Embracing Fate: A hot paranormal shifter book (Hidden Hills Shifters 4) (6 page)

*     *     *

Piper had intended
the quick kiss to be a thank you, but the moment their lips touched, every cell in her body shot to life. For those few seconds, she’d almost forgotten about the intruder until Cord pulled away, acting as if she was demanding a commitment. Only she hadn’t been.

She’d never met a man so skittish around her, but perhaps he didn’t find humans attractive.

No.
She didn’t believe that—or else she didn’t want to. Between the tender way he’d softened his lips and the sound of his low throaty growl when they’d kissed, he hadn’t been immune. Even if she’d imagined his response, Piper would always be grateful that he’d fixed the window and been willing to protect her.

As soon as he closed the door, she shut off her light, though she doubted she’d sleep, not with the memory of that intimate contact. If he left tomorrow and she never saw her wonder cop again, their kiss would keep her content for quite some time.

With those good thoughts floating in her head, she relaxed enough to sleep. It wasn’t until the clanking of metal startled her awake. As soon as she remembered Cord was still there, she relaxed, but a glance at the clock forced out a groan. It was only seven in the morning, and she slapped a forearm across her face. Saturdays were one of the few days she could sleep in, but apparently, today would be an exception.

Since he was up, Cord was probably hungry. Not wanting him to starve, Piper slipped out of bed. It was probably for the best that she not sleep in since Chandler’s garage opened at eight, and she wanted to call first thing and speak with Brody. She could only hope he’d cooperate and give Cord the names of his attackers. Then he could track them down and see if any of them had broken her window and left her that threatening message.

Piper slipped on a pair of jeans, one of her favorite body-hugging long T-shirts, and some cute boots. Wanting to impress him, she washed up, and then applied light makeup. Satisfied she was able to conceal the dark circles under her eyes, she headed out to the kitchen.

Whoa.
Cord was at the stove with his back to her—wearing an apron no less. She was confident he’d heard her come in, but he stirred what smelled like eggs then dumped them on a plate without turning around.

“Morning,” he said. He set down the spatula and faced her.

She failed to suppress a giggle. Cord was wearing the apron with a pink pig on the front that Emmaline had given her to encourage her to learn to cook. “You look better in that than I do.” She was serious.

He struck a pose and smiled, and her heart zinged and pinged. The heavy shadow of morning scruff around his jaw gave him a more intriguing air, but that wasn’t the only reason why he looked good. Cord was willing to do what was needed to get the job done. He could fix a window, and apparently, now he could cook.

“I hope you don’t mind that I used some of your food. I thought it better if we didn’t go out this morning. I don’t want to give those jerks another opportunity to come back.”

His cheeks slightly dimpled, implying he really didn’t believe they’d return, or at least, not this soon.

“Not at all. I’m glad you’re at the helm. My culinary skills aren’t the best.” Had he been clean-shaven, she bet she would have detected a slight blush. She couldn’t remember the last time anyone cooked for her. “I’ll make us some coffee.”

Hoping the caffeine would help clear her head, she hurried to fill the pot. She realized a man his size would need more than a few scrambled eggs. “How about I make some bacon and toast?”

“Perfect.” He unhooked the apron and set in on the counter. “Guess you’ll need this.”

“Thanks.” She slipped it on and could feel his heat seep through her top. She was probably imagining it, but she swore she could smell his scent on it—or else the earthy scent was wafting off the man himself.

Move
.

She tossed the bacon in the pan and the bread in the toaster. While she was tending to the food, the coffee finished perking, and Cord took over, pouring their cups, acting as if they’d been in this routine forever.

Once the bacon was cooked, the toast popped up. From the refrigerator, she snatched the strawberry jam. With effort, she twisted the lid, and just as it popped off, a hand touched her shoulder. Because she hadn’t realized he’d stepped behind her, she jerked around and the jam went flying, splattering all over his shirt.

Oh, no!

Humiliated and horrified, she grabbed a towel from the oven door handle and began rubbing his shirt. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you’d snuck up on me.”

“Don’t worry about it.” She expected him to be angry, but he didn’t seem upset. He placed a hand over hers and slipped the cloth from her fingers then blotted his shirt, but the jelly smeared even worse. This was not how she wanted to start her day.

“If you take it off I can wash it for you.” For a brief second, his brows rose as if he thought it was a ploy to get him naked, but then he must’ve realized she was serious.

“I guess I’d look pretty funny running around town chasing the bad guys with a red stain on my shirt.”

Thank you for not making me feel small and stupid.

Cord undid a few buttons then lifted the material over his head and handed it to her. “Thank you.”

The moment her fingers touched
his
shirt and she gazed upon his half-naked body, she froze. She couldn’t help but stare at his muscled chest. One pec lifted as if it was showing off. The image of her nipping at his body flooded her head, and she almost moaned aloud.

“Oh, my.”

*     *     *

With the hungry
way Piper was looking at him, both beasts inside Cord pushed at him for release, but he was able to control any outward manifestation of either animal within him—other than his rigid cock.

Piper was emitting enough pheromones to send both of them over the edge, and if he didn’t taste her, one of the animals inside him would force him to change. He’d never been in a situation like this before so he had no idea if he’d become a panther or a bear—neither of which would be good.

