Unclaimed (8 page)

Eyes
wide, her skin on fire, all she could do was nod as her body took on a life of its own.
He
ran
the
back
of
his
fingers
down
the
sensitive
skin
of
her
throat, along the curve of her shoulder.

On the contrary, I want to give you pleasure,
he
mur
mured.
He
cradled
one
hand
around
the
back
of
her
neck
and
kissed
her
cheek
before
blazing
a
trail
down
her
throat.
In fact, all I can think about is pleasuring you.

Tatiana
moaned, closed her eyes, and sank into the delicious sensation of his lips, moist and hot against her skin. She linked her arms around his waist and held him to her, wanting him closer. His hard, distinctly male body pressed against hers, hot and needy. It would be so easy to just…

Wait!
She
grabbed
his
head
with
both
hands
and
pulled
him
back. Breathless, they remained like that. Eyes glowing, bodies locked in an embrace that held promise of more to come, she wrestled to find the right words in her lust-muddled brain.

What's wrong
? Dominic's fingers dug into her hips, and his erection pressed against her belly, daring her to make a move, but she held her ground.

We need a new deal.
The
words
tumbled
carelessly
from
her
mouth.

A new deal, huh? I suppose we do, especially since we just broke the last one.
He
looked
at
her
quizzically, and a smile played at his lips. One hand drifted down and rested on her ass, pressing her harder against him, and his voice dropped to a seductive tone.
What did you have in mind?

Sex with no strings.
He
gave
her
a
wary
look, but she continued.
Look, this attraction,
she
said,
waving
a
hand
between
what
little
distance
was
between
them
. It has a crazy hold on us, right?

Agreed,
he
said
slowly.

And as far as I understand it, the bonding rite must be said during sex in order for the mating to be finalized. So I don't think there's any reason we can't have sex as long as we don't say the mating rite.
She
leaned
closer, popped on her toes, and kissed his throat.
See? Sex with no strings.

Is that what you want?
The
winds
of
the
realm
picked
up
and
blew
briskly
around
them
as
Dominic
peered
down
at
her
through
those
eyes
of
wildfire
. Are you sure that's all you want?

I want you, Dominic.
Tatiana
pulled
back
and
looked
at
him
through
the
glowing
eyes
of
her
clan. She did want him. That wasn't a lie, but as he studied her intently, a little voice inside of her disagreed. She'd never been a one-night-stand girl. In fact, she'd only had two lovers—both of whom she'd been in relationships with. However, as her body burned against his, the fire consumed her doubts.
We're consenting adults with the will to choose what we want. So do we have a new deal?

Thank God,
he
groaned.
You bet your sweet ass, we do
. In one fluid motion, Dominic swept her into his arms as the winds blew harder. His mouth crashed down, and as his lips tangled with hers, all she could do was think about getting more. Hands linked around his neck, she kissed him back desperately and reveled in the feel of his arms wrapped around her.

The
winds
whistled
past
as
he
laid
her
down
on
a
soft
bed
of
grass
and
covered
her
body
with
his. Straddling her on his knees, he broke the embrace long enough to take off his shirt, and Tatiana let out a gasp when she saw the multitude of scars that marred his muscled chest.

Tatiana
sat
up
and
ran
her
hands
over
the
battle
scars
that
marked
him, and her throat tightened with emotion
. Where on earth did you get these?
She
looked
into
his
face
as
a
tear
rolled
down
her
cheek
. You really do put your life on the line for the Amoveo, don't you? It's not some macho badge you wear or something you say… you would die for them.

I would do anything to protect my people, Tatiana, and that includes you.
He
pushed
her
back
gently
and
covered
her
small
frame
easily
as
the
weight
of
him
settled
between
her
legs. He brushed the hair from her face with his fingers and kissed the tip of her nose.
Mating ceremony or not.

A
tsunami
of
emotions
battered
her. This man she barely knew was telling her he would lay his life down for hers, protect her at all cost. Tatiana remembered how gentle he was with the baby and the concern he expressed for Courtney. The man was fiercely devoted, and it was evident he loved the people he protected, though she doubted he would admit as much.

Running
her
hands
over
his
back, she felt the unmistakable ridges of scarred skin. He had experienced more pain in his life than anyone she'd ever encountered, and looking into those fiery eyes, all she wanted to do now was to give him pleasure. Afford him an escape from the weight of his responsibility.

Tatiana
pulled
him
to
her, and just as his lips met hers, the haunting sound of a woman crying filled the realm. Dominic's body tensed. He jumped to his feet and pulled her up with him. Holding her in the shelter of his body, he scanned the realm, which had become unrecognizable.

Tatiana
had
been
so
wrapped
up
in
Dominic
that
she
hadn't even noticed the change to the environment—neither of them had. The sky was awash in angry, gray storm clouds, and the winds, once warm and inviting, were now cold and damp, as the woman's wailing grew louder.

