RICHIE: New Orleans Wolf Shifters with plus sized BBW for mates (Le Beau Series Book 6) (16 page)

Richie chuckled and shook his head. Piper was one of a kind. Of course she would think nothing of a gunshot wound or being stuck with a knife.

“Yes, cher, they count. Rose, Anna’s sister-in-law, another one of the Le Beau mates, told me she’d had a broken arm that was healed during the conversion. She said it was a bit painful, but the pain was rather fleeting, so I hope yours won’t be too unbearable.”

“The injuries didn’t hurt much when I got them, so maybe it won’t be so bad. Besides, I have a high tolerance for pain. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“Good, I was really worried for a minute. The pain during the conversion would never be more than what you experienced during the injury.”

Piper racked her brain for any more questions she was forgetting to ask.

She was so lost in thought, when the bed dipped next to her, it knocked her off balance and she almost fell over backward off the side.

Richie’s shifter reflexes saved her from utter embarrassment. Catching her by the shoulders before she slipped off.

“I’m so sorry! Did I hurt you?”

She clutched her chest, breathing hard. “No, I’m fine. I just need to let my heart slow to a normal beat.”

Then she stood and walked to the bedroom door. “I need a little time to think, okay?”

“All right, but you’re not leaving, right?”

“Richie,” she smiled tiredly, “I’m in the middle of the bayou and you have the keys to the boat, where am I going to go?”

“Yeah, good point. I guess I wasn’t thinking. I’ll take my time getting dressed so I don’t bother you.”

She smiled again and walked away, she could feel his fear that she was going to change her mind and leave him. But she had a big decision to make.

Piper stood at the living room window looking out at the bayou. What would it be like to run as a wolf the way Richie could? It looked and sounded cool, especially the part where she kept her human wit’s about her. She pictured herself running through the woods, leaving all her worries and human rules behind. She would bet a lot of money it felt amazing.

Then she heard Anna’s voice in her head saying, “They’re still regular people, just like you, only more.”
An extra soul, wild animal, and crazy magic more,
she thought.

Did she love Richie? Yes, she honestly did.

Was she brave enough to take a leap of faith that she’d never regret accepting Richie? She liked to think she was.

It all came down to, if Richie were just a normal human, what would she do? Would she marry him?
Yeah, I would.

So that left the whole furry magic thing. Did she want to be able to shift? Hell yes. Did she want to live to be fourteen hundred years old and watch everyone she knew die? Her heart hurt just thinking about it. What would living that long even be like? What kind of technology and environmental changes would she live to see?

Face it, Piper, could you walk away from Richie and never look back?
The honest answer was emphatically, no.

So did it matter if she waited any longer and left Richie hanging?  It didn’t matter one bit. Her answer today was the same as it would be tomorrow.

“Richie, could you come out here?”

“You all right?” he asked tenderly, joining her at the window.

Piper turned and wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head on his chest. “I’m more than all right. I was having a discussion with myself and I’ve realized something.”

“What did you realize?” he asked, rubbing her back.

“I’m not afraid anymore.”

“Afraid of what?” he wondered, smoothing her hair.

“Of taking the leap and becoming a shifter.”

Richie sucked in a sharp breath.

Lifting her head, she met his gaze. “I love you, Richie and I never want to spend a day without you.”

*****

His heart soared with a mixture of elation and hope. Did she mean what he thought she meant?

“I’ve,” she paused, closed her eyes and took a shaky breath. Then she met his eyes again. “I’ve never felt this way before, and frankly, it scares the living crap out of me. Are you absolutely sure you want me as a mate, and if we do this that you can’t change your mind? I’m not the easiest person to live with,” she confided in a shy voice. So unlike the courageous woman he had come to know.

Richie cupped her face with both hands, in his firmest, most serious voice he said, “I love you with my entire heart and soul, Piper. I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life. There is no way, even if I had the option, that I would ever change my mind. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“In that case, I think we should discuss the ritual.”

“Are you telling me that you’re ready to accept me as your mate?”

She took a deep breath. “Yeah, I guess I am.” She chuckled nervously. “Shocking isn’t it?”

Richie couldn’t believe his luck, he flowed into her thoughts, loving her, cherishing the gift she was giving him, and determined to claim her as his mate. At the same time, his wolf danced around and howled joyfully.

Piper bit her lip adorably and gave him the sexy smile that always sent him to his knees.

