13

Aspen

Just relax.

My hands were literally shaking. I hid them behind my back as Ranger stood naked in the fading light of day that cast the forest in a gray haze. Dusk was coming and the moon crawled higher in the sky above us.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I'd let myself worry about the consequences and problems and decisions related to the coming heat.

Tonight was mine to do as I pleased.

I still couldn't believe Trenton apologized to me this evening. It felt like a weight falling, allowing me to start my new life with less baggage. I could focus on the future. Forget the crap that happened in my past.

Though the thought of the coming days had me anxious all over again. Back in Nuva Pack–and I'm sure what happened in every other pack–the full moon tomorrow night would trigger the mating run. Alpha Derek would hold the males back as the females spread out.

And then the chase began.

If I was allowed to have an opinion, I might say it gave major creep vibes to have male wolves chase a bunch of females through the night. But there was a primitive part of me that couldn't deny it was a thrill unlike any other. I had to outsmart them, outrun all the single males in my pack.

By the following morning, I'd be in the throes of the heat so having a head start to get to my caves and prepare for the next few days was a blessing. Now I wasn't sure what to expect. The girls were waiting for some kind of answer from me. I assumed they wanted to see what I'd do or if I'd stay for the season. Would my decision affect them that much? I wasn't used to thinking about so many others when it came to my actions.

But if I wanted to be with Ranger, I knew I needed to get used to it.

Did I want to be with Ranger this season?

Will you shut up already and get him in our nest?

Right. Tomorrow. I'd think on this later.

With a steady hand, I laced my fingers through Ranger's callused fingers and tugged him closer to the shed.

"We should talk." His voice had a growling rumble to it which was a leash on my libido.

I squeezed my thighs together and nodded, before realizing what he'd said.

"Talk about what?" I couldn't help the breathless anxiety that slipped out as I wondered if this was the moment he walked away and told me it'd all been a joke.

"Not like that." He caught my chin, brushing his lips against mine in a brief, bruising kiss that left no room for doubt.

And had me pouting as he pulled away.

"You don't want to run this season." Each word sounded painful like he was forcing them out. His hands came to rest on my hips, holding me steady. "I have transportation coming. Jones and Foster are scouting for an access road and they'll use the satellite phone to get a vehicle up here. No matter what happens, we'll get you safely away."

It was hard to focus on his words when I could still taste his lips on mine. "Can we talk about this in the morning?"

His smirk was sinful. "That sounds like a good idea. Safe word?"

I gulped. It was just a question, but those two words together made all kinds of scenarios flash through my mind. I kind of liked that he asked, knowing that whatever happened, I was still in control. Two words and I could make it end.

All I had to say was, "French toast," I whispered.

"Good." Ranger motioned with his eyes to my nest behind me. "Can I come in?"

Cue the panic.

"Hang on a second." I slipped inside, closing the door in his face. My heart thumped too hard in my chest. This place was a disaster.

I hadn't swept it out enough. It looked so empty with the mattress on the floor. He was used to penthouse suites and Persian rugs. I had home-skinned furs and a plywood box.

Fluff the blankets, my wolf growled.

Of course that's what she'd focus on.

I fluffed them anyway and smoothed out the wrinkles.

The hinges on the door squeaked as they opened a bit to reveal Ranger, still in all his naked glory, standing outside and leaning against the frame.

"Sorry, it's…" I looked around, not sure what to apologize for.

"It's perfect." Ranger's reverent expression eased my worries. "Just like you."

I inhaled deeply, gathering my wits, and held out my hand. "You can come in."

His smile warmed me from my head to my toes, wrapping my body in praise. I was expecting him to charge into my nest, but he took his time brushing the dirt off the soles of his bare feet.

Smart mate, my wolf approved.

Ranger walked into my nest slowly.

He was too big, too masculine, for this space. His presence filled my nest and his scent was everywhere. My pulse started drumming fast in my ears. Everything was too exposed.

On the cliff behind the tents…

In the woods…

My room in the resort…

None of those places felt this raw and intimate. In my nest, we were sharing the same air. He could see my things–or lack of things–bare and laid out for him to judge.