Who's there?
Dominic's voice, deep and command
ing, thundered through the unsettled dreamscape
. Show yourself.

Dominic.
Tatiana
huddled
deeper
into
his
embrace
and
looked
around
the
unstable
new
world.
What's going on?

Someone has invaded our dream.
His
jaw
clenched, and he held her tighter against his taut frame.
We have to leave. Come on
.
He
took
her
hand
and
started
climbing
up
the
hill.
Picture some place safe,
he
shouted
above
the
wind
.

Like where?
She
put
her
hand
up
to
block
the
rain
that
stung
her
face
and
blinded
her. Tatiana stumbled, and Dominic's hand slipped from hers as she dropped to her knees and slid in the muddy ground.
Dominic?

Tatiana!
One
strong
hand
encircled
her
arm
and
pulled
her
to
her
feet.
We have to wake up.

I'm not as good at this as you are,
she
shouted
over
the
thunder.

The
sound
of
weeping
grew
louder
still. Tatiana strained to listen more closely, and then she heard it
… Liar.

Did you hear that?
Tatiana
shouted.

Before
he
could
answer
her, a clap of thunder blared overhead, and lightning cracked across the black sky as the crying welled and throbbed, like a spirit lost in the night.

The
haunting
wail
came
again
… Betrayer.

There it is again.
She
looked
around, but couldn't see anything through the sheets of rain.

We have to go, Tatiana,
he
yelled
over
the
thunder.
Right now
. Tatiana shook with fear as Dominic grabbed her hand and ran. Blindly, she followed him through the pelting rain, and they stopped suddenly at the edge of a cliff. Tatiana screamed and grabbed onto Dominic for dear life as mud and rocks skidded off the edge into the roiling sea below.

Do you trust me?
He
yelled
as
he
stuck
his
hand
out.

The
crying
grew
louder
and
swirled
around
them
in
the
storm.
Traitor,
the
voice
wailed.

Fear
gripped
Tatiana's heart, and it felt as though it would beat out of her chest, but looking into those orbs of fire, Tatiana knew she could trust him. She glanced at his outstretched hand, slick with rain and mud, and nodded
.

I trust you.
Tatiana
placed
her
hand
in
his, and as a black tornado approached, they leapt off the cliff and into the crashing sea below.

Tatiana shot out of bed, tumbled over the side, and landed on the floor with a butt-bruising thud. Her sweat-soaked sheets were tangled around her legs, and it took her a moment to get her bearings. Her breath came in quick gasps as she looked furiously around the bedroom of the guest cabin and was greeted by a series of warm licks on her arm from Cass.

“I'm okay, buddy.” She rubbed his head reassuringly and whispered to him soothingly, knowing it wasn't just for his benefit. However, the little dog was a rather empathetic little creature. “It's going to be alright.”

Pressing a hand to her chest, she let out a slow breath and squeezed her eyes shut as a sense of calm flooded her, and the effects of the dream faded. Still shaking, she unfurled the sheet from her ankles and tossed it onto the bed as she stood on unsteady legs. Casanova trotted over to the pile of pillows where he'd been sleeping and settled back in, but kept a watchful eye on Tatiana.

Seconds later, static electricity filled the room, and Dominic materialized next to her in his half-naked, shirtless glory. His face was etched with concern, and his glowing amber eyes shone brightly in the dimly lit room.

Without saying a word, he gathered her in his arms, and within seconds she could feel his heart beating in rapid time with hers. She should protest, or at the very least, admonish him for coming into her bedroom uninvited, but as her cheek pressed against the smooth, warm skin of his chest every coherent thought was driven from her.

“I'm so sorry,” he whispered.

One hand rested on Tatiana's hip with tender strength as he kissed the top of her head and sat with her on the edge of the bed. He leaned back, looking at her intently. Holding her face in his hands, he tenderly brushed his thumb along her cheek. It was the same look that made her stomach flutter and her heart race, but this time it wasn't from panic or fear—it was lust.

White-hot-pin-me-to-the-wall-and-make-me-scream kind of lust.

“Are you alright?” He let out a deep breath, and the dog tags he wore glinted. “I know it can be a little rough getting torn out of the dream realm like that.”

She nodded and held his hand against her cheek but couldn't bring herself to say anything. Tears fell, and she sniffled as she wiped them away quickly, feeling embarrassed for getting so upset. The truth was she wasn't sure if she was upset about the frightening end to the dream or her reaction to him.

Everything was spinning out of control, and she didn't know what was real. Was she truly feeling something, or was it some stupid legend? Was it hormones or was there something more?

“It's okay.” He leaned his forehead against hers and threaded his fingers through her short hair. “That freaked me out too.”

