Kodiak Moment: An Alpha Werebear Paranormal Shifter Romance (The Arcadia Knights Book 2) (20 page)

T
hey had nothing
. No leads, no reasons why Kevin would take his own life.

Night had long since fallen but Ever was still at the police station. She was left alone for the most part, which didn’t do her any favors. It was impossible to get the images or the sounds out of her head of Kevin Reynolds’ last moments alive.

Apparently, Shifters
could
be killed if one tried hard enough.

Mac sat nearby, both of her hands wrapped in white bandages. A tall, wiry man Aidan had introduced as Marcus hovered over her, ignoring everyone else in the room. Ever would have bet money he was the deputy’s mate.

As Ever watched, he delicately unwound the bandages from Mac’s hands. The white gauze was discolored with blood and other fluids closer to the skin, but the skin beneath was a healthy new bright pink. Gone were the blisters and blackened skin that Ever had seen and helped treat earlier.

Maybe in another moment, Ever might have been amazed. Now, she was just tired and trying hard not to cry.

Helplessness was so not fun.

Somebody sat down beside her, a hand sliding across her shoulders, and Ever flinched even though she immediately recognized Aidan. “It’s been a rough day,” she murmured in way of apology. “I’ve never watched anyone die before.”

Aidan nodded. “Come on, let me take you home.”

T
he small house
they pulled up to definitely wasn’t the hotel from the previous night.

“This your place?” she asked, leaning against the car door.

“Yup. Home sweet home.”

A nearby street light illuminated the area, as did the front porch light to the house. It was a quaint single story with cement pavers to the stairs leading up to the front door. There was even a bench swing on the porch, and a white picket fence along the front.

Basically, it was the house she’d always dreamed about growing up.

She tried not to show how much she liked it, but her fingers lingered on the small gate. It was difficult to see much in the darkness, but the full moon above gave an ethereal glow to the small area. The magic of the house was accented by the occasional flash of a lightning bug across the open space. “Nice house,” she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips.

“Let’s go inside and get you situated.”

His low voice rumbled through her, relaxing some of Ever’s tension. This time, when his hand landed on the small of her back, she didn’t move away from his touch. It felt curiously
right
and maybe when Ever wasn’t so weary she’d examine why she felt that way. For now, she allowed him to lead her into the house.

Ever didn’t know what she expected—maybe a bachelor pad like most of her guy friends’ apartments—but the coziness and almost old-world charm was a surprise. There was a lived-in feel to the house, and she wondered how long he’d been here. The couches and chairs were mismatched, much like the rest of the decorations, but it was comfortable and homey. Everything looked well-worn, as if they’d seen a lot of life.

“I seem to have inherited all the homebody genes in the family.” Aidan moved ahead, sheepishly picking up the plates and cups on the coffee table and moving them to the kitchen. “Most of my siblings chafe at anything more civilized than a shack in the woods.”

Ever nodded. She understood that feeling. Over the last few years, the road had felt more like home than any single location. But this house seemed to draw her in almost immediately, beckon her to stay. Maybe that should have scared her—being a gypsy had defined her for so long—but for now, she appreciated the comfort.

Aidan looked nervous, which Ever found adorable. It felt like her emotions were behind a hazy wall; it was like watching television with fuzzy reception. Worry over her sister’s safety had been on her mind constantly for two weeks. Ever hadn’t realized what a drain that had been until this moment. So, for the evening at least, she let the emotion go and focused on the moment.

On the gorgeous man before her.

If Aidan noticed a change, he didn’t show it. “Let me show you the guest room.”

He had put on another uniform at the police station, and Ever’s eyes drifted to his backside as they moved through the hall. She’d seen him naked, but always before there hadn’t been time to really appreciate the sight. What she did remember however was tantalizing, making her want another peek.

Like at his ass. She definitely remembered that, but wouldn’t mind a refresher.

He led her into the large room at the end of the hall. Ever stopped at the door, looking around the room. The master bedroom was huge, almost as big as the entire living room. The bed in the center was large and heavily built, matching the similar furniture. Ever ran her fingers across the top of one set of drawers. “Did you make this?” she asked, looking back at him.

Aidan’s eyes snapped from where her hand was touching the wood to her eyes, and for a moment he seemed at a loss for words. She found his obvious discomfort…cute. “Ah, no,” he said, “my father used to dabble in carpentry before, well, before my mother left him.”

Ever frowned. “What exactly happened?”

“She found her mate. They both knew it could happen eventually. My mother has a calming influence on certain shifters, especially the older ones, which my father needed sometimes. They were friends, but…” He shrugged, looking away. “After she left, he became more of a recluse. That was about forty years ago; these days, he rarely leaves the mansion except for emergencies.”

