Shifters Gone Alpha (5 page)

She looked at him quizzically. “Is something wrong?” He felt her warm breath caress the skin on his neck, sending shivers of heat down to his groin.

He wanted to tell her everything was wrong—this whole situation. Yet, he wanted to ravish her all the same—to claim her, to possess as a man and as a shifter.

Why do I want this woman
? Ty might not have understood the reason, but his rock-hard shaft and the ache of longing in his chest left little doubt it was true.

Chapter Three

Being in Ty’s powerful arms, feeling the bulge in his tight black jeans, made Sol’s entire body ache for more of him. She barely reached his chin and waited for him to lower his head so she could kiss his firm, full lips. Problem was, he wasn’t cooperating. Stopping in the stairwell and the lights turning off, all seemed very seductive, if not a little naughty, but he hadn’t made a move. Not really.

Impulsively, she traced her fingers down his tightly muscled arms. He felt like raw energy, strong and capable.

If she hadn’t been so maddeningly turned on by him, she might question her choice to sleep with a Sun Casino employee. They did background checks and stuff, right?
So, probably not a serial killer.

He stood rigid, and Sol swore he held his breath. His small nipples puckered tightly through his black shirt. Impetuously, she lowered her mouth and bit gently on one of the nubs. He groaned.

She moved in for another bite when he seized her arms and pulled her up his body. Jesus, he’d lifted her like she was nothing, and a surge of pure happiness rocked her when she locked her legs around his waist.

He looked surprised at his own actions. His grip loosened, and she took the opportunity to wrap her arms around his neck.

“Kiss me.” She whispered the words along the smooth line of his jaw.

“I…”

“Shhh.” She held a finger to his lips. “Kiss me, Ty.”

He traced the pad of his thumb over her lower lip, smiling bitterly. Slowly, he moved his mouth over hers, hovering for a moment, then meeting her lips with his—soft, slightly moist, and wonderfully warm. Unable to resist, she slid her tongue along the crack of his mouth, parting his lips, slipping between his teeth. His mouth tasted sweet, of honey and oranges, delicious—strange considering they’d just eaten burgers. The kiss suddenly became fierce, hard, punishing, and oh so exotic.

Sweet heavens, I really could die a happy girl
.

* * *

Ty had stilled for a moment as she probed him, darting her tongue in and out, his own aching flesh crying out for him to surrender. Her legs around his waist, her soaked sex rubbing against his groin, and her large breasts pillowing his chest—it was more than he could take. He closed his eyes and allowed his desire to surface. Pressing in on her mouth, he fed from her warm, hungry kiss, matching her thrust for thrust, inviting more.

Yes
, he told himself. He would take all she was, stripping her to nothingness. He cupped her breast then slid his fingers to the fragile fabric that formed a V on her chest, and ripped it aside. He pushed her bra down, exposing her creamy flesh, and rolled her puckered nipple between his thumb and forefinger. She moaned softly against his mouth.

Ty broke from the kiss and lifted her breast to his mouth, suckling the tightly drawn bud, licking the tip, twirling and teasing. She latched onto his neck, sucking at his flesh. He longed to have those lush lips around his engorged shaft, to feel her take him in deeply.

“I want…”

“Yes,” she encouraged him, nipping at his ear. “You want?”

“I want you to suck me.”

“Oh.” Sol licked her lips. “I... Okay. Yes.”

She slipped down from his waist. Her hands worked the button on his jeans. After she got the fly undone, she pushed his pants down to his thighs. His cock sprung forward, eager. He leaned back against the stair rail, watching, waiting, and wanting.

* * *

Sol knelt on the stairs, marveling at Ty’s wondrously erect and uncut cock. With her fingertips, she touched the soft black hair that formed a neat triangle just above. She’d wanted to taste him, to savor him, from the moment she’d plunged her tongue into his mouth.

What if someone entered the stairwell?

The chance of being caught only served to heighten her lust.

Sliding back the foreskin, she licked the pearl of liquid from the tip before taking his shaft between her lips. A deep sigh resounded from Ty, and his fingers sifted through her hair. Holding Sol’s head firmly, he assisted her up and down motions. It was difficult to manage his choking size, but she opened for him. Her eyes watered as the head bumped against the soft palate of her throat.

A shuddering breath escaped Ty, then Sol heard him speaking what must have been his native language, since she couldn’t understand any of it. But the words were ferocious, demanding, possessive… and fucking hot.

Encouraged, she grasped his balls, pulling them gently, rolling them with her fingers as he thrust into her mouth. His hips began to rock in earnest, and he grunted with every stroke to the back of her throat. Her swollen heat demanded attention. She reached into her pants and slid her fingers between the folds of her sex, stroking, caressing—enjoying the fullness in her mouth, while satisfying her own tingling need. As her climax built, she slid two fingers into her sleek channel, imagining his length stroking between her depths.

