3. Emma

After hours of holding on, I'm so tired and my hands and thighs are killing me from gripping onto the wolf. My muscles are sore from straining for the hours that I've been on his back and my entire body is stinging from holding on with every jolt as the two werewolves raced through the forest. I think they enjoyed my reaction when they barreled through the trees and ducked under branches. My heavy breathing and tight grip on him only seemed to motivate the wolf to move harder and faster.

If I'm honest, it's exhilarating. I can't imagine anyone else has ever gotten to feel this before. Maybe their mates, the women they've chosen at offerings. My heart races yet again and I know I need to speak up the first chance I'm given. I have no idea where we're going or what the shifters want with me, but I need them to know what I want.

It's nearly pitch black out now and we've slowed down. The only light we have shines down from the crescent moon. I'm not sure what's going on or where they're taking me. We moved so fast that I lost track of where we are. I don't think I could get home now even if I wanted to. Logically, I know I should be scared about the fact that I'm stranded and at their mercy, but instead I feel calm and protected. Maybe that makes me stupid, but at the moment I don't seem to mind.

The noises of the night silence as we enter a small cave in the side of the mountain. It can barely fit both wolves, but they settle down and get comfortable, shifting their weight slightly. I'm finally given a moment to lift my body off the black wolf. I take a moment to stretch my sore muscles and rehearse in my head what I need to say first, though the ache of my body takes all my attention. Even my eyes are sore. I close my eyes, enjoying the free movement of my body. My heart jumps up into my throat and I scream as the black wolf's teeth nip my hip. I throw my body off the wolf and hit my back hard against the jagged rock, shoving my small frame between the massive beast and the unmoving wall.

A snarl rips through the small cave, echoing off the walls. It's then that I really take the situation for what it is. My heart races and my breath staggers as my back scrapes against the rock behind me. The wolves don't seem to pay any attention to my reaction, instead they engage in a silent discussion. I recognize the way they look at each other and the small movements that mirror conversations. I part my lips to speak, but the white wolf stares back at me, silencing me before I've even uttered a word.

I press my lips together and restrain myself from cowering. If they intended to harm me, they would've done so already. The black wolf acts as a barrier between me and the white wolf. I feel safe with him between the two of us. Something about the white wolf makes me feel uneasy. My skin tingles and heats looking at him. Waiting for him. That's the feeling that's overwhelming me. I'm waiting for him to make a decision. And I have a bad feeling that when he does, I'm never going to be the same.

Just as I come to that realization, my protector stands and leaves the cave, freeing the space between me and the white wolf. I stand still against the wall, holding my breath as the tips of my fingers dig into the rock behind me. It's only for a moment though. The other wolf returns and nudges me with his snout to the center of the cave, pushing me closer to the white wolf, exactly where I don't want to be.

He's obviously displeased with my hesitation and reluctance to be close to him. He lowers his body to the ground and closes his eyes, suddenly disinterested in my presence. I don't feel any sense of relief though. The black wolf does the same behind me, lying low to the ground and resting. The two massive wolves come up past my hips while I'm standing, but being surrounded by the two of them is both exhilarating and intimidating. I'm left standing between the two, trapped in the small cave.

A moment passes and the chill of the night creeps through the thin tank top. My eyes search for the backpack, but I must've dropped it when I was startled earlier. Panic sets in. I could climb over the black wolf and dig between him and the wall, but I'm not sure how well that action would be received. I also don't want to turn my back on the white wolf. I could speak, but I'm terrified to push boundaries. I'm not sure what the protocol is, but I know that when they're ready to speak with me they will and if I'm smart, I'll keep my mouth shut until then.

I settle down between the two mammoth beasts and just like earlier, there's a pressure, a force I've never felt before. I immediately feel relaxed surrounded by their warmth. A sense of peace settles in my chest as I push my back snuggly against the thick fur of the black wolf. It's heady like a drug. It's undeniable that my control drifts from me. I'm conscious of it and yet I don't mind. I wish I had my recorder, I pray I don't forget this feeling. It's nearly magical. A masculine woodsy smell fills the air and I breathe it in, loving the scent. A small sigh leaves my lips as my heavy lids close. They open slightly as the wolves shift around me getting themselves comfortable, closing me in even more. As they settle, I drift off, feeling my body lighten and my breathing even and submit to the need to sleep.

