AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Agreed. And we should also ensure the humans living in Blackwood Creek don’t pick up on anything odd going on.”
“Right.” My focus switched to Mateo, the bartender and our key ally among the humans who knew about shifters. “I’ll go talk to Mateo. Make sure he spreads the word among those in the know and keeps an eye on the new shifters at the bar to manage the situation.”
“Got it,” Clawson said. “I’ll stay here and keep an eye on things.”
“Thanks.” I gave him a curt nod before making my way toward The Tipsy Tavern.
As usual, the place was packed, but there were few familiar faces in the bar. It was mostly shifters seeking solace in the bottom of a glass. Their expressions spoke of heartache, fear, and a desperate need for safety, further fueling my determination to shield them from harm.
“Ridge!” Mateo acknowledged me with a smile as I approached the bar. “What can I do for you,mon ami?”
“Listen,” I began, then remembered most of the patronage had enhanced hearing. I gestured toward the office behind the bar, and Mateo ushered me into the small room. “It’s fairly obvious a lot of new shifters have arrived in town,” I continued. “We need your help keeping things under control.”
“Of course,” he said without hesitation. “What do you need me to do?”
“Spread the word to humans who know about shifters so they can inform those who are unaware. Tell them all the newcomers in the area are avid hikers who read some viral article about the beauty of Pennsylvania trails. Blackwood Creek was named one of the top ten idyllic getaway sites for hikers, hence all the extra faces.”
“But of course.” Mateo scanned the bar through the small window in the door. “I’ll make sure these new shifters behave. No shifting while drunk or anything.”
“Thanks, Mateo.” I patted his back. “Keep me updated if you see anyone who looks...shifty.”
His dark eyes danced with merriment, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Will do, Ridge. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”
“Appreciate it,” I said before exiting his office. As I walked past the bar, I couldn’t help but notice the shifters—some huddled together, chatting animatedly, while others stood alone, staring into the bottom of their glass. With a sigh, I stepped back out into the cool night air.
I glanced at my watch. Damn, it was late. Exhaustion seeped into me. It had been a long day of running around town doing damage control. As they so often did when I had a free moment, my thoughts turned to Tori. I couldn’t bear to be apart from her any longer. After everything we’d been through today, I needed her presence to ease the storm raging inside me.
As I looked at all the haggard refugees seeking safety in my town, I was even more relieved that Tori had arrived in town when she had. I kept playing over and over in my mind how my mate had looked when she’d first arrived in town. She was beautiful. Tori could have been tarred and feathered, and she’d still outshine anyone. But the haunted look in her eyes frombeing pursued by the hunters was much the same as those I’d spent the day talking to. It made me and my wolf want to howl with anguish.
Quickly, I returned home, anxiety pulsing in my temples as I remembered Tori’s reaction to learning about our bond. I chastised myself for telling her the way I had, and for not telling her about it sooner. But I couldn’t have predicted how she’d react to such information. Now, all I could do was pray that she would understand my reasons for keeping the truth from her.
When I found her asleep in my bed, it brought me overwhelming relief and joy and also satisfied my wolf. After her reaction this morning, I’d been sure I’d find her in the guest bedroom. In the bed, she looked so small, so vulnerable, and yet utterly adorable. It gave me hope she was coming around.
I dropped my clothes on the floor and curled up next to her, pulling her into my arms. The scent of her enveloped me, and the warmth of her body against mine melted away all my worries and frustrations. Nuzzling her neck and kissing her softly, I found solace and safety in her arms, sanctuary from the chaos outside our door.
I was dreaming of soft lips pressing tender kisses to my bare chest, flicking over my nipple. It felt so real. My eyelids fluttered open, and I looked down. A naked Tori was leaning over me, her layered hair cascading down around her face like a curtain. She traced her fingers along the ridges of my muscles, her touch electrifying every nerve in my body. This was a wake-up call I had not expected, but one I would eagerly accept.
“Good morning,” she said, her voice husky with sleep and desire. Her dark eyes met mine, and an impish smile played across her full lips.
“Morning, beautiful,” I murmured, my voice still rough from sleep.
“Did I wake you?” she asked innocently, feigning concern as she traced patterns on my skin, igniting a fire within me that threatened to combust and consume us.
“The best way to wake up,” I said, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her on top of me. Our bodies pressed together, and the heat between us intensified. “What’s the occasion?”
“Can’t I just appreciate my alpha?” she teased, fingers skimming lower as she licked her top lip. My breath hitched. “These muscles are too tempting for me to resist.”
“Then don’t,” I growled playfully, rolling us over until I hovered above her, my body caging hers. The smell of her arousal filled the air, so much so that it overwhelmed me. I gently caught her bottom lip between my teeth, tugging it before releasing it, causing Tori to whimper. “I am all yours to touch and appreciate as you see fit, little wolf.”
“Good,” she breathed, desire darkening her eyes. “Because I want you, Ridge.” Her fingers trailed down my abs and danced over my fast-rising erection. “All of you.”
She slipped her hand into my boxers and wrapped her fingers around me, her thumb rubbing the slit, where a droplet of pre-cum had already leaked. I groaned.
Our lips crashed together, tongues dancing in a passionate rhythm as we explored each other with an intensity that left us both breathless. My hands wandered over her body, relearning every curve and hollow, memorizing the way she arched into my touch. Her nails raked down my back, leaving trails of fire in their wake, and I growled into her mouth.
Deliberately, I trailed my fingers down her sides, skating across her stomach. I glided my digits to graze her inner thigh, and she opened her legs wider for me to situate myself comfortably in the cradle of her hips. I groaned heavily when I swept my fingers along her seam and then into her heated core. She was so fucking wet. Ready for me.
I inserted one finger, pushing it slowly into her, pressing my thumb against her clit, then easing my sopping finger out, making a “come hither” gesture to graze her G-spot. Tori panted hard against my lips. Before I sank my finger back in, I added another. Tori mewled and clenched her hands on my back.