Tatiana allowed herself to float in the comforting warmth of his touch. Their combined energy signature surrounded her like a blanket, and one word came to mind—
safe
. Dominic, against all odds and contrary to everything she thought she would feel, made her feel safe.

That was a first. She'd never felt safe before. Even growing up on the farm with Rosie, Raife, and Layla, she lived as though she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Once Layla found William and they knew more about the Amoveo, she thought she'd feel better, but she didn't. She still lived with the unknown… until now.

Tatiana opened her mouth to tell him how she felt, but when her gaze locked with his, her eyes tingled and shifted intensely into the golden eyes of her wolf. A low, barely audible growl filled her head. Her grip on his hand tightened, and as Tatiana leaned in and brushed his lips with hers, she realized the growl was her own.

“That's it, Tatiana,” Dominic whispered. “Show me all of you.”

In one swift movement, he flipped her onto her back and devoured her mouth with his. Tatiana moaned as he settled his weight over her, and heat pressed against heat. She wrapped her legs around his waist and held him to her as she licked and nibbled at his firm lips. Her hands wandered over the broad expanse of his back and down to the perfect curve of his rock-hard ass.

Tatiana slipped her fingers beneath the waistband of his gym shorts and pressed him harder against her as he kissed his way down her neck. She let out a soft cry of pleasure as he tugged the top of her nightshirt aside and flicked her nipple with his tongue. He peered at her over the curve of her breast as he ground himself against her, eliciting another gasp of pleasure from her.

“You're gorgeous,” he whispered. Dominic squeezed her other breast and ran his thumb over the sensitive nipple. “I can't decide which part of your beautiful body I want to feast on first.”

Sliding off the edge of the bed onto his knees, he pulled her toward him, which sent her short nightie up to her waist, leaving her covered only by skimpy purple underwear.

“So many options,” he murmured. Dominic tugged her closer still and placed warm, wet kisses on her quivering belly, while his hands paid thorough attention to her breasts. “Like here.” His hot tongue flicked along her belly button. “Or here.”

Pleasure washed over her as he rolled her nipples between his fingers and kissed his way down to her hip.

“But I love this spot, right here,” he said, licking a trail along the edge of her hip. He grabbed her underwear in his teeth and started to pull.

“Not yet,” Tatiana said as she pushed herself onto her elbows and met his wicked grin with her own. “I want to kiss you some more.”

Sitting up, she grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him deeply, enjoying the primal, carnal reaction her body had. There was something liberating about this experience, throwing caution to the wind and acting on instinct, but through it all she reminded herself that this was purely physical.

Tatiana's heart, life, and freedom weren't at stake—only her celibate streak was at risk of being broken. Even as she repeated it to herself over and over, she knew it was a lie.

Dominic pulled her off the bed and into his lap, so she straddled him on the floor. She explored the hot cavern of his mouth and curled her body around his, moaning as his erection pressed against her most sensitive spot, sending shuddering waves of pleasure through her.

Dominic grabbed the hem of her nightie and whipped it off her in one swoop. She groaned and suckled his lips as flesh met flesh, and her breasts crushed deliciously against his chest. He dragged his fingertips down her back and slipped them beneath the top of her panties, cupping her bottom.

“You feel so good,” she whispered against his lips. “Maybe the universe is on to something.”

Tatiana arched back, allowing him access to the sensitive skin of her throat. She held his head to her and floated in the exquisite pleasure of his skin melding with hers. They fit together in a frighteningly familiar way, but she shoved that thought aside, allowing herself to focus only on the physical.

Sex with no strings, she reminded herself. Its
just
sex.

That's what Tatiana wanted to believe, yet she couldn't escape that sensation of feeling safe… and cherished.

A rap at the door cut through the hot haze of lust, and both of them froze. The room had brightened considerably as rays of early morning sunlight streamed in through the window, picking up bronze highlights in Dominic's hair. He lifted his head and locked eyes with her just as Matt's muffled voice came through the door.

“Hey, Tatiana?” Cass jumped up and ran to the door, sniffing it furiously. “I'm going to make breakfast before we head to the barn to check on the horses. Do you want anything?”

Dominic's grip tightened, and his eyes glowed brightly with unmistakable possessiveness. He shook his head slowly, making it clear he didn't want her going anywhere with Matt.

Anger crept up her back at his territorial response. Matt may not have been her boyfriend, but he was her friend, and she'd be damned if anyone was going to tell her who she could have breakfast with.

“No,” she shouted without looking away from Dominic. “I'll grab something when I come downstairs. Don't worry about me, Matt… I can take care of myself. Why don't you head to the barn and check on Spirit and the others.”

“Oh—okay.”

Matt's footsteps faded as he went to the kitchen, and Dominic pulled her in for a kiss, but she placed her hands on his shoulders, stopping him. Tatiana extricated herself from his lap, grabbing her discarded nightshirt along the way.