“Are you ready to do this, wolfman?”

“I’ve been ready since the moment I laid eyes on you. But first let me explain a little about the ritual. The words I will prompt you with during the ritual itself, but there are a few things to go over. Maybe we should sit down, my legs are getting a little wobbly.”

“Are you sure you shouldn’t go back to bed?”

“No, I’m fine. I just need to get off my feet.”

Richie pulled her onto his lap on the couch and nuzzled her neck before he began. “The first thing you should know is the ritual is very private, it’s performed while we make love. We must be very careful not to get carried away, though. I have to save my release for the end of the ritual or we have to start over.”

She blinked innocently at him. “Well, that’s not such a bad thing. Starting over could be fun.”

He laughed and he swatted her backside. “Behave yourself, this is serious.”

Her eyes went wide. “I am behaving.”

“You keep telling yourself that. Okay, back to business. As I mentioned before, I will have to bite you where your neck and shoulder meet. It won’t hurt so much as be very erotic. Then when it’s your turn to say the words, you’ll bite me back in the same way.”

“How do I do that? I don’t have wolf teeth.”

“You’ll get your own personalized wolf fangs during the ritual.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Nope, your canines will elongate and become very sharp.” He rubbed the deep crease of concern between her eyes. “Don’t worry, they recede again after the ritual. After that, they only reappear when you’re in wolf form.”

“Good, you had me freaked out for a minute.”

“Finally, you will receive your wolf soul during the ritual and it might feel strange at first, so don’t let that scare you.”

“Is that it? I thought it would be much more complicated.”

“That’s it. Would you like to do it now?”

“Yes. Are you sure you’re up to it?”

He used his arms to pull his aching body from the couch, then stood unsteadily for a moment as he got his equilibrium sorted out. “A pack of rogue wolves couldn’t stop me from claiming you.”

He pulled her to her feet and into his arms. “Goddess, I love you,” he groaned and pulled her in for a toe-curling kiss.

Desire shot through her, wild and hot. Now that she’d come to a decision, Piper was ravenous for him, free of fear and holding back nothing. The sensation was liberating and intoxicating.

His tongue’s exploration was insistent, urging her to surrender to her mate. Richie swept her into an existence of raw emotions and sensations unlike anything she’d ever known. The air crackled as energy laced with desire raced through her. Arcing from him to her and back again. Her skin became ultra-sensitive, every touch of his fingers and lips vibrated through her nerve endings like a live wire. Piper molded her body to his, pulling him closer until they melded into one being.

Richie ran his hands down her back, and over her hips to grip her luscious tush. His fingers flexed, molding and massaging. Rubbing the heavy evidence of his arousal against her heated core. His body was on fire.

He growled and kissed his way down her neck to the sweet spot where he would lay his mark and nipped her lightly. Stark need pushed his wolf to complete the claiming immediately, but he wanted to savor his mate, so he forced his wolf into the background. “I need you, Piper. I'm struggling to restrain my wolf. I need you to tell me you truly want me, and you’re ready to complete the ritual. This is your last chance to change your mind.” The words were whispered against her skin, punctuated by licks and kisses.

Piper tipped her head, and stretched her neck. “Yes. I really want you and I’m ready. Are you sure you’re strong enough?”

Richie kissed his way back up her throat. “Don’t worry about me, I have plenty of energy and strength.”

Piper stepped from his arms, and ran a seductive finger down his chest, sending shivers up his spine.

“In that case, give me a minute and then meet me in the bedroom.”

Heat flared in his eyes and he knew they glowed with is wolf. “Don’t take too long.”

He watched as she disappeared in the shadows of the darkened hallway. A heartbeat later, he heard her giggle as her panties were tossed at him.

Richie scooped them up and pressed them to his nose, drinking in her heady scent. He counted to one thousand and couldn’t wait a second longer. Two steps into the hallway, he found her bra hanging on a doorknob. It was like following an erotic trail of breadcrumbs. Grinning, he snatched up her pants next, and finally her blouse. With each piece of clothing his pulse raced faster.

As he stepped across the threshold of his bedroom, breathing became problematic.

A scarlet scarf was draped over the lamp on his bedside table, softly muting the light. The fabric’s creases and folds created interesting patterns and shadows on the walls. One glance at the decorations and he dismissed the ambiance. His attention was glued to his mate, lounging on his bed wearing nothing but incredibly sexy footwear and a smile.

