“Because it isn’t time.”
“I won’t drink if that’s what you’re worried about, boss. I know better than to do that when I’m still on meds.”
“That’s not it.” The commander sighed. “You know I don’t interfere with free will, but I’m suggesting you to stay here, just this once. You’re not supposed to be at the Grizzly tonight.”
Those cryptic words gave everyone pause. Nick was creepy like that sometimes, making statements that gave the hint that he knew much more than he was saying.
Micah stared at the older man for a couple of seconds. “Fine, I’ll stay here,” he said slowly. “Want to tell me what will happen if I go?”
“No. It doesn’t matter now. And since we’re both staying in, how about I trounce your ass on the Wii?”
“You’re on, old man.”
“Who’re you calling old, pup?”
“It’s true, isn’t it?”
The commander smiled, the tips of his canines showing. “More than you know.” He gave Micah a hand up, then turned to Daria and Ryon. “Have a good time.”
“We will,” she said. “See you later, Micah.”
“Later.”
As the two men headed back to the building, Ryon gave her a predatory look. “I’m all sweaty, and we’re going out.”
“So?”
“So, I need a shower first. Want to wash my back?”
A thrill went through her. “You don’t have to ask twice.”
Grabbing her hand, he took off, dragging her behind him as she laughed in pure happiness.
Nine
Ryon decided there was a lot to recommend slippery, soapy shower sex.
Pressing his mate into the tiles, buried balls deep in her while hot water streamed over their bodies, was just about the best feeling in the entire universe. Any way he could have her was fine by him. How had he ever lived without this? Without Daria?
Groaning, he emptied his seed inside her as she shuddered under him, squeezing every last drop from his length. Then he kissed the nape of her neck and nuzzled the soft, wet skin there.
“Am I forgiven?” She tensed, and he instantly regretted bringing up a tender subject. Too late now. He eased out of her and backed off some, allowing her to turn and face him.
“It’s not about forgiving you,” she said evenly. “In fact, what I’m going through is not about you at all.”
Hurt stabbed his chest. “I disagree. We’re in this together. You’re my mate, and what causes you to be unhappy does the same to me.”
Her expression softened and she touched his cheek. “I get that. And I don’t blame you for what happened to me because you would’ve given me the option to be turned if you could have.”
“That’s true.” He kissed her forehead.
“What I’m saying is you can’t magically make me happy with being part wolf.” Pausing, she searched his face. “Think back to when you were turned. Was there anything anyone said that made you accept it? Or did you just need time to get used to having your life turned upside down?”
“I needed time,” he admitted. “But I hope that getting me as part of the deal isn’t what’s making you unhappy.”
“Oh, Ryon,” she breathed. Softly, she took his mouth in a lingering kiss, twining her arms around his neck. “I am
In truth, he’d been shutting off his awareness of their connection, afraid of being inundated with her scorn. Her anger. But her words encouraged him. Opening his senses tentatively, he found the golden bond stretched between them, thrumming with life. Some anxiety threaded through her emotions as she struggled with her wolf.
But much stronger was her affection for him, growing steadily into a richer connection. Every minute, she was falling deeper for him, and it both surprised him and took his breath away.
“Yes,” he whispered. “I can tell. I feel the same way.”
“Give me time to accept my wolf?”
“Anything you need.” Quickly he rinsed away the evidence of their loving. Stepping out of the shower, he grabbed two towels and handed her one. As they dried off, an idea occurred to him and he grew excited. “How about we go for a run tomorrow, in our wolf forms?”
“I don’t know . . .” Her brown eyes were worried.
Through their bond, he sensed her fear of the physical pain and hurried to reassure her. “The first shift hurts like a bitch, but it’s never like that again, I promise. The more practiced you get, it’s like breathing. And when you let your wolf out to run, the rush is like nothing you’ve ever experienced.”
“Really?” She began to show some genuine interest.
Letting his towel fall to the floor, he pulled her to him. “Yes. We’ll be together, too. It’ll be fun, you’ll see.”
She bit her lip. “All right, you’ve talked me into it.”
He gave her a sound kiss. “You won’t be sorry.”
“What about the creature that’s out there, and the white wolf?”
“We’ll keep an eye out and be cautious.” He thought about the other wolf. “I don’t think the white wolf meant to harm you when she pushed you.”
“She did a good job of it anyway, even if it was an accident.”
“She led me to you, after you shifted and were in pain,” he said thoughtfully. “I think maybe she was trying to protect you the other day.”
“From the creature?”
“It makes sense.”
“But what’s she doing here in the first place? If she’s a shifter, why doesn’t she simply approach the compound and request entry?”
“I don’t know. But I have a feeling we’ll find out, sooner or later.”
“You’re probably right.”
Padding around Ryon’s place, they took their time getting dressed. Daria enjoyed picking out his clothes, which consisted of a pair of soft, worn jeans, shitkickers, and a snug black T-shirt with a swirly gold pattern embossed on it that she claimed set off his blond hair. He rolled his eyes, but let her have her way. Whatever turned her on was fine by him.
Daria had brought over a pair of snug jeans and a button-up plaid shirt with a brown pattern that went well with her coloring. She looked like a yummy piece of chocolate, and shook her head, grinning, when he told her that she would make a tasty dessert.
Once he and Daria were dressed, they met the others at the hangar where they would take three SUVs to the Grizzly. Everyone was going except for Nick and Micah, and of course Zan and Phoenix, who were still on vacation.
As usual, Ryon took the wheel and motioned for Daria to ride shotgun. Jax, Kira, Aric, and Rowan climbed into the back.
“Do you have your own car?” Daria asked as he pulled out, leading the caravan.
He glanced at her. “I’ve got a new Challenger, red with black stripes.”
“Nice,” she said. “I prefer the old ones, though.”
“Me, too, but old muscle cars are for people who have a lot of time to tinker with maintenance, and I’m not that handy in the garage.”
