Ruin=, page 6
The water had grown chilly, leaving her no choice but to get out. She reached for her belt and stopped when Abhain kicked the wall. He kicked it twice more in rapid succession as if he were trying to get her attention. She strained her ears, listening for anything outside. That was when she heard Rory’s shout—one of concern. Asa hurried to the door and threw it open. The sight of the wolves surrounding Rory caused her stomach to drop to her feet.
“Nay!” she shouted and stepped outside, her bare soles meeting the cold ground.
The wolves ignored her. Rory didn’t even seem to notice her. His attention was on the seven wolves that prowled around him. She saw that his shirt was ripped at the shoulder and wrist. She had to get the alpha’s attention to stop the attack.
“Enough!”
Before Asa could do anything more, a wolf leapt at Rory. He dove to the side and rolled. The wolf’s snapping jaws barely missed him. When Rory sat up, he came face-to-face with another of the animals. Asa’s heart skipped a beat as she watched the wolf’s lips peel back to reveal its large teeth. Everything happened so fast she hadn’t had time to react.
“I said enough,” Asa stated angrily into the silence.
They disregarded her again, and that simply wouldn’t do. Asa sent a blast of magic, knocking away a wolf about to pounce on Rory’s back. The animal grunted and limped back into position but was otherwise unhurt.
She strode through the wolves to stand beside Rory, her magic at the ready. She turned in a circle, letting her gaze meet each of the large predators’ until she found the leader. She stared into the alpha’s orange eyes.
“I don’t want to hurt you, but I will. You know I can,” she told him.
The animal growled long and low. “His kind hunt us.”
“And you’re hunting him.”
“Lost so many.”
Asa unclenched her hands. “I was hunted. My home destroyed. Those of my family slaughtered. I know how you feel.”
The alpha pulled back his lips, uncaring.
“Hunting my kind will only ensure the demise of more wolves. Our two kinds can live together harmoniously.”
“Never happen.”
“Please,” she begged. “We have to try. Go. Leave and forget us. If you stay or return, I will release the full force of my magic on your entire pack.”
The alpha stared at her for a long moment, seemingly weighing his options—and no doubt sizing her up to see if she would do as she threatened. Finally, he walked to the female that was face-to-face with Rory and nudged her with his shoulder. Asa watched as the two looked at each other. She didn’t know what words passed between the pair. The female slid her yellow gaze to Asa before backing away from Rory, but she remained next to the alpha. They were mated.
The rest of the pack hesitated for only a moment before following the pair of alphas as they loped away. Asa watched until they disappeared into the night. Then she turned to Rory, who now lay on his back with his arms outstretched.
“It seems I owe you once more.”
His gaze was on the sky, his voice deep as his chest rose and fell rapidly. She could well imagine what he must have been through. He had reached the cottage, but the pack had surrounded him, preventing him from getting inside. They had intended to kill him. If she hadn’t been here…
“You owe me nothing,” she replied.
His head rolled to the side to look her way. “What did you say to them?”
“That if they didn’t stop, I’d kill them.” And she had meant it. Asa went out of her way not to harm animals, but the sight of the wolves as they circled Rory had sent a rush of fear and anger so great through her that it had nearly choked her.
Rory sat up, gritting his teeth as he did. Asa squatted beside him and saw the dark spots on his shirt. Blood.
“Doona fash,” he told her. “The wounds are no’ deep.”
“Those are new injuries, and you’re still healing internally from the stabbing.”
He chuckled softly. “Aye. So you kept telling me, but I didna listen. I discovered that quickly enough on my run here. It’s my fault for no’ bringing my sword with me to the river. I was distracted, which added to the problem.”
“Come. Let’s get you inside so I can look at your new injuries. And you will be taking a bath. No arguments. The hot water will help.”
Rory didn’t respond as he got to his feet. She rose, ready to take his weight, but he remained steady. Asa almost regretted that he didn’t need her. She glanced behind her to see if the wolves had doubled back before following him into the cottage.
