Chapter 20 Sydney

Chapter 20 Sydney

 

 

My first kiss was in the third grade with a boy who was as curious as I was about lip-locking. We saw adults doing it all the time and wondered what all the fuss was about. So, we decided to find out. After a peck on the lips from my classmate, I was disappointed no fireworks erupted around us like I saw in a few cheesy romance movies. We’d both established that kissing was gross and overrated, and I never kissed a boy again after that.

This kiss with Cole might as well have come with fireworks because the first touch of his lips to mine almost made me combust. So, this was what all the fuss was about. When done properly and with the suitable someone, kissing was…magical. I swore I felt the earth tilt on its axis the moment Cole, and I made contact. He was an amazing kisser. His hand slid around my nape and held me in place so he could command my mouth with obvious experience. I melted against him, following his lead.

The kiss wasn’t wild and raw but on the sweeter, gentler side, almost experimental, as if he were getting a feel for me, taking the time to discover what I liked. I did the same and tried to get a feel for him. My eyes closed, and I savored the feeling of the slight pressure of his mouth on mine. He coaxed my lips apart for a slow, sensuous exploration that made me wet between the legs.

That constant chill I felt on the inside, caused by his rejection, vanished because a flame flickered to life in my core and spread through my veins. I wanted more. The other being inside me, my wolf, stirred. It felt as if she clawed to get out, wanting to get closer to her mate. It was the first time I’d ever felt her so prominently. Something moved beneath my skin, frightening me. I gasped and yanked my mouth away from Cole’s.

I was breathless, dazed, and scared. “Something is wrong,” I whispered, clutching my chest. “I feel…” I wasn’t sure how to explain what I felt. “Like something wants to get out.”

Cole hadn’t let me go. His fingers rubbed comforting circles on my nape, which helped to calm me a bit. He seemed to understand what was happening to me. “Stay calm, Sydney. Your wolf gets stronger when she’s this close to her mate. The more we connect, the stronger she gets.”

I stared at him in wonder. There was still so much for me to learn about my werewolf half. “Really?” It made sense now. Before I discovered what I was, I hadn’t felt my wolf at all. It was like she’s stayed completely hidden so as not to frighten me. She’d only come out to protect me when that hunter showed up. When I got to New Orleans and met Cole, however, she’d made her presence completely known, and she got stronger each day. “Does that mean I’ll be able to shift, eventually?”

Cole’s eyes bore into mine. “I don’t think so. Half-breeds aren’t typically capable.”

“Oh.” I sighed my disappointment. My wolf had felt so close to the surface it felt as if she’d emerge. I pushed my displeasure aside to process the rest of what Cole said. “We’re not… connected. I mean, not really…”

“You’re wrong,” he said, taking my chin between his fingers. “The chemistry between us is undeniable. Unavoidable.”

True. The only problem was, despite the raw sexual pull caused by our fated bond, he didn’t really want me. I knew he was disappointed in the mate he’d gotten. Either I or my wolf—I’m guessing both—have been dying for sexual release. But why think about that tonight? My mind needed rest, and my body needed relief. “Well, I’m up for us connecting tonight.”

Cole’s irises flickered amber, his wolf near the surface. “That sounds an awful lot like you’re interested in a one-time fling.” He didn’t sound pleased.

“What more is there?” I asked. He said it himself. He couldn’t claim me. The pack would never accept our union.

His nostrils flared, and he looked like he was about to protest, but I said, “No more talking, Cole,” and grabbed his lapels. Shock registered on his face before I crushed my lips to his. I didn’t want to talk anymore and dredge up the hopelessness of our situation.

Cole released a low growl that resonated with resignation. No more talking. He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer. This time, our kiss was untamed and fueled with a passion that might cause an explosion in the living room. I gasped into his mouth when he lifted me. My legs instinctively wound around him as he marched toward his bedroom. He didn’t miss a beat, navigating his way while still devouring my mouth.

In his bedroom, my feet touched the floor, and in the same breath, my dress slipped off my shoulders. Cole moved so fast and so subtle I didn’t even realize he’d unzipped my dress. When I stepped out of the garment, a case of nerves momentarily overrode my arousal. I was standing in front of a man while I was wearing only a pair of barely-there panties and heels and… I was a virgin.

Holy hell.

Panic surfaced. What if Cole didn’t like inexperienced women? How did I even begin to please him? If I’d known we’d ended up here, I would have asked Macy for pointers—embarrassing though it would have been.

“What’s wrong?” Cole asked, his gaze fixed on my face.

“I’ve never done this before.” I almost melted into an embarrassed puddle at his feet. I’m a virgin.”

“I know.”

I almost gagged as I stared at him, horrified. “What? How…”

His lips curled into the smuggest smirk I’d ever seen. “Some things a mate just knows.”

He looked so ridiculously happy about my virgin status I almost rolled my eyes. At least I could stop worrying about not pleasing him. He was already quite satisfied.

“Sweet, untouched, Sydney, ready for me to corrupt,” he purred, hooking his thumbs into my panties. “In ways, you’ll love.”