Her knees were bent, flashing her glistening shaved mound, wearing nothing but a pair of fire engine red, three-inch stilettos.

Holding her gaze, he swallowed hard and force a breath into his lungs. Just when he thought he had his wolf and body under control, Piper nibbled her bottom lip and spread her knees wider.

He’d often fantasized about the moment he made love to his mate and completed the ritual. In his mind, he’d always been suave and charming. Creating a romantic night of candlelight and champagne.

This woman completely destroyed his plans and his gallant fantasy image. What she’d created was so much better.

With a thought, his clothes disappeared, leaving him splendidly naked for his mate’s approval. And boy, from the way she licked her lips, she approved.

Without warning, Richie’s wolf seized control and launched him on top of his mate. It was a good thing his injury was almost healed. A fresh gunshot wound would have bled all over the bed.

*****

Piper squealed and instinctively shut her eyes tight and pulled her knees up to protect herself. Her reflexive reaction did not go well for Richie. She heard him howl in agony when her left knee smashed into his balls.

When she opened her eyes, Richie lay cupping himself, gasping, unable to breathe.

“Oh my God, Richie. Sweetie, I’m so sorry. It was an accident.”

Chewing her lip, she didn’t know what to do to help him. She felt terrible, but she was afraid to touch him. She certainly didn’t want to make it worse than it already was.

“Can I get you anything? How do I make you feel better?”

From the way he continued to gasp for air like a fish out of water and stayed in a tight ball, she knew it was bad.

“Should I call Seth?”

The only answer she received was another moan.

She considered getting her phone and making the call, but then it occurred to her, Richie would probably be mortified if his friend found him in this state.

“Should I leave you for a little while and go out to the living room?”

He could see the concern on her face and her lips moving, but he couldn’t hear the words over the ringing in his ears.

He couldn’t form verbal words yet so he grabbed her hand, needing to comfort her.
Give… me… a…..minute.

A few minutes passed and the pain was lessening.

“You take my breath away,” Richie croaked, trying to lighten the mood.

“What can I do to help you?”

He rocked back and forth in agony. “Just give me a few minutes to recover.”

Piper stayed to her side of the bed. He knew from the expression on her face, she was racking her brain for a way to ease his suffering.

Ice might help
she thought.

“I’ll be right back.”

She scooted off the bed and he heard her bare feet padding into the kitchen. Then the freezer was opened.

Nice, wolfman. You have reusable ice packs.

The freezer door closed and he heard her pad down the hallway and stop.

What are you doing?

I need a hand towel so I don’t freeze your balls into a solid chunk of ice.

Good thinking, I have plans for them that require they be thawed.

By the time she returned to the bedroom, he was feeling a little closer to normal. He gave her a thankful smile and gratefully accepted the icepack. Very carefully he placed it between his legs. The sudden chill on such a sensitive area gave him a start, but it felt so good.

Piper settled back on the bed and pulled the sheet over her nakedness. He scowled and let out a growl. He didn’t want her covered up.

“I think we should do the ritual another day when you feel better.”

“Hell no!” He snarled again, then when he saw her stricken expression he softened his voice. “I’ll be fine in a bit. Shifter healing, remember?”

“If you say so.” She didn’t look convinced.

Ten minutes later, Richie was more than up to the challenge of the ritual.

Piper’s eyes widened along with her smile. “Very nice.”

He’d tossed the icepack aside a few minutes ago to allow his manly bits to warm up. From what she could see, he was ready for action.

“Come here, woman,” he growled in a husky voice.

Happy to comply, Piper scooted into his arms. “Don’t worry, cher, you didn’t hurt me very badly. Besides, it was my own fault. Well, actually my wolf’s fault, he was the one that tossed me at you. Your response was completely natural.”

A lock of hair had flopped over his forehead and into his eyes. When Piper gently brushed it back with her fingers, he closed his eyes and rumbled happily.

Then her gaze centered on his mouth and she licked her lips. His brain instantly shut down.

The sight of the tip of her little pink tongue flicking her lip drove him over the edge. He rumbled deep in his chest and crushed her mouth to his in a searing kiss.

Several long minutes passed as he explored her hot wet mouth. Goddess he loved her taste. He released her lips to slowly burn a trail of kisses across her jaw and down her neck, stopping to give special attention to the spot, which would bear his bite.