There were more questions Ever wanted answers for, but right now she was intrigued by the man before her. He seemed nervous, almost jumpy; whenever she’d take a step toward him, he’d fidget and take a step away.

That fact didn’t dissuade her, it only made Ever bolder.

She stepped across the room toward him, her steps muffled by the thick carpet. One corner of her mouth tipped up as he scrambled backwards, almost falling backwards over an end table. He reached out a hand to stop her. “Ever….”

This close to him, she had to look up to see his face. As she watched, his eyes bled to amber, biceps flexing as if holding himself back. Ever cocked her head sideways, her lips turning up into a grin, then stepped in close so that his hand closed around one breast. “Yes?” she all but purred.

Aidan’s throat worked, and she could feel his hand tremble against her. Ever had never been this forward sexually; she preferred to be pursued, to be romanced. But she was tired, and she was horny, and she’d never wanted another man as much as she wanted this one right now.

Judging by the bulge in his khakis pressing against her belly, Aidan was feeling much the same.

His other hand slid up her arm to her shoulder, but he didn’t move the hand across one breast. He seemed transfixed by it, and when his thumb moved across Ever’s nipple through the thin cloth, she moaned. Liquid heat pooled between her legs, an aching
need
radiating through her body.

“You don’t understand,” he murmured, eyes desperate, “I could…you’re human, and so fragile.”

Fragile?
Ever snorted, glaring at him, then took a step back and pulled her shirt over her head, leaving only her bra. Aidan’s sharp intake of breath made her bolder, and she wound her arms around his back, raking her nails up over his ass.

Aidan’s hands gripped her shoulders, fingers digging into her skin. She’d probably have bruises later, but she reveled in his touch. “Ever,” he growled, the word a warning and a plea. His eyes were bright amber, almost yellow, and stared down at her desperately.

Her heart softened, and she lifted one hand to touch his face. “Fuck me, Aidan,” she whispered, staring at his gorgeous lips as they parted at her words. “Please.”

“
F
uck me Aidan
. Please.”

There was no way for him to deny her plea. It would have been impossible to try anyway.

With a growl, he grabbed her under the arms and lifted her high, pushing her back against the empty wall beside them. Ever gasped, wide eyes on him, but Aidan was past caring. “I told you to be careful,” he said in a harsh voice before pressing himself against her and taking her mouth.

Gods, she tasted better than anything he’d ever had. Aidan couldn’t get enough of her; he thrust his tongue between her lips, wedging his hips against hers. She met his assault eagerly, fighting to touch every inch of him. Her nails scored his shoulders, tugging at the material of his shirt, and pulling his hands off her thighs Aidan wrenched it open. Buttons pinged against the nearby dresser and night stand, but neither of them noticed.

Aidan thrust his hands down the back of her pants and underwear to knead the globes of her ass. He lifted her higher, trailing his lips down her throat as he thrust into her, and Ever gave a small cry. The sound travelled across Aidan’s skin and he growled, the bear rearing up and demanding he take his mate
now.

His fangs grew to long points, hair rippling along his arms, but Aidan fought back. Not yet, not until he’d had time to talk to her about what it meant.

“Aidan.” His name was a benediction on Ever’s lips, her need telegraphed with every movement. “Please I, please…”

God he loved to hear her beg. He’d wanted this woman since the moment he’d seen her, and to have her in his arms made any more waiting unbearable. Her lips rained kisses across his forehead and anywhere she could reach; fingers tangled in his hair. Nails digging into his arms, mewling pleas for
more
, made him want to come right there and then.

Pushing away from the wall, he held her against him as he climbed onto the bed with his knees. Bending her back over his arm, he pushed her onto the mattress, trailing a hand down between her breasts and across her belly. With her laid out like this, he could smell her arousal.

“I need to taste you.” Without asking permission, he unbuttoned her pants and tore them off her hips. Not even waiting for them to fall off her ankles, he threw her legs over his head and shoulders and, parting the folds with his fingers, set his mouth to her delicious pink flesh.

Ever screamed—actually
screamed
—as Aidan’s lips and tongue laved at the scent. She smelled like strawberries and tasted even better. He licked around the firm bud of her clit, flicking it lightly, and grinning as she spasmed beneath him. Hands grabbed at his ears, pulling him close, wordlessly demanding more.

Whatever the lady wanted.

