Chapter 6

THE SKY DARKENS RAPIDLY as thick clouds roll in like an angry tide. A crack of thunder shakes the air, and fat raindrops begin to pelt us. Ronan grabs my hand, his fur already darkening with moisture.

“My cabin’s just over there,” he shouts over the growing wind. “We can wait out the storm.”

We sprint across the increasingly muddy ground as rain lashes our faces. Lightning flashes, illuminating the path ahead in stark white. By the time we reach Ronan’s cabin, about a quarter-mile from the Luminous Lagoon, we’re both soaked to the bone.

He turns the doorknob, his claws clicking against the metal, and the door swings open. Clearly, locking doors isn’t a big concern here. I’m relieved when we tumble inside, dripping onto the wooden floor. The interior is dim, lit only by the gray light filtering through rain-streaked windows.

“Quite a storm,” I say, wringing water from my hair. “Is it always like this?”

Ronan shakes himself, sending droplets flying. “Not usually. This feels different. More intense than a natural storm, so I’m guessing Grizelda’s pregnancy sickness is making her magic glitch again.” He moves to the fireplace, arranging logs with practiced ease. “You should get out of those wet clothes. The bathroom’s through there, so feel free to have a warm shower. I’ll find you something dry to wear.”

I nod gratefully and squelch my way to the bathroom. It’s small but cozy, with a claw-foot tub and standing shower attachment and a mirror that seems to ripple like water when I look at it too long. I peel off my sodden clothes, hanging them over the towel rod before stepping into a hot shower. I keep it brief, knowing he’s waiting to warm up too.

I’m just turning off the water when there’s a soft knock at the door. “I’ve got some clothes for you,” he says. “I’ll leave them outside.”

“Thanks,” I say, wrapping myself in a fluffy towel. When I peek out, I find a neatly folded flannel shirt and a pair of sweatpants. The shirt smells like pine and something uniquely Ronan. I slip it on, the soft fabric enveloping me like a warm hug. I skip the sweatpants, which are laughably too big, even with a drawstring waist.

When I emerge from the bathroom, the cabin is transformed. A fire crackles merrily in the hearth, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Ronan has changed into dry clothes as well, but his fur is still slightly damp and tousled. I guess he decided not to wait for the shower.

“Feel better?” he asks, glancing up from where he’s arranging blankets on the couch.

I nod, padding over to join him. “Much. Thanks for the shirt.” I look down at the navy and kelly-green plaid shirt, running my fingers across the hem as it strikes me that he’s recently worn this. Wearing his shirt is almost like having his arms around me.

“It suits you,” he says with a small smile. “Hungry? I’ve got some vegetable barley soup warming on the stove.”

My stomach growls in response, and we both laugh. “I’ll take that as a yes,” he says, moving to the kitchen area.

I take the opportunity to look around the cabin. It’s a single room, with the kitchen area to one side and a large bed tucked into an alcove on the other. Bookshelves line the walls, filled with an eclectic mix of titles. A few framed photos catch my eye—Ronan with what must be his family since they’re all lycans.

“This is a nice place,” I say as he returns with two steaming bowls. “Very...you.”

He hands me a bowl and settles beside me on the couch. “Thanks. It’s not much, but it’s home.”

We eat in companionable silence for a while, accompanied only by the sounds of the crackling fire and the storm raging outside. The soup is hearty and delicious, warming me from the inside out. “So,” I say, setting aside my empty bowl. “How long do these magical storms usually last?”

He frowns slightly. “It’s hard to say.” A particularly loud crack of thunder makes me jump. “Don’t worry. We’re safe here.”

I look down at our joined hands, my much smaller one nearly disappearing in his large, furred grip. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Earlier, at the lagoon...when the water changed color. What did that mean to you?”

He looks at me intently. “It meant...hope. Possibility. Something I haven’t felt in a long time.”

My heart starts galloping. “What do you feel now?”

He cups my cheek, his touch impossibly gentle for someone so strong. “I—”

Another crash of thunder, loud enough to rattle the windows, interrupts him. We both jump, and the moment is broken. He clears his throat, dropping his hand. “I should check the windows and make sure everything’s secure.”

I nod, trying to hide my disappointment. As he moves around the cabin, I curl up on the couch. The storm rages outside, wind howling and rain lashing against the windows. I wrap the blanket tighter around my shoulders, watching Ronan. His movements are graceful despite his large frame, with each action purposeful and efficient.

“I think we’re all set,” he says, returning to the couch. “The storm doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon.”