A slight chillmakes my shoulders hunch and my hands search for my blanket. I slowly part my eyes, waking from the deep sleep and remember the day before.

The shifters.

My body nearly jackknifes off the ground as I search the cave for the wolves. With my heart racing, I realize I'm alone. My backpack is in the very back of the cave, left opened. But other than that, the cave is empty. My heart sinks and my body numbs with a sickening feeling that they've left me.

They've gone. I had them here with me and I didn't say a damn word. I didn't get a single recording.

Tears prick at my eyes as my fists clench. My heart shatters and the sadness surprises me. I've always wanted this, but the strong reaction is unwanted and not something I'm used to. I can't even remember the last time I've cried. I have no idea why I'm feeling such intense emotions, such sadness. It's illogical. I don't understand and yet I can't control it. A noise at the entrance of the cave makes me tense.

Although his hair is blond, in the same wild style as the other shifter, he has a darkness about him. The way he carries his weight is as though he's stalking a prey. Hunting something. A lump grows in my throat as he approaches me without taking his striking blue eyes off me. My eyes widen as they travel down his muscular body. His massive dick is so hard, it barely moves as he walks, standing straight up. My bottom lip drops open in both shock and awe. He palms his cock and chuckles, making me realize that I'm staring. A hot blush travels up my chest and into my cheeks. I lower my gaze to the ground although I can still track his movements in my periphery. He stops right in front of me, lies on the ground, and then props up on his elbows. The heat from his body radiates toward me. The sight of his muscular frame sends a shiver of need through me, heating my core.

I'm ashamed by my reaction. I know wolves don't react this way. They only have urges for their mates. Yet here I am, turned on by both shifters and aching with the need to be touched by both of them. I close my eyes and try to will the thoughts away. I'm only here for research.

I can't cave to a primitive desire, though I've never felt this need before. I've never allowed myself to get close enough to a man, let alone had any of the feelings that devastate me in the presence of the werewolves. Just as I push my feelings aside, the shifter speaks. Startling me with his low, baritone command. "Suck."

My eyes shoot to his in shock as he strokes himself. I watch his large hand grip his cock and slowly wrap around the top, spreading the precum around his head. My mouth waters at the sight, and my entire body wants to pounce at the invitation to take him into my mouth. But I can't believe what I've heard. This goes against everything I know. I stare back at him in disbelief.

His eyes narrow and an urge to bow to him pushes me to the ground. The heavy weight shoots a sharp pain through my body, making me wince and moan beneath him. In an instant the feelings are gone and his large, rough hand cups my chin, tilting my head to look at him. His eyes search mine for a moment, and I have no idea what to do other than to look back into his icy blue gaze. A moment passes between us. His eyes pierce into mine and my heart pounds over and over again. My body warms at his touch. Instead of fear, I feel warmth and comfort. I feel a longing I can't explain. There's an intense pull of lust and desire.

His thumb rests against my lower lip before pushing into my mouth. I easily part for him and gently suck. A low groan of approval reverberates off the walls. I close my eyes, enjoying the taste of him in my mouth and feel encouraged with his approval. He pulls his hand away far too soon and I immediately miss his touch. He strokes himself again, just inches from my lowered body.

His hand fists the hair at the base of my neck and he gently pulls me toward him. The slight pain is directly linked to the throbbing need in my now-soaked pussy. Everything about him seems forbidden and mysterious. It's so fucking hot. His half-hooded eyes follow my tongue as I lick my lips. I've never done anything like this. I've never wanted to, either. But looking between his heated gaze and his massive cock, I can't help the lust heating every inch of me. I whimper in need, clenching my thighs.

What's wrong with me? I'm only vaguely conscious of how it's all unfolded. Something's not right and yet in this moment, all I need is him.

His grip on me loosens as I lower my lips to his dick. I take a languid lick of his rigid cock before taking the head in my mouth. It's difficult to do, but I relax my jaw and ease him in with my lips shielding my teeth. He's far too big for me to get much of him in my mouth, but I work his shaft with my hand as I obey him and suck and swallow as much as I can. I may not have experience, but I'm not that na?ve. I know what he wants and I'm more than willing to give it to him.

