Last to Love Page 5

It’s been a while since my one-night stands have been this... well, satisfying. My wolf is settled, like he’s gotten hold of something unique. Which is ridiculous. It’s probably because she’s a wolf.

  And yet I’ve been with women who were wolves, before. My father’s pack had some unique specimens, after all. Of course, that all stopped when I got to Rockland Creek, but it’s not like I’m a rookie in this. Quite the fucking opposite.

  The thought nags at me, though. Why now? Why this weird fucking sensation? It’s not just Monica’s responsiveness, or the sense of forbidden fruit. After all, she’s here on a job. It’s more than that. She drives my body to the brink of exaltation, and it’s like a drug. A very physical, alluring drug. One I wouldn’t mind sampling once more.

  Not that she needs to know any of this.

  So I keep the rise and fall of my chest slow and steady, but the moment I feel her get up from the bed I peek through my lashes. Her body drives me to distraction, especially the flush that’s still on her skin, a clear reminder of the last hours. And then she bends over and picks out a phone from a small drawer, and my focus shifts.

  Her demeanor changes as it vibrates and she answers after the first few buzzes in a whisper. “Sì?”

  “Why were you not answering earlier?” I recognize his voice without fail. The same low baritone, demanding tone filters through the bad device. My ears focus on the sounds until I can discern the words. “Well?”

  “I was busy.”

  “Too busy for your alpha?” When Monica says nothing, Alessandro laughs. “Ah, I see. It worked, then?”

  Monica pauses, shifts the weight from foot to foot, and says, “Yeah. It’s done.”

  My jaw tenses. For a moment there, even if it was under false pretenses, we had a good time. It was only the two of us, without his fucking machinations coming between us. But she’s just confirmed this wasn’t that, at least not for her.

  And maybe it makes me a hypocrite given the reason behind me initiating the sex in the first place. Actually, it does make me an ipocrita. But I refuse to look deeper into why her easy admission annoys me so.

  Instead, I focus back on the conversation. Alessandro’s asking, “And?”

  “It’s too early to tell. I need more time.”

  “You have five more days, no more. Do not disappoint me.”

  He hangs up, and she stands there staring at the screen for long moments. I want to get inside her head, in that moment. Find out why she’s doing this, what’s in it for her. And what the five days deadline is for.

  Another part of me, a stronger part, wants to kiss her senseless, toss her on this bed and make her remember who she belongs to.

  The thought startles me. Belong to? Definitely not me.

  I force the tension to leave my body as she turns my way. Her eyes peruse me, the intensity almost searing a brand in my skin. And then it’s gone, and I hear the bathroom door close and the sound of the shower turn on.

  A beat, then another. Once I’m sure she won’t come out, I crawl out of bed and find the phone. Another ring startles me and I walk to my jeans, pulling out my own cellphone, while still holding hers.

  “Sì?”

  “It’s me,” Dominic says. “Where are you? I’m at your house.”

  I flick through Monica’s phone, seeing only one number on repeat. To Dominic, I mutter, “Elsewhere, ovviamente. What is it?”

  “You asked for the vote.” A pause, filled with reproach. “We took it, after the attack at Elle’s.”

  That draws my attention. How could I have gotten so wrapped up in Monica that I forgot where my priorities lie? Fucking hell. “And?”

  “Luz and Elle don’t agree, but everyone else is on board.”

  “And you?”

  He pauses, and his tone is heavy with exhaustion when he says, “I cannot advocate for mercy. Not when they’re obviously intent on attacking us. Finn told us in detail about the Reapers at Elle’s shop.”

  I nod to the darkness, a weight settling on my shoulders. “Bene. Send your wolves to scout locations. Find out every spot the Reapers are hiding in. You and Daniela go with them. Her magic can help if needed.”

  Dominic sighs on the line. “Alright. I’ll get on it before sunrise.” He pauses again. “You sure you’re good?”

  “Excellent. Ciao, amico.” Che strano. It feels weird having cordial conversations with him, but I won’t complain when it meets my needs.