I nod, shifting to make room for him. “It’s extreme. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

He settles beside me, radiating warmth even through my blanket. “Magical storms can be unpredictable. They tap into the energy of the land itself.”

“That sounds...powerful,” I say, struggling to wrap my mind around the concept. “Is it dangerous?”

He shakes his head. “Not usually. Just intense. The cabin’s warded against magical interference. We’re safe here.”

A comfortable silence falls between us, broken only by the crackling fire, and the storm’s fury outside. I study his profile, liking the way the firelight plays across his features. “Can I ask you something?” I say, breaking the silence.

Ronan turns to me. “Of course.”

“Do you ever think about leaving Evershift Haven?”

He sighs, a low rumble in his chest. “Yes, but it’s too complicated. You’ve probably noticed I’m not like the werewolves in your stories.”

I nod, remembering the tales of men transforming into wolves under the full moon. “You’re always like this, right?”

“Yes. Lycans are...stuck, I suppose you could say. We can’t fully shift between wolf and human forms. This is our natural state.” He holds up a hand, flexing his clawed fingers. “It makes blending into the human world challenging.”

“I see,” I say softly. “So Evershift Haven is...”

“A place where I can be myself without fear or judgment. My pack has been here for generations. We’re part of the fabric of this community.”

I reach out, hesitating for a moment before placing my hand on his furred arm. “That must be both comforting and limiting.”

He nods while, looking at where my hand rests. “It is. I’m grateful for the safety and acceptance Evershift provides, but sometimes, I wonder about the world beyond. The human world.”

He smiles, a flash of sharp teeth that I now find endearing rather than intimidating. “Occasionally, the best parts of the human world come to me. I’m curious by nature, and you intrigue me, Candice.”

I flush at his words. “I’m not that interesting.”

“I disagree,” he says. “Tell me something about your life in Chicago. Something you love.”

I think for a moment as memories of the bustling city flash through my mind. “There’s this little farmers’ market I go to every weekend. It’s nothing fancy, just a handful of local farmers selling their produce, but there’s something magical about it. The way the vegetables are arranged in neat rows, still covered in bits of soil, the smell of fresh herbs and ripe fruit...” I trail off with a happy sigh. “The farmers know me by name now. They always save the best tomatoes for me.”

As I speak, he moves closer. “That sounds wonderful. Do you grow things yourself? I think you mentioned an herb garden?”

I laugh softly. “Not really. Just a few herbs on my windowsill, and some containers on my patio. My apartment doesn’t exactly have space for a garden, but...” I trail off, suddenly self-conscious.

“But what?” he prompts gently.

I inhale and exhale a couple of times, bracing myself to admit something I haven’t even told my sister. “Promise not to laugh?”

He places a hand over his heart, the gesture solemn despite the twinkle in his eyes. “Lycan’s honor.”

“Okay. The truth is, I’ve always dreamed of being a farmer. Not just growing a few tomatoes, but really farming. Working the land, watching things grow from seed to harvest, and being self-reliant. There’s something so pure about it. So connected to nature.”

I expect Ronan to chuckle at my city-girl farming fantasies, but his expression is thoughtful. “That’s a beautiful dream. Have you ever considered pursuing it?”

I shake my head. “It’s not practical. I have a career in event planning. It’s what I’m good at. Farming is just a silly daydream.”

“Dreams aren’t silly,” he says firmly. “Especially not here in Evershift Haven. This is a place where dreams can become reality, if you’re brave enough to chase them.”

His words stir something in me, a longing I’ve tried to bury beneath practicality and expectations. “Maybe,” I say softly, “But it’s not like I can just quit my job and buy a farm.”

“Why not?” he asks. “Evershift Haven has some of the most fertile land in any realm, and we’re always looking for new farmers to help feed the magical community.”

I stare at him, considering the possibilities. “Are you serious?”

He nods with excitement. “Absolutely. In fact, there’s a plot of land not far from here that’s been lying fallow for years. It’s said to be blessed by earth sprites. With a little work, it could be transformed into a thriving farm. My family also has some land,” he says, almost shyly.

Excitement flares at the idea. “That would be wonderful, but I don’t know the first thing about magical farming, and I can’t just abandon my life in Chicago.”

“You could learn,” he says. “And as for Chicago... That’s a decision only you can make but know you’d be welcome here. More than welcome.”

The intensity in his gaze makes my breath catch, and I’m sure he’s referring to his cabin even more than the town. Outside, a particularly loud crack of thunder booms, making the windows rattle. I jump, instinctively moving closer to him.