He sank onto a chair at the table. Asa brought a candle over as he removed his shirt. She swallowed, her eyes lingering on his muscular body. She couldn’t look away. But soon, she was gazing at more than hard sinew. She saw the wounds.
There was a long, red mark cutting across his left chest that appeared to be from a wolf’s claws. She touched it and felt him stiffen. Asa looked into his face, but Rory stared anywhere but at her. She hesitated before returning her attention to the injury that hadn’t broken the skin.
The puncture wounds on his right shoulder showed that a wolf had latched on to Rory, but he had managed to get free. Those injuries weren’t too deep, either. She then turned her focus to his left forearm and saw marks cutting into his skin as if teeth had been dragged over it. Blood had already clotted on both his shoulder and his arm.
“Are there any more?” she asked.
Rory shook his head.
Asa glanced at his legs to see a few scrapes. Maybe he wasn’t aware of those. She lifted her head. His gaze quickly skated away. What happened to the man who had looked at her with such desire that it had made her weak in the knees?
“It won’t take me long to heal you,” she said.
He scratched at his jaw. “You’ve done enough.” Then he stood. “You’re right. A soak is what I need.”
“Then I’ll get the water.”
“The wolves are still out there,” he stated, finally looking at her.
Asa lifted her chin. “They know not to come near me. I’ll be fine. Please don’t undo everything I repaired in your body.”
“I’m no’ good at sitting idly.”
“It won’t be for long,” she promised.
Asa used the pail she had found inside and began emptying the tub. She was halfway through before Rory dragged it outside and dumped the rest. He said nothing as he lugged it back into the cottage.
“I’d feel better if I could walk with you,” he told her.
She nodded and put on her shoes before they set out. They didn’t speak on the short trek. She found the two buckets he’d left. One had been knocked over, its contents spilled. She refilled it, along with the one she’d brought. Before she could argue, Rory picked up the last pail. However, she got to the other two before he could.
“You’re stubborn,” he murmured teasingly.
Asa grinned while trying to keep her gaze averted from his bare chest. It didn’t take them long to fill the tub with the three pails. Asa then heated the water as she had done for herself. When she looked up, Rory stood facing the fire. She wanted the ease they’d had between them earlier. She was confused about what had happened, and she didn’t know how to strip away the new tension.
“I’ll check on Abhain,” she said and walked outside.
She paused in the cool night air and wrapped her arms around herself. She heard Rory’s boots drop to the floor as he removed them. Soon after, there was a soft splash of water. Asa hurried to the stallion. He stuck his head out to greet her.
Asa looked into his eyes. “Thank you for warning me about the wolves.”
Abhain butted his head against her. She stroked him from his forehead to his velvety nose and searched the skies for Frida. The longer it took her friend to return, the more worried Asa became. All she could do now was wait. Frida always came back.
Asa looked at the cottage, her thoughts turning to Rory. Her breaths quickened when she thought about how he had looked at her earlier. The heat, the primal urge reflected in his dark eyes had aroused her. He wanted her. There was no doubt about that. At least, he had. He had known she was a witch before they met, so that couldn’t have changed his mind. Could it?
She checked the stall door to make sure Abhain was secure before striding to the cottage. As soon as she opened the door, her eyes landed on Rory. He sat with his back to her, his hair wet. Puddles dotted the floor. His arms rested along the rim of the tub while his knees protruded from the water.
Asa softly closed the door and removed her shoes. She walked to him, eyeing the puncture wounds on his shoulder. It wouldn’t take long to heal them. She put her hand on him. Rory stiffened, his muscles rigid beneath her palm. She instantly released him, but he didn’t relax. If she needed proof that he didn’t want her touch, there it was.
She moved slowly around him, her gaze moving to the water and trying to see through it. Asa didn’t stop until she stood at his feet. Then, she faced him fully. He watched her warily, his body tense as if he were ready to bolt.