"You're shaking," he commented.

I swallowed hard and nodded. "Sure am."

Ranger's lips twitched and I swear he almost smiled before he pressed his mouth into a frown. He walked around me like a predator circling its prey. The tight space of the shed trapped his body heat, making the temperature rise, which didn't explain the goosebumps that broke out on my skin under his perusal.

"Why are you nervous?"

"Besides your giant cock?" When he didn't laugh at my joke, my cheeks flamed red and I turned my eyes to the ground. "Isn't it obvious?"

"Isn't what obvious?" He came to a stop.

I stared at his feet. "You're you and I'm… me."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Irritation stroked my ego when I realized he was making me spell it out. I raised my chin defiantly, meeting his gaze. "You know what? Never mind. Just because you're some big, bad Alpha, it doesn't make you any better than me."

The knowing smirk on his face had my eyes narrowing. He was pleased with himself for using my own pride against me. And damn it if it didn't work.

Still…

"Don't do that," I said.

"Do what?" He was the picture of perfect innocence. About as convincing as a demon in church.

"Play with me," I growled.

I knew it was the wrong choice of words when his eyebrow shot up.

Ranger leaned closer. His teeth gently grazed the shell of my ear. "You don't want me to play with you?"

"That's not how I meant it," I groaned. My body involuntarily arched into his as I closed my eyes. Why did he insist on using words? It was so hard to think this close to him.

"Then you do want to play." His dark laughter was a breathy caress against my neck followed by soft nips of his teeth as he trailed bites down to my shoulder. "The real question is, do you want to start this game with you challenging me or are you going to be a good girl and sit on your knees?'

There was a gentle tug at the end of my braid that tipped my head back to give him better access to my neck. I kept my eyes shut, enjoying the sensations without the added distraction of sight.

His question hung in the air between us.

I really liked getting A's on my assignments, but something about him yanked on the inner rebel in me. He coaxed who I really was out in a way that made it safe. Making me want to test the limits.

Just to see.

"Are you going to make me?" I whispered, already a little wet.

The width of his palm wrapped around my throat and my eyes flew wide open. I didn't dare move, wondering if I'd pushed too far, as he increased the pressure slightly.

Amusement danced across his darkened expression. "Do you want to be punished?"

Did I?

I do.

I really wasn't sure what I was getting into.

Ranger seemed to read all these thoughts play across my face. "Is there something specific you want?"

I choked on the directness of that question, scrambling for safer ground.

"I don't know what's on the table. How far does this go? Are you into ball gags and stuff? Aren't we supposed to write this all up in a contract? I read that once in a romance novel. We can list everything we're okay with and what we want to try."

Yes, I knew I was rambling.

Ranger's lips quirked again and I got the feeling he was trying really hard not to smile. "Always so eager to jump into the deep end."

"Not really." I shrugged.

Okay, maybe.

But in my defense, it was like entering an ice cream parlor and wanting a taste test of each flavor before committing to what I'd like a whole serving of.

I gave a sheepish grin, hoping he understood.

"I'm not sure you're ready for real punishment yet, but we can ease into it." His dark promises had a throbbing ache building in my core. "I do want to see how well you can take a spanking. Would you like that?"

Absolutely not.

Say yes.

I nodded.

"Words, Aspen," he teased, because he delighted in torturing me.

Cheeks flushing deeper, I whispered, "Yes, please."

"Please what?"

Damn him to hell. "I want you to spank me."

"All you had to do was ask." He released my neck and my braid, taking his time as he walked backward and took a seat on the edge of the mattress. Ranger rested his arms on his thick thighs. "Take off your pants."

I tentatively touched the button on my jeans.

Was he always this bossy?

"Now."

"Fine." I huffed, shimmying out of my pants as I sucked in my gut. The lighting was dim thanks to the sunset. Ranger motioned me forward with a curl of his finger. I thought about the other day in the resort lobby and wanted to disobey.

The deep growl rumbling in his chest spurred me to take a short step forward.

With the rapture on his face, the tension in my shoulders eased a little. I took another step, swaying my hips a bit, and watched as his pupils widened under the ringed glow of his wolf in his eyes.