Without hesitation, he wraps his arms around me, pulling me against his broad chest. The steady beat of his heart is a counterpoint to the storm’s fury. “I’ve got you,” he whispers, and his breath is warm against my scalp.

I look up, meeting his gaze. The air between us seems to crackle with more than just the storm’s energy. “Ronan,” I whisper, bringing my hand up to rest on his cheek.

He leans into my touch, briefly closing his eyelids. When they open again, they’re dark with desire. “Candice,” he says softly, and then his lips are on mine.

The kiss is gentle at first, almost hesitant, but as I respond, wrapping my arms around his neck, it deepens. One of his hands presses against my back, pulling me closer until I’m practically in his lap. I run my fingers through his fur, marveling at its softness.

We break apart, panting slightly. He rests his forehead against mine. “Candice,” he says again, his voice husky with need. “If you want me to stop, tell me now. Once we start, I might not be able to hold back. You test my control in ways no one ever has.”

I swallow hard. My body is already responding to his nearness, nipples tightening while heat pools between my thighs. “Don’t stop,” I say firmly.

That’s all the encouragement he needs. He kisses me again, harder this time, titling his muzzle so that our lips touch before he deepens the kiss once more. His tongue surges into my mouth, and it has more texture than a human’s, but it’s exotic and pleasurable. I moan softly, pressing against him.

He growls in response, the sound vibrating through my entire body. One large hand cups my breast, kneading it gently. I gasp as he rolls my nipple between his thumb and forefinger, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through me.

His other hand slides down my back, cupping my ass and squeezing it firmly. I whimper, grinding against him. His cock is straining against his pants, and I long to free it and see what to expect from a lycan lover. Can we even physically...fit together? My sister is in love with an orc, so inter-species mating should be possible, but I’m suddenly anxious and curious.

I ease back, breaking our kiss while unbuttoning his plaid shirt. His fur springs free, and I run my fingers through his lush pelt. “You feel so different. It’s good,” I add hastily when he frowns. “It’s just new to me.”

“I understand.” He nuzzles my neck. “I promise you’ll enjoy every minute of being with me.”

I believe him. My body is already aching for him, and he must be able to smell my arousal. I push his shirt off his shoulders, baring his chest. He shrugs out of it, letting it fall to the floor. Gliding my hand down his chest and to his abs, I feel the hard muscle underneath the soft fur. He’s built like a Greek god, and I can’t wait to explore every inch of him.

I reach for the waistband of his jeans and fumble with the button. He helps me, undoing it quickly and pushing them down. His cock springs free, and I stare at it in awe. It’s huge, easily ten inches long, and thicker than anything I’ve seen before, but it’s not the size that surprises me. No, it’s the knot at the base of his shaft. It’s bigger than a tennis ball, and I wonder how it will fit inside me.

He must notice my apprehension because he says, “We don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with, and I can stop before...the knot. You probably can’t take all of it our first time anyway.”

I smile up at him and lick my lips. “That sounds like a challenge...but I like the sound of first time.”

He laughs. “First of many, I hope.” He pulls me closer again, his fingers working the buttons on the plaid shirt he loaned me. I’m completely bare underneath. Even my panties and bra were soaked by the deluge.

I shiver with anticipation as he pushes the shirt off my shoulders, exposing my breasts. They’re small, barely a handful, but he cups them reverently, stroking my nipples with his thumbs. The sensation sends sparks of pleasure straight to my pussy, which is already dripping wet.

His nostrils flare, and he growls softly. “You smell amazing.”

I blush at his confirmation that he can smell my arousal. “So do you,” I say shyly, inhaling deeply. His scent is musky and masculine, and it makes me want to rub myself all over him.

He kisses me again, harder this time, his tongue invading my mouth possessively. I moan into the kiss, pressing my body against his. His cock is rock-hard now, and I feel the heat radiating from it. I grind against him, desperate for friction while grasping it with my palm.

I swallow, a bit intimidated. There’s so much of it. “It’s big,” I whisper.

“Too big?” he asks, sounding worried.

“No, just...bigger than what I’m used to.” I wink. “Furrier too.” The fur is mostly around his balls and knot, but it’s thick and plush like the rest covering his body.

He chuckles. “The fur doesn’t bother you?”

“Not at all. I think it’s sexy.” I slowly stroke his cock, feeling the velvety skin slide over the hardness beneath. He groans, thrusting into my hand.

“Candice...” His voice is strained. “If you keep doing that, I won’t be able to control myself.”

“Good,” I murmur, continuing to stroke him. “I want you to lose control.”

He growls, grabbing my wrist and pulling my hand away from his cock. “Then get on your knees.”