He traced the ring of her pussy with the tip of his tongue, and was rewarded by another sharp cry above him. Pushing Ever’s legs wide, he set his mouth to her, pressing his tongue up inside her body. Her thighs squeezed his head, her hands pulling at anything they could grab. Aidan took his time, however, enjoying the taste and smells surrounding him.

So, this is what heaven is like.

Ever sobbed his name, her body coiled tight as a drum. Aidan pulled his tongue from her, but immediately replaced it with two fingers, pressing them inside as he played again with her clit. She thrashed, arching up against him, but Aidan was in no rush. He pushed his fingers deeper, finding that small spot inside that his tongue had almost reached, as he set his lips around the small hard nub of her sex and sucked.

She came with a loud cry, arching off the bed. Her orgasm triggered another rush of fluid, coating Aidan’s fingers still inside her. He continued to stroke, his lips and tongue teasing, and her hips rocked in time with his motions. Aidan looked up her gorgeous body to see Ever watching him, eyes wide and dazed. Pulling his fingers free from her body, he slowly licked them, never taking his eyes from hers, and Ever shuddered.

His cock was throbbing, desperate to be deep inside her, but it was Ever who took the initiative next. She lifted her legs from around his shoulders, kicking off the jeans clinging to her ankles, then tugged at Aidan to move up her body. He happily obliged, meeting her lips with his, and he didn’t protest as she pushed at one shoulder, turning him over onto his back. Ever followed, straddling his hips.

She gave him a small bite to the chin and rose up, digging her warm wetness against his belly. Aidan’s hands moved up across her belly, cupping her breasts and flicking the nipples. The action had the appropriate effect; she shuddered, her eyes fluttering closed, but it didn’t deter her from a mission all her own. Ever slid her hips back, the slick folds at her core gliding over his cock. Aidan surged up, wanting desperately to be inside her, but she anticipated his move and kept herself free.

Aidan groaned as she slid through his grip, her lips and teeth grazing down his chest and belly. Ever flicked his nipples with her thumbs, laying a small bite to the underside of one pectoral. Aidan’s body shook as he tried to keep himself from grabbing her and taking her right there. She eluded his grip, her lips and tongue moving over his groin, then lower.

She didn’t immediately take him into her mouth, just ran her lips up his length and back down. Aidan couldn’t help the jerk from his hips; the force of it pushed her back a bit, but she was relentless. Her tongue was next, laving the top of his cock and running along the engorged tip, doing quick little circles before licking the underside.

“Fuck, woman,” he gasped as she reached his balls, massaging them with her tongue. “You’ll be the death of me.”

He could feel her lips curl into a smile, then she sucked them into her mouth one by one, and Aidan almost came out of his skin. “
Fuck,
” he roared, the bear’s desperation bleeding through. Hair rippled across his arms, his muscles expanding and contracting as he nearly lost control for the briefest of moments.

And Ever? She just laughed.

T
he power
she had over this man was intoxicating.

She’d seen his reaction, seen the hair sprout across his limbs and recede almost as quickly. Far from being intimidating or scary, it had been exhilarating, a rush to see what she did to him.

There was so much more she wanted to do. The core of her was throbbing, desperate for his touch, to be impaled and
fucked
. But right now he was laid out for her, a banquet for a starving soul, and like a cat to cream she pounced.

Ever started at the head, pulling it quickly into her mouth and sucking hard. Above her, Aidan groaned, hips jerking off the bed, demanding more. She wrapped her hand around the base of the thick shaft and pulled him inside, stroking him in time with her mouth’s movements.

Hands touched her head, twisting around her hair. He didn’t force her movements, but encouraged more, his fingers digging into her scalp. She obliged, removing her hand one finger at a time until she pulled him as deep as she could. When she came up slowly this time, she ran her teeth lightly along the throbbing member.

That last bit got her a reaction; he cursed breathlessly, surging up for more, and the tangy taste of precum lit across her tongue. Ever swatted Aidan’s hip. “No moving,” she reprimanded him, her grin widening at his groan.

His hands on her head urged her on, and she was more than happy to comply. She bobbed over him, pressing her tongue hard against the bottom of his cock and flicking the tip repeatedly. The thigh muscles under her hands were rock hard, and seemed to swell with every minute. No hair popped out this time—she really wanted to see him lose control like that again—but from the desperate sounds he made, Ever knew he was enjoying it.

So it confused her initially when he pushed her away. Her mouth left him with a soft
pop
, then he hauled her up beside him on the bed. His hands grabbed her around the ribs and the world spun, then she was staring at his groin again from another angle. She looked back at him, curious, to see him staring at her, amber eyes almost glowing.

