Taming Kiera (Therian Agents Book 3) (7 page)

In lion form, Jacob paced the edge of the cliff that looked down on the tiny log cabin. Kiera had been sleeping when he left to roam the woods earlier that morning, but the smoke coming from the chimney signaled she was awake.

He started back down the steep terrain. From what he could tell, there wasn’t anyone, other than a few mountain lions within a two mile radius. He backtracked, and hid the vehicle’s tracks, pulling the foliage over the dirt road. The only other people who knew about this place were a few members of the Oliver clan, and an old were-grizzly who lived in solitude past the southern lake. 

For now, Kiera was safe. That was the only thing that calmed his growing anxiety.

Fuck, what the hell had he been thinking bringing her up here?

His control wasn’t just slipping, it was completely unraveling, hanging on the precipice of a very dark hole.

She’d been right. He was afraid. Terrified, actually. But it wasn’t Kiera he was scared of. It was the hope she stirred. The longing for something more. A life worth living.

He fantasized about raking his teeth over the sensitive spot on her neck and sinking in, letting the mating hormones seep into her body.

Claiming her
.

Marking her his,
forever
.

But even if she wanted the mating, could he mark her, knowing their future could be ripped from them at any moment?

Death stalked him like a curse. The darkness had lingered in the shadows since he was a boy, and one day it would claim him.

Then, who would protect Kiera?

Losing a marked mate wasn’t just painful, it could be lethal. His own mother had barely recovered from the loss of her mate, his father.

His primal urge to mark Kiera, only subdued by the rational side of his brain, would protect her at all costs–even from himself. It could mean losing his position at the agency, a very likely scenario considering the shit he’d pulled over the past week. How many of his men had he written up and suspended for similar actions?

Shit, he’d let Sinclair take his sister. Why? Because he’d felt for the man.  In his whole life, when had he ever made a decision based on fucking emotions, the way he had that day? 

He stopped at the small lake in front of the cabin and shifted into human form. He dove into the cool water, hoping to take the edge off his relentless arousal.

“Better than a cold shower?” Kiera stood at the edge of the lake. She dipped her toes into the water and shivered.

He snorted and shook his head. “Not much.”

She gave him a half-smile, and started to undress.

“What are you doing?” He barely suppressed a growl.

The gleam in her eye made it perfectly clear what she intended. “Joining you.”

“We talked about this last night, I can’t–”

“Relax.” She shimmied out of her pants. “Deep water sex has never been my thing.”

“Deep water sex?”

“Mm hmm.” She pulled her shirt over her head, her expression playful. “Bathtubs and showers are okay, but there’s just something creepy about having the fish, and whatever else is down there, watching you.”

She unsnapped her bra and let it drop to the rocky shoreline.

He tried to force himself to avert his eyes, but she held him captive, in a stupor. She looked so fucking beautiful it hurt. One touch and he could lose himself completely.

“Anyways.” She dove into the water and emerged a few feet from him. “I think I figured out a solution to our problem.”

“Really?”

“Yep.” A smile stretched across her face. “Duct tape.”

“Duct tape?” He narrowed his eyes.

She nodded, her eyes twinkling, and tread closer. “We can duct tape your mouth. You can’t bite me with your mouth all taped up.”

He laughed so hard he nearly choked.

“I’m serious.” She splashed him.

He gripped her wrists and tugged her towards him. Despite the frigid water, his cock was hard as steel and her eyes went wide when her belly pressed against him.

“Do you feel what you do to me?”

She gave a slight nod and licked her lips.

“You’ve got about ten seconds before I change your mind about deep water sex.”

A small whimper escaped her throat.

She squirmed against his erection.

“Believe me, Kiera, my control is faltering. If you don’t swim away now…” A deep, primal sound escaped his lips.

She held his gaze for a moment, her eyes reflecting the tormenting desire raging through his body. With a small smirk, she submerged under the water and swam away.

Once on the shore, she grabbed her clothes, and looked back.

“Are you going to help me?” Something wild glowed in her blue eyes.

“With what?”

“Finding the duct tape.”

When the cabin door shut behind her, Jacob sucked in a heavy breath, before he sunk below the water, his control completely shredded.

Kiera combed her fingers through the wet tangles of her hair and let out a frustrated breath. The cold water had done little to deflate her arousal. If anything, it had given her a fresh burst of energy.

The need for his touch was almost unbearable. It was more than lust, more than desire. She’d felt that often enough. This was something different, something primal, unlike anything she’d ever craved from a man before.