Her strangled cry as an orgasm took her triggered Ty’s climax. His fingers tightened in her hair, holding her head as she swallowed every bit of his seed. As his hold on her hair lessened, she slipped off his shaft. Sol stood and leaned into his embrace. She watched his masculine hands with interest and wondered what more the night would bring. In her mind, she painted them with broad strokes of her brush, every angle, bend, and vein, imagining the rare power he might hold in his calloused fingers. Suddenly, his hand seemed to change, grow larger, his nails thicker. She blinked, the image wavered, and when she looked again, his hand was normal.

Your mind is playing tricks on you, girl. Sex-dazed. That’s what you are
.

Ty pulled away from her. “I have to go.”

“What?” The thought of him leaving her after what they’d just done, made her feel cheap, and honestly, hurt her deeply. She’d known sleeping with Ty would be a one-off, a diversion, and no more. But they hadn’t even made it up to the room. “You got what you want, so now you have to go. Is that it?”

“I’m sorry, Sol.” He yanked up his pants. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She gripped her torn shirt closed, her hands shaking. Her temper flared, but she held back, because she knew crying was next, and she wouldn’t give him her tears. “No, you won’t.”

“I will, I promise.” He moved quickly down the stairs in long graceful strides.

She watched him disappear around the stairwell corner thinking his so-called promise sounded like a threat.

“The hell with you.” As she gave in to the anger and hurt swirling through her, she felt an electrical surge within her. All the lights snapped on in the stairwell, and then one by one exploded. Sol gave a surprised shriek, pushed her breast back into the bra, and ran up the stairs.

Chapter Four

Ty sat in the darkest corner of the lounge and nursed his bourbon and Coke. He felt both shame and confusion. Leaving Sol was necessary because he could not become his other form with her. She’d pulled on his bear, drawing his animal to the surface, and he’d barely stopped himself from shifting. As his passion for Sol burned bright, he felt the rise in magic. Her power pulled on him like a leash. This demonstration of Sol’s true power had left him shaken to the core. Ty hadn’t been able to get out of the stairwell fast enough. After fortifying his nerves by draining the alcohol, he called Myron Gray.

“Yes, Ty.”

“I found a witch on the reservation. She’s staying in the casino.”

“Is she the one?”

“I don’t know.” Ty’s gut clenched. “She’s powerful.”

“A
sorcellarie
draws power from
other worlders
. If she is your murderer, you need to tread lightly. Keep the talisman on you at all times. Do you need back-up? Destan can be there in a few hours.”

“No,” Ty said. He didn’t want his dragon shifter friend anywhere near the witch. “If she’s guilty, it is my duty as a tribal protector to mete out justice.”

Gray was silent for a long moment. “You are conflicted.”

Ty wasn’t sure how to give voice to what he was feeling. “I don’t feel any evil in this witch. Yet, I’ve found no other
sorcellarie.
”

Gray seemed to consider Ty’s words. “There is more going on with this situation than I first believed. Consult Red Sun.”

As well as being his Great Uncle, Red Sun was also the tribe’s shaman and an aural with the ability to project his spirit into other beings. Ty wasn’t sure what insight the old man could give him, but Gray usually didn’t suggest something unless it was important. Surely Red Sun knew more details about the witches since he was last known tribe member to fight and defeat one.

“Be wary, my friend,” said Gray. “And no matter how you feel, do not trust the witch.”

Ty said good-bye and ended the call. No, he didn’t trust Sol.

But he wanted her.

Chapter Five

Sol chose to eat breakfast at the same diner where she and Ty had shared dinner the night before.
You are so lame.
She wasn’t even hungry. She needed to get back on the road, forget about Ty Wasape, and quit avoiding her problems. Mom’s frantic texts and voicemails had ended only when Sol called her and listened to a twenty-minute harangue.
If you are not home today, I will call the police, the Army, the FBI and … and your father.

Since her father was dead, Sol figured she’d pushed Mom beyond her usual parental melting point. It was time to go home.

After dumping two containers of artificial creamer into her coffee, Sol sighed. She didn’t understand the chemistry with Ty, but didn’t have to—it was there. In a freaky-deaky way. She didn’t want to leave without seeing him again. She’d had crazy dreams last night, just like all the other crazy dreams she’d had since her twenty-first birthday. In fact, that’s when all weird crap started happening at her apartment.

“Hello.” A young man with short black hair, a strong jawline, and a chocolate-brown gaze stood next to her table. He had a boyish charm and a flirtatious manner, and Sol found herself smiling at him.

“Hi.” Sol saw the interest in his eyes and admitted that she enjoyed the attention. Especially after the way Ty had dumped her on the stairwell the night before. The young man didn’t have Ty Wasape’s raw magnetism, but there was something to be said for cute and pleasant.

“Are you alone?” he asked.

“Yes.”
Unfortunately.

“May I sit?”

Sol was a little taken aback by his forwardness, especially since he took the chair across from her without waiting for her answer. The air glimmered around her, and she saw a swirl of dark colors dancing between them. She blinked, and the ugly browns and harsh blacks disappeared. Suddenly, the young man across from her no longer seemed appealing.