  I toss my phone away and turn to Monica’s. The number is easy enough to memorize, should I wish to call him. But I have no intention of doing so.

  No, not yet. I need to see exactly what he plans before I show my cards. If my days are counted, if this Damocles sword is hanging over my head, then I need to move fast. Logic states I should be getting dressed and heading out, helping my pack to eradicate the Reapers. Logic also demands I leave Monica alone.

  And yet before I know what I’m doing, I’m heading for the washroom. The knob turns, but what awaits me inside is not what I expected. Monica isn’t relishing the hot water, basking in her victory. Rather, she’s curled up in a corner of the bathroom, head on her knees.

  The door creaks when I enter, and she lifts her head. Her eyes are wide and a sober blue, lashes wet with tears, yet there’s no trace of them on her face. I frown at her, but say nothing. We stare at each other for the longest moment, then I hold out my hand.

  Monica looks at it, then at me. When she doesn’t reach for it, I bend over and pick her up in my arms. “What –” she starts, but stops as she realizes I’m moving us both into the tight shower.

  As I let her find a grip on the tiled floor, mindful of her bandaged leg, she sways towards me, and our bodies touch. A gasp escapes her, followed by a moan as my hand drifts to her waist, then her lower back, to pull her closer.

  She looks up at me again, her features a mask of confusion. My wolf nudges to the surface, insistent, desperate for another taste of her. I don’t want to think about that call, or the reason she’s doing this. What I know is she isn’t faking it, and I’m going to damn well make sure I’m worth her time. And if it so happens I erase the memories of those tears, then a bonus to me.

  Without a second thought, I drop my mouth and claim hers. Monica opens underneath me, then her hands tangle in my hair and she pulls herself closer, kissing me back just as ardently.

  Her response nearly topples us sideways on the wet floor, but I steady her with one hand on her hip, and the other holding onto the wall. The sound of something breaking tears my mouth from Monica and I notice my grip on the wall has actually gone right through, causing pieces of tile to break apart.

  “Is that normal?” Monica breathes, her mouth against my throat.

  “No.” I pull my hand back and tilt her chin up. “But you do things to me, tesoro, that I don’t quite understand.”

  Her eyes darken at my words. Before she can come up with a smart reply, I claim her mouth again, this time pressing her against the opposite side for support. Then I pull back, flipping her over. “Hold onto the wall,” I growl.

  Once she’s secure, I grab her hip again and spread her legs with my thigh. My free hand goes to her front, caressing one perky nipple and enticing a moan from her. “You good?” I ask, more mindful of her comfort than I’d care to admit.

  She tosses her wet hair over one shoulder and groans, “Sì, please. Ti prego, Lucas...enough teasing.”

  “Con piacere, cara,” I whisper softly. “It’ll be my pleasure.”

  With one smooth thrust I’m inside her, and I forget everything but her moans and the tightness enveloping me.

  ∞ ♦ ∞

  When morning comes, I wake up to an empty bed and the sound of a shower running. After a stretch or two, I get up and put on my clothes, then exit Monica’s room and head home. The walk home does nothing to clear my head.

  Che diavolo was I thinking last night? I went there to tell her to stay away from my pack, and Elle who’s still recovering from Declan’s imprisonment an
d from nearly losing herself. And yet, one look at those big blue eyes and my basest of impulses took over.

  And again after my father’s call.

  Annoyance flashes through me, and my steps become harsher on the ground. Without realizing it, I break into a jog and the morph takes over. A ripple of pain, then I’m on four paws, beating onto the pavement until I sneak into the woods, taking the longer way home.

  My rusty fur stands out in the greens of the forest, not that it matters. After Declan’s attack, humans have been sparse to find in Rockland Creek. It’s fast becoming a ghost town, all the better for us to execute the Reapers.

  And then what? The thought comes unbidden, and not for the first time. Once we clean town, do I move my wolves and their mates to another area, and start over? It would seem weird if we all pop up in the same place, but maybe there’s not much of a choice.

  Monica’s words about going home ring in my ears. Home is here, not with my father. It never was. Finally, I get back to my house and toss my clothes off, then head into the shower. The water normally clears my mind, but not this morning.