Cord moved close and cupped her face, waiting for her to look away or step out of his grasp. She didn’t. Instead, she dropped his shirt and looked up at him.

“Kiss me,” she said.

His teeth sharpened at that command and his pulse soared. Sex radiated off her and she appeared to be as needy as he was. He tried to tell himself he shouldn’t make love with her, that she was vulnerable, but nothing he did or said to himself could make him stop now.

He lowered his hands to her waist and lifted her onto the counter to make them of equal height. He then threaded his fingers through her lush, silky hair, and kissed her with every ounce of passion in his body. She tasted like sunshine and smelled like goodness personified.

Piper moaned and then placed her hands on his shoulders. “Take me.”

Chapter Six

C
ord never wanted
anything more in his life. Since he hadn’t been with his mate like this before, he wasn’t certain how he was supposed to handle these feelings of lust, passion, and desire. As much as he had the yearning to shift, this had to be about Piper and not about his base urges.

“I know I need to go slow, and I want to, but I’m not sure if I can,” he said.
I want you more than you will ever know.

Piper smiled. “Don’t worry about me. I want whatever you’re willing to give.”

She was too perfect. What a shame they couldn’t be together. She’d reject him once she learned all of his dark secrets.

Because he wanted to give her the world, he needed her naked first. The thought of laying eyes on her, though, almost made him come, and that premature release would be an embarrassment to his Clan if they ever found out.

First he removed her boots, followed by the socks. That seemed the safest place to begin until she wiggled her toes. Curious, he ran a thumb over her smoothly painted toenails. “Pretty.”

“I have a few other things you might like, too.”

The woman was such a tease. She clearly had no idea how close he was to bursting. “I can’t wait.”

Whatever the body-hugging T-shirt covered would surely set him further on fire. He slid his hands under the material and her warm smooth skin made his pulse race with desire. Not wanting to act like a randy teenager, he eased her top up, but the moment it cleared her tits, exposing a delicate lace pink bra, he closed his eyes in the hope the brief respite would help calm him.

It didn’t.

He finished removing her shirt and inhaled, but that was another mistake. She was a combination of cream, lavender, and pure freshness, and his fingers itched to touch every bit of her delicious body.

“I don’t know where to begin. You are glory personified,” he said.

She laughed. “You do know how to make a woman feel good.”

“I’m only speaking the truth.” If she’d been a shifter, she might have had an inkling of what he was going through, but as a human, he doubted she could feel this immense sexual pressure that built with each second they were together.

Wanting to show her he could be a considerate lover, Cord slowly lowered the straps on her bra. With each inch, anticipation built. He reached behind her, and when he unhooked the clasp, she lowered her arms, allowing the material to float to her lap. Once her breasts were exposed, Cord emitted a low, deep growl. As much as he wanted to tell her how beautiful she was, showing her what she did to him seemed best.

He cupped one of her breasts in his palm, leaned over, and encircled her nipple with his tongue. The delicate tip puckered, and she let out a sigh.

“It feels so good. Don’t stop,” she begged.

Her breathy response nearly killed him. “Trust me. I have no intention of doing so.”

Knowing that he’d pleased her, he tugged on her nipple with his teeth, and lifted the other breast. Its heaviness enticed him, making him want to suckle even harder. When she dragged her nails down his arms, streaks of pleasure shot through him, forcing him to inhale her light scent, causing his feral urges to surface.

“I need you now,” he whispered. He tried to convince himself that once they were both naked, he could take his time, but deep inside, he knew better. He slipped his arms under her legs and swept her off the counter. “I want to do this the right way.”

*     *     *

While Cord certainly
seemed to enjoy her body, Piper hoped she didn’t disappoint him when they began making love. His tender touch and soft moans had already settled under her skin, driving her close to the brink. She wanted to kiss and touch him all over, but she wasn’t certain how someone like him would react if she went crazy on him. He seemed so worldly and experienced, and while she’d slept with a few men, she was hardly a temptress in bed.

As he carried her down the hallway, she felt light and delicate, something she hadn’t experienced in a long time. He entered her bedroom, and she inwardly groaned. She hadn’t taken the time to make her bed, nor had she put back some of the outfits she had discarded when trying on a few tops.

He set her down next to the bed, cupped her shoulders, and when he leaned over to kiss her, the hungry contact made her pussy go wild. She wrapped her arms around his waist and drew him close. She opened her mouth to invite him in, and when he accepted, she stroked her tongue against his. Ripples of joy slid along her spine, and she dug her fingers into his corded back, loving how with each thrust, his back muscles rippled. It was only because she needed air that she broke the kiss.

“I need to be naked,” he said.

He reached down and tugged off his footwear then looked at her as if he wanted to consume her. Taking advantage of his desire, she plucked open the button on his jeans, and then slid down his zipper. Oh, my. The top of his cock peeked out above his briefs and she sucked in a large breath.

“I guess I should have asked my friends if shifters were bigger. Now I can see they are.”

He laughed, and the sound altered her insides. “Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle.”

“Not if I can help it, you won’t.”

Fearing he’d go too slowly, Piper slipped his jeans over his hips and dragged them down his legs until they bunched on his massive thighs. She looked up at him. Damn man was grinning. “A little help, please?”