She pulled open the kitchen drawers one at a time, emptying the contents of each one. There had to be at least one roll of duct tape in the damn cottage. She leaned over, opened the final bottom drawer, and let out a sigh of relief when she found what she was looking for.

The front door creaked on its hinges, then slammed shut. The cool breeze on her naked back sent a chill down her spine.

Jacob’s harsh breath hissed behind her. “What the hell are you doing?”

She grasped the tape and pulled her arm free, then sat back and waved the duct tape at him in triumph. “Found it.”

He dragged his fingers through his hair, closed his eyes and let out a long, uneven breath. “You’re killing me.”

“Only because you’re too stubborn to take what you want.”

He moved quickly. His fingers curled around her waist, and the next thing she knew her breasts were pressed against his bare chest, his amber eyes gleaming down at her feverishly.

The bulge of his cock strained through the rough fabric of his pants, pressing against her stomach.

“I can’t fight this any longer.” His fingers slid behind her head, tangling in her hair.

“Then don’t.” She ran her hands down his chest, over the taut muscles of his stomach and felt him tremble. Her fingers worked the button and zipper of his pants.

His cock sprang free as she pushed his pants and boxers down over his hips.

Pleasure surged through her as she stroked the hard length of his cock. He was so hard, the silken skin stretched so tight, it appeared almost painful.

“I want you inside of me.”

A savage moan tore from his throat. His lips found hers, devouring her, causing fiery whips of sensation throughout her body. His teeth scraped along her jaw, down her neck. He palmed her breast, lowering his mouth to cover the other. His tongue lashed out at the sensitive peek. Sucking, nipping, licking, until she could do nothing more than beg him to take her.

“Jacob, please.”

He ignored her plea, trailing his lips down her stomach. His fingers gripped her ass as his mouth lowered to the damp curls between her thighs.

“Let me taste you, sweetheart.” His tongue flicked against her clit.

A desperate cry left her throat as his tongue thrust inside her. Her hands tightened on his shoulders, and held her up, when her legs threatened to give out. Pleasure whipped through her in waves as his tongue pushed inside of her with hungry strokes.

He ran a hand up her stomach, cupping her breast, caressing the nipple with his thumb.

His touch was an addiction, as essential as breathing. She needed more. So much more. Her body ached for him in ways she never knew possible.

“Please.” She gripped his hair, gently tugging.

He stood, his amber gaze burning into her, and lifted her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on as he carried her into the bedroom.

“I could lose myself in you,” he murmured against her neck. “I think I may already have.”

Her heart clenched at his words.

She ran her fingers along the dark scruff of his jaw, took in the savagely honed features, amber eyes that watched her with unrestrained hunger, and knew she was lost to him as well.

Pulling his head down, she kissed him. In that moment, he was hers, and she would take everything he gave her.

She clung to him when he eased her onto the bed. He moved between her thighs, the heavy length of his cock pressed against her sensitive folds.

“You’re sure you want this?” he grit out, his voice a deep rasp.

“I want it,” she moaned, gripping his hips, guiding him inside of her. She wanted him so desperately, she barely restrained the cry of pleasure as the hard crest of his cock stretched her.

A deep growl rumbled from Jacob’s chest as he sunk deeper, filling her so fully she thought she might burst with the intense sensation of it.

“Pure, fucking heaven,” he breathed out. His mouth lowered, his kiss gentle, teasing, as he began to move, slowly at first, then with quickening strokes.

With each thrust, she felt herself unravel.

The lion within purred in approval.
Mine, mine, mine
.

Jacob knotted his fingers in her hair and rested his forehead against hers. His breathing grew harsh, irregular, his eyes fevered with desire. His face strained with restraint.

Without speaking, she knew what he craved, sensed her own animal’s acceptance. This was her mate. The shock of sensations only intensified with the acknowledgment.

Their connection was beyond anything she’d ever dreamed existed. Mating mark or not, she was bound to this man in ways that went beyond her comprehension.

She placed her hands on his face and held his gaze.

“Do it,” she whispered, widening her thighs, accepting more of him. His erection throbbed inside of her, hot, thick, and pulsating with need. “Mark me.”

He frowned, and she ran a finger over the line between his brows.

“You’re sure?”

She nodded, a flash of uncertainty tightened her throat, but the look of hope in his nearly pleading gaze erased all doubt. This is what she had hungered for. “Make me yours.”