Piper tipped her head, threaded her fingers into his hair, and gently held him to her. “I love you, Richie. I can’t wait to be your mate.”

He raised his glittering eyes and held her gaze. “I can’t wait, either, but we will only ever do this ritual once and I intend to do it well.” Then he lowered his head again and resumed his tantalizing exploration.

He refused to allow his wolf to gain control and rush through the ritual. The dang beast had caused enough trouble already. He’d fantasized about claiming his mate so many times over the decades, he knew exactly how he wanted to please her, and he was determined it would go as planned from here on out. No more mishaps.

“Your body is perfection. I don’t ever want you to change a thing about your soft curves. Well, except for when you’re pregnant with our children. Then your body is going to be even more incredible. I can hardly wait to see your tummy grow heavy with my child. Damn, you take my breath away,” Richie rumbled between kisses and nibbles.

Her sweet moans encouraged him to please her further. Tracing her collarbone with his tongue, he forged another trail of kisses to her left breast. Piper gasped when he flicked the nipple. With his right hand, he softly cupped the other breast, and gently stroked her aching nipple. The lightest of contact, designed to drive her wild with need.

“You’re going to have to be patient about children. I want you for myself for a while.” She panted as she writhed under his marauding hands and mouth.

“That can be arranged,” he mumbled with his mouth full of nipple.

He reveled in Piper’s moans, and her fingers fisted in his hair pressing her breast further into his ravishing mouth was a complete turn on.

His wolf made contented sounds as he leisurely licked and suckled in an unhurried exploration. There was so much more to explore. Switching to her other breast, he trailed one palm down her ribcage over her soft, round belly. Then he moved lower, running his hand down the outside of her smooth thigh to curl his fingers around her knee and pull her leg over his hip.

Richie rumbled with pleasure when he felt her fingers move from his hair to his shoulders and grip him tightly. She wanted him as badly as he wanted her.

One last flick with the tip of his tongue and he raised his head, his eyes glowing with the same intense desire she was feeling.

“I could feast on you for hours.”

He nuzzled her other breast, then slowly kissed his way down her ribs to her belly.

Piper sucked in a breath and held it when he slipped his tongue into her belly button. She was horrified. She hated her thick, squishy stomach.

Piper,
he scolded in her mind.
I won’t have you thinking badly of my mate’s unbelievable body. I want your lush, curvy, womanly figure not a hard, bony, half-starved girl.

She released the breath, wanting to believe him. He hadn’t lied to her yet, so why would he now.

As he worked his way down her body, she moved her leg from his hip to his ribs. When he gently gripped her knee again and moved her leg over his shoulder, she moaned in anticipation. The position exposed her most intimate part to his exploration. When she watched Richie lick his lips at the sight of her wet for him, a rush of heat sent more of her essence to her exposed core.

Need rushed through her body to pool low as she lifted her hips, and strained toward his torturous mouth. She trembled with such intense need; she swore she’d rattle apart.

“Please,” she cried.

“Please what? What do you want me to do to you, Piper?”

“Touch me.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

He dipped his head down and she felt him nipping and soothing her inner thigh with his tongue. Her arousal increased with every inch he moved closer to her center. She sucked in another breath when he glanced up and held her gaze as he took one slow lick.

Piper pressed harder against his hot seeking tongue. He was driving her insane with little flicks and licks, never giving her the penetration she needed. If he didn’t fill her aching channel soon, she would go mad.

“Richie!” She grasped his hair in clenched fists and pressing his face against her tortured center. She needed more contact than he was giving her.

He chuckled and licked her again more slowly, curling his tongue around the neglected, engorged peak. She moaned, he had her so worked up she was on the verge of begging.

“My mate will never beg for anything that I have the power to provide,” his voice rumbled with his wolf.

“Yes!” she cried, when he slipped a finger into her hot, greedy channel and began to relieve the terrible pressure building there. Her hips bucked of their own accord as he stroked in and out while massaging her engorged nub.

Damn that feels good
she sighed.

Piper arched into his mouth and fingers, the ecstasy he was giving her indescribable. She never wanted him to stop. No man had ever brought her to orgasm with only his mouth and fingers. Hell, no man had ever given her an orgasm period. Not until Richie. And he was well on his way to doing just that. The man had some mad skills.