“Hey.” Dominic linked his hand around her ankle, preventing her from walking away. She gave him an exasperated sigh and peered at him over her shoulder. “What's your hurry?” he asked with a wicked grin.

“I have to get ready for work,” she said quietly as she tugged her leg from his grasp. She turned her back and pulled her shirt on. “I imagine you do too.”

“Yeah,” he said as he rose to his feet. “Right now, I'm concerned about why you went from hot to cold in record time. Seriously, what gives? You're acting like I'm the one who knocked on the door and interrupted.”

“Like I said. I have to work.” Tatiana turned around and folded her arms over her chest. “That's why I'm here. Remember? I came to the ranch to help with the animals, not to help you get your rocks off. We had fun, but the moment is over.” Her chin tilted defiantly. “Please leave so I can get dressed.”

Dominic moved toward her, the muscles in his chest flexing, his hands balled into fists at his side. Eyes glowing, he inched closer so his body brushed hers, but Tatiana held her ground, refusing to back down.

“You're right about one thing.” His jaw flickered, and his voice dropped low. “It was fun.” With a devilish smile, he leaned closer, and his hot breath puffed enticingly against her cheek as he whispered in her ear. “But you're dead wrong about something else… this is far from over.”

Tatiana opened her mouth to tell him off, but before he could say a word, he swept her into a knee-buckling kiss that stole her breath. Kissing her, he pushed her up against the wall, grabbed her wrists, and pinned them above her head. Her back arched, pressing her breasts against his chest, and Tatiana groaned as he suckled her bottom lip.

Breathless, she stared as she struggled to form a coherent sentence, but she couldn't. Everything burned. Inside and out, she was on fire.

“In fact, Doc,” he murmured against her lips and pressed his taut body harder against hers. “We're just getting started.”

Dominic uttered the ancient language, “
Verto
.”

A rush of static filled the room, along with a blast of heat, and he was gone. Shaking with lust that remained unsatisfied, Tatiana slid down the wall and landed on her butt. She pulled her knees up and hugged them to her chest, wishing she could get control over her raging hormones. Cass immediately came over to comfort her, and she gathered him into her arms, giving him the affection he sought.

As the effects of Dominic's touch coursed through her body, she knew what he said was true—things were just getting started.

Would she survive or be consumed by the flames?

***

By the time Tatiana got downstairs with Cass at her heels, Matt had already eaten and left. When she saw the car was gone, she couldn't help but laugh. He wasn't a big fan of exercise and avoided it at all costs. Yet he ate like a horse and still weighed all of a hundred and sixty pounds.

Grabbing an apple from the bowl on the kitchen island, she headed out with Cass leading the way. As they walked along the path, the door from the cabin across the road opened, and Courtney, the pregnant woman she'd met yesterday, came outside. She gave Tatiana a friendly smile and wave as she carefully made her way down the steps.

“You're up early,” Tatiana said. “I would think you'd be getting all the sleep you can before the baby arrives. I don't have kids, but if human babies are anything like animal babies, you're gonna be up at all hours feeding it.”

“I haven't been sleeping well lately.” She sighed as she met Tatiana on the dirt road. She ran her hands over her rounded stomach and shrugged. “Plus I have to pee every five minutes, so sleeping for long intervals hasn't been happening.”

“Gee—” Tatiana laughed. “You're making pregnancy sound really appealing.” Her smile faded as she saw the dark circles under Courtney's eyes. “It's got to be almost a quarter mile to the main house. Are you sure you're up to walking? I got the feeling that Steven's worried about you and the baby.”

“I'll be fine.” She waved it off and started walking. “Steven's a little overprotective. Can't really blame him though. Our mating hasn't exactly been
normal
.”

“How do you mean?” Tatiana tried to keep the question casual, but her curiosity was at an all-time high. She suspected there was something different about Courtney and Steven's relationship. “As far as I can tell, there's not much
normal
about being Amoveo.”

“How much do you know about the mating process or the Purists and what happened?”

“I'm not really involved in the Amoveo side of my parentage, so I'm not familiar with the whole story. Basically, I know that since I'm a hybrid, I have Purist Amoveo who hate me,
and
because I'm part Amoveo, I have humans who hate me.
And
I'm supposed to drop everything to
mate
,” she said, making air quotes with her fingers, “with some guy I don't know just because the universe says so.” Tatiana let out a sound that hovered between a growl and a sigh. “So, to be really honest. I have
zero
idea what normal is anymore.”

“I know what you mean,” Courtney said humorlessly as they slowly walked along the dirt road. She ran a hand over her stomach and looked at Cass as he ran to her and rubbed against her leg. “All I can say is that Steven and I didn't conceive our child by traditional methods.”