His lips crashed down on hers, and he groaned into her mouth. He pulled back, then pushed in, harder and deeper than before. His thrusts became more frantic, stretching her, pushing her, overtaking her senses. Waves of heat and pleasure coursed through every cell in her body.

She couldn’t hold on. It was too much. The sensations too extreme. The violence of her orgasm shattered her. She exploded around him. Her back arched, eyes closed, head tilted back as she let out a desperate cry.

Pleasure surrounded her, thick waves of pleasure that didn’t stop. Each pulse surged and sizzled across her nerve endings. She clung to him, trembling with the aftershocks.

He gave one final thrust, and she felt his release spurting hot and hard inside of her. Heavy shudders racked their bodies.

“Mine,” he growled. His mouth moved to her throat. His teeth sunk into the delicate skin and she sucked in a sharp breath. Her eyes widened, vision blurred. The pain subsided quickly, replaced by a euphoric feeling that spread through her body, warming her blood.

She lay beneath him, limp and exhausted, not wanting to think about the consequences of what they had just done, but unable to deny the overwhelming emotions clogging her throat.

As he lifted himself above her, she kept her eyes closed. He sighed, rolled on his back and slid an arm underneath her, drawing her against his side.

“Jacob…” she said wearily, fighting the fatigue that claimed her.

“Sleep.” He kissed her forehead and tightened his grip.

She exhaled softly and relaxed into his embrace, a soft purr humming in her throat. She wasn’t sure what she had gotten herself into, but she knew she wanted Jacob in her life. No matter what the cost.

Jacob eased himself off the bed and glanced down at Kiera’s sleeping form, the two small puncture wounds on her neck, evidence of their mating. Every moment, every touch was branded in his mind forever. The mark would scar, warning any suitors that she was mated. That she was
his
.

His lion rumbled with approval. The man wasn’t as certain.

He scrubbed both hands over his face, his stomach tightening.
What had he done?

His lion had accepted her with such ferociousness, he’d barely been able to contain it. The need to possess her overriding common sense, and destroying his control.

With a little murmur, Kiera stirred, then turned on her side, drawing the covers over her shoulders, settling back into a deep sleep. The afternoon sun streamed through slits in the blinds, casting a golden glow over her pale skin. Her dark hair lay mussed around her pixie-like face.

Physically she was soft, delicate…perfect. A contrast to the fiery, stubborn woman who’d seduced him, shattered him, and shook the very foundation of his soul.

Fear pounded at his chest. She was strong, but would she be strong enough to survive if he didn’t?

She still hadn’t fully mastered her lion, and until she learned to shift between human and animal form, there would always be the possibility that the animal would consume her again.

Kiera let out a small purr and stretched lazily in her sleep. The blanket fell below one breast, the pink nipple puckering as the cool air touched it.

Jacob swallowed hard, his cock hardening at the sight. The combination of mating hormones and the most explosive orgasm of his life dulled his senses, tempting him to ignore the warning that lurked at the back of his mind.

He cursed and dressed quickly.

Danger edged closer. He could feel it in his bones, and his lion paced in agreement. Their time was running out, and he needed to make sure his mate was strong enough to endure the darkness coming for them.

With a heavy breath, he dragged his fingers through his hair, and closed the door quietly behind him, a plan forming in his mind.

* * *

Jacob was gone when Kiera woke. She stretched her sex-sore muscles slowly, her body still humming in contentment.

She sat up and touched the mark on her neck. Jacob’s mark. She smiled and chewed on her lower lip, processing what it meant. Happiness soared inside of her, and she gave herself over to it. He was her mate–
hers
. The thought sent a thrill throughout her body.

When she closed her eyes, she could feel his presence, calling to her like a homing beacon. It was an odd sensation, as if his animal called to hers, urging her forward.

She dressed quickly and left the cabin. It didn’t take her long to find him.

Jacob stood at the water’s edge, his back to her. Above the tall pines, the sky glowed a hazy purple in the evening sky, she must have slept most of the afternoon.

“You’re awake.” He cast a small stone across the glassy surface.

“It’s really beautiful here. I wish I had my paints.”

He picked up another stone. With a flick of his wrist, the rock skimmed across the lake. Small circles rippled and expanded across the dark water. When the last ripple faded, Jacob turned slowly.

The intensity of his gaze sent a shiver down her spine. Was he regretting what they’d done? She knew she’d pushed him, begged him even, but he’d been more than willing at the time. A flutter of panic rose in her throat.