My heart slammed against my ribs, and anticipation surged through my veins. And just like that, my arousal was back in full force. He slowly slid my underwear off, his eyes glued between my legs. Then he grabbed my hips and pushed me back. I landed on the bed, and the way I bounced a little on the mattress made me giggle. Cole grinned and shrugged his shirt off. He seemed at ease, and despite my earlier nervousness, I grew comfortable, too. This was our easiest interaction yet because it just felt so natural. Of course, it did. We were supposed to be together. We were fated.

I watch him strip, admiring every inch of his body. He wasn’t overly muscular but lean and toned. Perfect. Since he was completely naked, I moved to kick my heels off.

“Those stay,” he said.

I paused and glanced at him. The way his gaze moved over me appreciatively made my skin heat up.

“Do you have a high-heel fetish, Cole?” I teased.

One corner of his mouth twitched into the beginning of a smile. “I just might. You’re a vision in nothing but those heels,” he said.

I must have blushed from the roots of my hair to my toes.

He joined me on the bed, sliding between my legs. My heart hammered as our skin touched and his erection pressed against my mound. I thought this was it, the moment I’d lose my virginity, but Cole only gave me a quick, hot kiss and moved, his mouth trailing down my body.

“I thought we were going to…”

He glanced up at me, his mouth hovering over my right breast. “Going to what?”

Heat engulfed my face. “You know, get right to it.”

Amusement danced in his eyes. “We are getting to it. I’m introducing you to other things you’ll enjoy.”

Thinking about those “other” things made me want to hide under the covers. Though I felt safe with Cole, I was still timid in the sexual arena. However, when his tongue swirled around my hardened nipple, all other thoughts fled except for how amazing it felt. He teased and sucked until I panted and writhed, thinking I’d combust at any second.

I gasped when he moved further down, and his breath fanned between my thighs. I would have clamped my legs shut if his shoulders weren’t forcing them apart.

“Relax for me, Sydney,” he coaxed.

It was easier said than done. It wasn’t like I was accustomed to anyone touching me in such an intimate place. Still, I was curious about the experience, so I took a deep breath and forced my muscles to relax. The first touch of his mouth to my center almost sent me shuttling through the ceiling. My legs locked around his shoulders, but he didn’t seem to mind because he continued to tease me gently at first.

His tongue swirling around my sensitive bud made me moan with delight. I lifted my hips, silently begging for more. Seeing that I’d completely relaxed, he delved in, his mouth moving voraciously as if he’d been starving.

“You taste incredible,” he murmured. “Just as I thought you would.”

My only response was another moan because a delicious pressure built inside me, ready to burst. He feasted on my lower lips, kissing them as sensually as he had my mouth until I let out a cry and shattered into what felt like a million pieces. His name rolled off my tongue as I shuddered uncontrollably. My first orgasm was so intense I lost my breath.

Barely recovered, I opened my eyes to find Cole peering down at me. His lips glistened with my juices. It was probably one of the hottest things I’d ever seen. “Are you alright?” he asked.

His concern sent warmth, flooding me inside and out. I nodded because I didn’t think I could speak. He slid a hand between my thighs to tease me some more. I gasped and shuddered when he inserted a finger between my folds. The invasion felt a little strange at first, but as he stroked, it felt better. “I hope you’re ready for me,” he whispered, “because I can’t wait any longer.”

It was sweet that he held himself in check for my comfort. “I’m ready,” I told him.

Holding my gaze, he positioned himself between my legs. His broad tip pushing against my entrance was a little daunting, but my need for him overrode my fear. I’d wanted him since the moment I saw him, and finally, he was mine… sort of. I didn’t get to feel the typical despair about his unwillingness to claim me as his mate because he drove forward, and all other thoughts evaded me.

I gasped his name, frightened by the initial pain that hit me. He immediately paused, allowing me time to adjust. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “Hold on to me.” I didn’t think I’d enjoy the rest of my first sexual experience, but when he moved again, the pain was gone, replaced by the delicious sensation of being completely filled.

“I’m okay,” I said, lifting my hips. “More.”

He gave me what I wanted, pulling out and thrusting forward again, but I suspected he still held back. It wasn’t long before I felt another orgasm building. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I took him deeper.

Cole groaned. “Fuck, Sydney, you feel so good. I could stay here forever.”

I wished we could stay like this forever, too. Just the two of us, connected in the most intimate way possible. No werewolves that hated me, no pack rules stopping us from being together. Sadness didn’t get to surface because my second orgasm hit me harder than the first. Holding on to Cole, I rode the waves of pleasure, amazed by the things I felt. He followed me over the edge, his body shuddering against mine.

He collapsed beside me, and our combined ragged breathing filled the room. When I recovered, I turned to look at Cole, only to find him staring at me. His eyebrows were drawn together, and his eyes clouded with uncertainty. I understood that look because it was the same thing I felt. Worry. What happened now that we’d crossed this line, knowing we couldn’t be together?