“Is it because I’m a witch?” she demanded.
A brief frown furrowed his brow. “What are you talking about?”
“The reason you can’t stand my touch. That you flinch away when I get near.” She tried to keep the anger and hurt out of her voice, but she failed.
He stared at her for a long moment. “Leave it, Asa.”
“If you’re not going to talk to me, then we should part ways now.”
“What?” he thundered as he sat up.
Water sloshed over him and onto the floor. She quirked a brow. “You knew what I was when you came to find me. You didn’t seem to mind after I healed your wounds or while we were riding here. But something happened to change how you feel. I won’t keep you beside me if I repulse you so.”
He stood so fast the water splashed loudly onto the floor. Asa had to stop herself from backing up a step at the fire that raged in his eyes. He stepped out of the tub and stood before her. She could’ve eyed his gorgeous body, but he wouldn’t allow her to look away from his face. Then he took her hand and brought it to his hard arousal. Her throat went dry when she felt him.
“I stiffen because your touch burns me. I flinch in an effort not to drag you against me and kiss you until we’re both senseless with need. I’ve been hard for you, aching and craving your touch, since before we met.”
9
Rory couldn’t believe he’d gotten the words out once her fingers wrapped around his length. He told himself to release her, that she only touched him because he’d brought her hand to his cock. But he couldn’t let go because she might, as well. He didn’t think he would survive it if she did.
The fire crackled in the hush that followed his declaration. He searched her deep blue eyes, looking for…he didn’t know what. Everything about Asa made him feel as if he were walking on the edge of a tower. It was thrilling, exhilarating. Utterly stirring.
No other woman could cause such feelings within him. He’d been captivated from the moment Liss had put her image into his mind. Then he’d seen her on the docks, and he’d railed at the universe as his strength waned because he knew he wouldn’t be there to discover who she was or be able to stand beside her in battle. He wouldn’t know her.
Then, she saved him. Her magic had brought him back from the brink of death and gave him the opportunity he had wanted. She had stood between him and wolves intent on ripping him to shreds. And she’d done it all with grace and fortitude that made him yearn for her even more.
Rory sucked in a breath when her hand moved up and down his length. He closed his eyes and fought the swift surge of desire that seared his veins, all while a voice in his head said, “Take her.”
“Woman,” he bit out as he looked at her.
Her eyes glittered with hunger. The last shred of his control snapped. Rory wound an arm around her, tugging her close. He saw the rapid beat of her pulse in her neck as he lowered his head. He inhaled her clean scent as his balls tightened. Her lids fell shut an instant before his lips captured hers.
It wasn’t a slow kiss. It was one full of fire and yearning that blazed hot and true. He claimed her mouth as he longed to claim her body. She melted against him as their tongues tangled, stoking the flames higher. Always higher.
Their desire fed off each other’s until the world fell away, leaving only the two of them—and a passion that wouldn’t be denied.
Her soft sigh made him harder. Rory held her tightly as he ground against her, but it wasn’t enough. He had to get closer. He needed to be inside her. So, he bent, running his hands down her curves as he gathered her skirts in his palms until his fingers stroked bare skin.
She tore her mouth from his, her eyes brimming with unadulterated desire. Rory cupped his hands around the backs of her thighs and lifted. Asa’s eyes flared before she grabbed hold of his shoulders. He straightened, slowly moving her up his body until her legs wrapped around his waist.
When he discovered she wasn’t wearing any underthings, his cock jumped in anticipation, brushing her delicate center. Her lips parted, and her eyes darkened. She slid her fingers into his hair and brought his head to hers for another frenzied kiss.
Somehow, he made it to the bed and sat. Asa’s hands roamed over him. She was careful around his new injuries, but her fingers lingered on old scars. She wasn’t the only one exploring. His hands caressed from her ankles up to her hips, pushing her gown up as he did. His arousal sat between them, aching and needy.
Rory had thought about this moment so many times. He wouldn’t rush it. It would be a night they both remembered for the rest of their days.