“I wish I knew what you’re thinking,” she said, when he didn’t speak. 

He frowned and moved closer, wrapping an arm around her waist. His other hand reached out and stroked the mark on her neck. Her body responded to his nearness immediately.

She placed her hands on his chest and felt his heartbeat under her palm. The wild, erratic rhythm contrasted his stern expression.

“I shouldn’t have brought you here.”

She narrowed her eyes and tilted her chin, preparing for his rejection. “Then why did you?”

He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers. “To keep you safe.”

She didn’t understand his mood.

“You regret what we did?” Her throat tightened, afraid of the answer, but she had to ask. She exhaled unevenly, pulled back, waiting for him to meet her gaze. “What part bothers you more? The sex or the mating?”

He leaned closer, torment on his face. “There are things you don’t know. Things I should have told you.”

“Then tell me now.” She held her breath.

He brushed a stray hair away from her face.

“I don’t know how much time we have together, and I need to make sure you’re strong enough to survive without me.”

Subconsciously, she touched the mark on her neck. “But, I thought…”

“If I could change things, I would.” He cupped her chin in is hand and brushed a light kiss over her lips.

“I don’t understand.”

His expression tightened. “There’s no future with me–”

“Don’t.” She drew away, not wanting to hear anymore. She knew rejection when she heard it.

“No matter what happens, you need to know that you won’t be alone. Chase and Turner will take care of you, and you’ll always have a place in my family.”

“I don’t need anyone to take care of me. Not even you.”

He exhaled heavily, closed the gap between them, then gripped her hand, placing it over his heart. “Do you feel it?”

“Your heartbeat?”

“No. Close your eyes and focus. Feel
me
.” Tension strung tight in his voice.

She didn’t need to close her eyes to know what he meant. She’d felt it in the cabin.

“I don’t need forever,” she lied, pulling her hand away. “I never asked for it.”

A flash of hurt crossed his expression. “If I could give it to you, I would.”

She shook her head and laughed at the contradiction of his words.

“I don’t care about the mating. You’re free to go whenever you want.”

“Kiera. You don’t understand.”

“No, it’s you who doesn’t understand. This thing between us, it’s just sex. Nothing else. So you don’t have to worry about me going all mopey when you decide to move on.” She turned on her heels and started back to the cabin.

“Stop.”

She bristled at the ring of command in his voice. “I get it, all right?”

A thunderous growl rumbled from his chest when she ignored him. He covered the distance between them in three long strides.

“This isn’t just sex.”

Was he freaking kidding?

She stabbed her finger into his chest. “Don’t go all caveman on me. You’re the one who changed the rules.”

“What rules?” His voice held its hard edge, but there was something almost vulnerable in his tone.

“The mating rules.” She had to fight back the surge of emotions ripping through her. He had to be the most infuriating man in the world, but even angry and hurt, she wanted him desperately. She was half in love with the man already. Mate or not, she knew it would break her heart when he walked away. She managed to harden her tone, but hardening her heart was impossible.

He opened his mouth, then shut it and shook his head, growling. With a frustrated breath, he kicked off his shoes, and yanked his shirt over his head.

“What are you doing?”

“Going for a run.” His pants were the next to come off. He stood before her stark naked, a small smirk twisting his lips. “Join me.”

He shifted before her. His lion was magnificent. Powerful muscles coiled and bunched under golden fur. Beautiful. She couldn’t help but stare in awe.

Her lion rumbled in approval, begging for release, but fear held Kiera back. Even if she could let the animal loose, she still wasn’t certain she’d be able to turn back.

She shook her head. “I can’t.”

He gave a small shake of his mane before bounding off into the woods.

She stood by the edge of the lake until the sun had faded completely behind the thick pines. Without Jacob’s soothing presence, her lion remained restless and on edge.

A howl in the distance made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

Wolves. Most likely just the generic kind, not the shifter variety. But how could she tell? There was still so much she didn’t know.

Hearing a snarl, even closer than the howls she’d heard before, she shivered and started walking back to the cabin. Her pace quickened when an unfamiliar smell made her lion rear its head.

Danger.

The ground shook and the trees to the left of her began to bend and sway.

She froze.

“Oh, shit,”
she hissed through clenched teeth.

A massive grizzly bear bounded from the woods and headed straight for her.

Kiera didn’t have to think. She just ran.