Stolen by the Alpha Wolf: Shifter Romance (Accidental Theft Book 1) (9 page)

She
frowned.

“If
they see even an inch of your skin, I’ll remove their eyeballs.” The gleam in
his gaze told her that he meant every word.

Stephany
smiled. “You males are all the same.”

“No,
we’re not.” He yelled over his shoulder as he moved towards the door.

“Are
too.”

Ward
chuckled. She shook her head as she made for the trunk, quickly choosing a
black dress and some sandals that looked to be about her size. There was no
underwear in the trunk and her bra had never come back from being washed. The
only thing she could think of was that one of the wolf females had pilfered it.

She
couldn’t go walking around Sweetwater without a bra. Human’s preferred to cover
their privates. In fact, human women with their extra-large mammary glands
often needed the extra support. She might draw attention if she wore a white
dress without underwear. The black garment would provide the most…cover and
draw the least attention while at the same time helping her to retain some of
her femininity. The clothes in the trunk were washed and neatly folded. After
choosing three more dresses and a sweater, she packed them neatly into the
backpack. Stephany folded the floral dress and put it back in the trunk. Once
the sandals were on, she made her way outside and had to suppress a smile. Ward
stood, legs apart, arms crossed over his chest, at the entrance of the barn. He
turned as she neared, his eyes softening as they landed on her, yet hardening
up again as one of the males approached.

Definitely
all the same.

Ward
took her hand as they made for the SUV. None of the males commented. She really
should push him away, but she couldn’t. They didn’t have much time left and she
would wring out every last bit of togetherness that she could. Once in the
vehicle, two males sat up front. Another sat in the back with them. Ward pulled
her onto his lap. She rested her head on his big chest. Dreading saying goodbye.

Stephany
must have dozed off because what felt like seconds later, they pulled up to the
only hotel in Sweetwater. It was more like an overgrown Bed and Breakfast
rather than a hotel, but it would serve its purpose.

“I
need you to write a letter to your kings explaining that you are well and that
you will be returned safely within the next few days.” Ward nodded to Rushe who
handed him a pen and paper which he pressed into her hand.

Brant
and Tanya would be frantic with worry. She welcomed the chance to let them know
that she was okay. Stephany penned out a letter, sticking to the basic facts.
She tried not to lie. It just didn’t feel right. Hopefully they wouldn’t ask
her too many questions when she returned.

She
couldn’t help the slight quiver in her hand as she handed the letter to Ward.
Pulling in a deep breath, she plastered a smile on her face.

Ward’s
brow creased. “You deliver the letter Rushe.”

“The
plan was—” Rushe started.

Ward
threw up a hand. “Just do as I say. Meet me back here in thirty minutes. Send
word if there’s any trouble.”

“It
isn’t safe, Ward. We discussed this—”

“Silence…”
Ward growled and goose bumps rose on her arms at the terrifying sound. Ward
took a deep breath, his chest expanding against her. “Do as I say. Stick to the
plan.”

“Tyler.”
Rushe addressed the male on the seat next to them at the back of the vehicle. “You
stay with our alpha.”

“No,”
another deep growl. “The three of you stick together. They won’t be looking for
a couple or three lone males.” He wrapped his arm more firmly around her.

Stephany
wanted to tell him to leave, that she would be perfectly fine but the words
died on her tongue.

Rushe
nodded. “I don’t like it, but you’re the boss.”

****

The
hotel was a little old fashioned and definitely in need of a refurbishment, but
it was clean and the receptionist was friendly even if she did eyeball Ward
like she was starving and he had just been dipped in hot, thick chocolate.

Ward
took the key and put a hand to her back as they made for her room. They walked
down a long, carpeted hallway. Ward opened the door and gestured for her to
enter ahead of him. She heard him close the door and then shrug the pack from
his shoulder. There was a dull thud as it landed on the carpet at his feet.

The
room was spacious. When she turned, Ward was still standing in the entrance
hall. “It will be more difficult for you to lose my scent if I”—he paused—“leave
it everywhere in your room.”

This
was it.

She
made her way back to him. “Are you leaving then?”

Ward
pulled her closer as soon as she was within arm’s reach. “I should.” He
whispered, leaning his forehead against hers. Their lips inches apart. “I
really, really should.” His words caressed her lips. “But I need to have you
one last time.” Stephany leaned in, pushing herself up against his hard chest.

“Yes.”
Thank blood it came out sounding controlled instead of in a desperate sob,
which would’ve matched how she was feeling inside.

“We
don’t have much time and you need to be quiet. I’m sorry but we need to stay in
the entrance hall. I can’t go any further into the room. Definitely can’t go near
the bed, I meant it when I said I didn’t want to get my scent all over
everything.” He smiled, his eyes filled with desire as they tracked her face.

Stephany
smiled back. “You also need to be quiet, wolf. No growling or snarling.”

Ward
chuckled softly as he covered her mouth with his, their breath intermingled
quickly turning shallow and needy. His hands slid under her dress, up her
thighs, closing on her ass. He pulled her flush against him, pushing her back
to the wall. His erection settled against her core, turning her blood to fire.

Ward
broke the kiss. “You need to drink from me.”

With
a quick nod, she threaded her fingers around his neck, pulling him back to her.
“I planned to.” She looked up at him. His green eyes held hers, a lopsided grin
had a sexy dimple appearing on his cheek.

If
she didn’t drink, she didn’t think she’d be able to hold out the two or three
days it would take to get his scent off her. Besides, she craved his blood just
as fiercely as she craved him.

Ward
ran his fingers through her hair. “Why do you cut it so short?”

She
shrugged.

“Is
it fashion amongst the vampires?” he asked, his brow furrowed.

She
shook her head. “Just like with all species that I know, longer hair is
considered favorable on a female.”

