Page 23 of A Kiss From a Wolfman
My wolfman sighs and then presses a kiss to my cheek. He tucks me into his arms and holds me so we are at eye level with each other.The Woodsare quiet tonight. Whatever danger lurks here knows better than to venture too close to us.
After a moment of silence, Ciaryn nods.
“My pack’s den. It’s the safest place for you,” he says. “It’s a large cavern with plenty of tunnels and natural springs. Inside, dozens of dwellings are carved into the rock for each pack member to house themselves and their families.”
“Does your family live there?” I ask softly, wanting to know more about him.
Ciaryn’s golden eyes dim.
“For a time,” he says. “My mother was human—as all our mates are—and she lived happily with my father for many years. When I was still young, hunters found her with me. They didn’t take one of their own being claimed by a beast too well. By the time my father heard her screams and came for us, it was too late. He was never the same after that.”
All the air leaves my lungs as I picture the horrible scene. Ciaryn—young and afraid—as his mother is slain before his eyes. What an awful thing to behold.
His claws skim along my back as he clears the roughness from his voice.
“My father tried to be a good male—a good alpha to our pack—but he’s been slowly dying these last thirty years.” Ciaryn swallows. “And when he passed a week ago, I could tell he was finally happy—knowing he would soon be with my mother again.”
My heart aches as I cup his soft cheek. Pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead, I nestle deeper into his embrace.
“I’m so sorry, Ciaryn.”
He shakes his head.
“I’m a coward, Stella. When he died, I—I didn’t know what to do. I was supposed to be his successor and lead our pack after his passing, but I couldn’t. My grief made me flee, and now I don’t know how they’ll react to my return.”
“We’ll face it together,” I breathe. “Tell them all you’ve told me, and they’ll understand.”
I drag his eyes back up to mine when he still looks uncertain.
“A good leader is not cruel and unfeeling. Believe me, I would know.”
Dark memories flood me. Long-buried fragments of my previous life threaten to shred the beautiful future I’ve found for myself. My father was evil—as was my brother—and had I not fled when I did, I would’ve become their prisoner one way or another. I never would’ve met Ciaryn. The thought makes me hold on to him tighter.
His golden eyes search mine, and his ears flatten. I know he has questions for me about my past. I’ll give him answers soon enough. Right now, all I want is to feel his arms around me. That is why I merely smile and rub my nose along his.
“My tale is also a sad one. The family I was born into was not a kind one.”
Ciaryn’s eyes flash.
“Whatever secrets lurk in your past, Stella, I’ll protect you from them. You’ll always be safe with me.”
My lips pull into a grin.
“I believe you,” I say before giggling softly. “I’ve only known you a short time, and yet, this feels so permanent—as if we were always meant to be together.”
“We are,” Ciaryn growls.
I nod my head, heat flaring within my body. With him so close, I feel safe and whole. The demons of my past are far away from here. I believe Ciaryn when he says he’ll protect me. I feel secure enough to do things I never have before.
“It should be ridiculous—desiring you like I do.” My teeth sink into my lower lip as I look up at him. “Well, I suppose it's no more ridiculous than wanting to put a wolfman’s cock in my mouth.”
Ciaryn’s sharp inhale is music to my ears. His claws dig into the skin of my back, making me sigh. Fire burns in his golden gaze.
“Stella.” His snarl of my name breaks off on a groan as my hand drifts down his body. He shudders as I palm his aching length through his trousers. “Are you sure? You do not have?—”
“I want to,” I say. “More than anything.”
I rub my hand along his hardness. The length of him causes me to turn slippery between my thighs. With my other hand, I push on his shoulder and urge him onto his back. Ciaryn’s hands fall to my waist, and I know he’ll want to place me atop his face, but I won’t allow that yet. Wiggling away from his hands, I shuffle down his legs and fall between his spread thighs.