  By the time I get out, I’m still as annoyed.

  Monica

  Lucas is gone when I re-enter the bedroom. I can’t feel sad, I mean after all it was a one-night stand. And an amazing one, at that. But what’s confusing is the way he comforted me. He probably didn’t mean it, but it sure came across that way.

  Shaking the thought off, I look for my phone and find three missed calls from Alessandro. I dial him back, my stomach churning in anticipation.

  “About time,” he says by way of greeting. “I want an update, now. How did the morning after go?”

  I gulp, loath to tell him about last night. But he’s my alpha, and the only protection I have. Think of what you’ll get, once you do this one thing for him, I tell myself.

  “It worked,” I say finally. “I mean, he spent the night. Your son doesn’t get smitten, but he definitely didn’t resist my charms.”

  A low rumble escapes him. “I knew he couldn’t, not for long. And?”

  “I’ll keep pressing my luck.”

  “What about your magical teas?”

  I bristle at the reminder. Those leaves were meant to entice Lucas’ senses, act as an aphrodisiac if needed, and make him more susceptible...if it came to it. It’s probably best Alessandro doesn’t know they’re with some immortal that smells like cinnamon.

  “They’re not necessary. But, if needed, I will make use of them.”

  In my mind, I can almost see Alessandro nodding, his cold, calculating gaze lost in thought. “Bene.” He pauses, but just when I think he’s about to hang up, he adds something else. “Is he alone?”

  “He has a pack,” I say. Each word feels like a betrayal, which is stupid because I don’t owe these people anything.

  “How many?”

  “Three other males, and three females from what I could tell. All mated.”

  “Mated?” His tone changes, as though he’s trying to hide his reaction. A hint of interest still trickles through, making me even more uneasy. “What are the females like?”

  I frown at the odd question. “I haven’t interacted long with them. The one I did speak with, she seems to have magic in her veins. Not sure about the others.”

  “Find out!”

  There’s more than a hint of eagerness now in his tone, and my gut tells me I’ve made a huge mistake opening my mouth. “But—”

  “Do not dispute me, Monica. We wouldn’t want to upset me enough to forget my promise, do we?”

  I bow my head. “No, signore.”

  “Bene. Keep me updated, as soon as you know.”

  After I get dressed, I head to Claws Auto. Like before, Lucrezia is there, but alone. I glance around, noticing only Tristan in the garage cleaning up a mess, but no trace of anyone else.

  “Where’s Blondie?” I ask.

  She looks up from the computer as though only now seeing me. “Come again?”

  “Blondie, the girl who was here with you earlier. I know Cinderella’s name is Elle, and yours, but Blondie?”

  “You mean Daniela.”

  “Yeah, her.” I scan the reception area again. “So, they’re not around?”

  “Nope, out on pack business.” Her eyes narrow on me, but there’s a hint of amusement in them. “Are you here for Lucas again?”

  “Maybe,” I shrug and walk closer. My leg is still a bit stiff – also due to the night’s activities – so I settled for regular boots, no heels, and jeans today. It feels weird compared to my usual designer clothes, but then again, I am running in different circles.

  For now.

  I cannot forget this is all temporary, and regardless of how easily these people are to talk to, I need to keep my defenses up and not get attached. After all, I’ll be out of here by the week’s end.

  “Lucas is in a bad mood this morning,” Lucrezia says, tapping her chin. “Would you have something to do with it?”

  My eyes widen. “Not that I know of.”

  “Hmm.” She leans back in her chair. “So... he didn’t find you last night after asking me where you’re staying? And he wasn’t with you when my mate went to his house to talk to him, and found it conveniently empty?”

  “I, uh...” I’m freaking blushing. What in the name of the Mother Goddess has gotten into me?

  “That’s what I thought,” Lucrezia nods. “Finn says you’re hiding things, but Elle seems to think you’re okay.”

  “And you?”

  “I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

  Staring at her, I feel something weird. Almost a camaraderie blossoming. Another new thing – I never had girlfriends in Alessandro’s pack.