By the time I took another step, I felt like a goddess. A furry goddess though since I hadn't shaved in–

Shut up. Fur is hot. Focus on him.

I listened to my wolf and came to a stop in front of Ranger. My breath was shallow. I felt a little lightheaded. But I was here, ready for this.

The fading light cast shadows on his face as he looked up at me. "You put yourself in danger by rushing off without an escort."

"I… Um…" I couldn't argue with that.

"And I believe I told you to behave." The reprimand in his tone made my legs shake.

I forced myself to stand tall. "Technically, you were talking about me keeping my mouth shut and–"

"Get on your knees, Aspen." His growling voice had my body obeying before I could fight. It wasn't compulsion. It was something else. Sexy dominance magic most likely.

My panties were already soaked and my heart fluttered faster as I sank to my knees in front of him.

"That wasn't so hard now, was it?" Ranger pressed an affectionate kiss on my forehead.

Before I could respond, he pulled me across his legs. I sucked in a gasp as he smoothed his hand down my spine, pushing my head into the mattress and exposing the bare skin of my back.

With his other hand, he moved my knees against the outer side of his thigh. He propped my backside up in the air over his lap.

Perfect, my beast purred. Present for him.

I did not have her confidence.

Modesty made my skin flush crimson as he slowly dragged my panties down my legs, exposing everything.

At least I couldn't see it.

I shut my eyes tight as his rough palm massaged my right cheek.

"Look at this beautiful ass. So soft and ready for me." Ranger ran his palm in circles, moving over both cheeks and making them feel warm until his fingers slipped between them.

I breathed heavier as he dipped his fingers lower, massaging my soaking sex.

"Remember your safe word," he commanded.

"Mmm, hmm," I moaned, pressing myself into his large hand.

He stopped touching me.

Just pulled his hand away like I was done.

A needy whine came from my throat as I sought his warmth. The cold air danced on my exposed skin. I arched my spine a bit, seeking… something.

The sharp crack of his palm against my butt made me jolt and cry out.

That hurt.

"So responsive." Ranger massaged the burning spot.

I sucked in a shaky breath, breathing through the pain. It wasn't so bad.

Smack. My ass bounced against his open hand. Tears sprung to my eyes as I grit my teeth.

"Look at those pretty cheeks turning red for me," Ranger praised as he massaged my skin. "Does my mate like being spanked?"

He spread my legs wider and slick dripped down my front. Mortified, I buried my head further into the blanket and prayed he didn't ask for words.

Two quick little smacks followed his growl of approval. "Look at you taking this spanking so well for me."

I gushed, feeling the clenching of my empty core as my clit throbbed painfully in the cold air. I arched my spine higher, preparing for the next smack. At some point, I'd need to process how hot this was and what it said about me.

But for now, I waited. Bracing for his hand. Backing up and ready, excited for…

Ranger lifted me off his lap.

"Hey!" I cried out.

"I need to taste you." His growl left no room for argument and I wasn't about to complain.

He kept my face pressed down and ass in the air as he dragged his tongue up my slit.

Oh no. I felt another gush and tried to squeeze my thighs together, earning a growl of warning. My body obeyed his tone on a primitive level and I stilled.

Ranger licked my juices up and resumed eating. I squirmed. He held me in place. The pressure built. He hummed his approval against my clit.

I started to shake.

He lapped again, forcing his tongue inside. It was impossibly long and thick, touching places I didn't think it could. I moaned deliriously as he pulled his tongue out, dragging it from front to back again.

Pure talent. Even my wolf was panting.

My hips bucked as he adjusted his grip. Ranger sucked on my clit, pushing a finger into my sex. And then another. I was so freaking wet. He pumped his fingers faster, turning me into a needy mess as I cried out for more.

By the time he pressed a third finger inside me, I was soaked and boneless and completely held up by him. He finger-fucked me into oblivion, stretching me impossibly wide as he continued to hum against my clit. Stars built, twisting into a kaleidoscope of color and sensation that burst from my soul as I came apart while screaming his name.