The taste of his precum is salty and sweet. I release his dick with a pop and lick the head, dipping the tip of my tongue into his seam at the top. His leg twitches at the act and a low, strangled groan leaves his lips. My cheeks heat as I blush.

This is really happening. My heart races.

His intense blue eyes stare back at me with lust, and his full lips are parted as his breath leaves him in shallow pants. I feel scandalous to be doing such an act. But I love the power it gives me to see that I can have a man of such authority and dominance lost in the pleasure I give him. I moan around his cock as his hand gently caresses my neck. He's letting me go at my own pace as I move up and down his length.

I close my eyes, enjoying the taste of him, the sounds of desire, the feel of his hands on me. It's surreal that I'm doing this. Especially with him. A werewolf. Shame hits me as I realize I don't even know his name. The recognition wakes me from the lust-filled haze. I instantly let go of him and push away, covering my swollen lips with my hand, scooting back in the dirt on my ass until my back is pushed against the hard rock. What the fuck is wrong with me? His eyes widen and flash with a hint of anger, making me instinctually recoil.

When he sees my reaction he schools his features. He looks down at his still-hard dick and then back at me with confusion. "Did I hurt you?" I slowly shake my head, wondering how he thought he hurt me. "Why have you stopped?"

"I—" I look down at my dirty jeans and stutter. My cheeks flame with embarrassment. "I don't even know your name."

"Luke." His statement comes out hard and he's obviously still confused. "You're Emma." How does he know my name? As if reading my mind, he answers, "I went through your things."

Oh. I suppose it's good that he at least knows my name. I attempt to give him a small smile, but I fail. Instead tears burn my eyes, threatening to reveal themselves and I have no idea why. I'm so confused and I feel lost. This isn't what I wanted and it's nothing like what I'd planned. A thick lump grows in my throat, and my chest hurts so much I have to push my hand against it in hope of relieving some of the pressure.

"There's something wrong with me. I want to go home." I can hardly believe my own words. They come out without my consent. I've wanted the chance to speak openly to werewolves for as long as I can remember, but I've lost the courage. I can't find it in me to even look back at the shifter.

"We'll be home tomorrow." My eyes widen and dart to his, and I start frantically shaking my head.

"No I need to go back home. To my home. I can't do this." My head continues to shake, denying reality. "I thought I could do this, but I can't. Please let me go. I'll find my way on my own." My panicked voice rises as hysteria sets in.

"You're not going anywhere."

I stare at him with disbelief and then a tinge of fear. "I don't want to stay here anymore." The anger returns to his eyes and I instantly regret my words. "I can't do this."

"Do what?" He nearly sneers the words. But his expression gives me the impression that he really wants to know.

"I just wanted to talk to you. I didn't mean for this." My voice trails off as I motion in the air between us.

"Do you only want Owen then?" I stare at him open-mouthed. The shame returns with a vengeance. I mumble my words to the floor as tears fall down my face. "This isn't what I came here for. I don't do this." I wipe my face and sniffle before looking into the beast's eyes, knowing I've fucked up badly. "I've never done this before. I didn't mean for it to happen. I'm sorry I offended you."

"I know."

"You know what?"

"That you haven't done this before. I can tell." His words crush the last bit of strength that I had. I thought he was enjoying it…I didn't realize I was so bad that he could tell I didn't know what I was doing. My voice catches as I try to respond, so I just slam my mouth shut. This wasn't a part of my plan. "Why are you so upset?"

"I'm sorry." I'm a blubbering fool. I'm so damn humiliated. "Please just leave me here."

"No."

He's not going to let me go. The realization hits me and tears prick at the back of my eyes. I regret my decision to follow them.

"Stop crying." I tilt my head back and stare at the ceiling through blurred vision, not knowing what to do or how to control myself. All I know is that I'm not okay. "I don't like it when you cry." I focus on my breathing and do my best to calm down. I need to figure a way out of this, and all of these emotions aren't helping.

I close my eyes and feel my chest heave. I concentrate on obeying the shifter. I don't want to make him any angrier than I already have. At this point I'm in unchartered waters, abandoned and lost and more emotional than I've ever felt in my life. This was such a bad idea.

Before I can scold myself anymore, Luke's strong arms wrap around my waist, lift me up, and pull me into his chiseled chest. My hands land on his hard pecs and I stare up at his gorgeous face through my lashes. The smothered fire in my core blazes to life.