His
brow creased. “Why then…?” His eyes narrowed. “Don’t misunderstand, I think
that you are exquisite just the way you are.” His eyes danced over her face, they
shone with sincerity.

“I
told you that I don’t rut. I don’t wish to…” She looked away feeling
self-conscious.

Ward
clasped her chin. “You are beautiful. It’s so selfish of me, but I am glad that
you do not wish to be with another.” He kissed her softly before it quickly
deepened into something hot and fevered. Ward ran a hand under her dress, his
fingers brushed against her mound, before circling her clit, making her catch
her breath. “I love the way you feel”—using a single finger, he pushed into her—“wish
I had time to taste you.”

She
groaned as he picked up speed, his thumb stroked her clit. Her breath was
coming in sharp pants. Her core tightening with her pending orgasm. There was a
distinct sound of a zipper. Ward pulled away slightly, his pants down to
mid-thigh. He bunched her dress up around her waist. The big male picked her up
easily. “Put your legs around my hips, sweetheart.” Doing as he said, he
anchored her against the wall, entering her in one easy thrust that had her
throwing her head back with sheer pleasure. He closed his mouth around her
earlobe as he thrust a second time. Nipping at her neck as he picked up the
pace.

She
moaned. Ward sought out her mouth. “Shhhh.” He said against her lips continuing
to thrust into her in insistent strokes that had her mind turning to mush. She
dug her fingers into his shoulders. She could hear his heart rate picking up,
his blood rushing through his veins, his animalistic scent enveloping her.

Her
fangs lengthened, sharpened. Stephany buried her head into his neck, her fangs
breaking skin as her orgasm hit, intensified by the taste of his blood on her
tongue. So much for keeping quiet, he snarled jerking against her as he came.
Stephany drank deeply knowing how much it would increase his pleasure. Wanting
their last time to be something he would never forget.

Ward
bit down on her neck mid snarl. His grip on her tightened. He rutted her in
hard, deep, strokes with less and less movement as his cock swelled. By now
this was something that she had grown accustomed to, his extra girth seemed to
touch spots within her that she never knew existed. The pleasure rolled through
her, so intense that her eyes flew open. If her mouth wasn’t closed on his neck
she would’ve screamed.

It
was still a couple of days away from the new moon, yet she almost felt as if
they bonded in that moment. Slowly, carefully, she withdrew her fangs, licking
up the last few drops of blood that leaked from the two small holes on his
neck.

His
breath caught in his throat as she lifted her head. Ward didn’t let go of her
like she thought he would. Instead, he buried his face against the side of
hers. His nostrils flared, he took deep breaths. It was probably a wolf thing.
He seemed to be scenting her. They were delaying the inevitable. Making it all
the more difficult for themselves.

 “Ward.”
She whispered while putting her hands against his chest. As much as she tried,
she couldn’t make herself push him away.

“Stay.”
He choked the word out.

How
the heck did she respond to that? Everything in her screamed to say yes, but
how could she?

“Come
back with me.” He pulled away slightly, his eyes locked with hers. They burned
with fierce determination.

“I
can’t”—a mere whisper—“it would never work.” She felt her lip quiver, so she pulled
it between her teeth and bit down.

“I
know it’s crazy, Stephany, but we can make it work. I know we can.” He brushed
his lips against hers. “It feels like we belong together.”

She
shook her head. Pain like nothing else she’d ever felt exploded inside her.
“Luna was right. I can never give you heirs. Your pack would never accept me.”
She let her fingertips trace his jaw as she watched his features cloud. “You
deserve more.”

His
face turned stern. “I don’t ever want to hear you put yourself down again. You
are amazing…everything I could ever hope for in a female. I’m sure we could—”

If
she let him keep talking, he might just convince her. “No.” She shook her head.
“It’s not possible. I am physically unable to birth young. As the alpha, you
will need heirs.” The blood drained from her body as she admitted her biggest
flaw.

Understanding
dawned. “It’s just, this feels so right.”

“Don’t.
Just drop it please. It’s not something I will change my mind about. You’re a
wolf.”

“Yeah,
yeah and you’re a vampire.” He smiled and she was sure her heart would shatter
in her chest.

Ward
pulled out of her. He took a step away, pulling up his pants. Adjusting his
still hard cock until he was able to pull up the zipper.

Stephany
let her dress fall back into place. “Promise me that you’ll forget this foolish
quest to start a war with my species.”

Those
green eyes of his landed on her. “If war is declared, it won’t be by my doing.”

“After
slighting the kings, they will expect you to swear allegiance.”

His
eyes narrowed. “I told you that I will not bow down before either king ever
again, and I meant it.”

Stephany
took a deep breath trying to get her emotions under control. “I can’t stand by
and watch you be destroyed. Make no mistake, Ward, my kings will destroy you
and your pack.”

Ward
smiled. “They’ll have to catch us first.” He clasped her hands in his and
kissed her forehead. “Enough about your kings. I don’t want to talk politics
with you.”

His
eyes zoned in on her neck and he cursed.

She
felt her brow furrow in confusion.

He
trailed his fingers along her skin. There was a sting of pain as he made
contact. “I’m sorry, I broke your skin.” Ward kissed the spot. “There, all
better. It doesn’t mean anything.” His face clouded. “That’s not what I meant…I
loved being inside you…it meant a lot to me…”

Stephany
smiled. “You don’t have to explain. I understand.”

“It
doesn’t mean we’re mated. You know that don’t you?” His eyes zoned in on her
and for a moment she thought he wanted to add something.

When
he remained quiet, she felt the need to reassure him back. “I know.” She
swallowed hard. “We’re different species.”

“I
will miss you, Stephany.” His eyes narrowed and he sighed. “Very much.” He slid
his lips over hers.