Need pulsed through her. Asa rocked against Rory, seeking the release she knew he could give her. The way his hands moved over her as if she were the most precious thing on Earth made her thoughts scatter, and her heart miss a beat. His kisses left her panting. Needy.
Ravenous.
For him. All for him.
He lifted her slightly, just enough that his hand could reach her center. At the first brush of his fingers over her swollen sex, she moaned, the sound pulled from the deepest parts of her. His other hand flattened on her back as she ended the kiss and let her head drop back, struggling to take air into lungs frozen by the pleasure rolling through her.
Her body shook with expectation while his fingers softly caressed the inside of her thigh. She waited with bated breath for him to find her once more, her nails digging into the tops of his shoulders.
Then, finally, he slid a digit inside her.
“So wet,” he murmured in a voice thick with desire.
Asa rocked her hips, seeking more, but Rory was in complete control. He withdrew his finger and moved it through the folds of her sex until he found her clit.
“Please,” she begged.
“Take off your gown,” he ordered.
It took her two tries—and his help—before she managed to remove the garment. Rory’s eyes locked on her breasts, causing her nipples to harden beneath his gaze. All the while, he gently swirled his thumb around her throbbing nub.
The desire was greater than anything Asa had ever experienced. Her longing was deeper, her craving greater. She didn’t just want Rory. She burned. Her body was starved for one man who worked it for his enjoyment.
And she followed—because there was no other choice.
His ministrations on her clit increased. She moaned in pleasure, wanting more…wanting it all. But at the same time, hoping the night never ended. He slid a finger inside her again, moving it in time with his thumb. She sucked in a breath, desire pushing her toward the ultimate bliss.
Rory cocooned her—his chest before her, his arms around her, his legs behind her. The heat of his body infused hers, adding to the carnal delights.
A cry tore from her when his mouth wrapped around a nipple and suckled. The combination of his fingers and mouth sent her spiraling toward a climax. Her body was no longer hers. He worked it as if he’d had years to learn just where to touch her, just how to touch.
He added a second long finger to the first. The feeling of him thrusting them inside her as he teased her clit and flicked his tongue across her nipple was too much. The orgasm arced through her, taking her breath and her voice.
The feel of Asa’s body trembling in his arms and the inner walls of her sex clenching around his fingers nearly caused Rory to spill his seed. He’d never witnessed anything so beautiful or pure as Asa freely giving herself to him.
He slowed his ministrations as her climax waned. Her sex continued clamping down on him, even as she lay boneless in his lap. Rory removed his hand from between her legs and wrapped both arms around her. Then, he half-rose and turned to lay them on the bed. Her eyes blinked up at him.
“How could you ever think I didn’t want you?” she whispered.
Rory smoothed a strand of blond hair from her face. He didn’t answer. Instead, he kissed her. Then he moved down her neck to her breasts. They were small but absolutely perfect. The pink-tipped nipples strained for his attention. He moved from one to the other, suckling, licking, and teasing until Asa moved her foot along the back of his leg and over his ass.
She shoved him onto his back and straddled his hips before slowly sliding down his body. She placed soft kisses over his chest and down his stomach. The moment her fingers wrapped around his cock, he halted her with his hand. She lifted, a brow quirked in question.
“I’ll no’ last. I’ve barely made it this long,” he warned her.
Asa grinned in response. “You’ll last.”
He parted his lips to argue, but then her mouth was on him, and he lost all train of thought. Her fingers moved skillfully on his shaft as she enveloped him. When her tongue swirled around his sensitive head, his entire body went rigid with pleasure. She was relentless, merciless in her quest to bring him to his knees.
Rory fought against the rapidly building orgasm. He fisted his hands in her long, blond waves when she cupped his ball sac and rolled them between her hands. She had begged for release, and he hadn’t given it to her. Now, she would do the same to him. He’d never encountered a woman who matched him in bed before, and he knew he would never be able to let Asa go.