  “Well, I’m only here to try and get Lucas back to his family. His father wants to see him and...” I trail off. The acidity burns on my tongue this time.

  Lucrezia nods again, softer. “Yeah, don’t bother with lies around here. They get found out quicker than you’d think.”

  “Lucrezia, have you seen my spare –” Lucas comes around the corner looking scrumptious in jeans and not much else. A dirty shirt is in his hands, and he stops when he sees me. His eyes narrow, taking in my jeans and boots outfit. “I didn’t know you could do casual.”

  I shrug, trying to pretend like his bare chest isn’t affecting me. We both know that’s not true. And judging by the way my lady parts tingle, I’m starting to realize he’s got more the upper hand than I do.

  Thankfully, Lucrezia digs under her desk and tosses him a spare shirt, which he pulls on immediately. It does nothing to hide the muscles underneath, and I find myself unable to remember the reason for my presence here.

  “Did you need something?” Lucas asks, his tone indifferent.

  I glance at Lucrezia, whose suspicious frown has been erased in favor of a commiserating expression.

  Before I can even answer, Lucas steps closer, muddling my senses again. I blurt the first thing that comes to mind. “Can we talk in your office?”

  He turns without a word and I follow. The minute we’re in the enclosure, I try to gain upper ground. Swaying my hips, I move closer to him and wrap my hands around his neck. “You left early this morning.”

  Before Lucas can answer, I press my lips to his neck, and my tongue snakes out to taste his skin. He smells like man and fresh soap and wild, dark woods. I inhale it deep, and the scent does something to me. Soothes me, and my wolf, in a way I’ve never felt before. It makes me lightheaded enough that my grip on his neck tightens.

  Lucas’ pulse changes, the beat calling out to me. It’s no longer slow and steady, but faster, harder, like he’s not unaffected by my closeness and reaction to me. When I pull back a bit, I notice his eyes have a different kind of heat in them, and his nostrils are flaring like he’s scenting me.

  Then his expression changes, as though he’s coming from a dream. He shakes his head and moves back from me, pushing me away.

  “Aspetta.” He holds up a hand, his
features hardened by something way worse than anger. “What, exactly, do you think we’re doing here?”

  I look away, refusing to play into his game. I know he wants my answer to say we’re involved, that I like him, so he can break it down to pieces. But I won’t give him the satisfaction, because I’m not stupid enough to fall for a mark.

  Not that any of this stops Lucas from driving his point home. His index lifts my face to his, and I notice his thin-pressed lips. “To be clear, we fucked, cara. Nothing else. I’m more than happy to continue to scratch that itch if you’re game. But if you have a problem with that, the door’s open.”

  I yank my chin out of his grip, and wrap my hand around his neck instead. Instead of the earlier sweet embrace, my nails now dig into his flesh and a soft hiss escapes him.

  “Did I say the opposite?”

  Then I pull his head down to mine, and our mouth mesh together. It’s sloppy, and it would’ve extended into something else – but a knock sounds on what’s left of the door frame. Someone clears their throat.

  I move away from Lucas, keeping my back to them. Yet I sense his annoyance. At, what, being interrupted? Left with blue balls?

  By the time I turn around, I’m in control – but he’s not. His eyes are burning daggers at Tristan, who holds up his hands. “Don’t rip my head off, meu amigo. Something’s happened on the patrol. Dani and Dom need us.”

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  ∞ Morte ∞

  “Our life is made by the death of others.”

  -Leonardo da Vinci-

  Lucas

  The mood is broken, and grazie a Dio, as I just about lost my head. What is it with this woman? One minute I want to strangle her, the next her cherry fragrance is everywhere and my wolf wants her – and I want to kiss her. It’s got to be more than her charms, unless she used some kind of spell on me.

  It’s just a good fuck. Great chemistry. That’s all.

  Keep telling yourself that, my wolf seems to nudge. His voice is fainter and fainter in my head these days. If I had the time, I’d bother to stop and try and figure it out. But I’m not an introspective guy, so I don’t.