson said. Too bad I had to hit him over the head like I did. I kinda hopehe ain't dead."

"That's very generous of you," Hayley intoned sarcastically.