My heart pounds as I sink to my knees in front of him. I’ve never tried to take such a large cock in my mouth, but I want to please him. I look up at him, waiting for further instruction. I expect him to ask for a blowjob.

Instead, he walks around behind me, getting to his knees as well. For a second, the tip of his cock glides down my slit, but then he’s moving farther away while urging me to bend forward across the couch. When he cups my hips and lifts me, his intent is clear.

A second later, his rough, raspy tongue slides between my folds. I gasp, gripping the cushions tightly as he begins to lick me. His tongue is long and thick, and he uses it expertly, swirling it around my clit before dipping inside me. I moan, rocking back against him, wanting more.

He pulls away briefly, chuckling. “Eager, aren’t you? Don’t worry, I’ll give you everything you need.” Then his tongue is back, licking and sucking at my pussy until I’m trembling with pleasure.

He grips my ass cheeks firmly, spreading them apart so he can reach every inch of me. I cry out as he pushes his tongue deeper inside me, fucking me with it. My orgasm builds quickly, and soon I’m screaming as waves of ecstasy crash over me.

As I come, he continues to lap at my juices, drinking them greedily. Finally, he withdraws, panting heavily. “You taste amazing,” he says huskily. “I could eat you forever.”

I turn my head to look at him over my shoulder. “That was incredible, but now I really want to feel you inside me.”

He grins wickedly. “Oh, don’t worry, little human. You will.”

With that promise, he moves closer, positioning himself behind me. His cock presses against my entrance, and I hold up a hand. “Do we need to use protection or something? I’m on the pill and all, but magic...? Can a lycan even get a human pregnant?”

“Not most places, but anything is possible in Evershift Haven.” His tip enters me slowly, making us both moan. “Your pill should protect you.”

I nod, relaxing as he sinks deeper inside me. He feels huge, stretching me wide open. I whimper softly, trying to adjust to his size.

He pauses, letting me catch my breath. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” I whisper. “Just...go slowly.”

He nods, continuing to push forward steadily but gently. Soon, he’s filling me completely, and I cry out in pleasure. His fur cradles my ass, and his knot presses against my entrance. I can’t yet take it, but he doesn’t seem bothered as he withdraws and lightly thrusts into me again.

My cries grow louder as he picks up speed, pounding into me harder and faster. I cling to the couch cushions, bracing myself against his powerful thrusts. I tremble as another orgasm builds deeply within me. He growls, tightly gripping my hips as he slams into me.

Then suddenly, he stops moving. I glance over my shoulder to see what’s wrong, but he just smiles at me. “Ready?”

Before I can respond, he pushes his knot into me, forcing it past my tight ring of muscle. I expect pain, but it’s only a slight twinge before intense pleasure floods through me. I arch my back, pushing against him as he begins to move again. This time, he sets a slower pace, gently rocking his hips as he fills me completely.

The pressure inside me grows until I think I might explode. Then, without warning, I do. My vision goes white as ecstasy consumes me. I shout his name, clenching around him as my climax crashes through me. He roars, burying his face in my neck as he comes too, flooding me with his hot seed. I collapse onto the couch, panting heavily as aftershocks ripple through me.

After a few minutes, I come to my senses and realize he’s still hard inside me. “Is that normal?”

He grunts, sounding more animal than man for a moment. “Yes. It will take several orgasms before the knot softens, allowing me to pull out.”

I look over my shoulder, giving him a look of exasperation but also amusement. “You might have mentioned that earlier. I don’t want to stay on my knees for hours.”

His lips curl into a smile, showing off his fangs. “We can change positions if you’d like.”

I consider this for a moment, then nod. “Okay.”

He lifts me easily, shifting us so that he’s sitting on the couch with me straddling his lap, facing away from him. His knot remains buried inside me, stretching me open wide. I settle back against his chest, sighing contentedly as he wraps his arms around me. We sit like that for a while, enjoying the closeness and intimacy of our position. Eventually, his cock begins to swell again, growing thicker and harder inside me.

“Are you ready for another round?” He cups my breasts as he asks while burying his muzzle against my neck.

I yelp with shock, not pain, when he nips me there, and nod enthusiastically. “Yes.”

He chuckles. “Good girl.”

With that, he begins thrusting again, setting a slow and steady pace. I moan softly, letting myself relax into his embrace as he takes control. As the storm rages outside, we lose ourselves in each other, exploring this new, exciting connection. With each kiss, each tender touch, and each thrust of our bodies, I’m falling deeper into the magic of Evershift Haven—and into Ronan’s arms.