Ty Wasape sure had done a number on her.

“I can’t believe someone hasn’t laid claim to such a beautiful woman.”

What an odd thing to say.
Sol stirred her coffee, and then sipped from the mug.

“I’m Johnny,” he said. “And you are?”

“Leaving after breakfast.”

Johnny raised his eyebrows. “Where are you headed?”

Sol frowned. “It was nice to meet you,” she lied. She pulled out her smartphone. “I need to call my mother.”

“I’ll wait.”

“The hell you—“

“Johnny. I see you’ve met my… friend.”

The familiar voice rumbled from behind Sol. She looked over her shoulder, startled to see Ty standing behind her. She hadn’t heard or seen his approach. If looks could vaporize, Johnny would’ve been a puff of smoke.

The young man frowned, but he vacated his seat. “Ty. I didn’t know you were here.”

“Obviously.”

She caught Johnny’s gaze and saw a flash of hostility. Apparently the boy wasn’t a fan of Ty’s. Or maybe he was just scared of him and trying to front a little.

“Good luck,” Johnny said. He smiled at Sol, and she felt a chill zip down her spine. “With him, you’ll need it.” He turned around and strode away.

Ty’s lip curled into a snarl as he took the seat opposite Sol. “Johnny’s a punk. Ignore him.”

“He works here?”

“He’s a pet project of Meredith’s—she manages the casino.” He studied her face, and then asked, “Bad dreams?”

His dark, obsidian eyes held sympathy. She didn’t want to forgive him, but she couldn’t look away. No one’s eyes were that naturally dark, she thought. It felt as if he could see down to the bottom of her soul. Gah! The man hadn’t even apologized for leaving her in the lurch. She narrowed her eyes at him and began loudly eating her toast.

“You’re up early,” he continued as though she’d responded.

“And you care why, exactly?”

“I’m keeping my promise.”

“How white-knight of you.”

Ty frowned, as though he didn’t understand her ire. “You didn’t sleep well, did you?”

“No, I didn’t, Nosey Pants.”

Her answer seemed to amuse him.

“Your breakfast is getting cold.” He reached out and plucked a piece of bacon from her plate and took a bite. “This is really good.” Ty looked around the empty dining room until he spotted the waitress and waved her over. He smiled at Sol. “I think I’ll join you.”

* * *

As Ty sat across from Sol, watching her eat, his cock pressed against the seam of his jeans. He remembered how good her lips had felt wrapped around him, and he wanted her to do it again. He wanted to return that pleasure, and show her how it felt to be fully claimed. He wanted Sol to be his, and only his. It had taken every bit of self-control to stop his bear from tearing Johnny White apart. It didn’t matter that the boy was Meredith Big Horse’s cousin. Seeing Solange smile at Johnny had triggered a primal instinct to protect.
Mine,
he thought
.

How could she flirt with another man? No, not even a man—a boy! The problem was, he shouldn’t have cared. She was his murder suspect. So why did she already feel like she was his to keep? The magic had probably infiltrated him. Perhaps the bear stone hadn’t protected him at all. The excuses felt weak, and he knew that his need for Sol went far deeper than he wanted to admit. Magic did not compel him—the mating urge did.

“
Ty!
” Meredith approached their table, her usually calm expression full of panic. “Joseph is dead.” She swallowed hard as tears spilled down her cheeks. “He’s in the parking lot.” Her gaze said all he needed to know. Her husband had died violently. Like the others.

“Call the tribal police.” Ty looked at Sol. “Stay here.”

He hurried out of the casino and paused, sniffing the air. He followed the scent of blood that rivaled the smells of asphalt and burned motor oil. In a remote area of the hotel parking lot, between an SUV and a van, he found the lifeless and mauled body of one of his oldest friends. Like with the three previous murders, his stomach had been ripped open and his throat cut. This was a fresh kill—only minutes old. But Joseph hadn’t been a bear shifter, so why murder him? Why this manner of death? He sensed the remnants of magic and thought of Sol. She had been with him at the diner. How could she have murdered Joseph?

“Ty?”

He surged to his feet and whipped around. How had Solange managed to follow him without him sensing her at all? She was too powerful to be innocent. She could fool even his honed shifter abilities. Ty grabbed her arms, grief for his friend strangling his thoughts. “This is your fault, witch!”

Solange’s mouth dropped open and her eyes went wide. Ty felt a spike of power. Her magic was wild, untamed, and it made the hair on his arms stand up.

“Stop your spellcasting,” he demanded.

“Let go of me.”

Ty could scent her fear, but not her deception. He released her, and she backed away, rubbing her arms. “You’re crazy.”

He felt the magic shaking the cars, making alarms blare and windows crack, and it was definitely coming from Sol. Louder sirens warned the tribal police were nearly on scene. He would need to assess the body quickly before they arrived.

Ty realized that Sol was close to running away, that she truly feared him now.

“Please,” he said, “go to the hotel and wait for me. Give me a chance to explain.”

“No,” she said, her voice trembling. She turned and ran.

Damn it.