“Straddle my head.” His words were slightly garbled, as if his tongue wasn’t working right, but she did as he said, shivering when she felt his breath on her inner thighs. Her focus was completely shot like this however. Ever rolled her tongue slowly around the tip of his cock, but when she felt his fingers open her folds, she shuddered and laid her forehead on Aidan’s hip.

When he set his mouth to her, it was Ever’s turn to groan.

Her hips worked automatically, pressing down and trying to ride his tongue, but his hands on her hips kept her stationary. A swat to one butt cheek made her jump. “No moving,” Aidan said, echoing her earlier command.

Asshole.
Two could play at this game.

She pulled him in deep, marveling how much further she could get him inside from this angle. He surged up again, pressing deeper down her throat, and she put her hands on either hip, pressing him down onto the bed with her body weight. She sucked him down, working her throat around his tip, and felt his fingers dig into her hips.

For a short while it became a game, see who could make the other come first. Ever massaged his balls carefully, rubbing the area between them and his cock as she bobbed over him. She knew he was close, could feel him growing tighter in her hands and inside her mouth. She redoubled her efforts, pulling him deep and giving him everything she could tell he enjoyed.

Then he stuck two fingers up deep inside her, stimulating that spot hidden inside her with perfect precision while his mouth sucked and teased her clit, and Ever knew she’d lost. She let him go with a gasp, her forehead falling to one hard thigh, as she lost herself to the sensations his mouth caused. A second orgasm built its way through her body and she rocked against him, mouth open and panting hard.

Aidan sat up, unseating Ever from her position. An arm snaked under her belly and she was hauled up as Aidan pulled himself out from under her, setting Ever on her knees before him. Before she could even orient herself, he surged forward, sheathing himself inside her with one smooth motion.

A cry of surprise and desire ripped from her throat. Ever fisted her hands in the bed sheets, her cries echoing off the walls as Aidan pulled himself out slowly, then pushed back in. She felt herself stretch around him, struggling to accommodate his girth, but the pain only seemed to enhance the pleasure. Biting her lip to silence her cries, she pressed back against him, pleasure spreading through her body as he stabbed into her again and again.

He leaned over her, lips skimming along her back. Teeth much longer than a human’s grazed her shoulder blade, giving her a soft nip, and Ever’s breath hitched in her throat. Dammit, she wanted to
see
what he looked like, wanted to watch him lose control.

It was sexy as fucking hell, all of it.

His hips shifted position, rotating as if searching for something, and she knew when he found it. Sparks shimmered through her body, the orgasm from earlier rushing back up to the surface. He laid a kiss to her neck, his lips curving up into a smile.

“Like that?”

Lord, yes.
It was hard to think, let alone speak. She communicated by pushing back against him, reaching back and raking her nails along his knee. Aidan’s response was to growl and push her down onto the bed, slamming into her. Once, twice, and the orgasm that had been tantalizing her for a while slammed into Ever. She cried out, voicing Aidan’s name in desperate need, and felt him jump inside her. His teeth caught the tendon beside her neck, thick fangs digging into the skin, and she almost begged him to bite her, to make his.

The thought was ludicrous, but reason was far from Ever’s mind. If it took blood to make him hers, she’d give it willingly. Reaching back with one hand, she scraped her hand down his thigh, digging her nails in as hard as she could. “Mine,” she whispered, and knew he’d heard her when he growled the same at her.

“Mine.”

His teeth on her shoulder never loosened, and he pounded into her, pulling her hard against him. Ever’s breathy cries punctuated Aidan’s, her orgasm continuing to ripple through her with each thrust.

“Come for me,” she whispered, hugging the arm around her. “Please, I want to feel you come.”

Behind her, Aidan’s breath grew choppy, his thrusts becoming more frenzied. Then, with a roar that sounded more beast than man, he came, shuddering against her back. The arm that had been holding her tight loosened, and Ever took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Reaching out for him blindly, she took his hand and laid a kiss on each knuckle, her lips lingering on the back of his hand.

He pulled her sideways, collapsing onto the bed and pulling her back against him. Boneless herself, Ever let him, cuddling up to his bulk and pulling the arm around her.

“I knew you’d be the death of me,” he murmured into her hair, his warm breath fluttering across her scalp.

Ever just smiled, content to stay like this in silence for a moment. She traced circles with her thumb around each of his knuckles, lazily mapping out the surface of his body. He was like a furnace, radiating enough heat to power a Jacuzzi, but she didn’t mind.

He laid a kiss to her temple, and Ever sighed happily at the contact. “Get some rest,” he said softly, pulling a blanket over them. Ever just snuggled back against him as much as she could and sighed again, allowing herself the luxury of sleep.