An Alpha's Thunder (Water Bear Shifters 3) (9 page)

“I’m sure,” she said, meeting Lance’s gaze without flinching. “I want you. I need you. I can’t think of anything that would make me happier than knowing we are bound to each other forever.”

Lance closed his eyes briefly, overcome by the urgency in Caroline’s voice. Then his eyes flew open, looking hungry and primal, and he reached for the button on her jeans. He deftly unbuttoned and unzipped the pants, then slid them off. Caroline kicked off her shoes and socks as he did, ensuring that the garment would come off smoothly.

Once again, she momentarily regretted her underwear choice: plain, cotton panties whose dark purple color didn’t really coordinate with her beige bra. But Lance didn’t mind. He obviously didn’t want her wearing clothes, anyway. Caroline moaned with anticipation as his strong hands slid her underwear down her legs, leaving her dripping wet entrance fully exposed in front of him as he bent to slide the panties off and toss them aside.

He straightened up and reached behind her back, unclasping her bra and sliding it off as well. Caroline’s full breasts heaved with each ragged breath, as she fought unsuccessfully to keep her emotions under control. Her nipples were hard and erect, begging for his touch as she stood naked before him. He took her in with appreciative eyes, then stepped closer to her and bent his head so that his mouth was even with her nipples.

He nibbled softly on each firm peak, chewing and licking slowly. Each new motion of his mouth sent currents of hot electricity shooting from Caroline’s nipple out into the rest of her body. Her breathing continued to be rapid and uncontrollable, and she had grown so wet for him that little trickles of moisture were running down her legs.

“More,” she panted. It was the only word she could get out, but he understood the meaning. She wanted more of him. The pressure in both of their bodies was building to the point of explosion. He slipped out of his jeans, and Caroline reached to tug at the hem of his tight, black briefs. He helped her pull them down and off quickly, and she let herself look down to confirm what she had already felt—his erection was indeed huge. Despite trying to remain calm, Caroline couldn’t help but moan. The shaft was thick and long, and it stood erect and pointed toward her, waiting impatiently for its turn to join in on their frolic.

It wouldn’t have to wait for long. Lance pushed her up against the wall, placing his hands on her hips and bending his knees slightly so that his erection was at the perfect height to slide into her. But before he made a move to enter her, he paused.

“Look at me,” he said, his voice deep and strong. Caroline did as she was told. “I love you. I always will. My biggest responsibility from this moment forward is to make you happy, okay?”

Caroline nodded, her eyes locked with his. “I love you, too,” she said. Her mind screamed at her that this was crazy. She shouldn’t be sleeping with him, and telling him she loved him, when they had just agreed moments before to start a relationship. But deep within her, she knew this was the right thing. She did love him, and he loved her. Why should they hold back from the depth of their feelings for each other?

Lance smiled at her words, and then closed his eyes. He let out a long, low growl, and then, in one swift movement, he was inside of her.

Caroline gasped with pure pleasure as he filled her. He pushed against her insides, lighting every nerve ending up with delicious pleasure. She closed her eyes and moaned again, taking in the heat and tingling that his dick was sending throughout her body. His hands gripped her hips firmly as he began to thrust in and out. Her back rubbed against his cold living room wall with each movement, but she barely noticed. How could she, when the space between her legs was filled with burning hot pressure?

Lance leaned in to kiss her again, slipping his tongue into her mouth and moving it in the same motion as his dick. Caroline was completely connected to him. She was completely overtaken by his spell. She couldn’t hold back any longer, and she gave in to the waves of passion that finally broke over her body in quick succession. Her orgasm came hard and strong, rocking her body with the sweetest, purest pleasure she had ever felt. She screamed out Lance’s name as she arched her back and savored the feeling of her inner muscles clenching around his dick.

In response, he threw his head back and let out a roar. He stiffened and shot a hot jet stream into her, filling her completely with himself. Then he wrapped his arms around her and clung to her as they both panted, coming down from the best high either of them had ever been on. Caroline kept her eyes closed as her breathing returned to normal, finally opening them when Lance gently slid out of her.

“I feel so warm,” she said. “Like there’s a burning in my chest.”

Lance smiled and kissed her gently on the lips. “We’re bonded, Love. I knew it. You’re my lifemate.”

Caroline smiled. “I have to say, I’m pretty lucky that the universe chose such a sexy, gorgeous man for my lifemate.”

Lance shook his head. “I’m the lucky one,” he said. Then he picked Caroline up in his arms and carried her to the couch. “Cuddle with me,” he said, pulling a blanket up and around them. Caroline happily obliged. They snuggled silently in each other’s arms for several minutes, basking in the afterglow.

Finally, Lance spoke into the silence. “What did you mean earlier, when you said I’d be surprised at how much you understood what it’s like to live every day pretending to be someone you’re not? It sounded like there was a back story there.”

Caroline drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She didn’t like talking about her past, but she felt she could trust Lance with the details. “I grew up with parents who had big plans for me. They wanted me to attend an Ivy League university, and be a doctor or a lawyer or some other career that they thought looked good to society. They put a lot of pressure on me. As a child, I was always being carted around to activities and lessons that were supposed to enhance my skills and eventually look good on a college application. I was taught all the social graces and was the perfect student and daughter. But all of my accomplishments were just a show. My heart was never in it. Art was the only thing I ever loved. Things came to a head when I told my parents I would only go to college if I could major in art. They flipped out, and we got into a huge argument. I moved away, even though that meant they cut ties with me and stopped financially supporting me. I was tired of not being true to who I really was and what I really wanted. Eventually, my art took off, but it took a while. The early days were tough, but I don’t regret them. They made me stronger, and taught me that I could do things on my own. I can be myself, and do the things I really want to do. I don’t have to fit someone else’s mold. If the world isn’t happy with that, they can move right along. It doesn’t matter to me. I love the freedom of being true to myself.”

Lance smiled and kissed Caroline. “Well, your parents must be proud of you now, though, right?”

Caroline shook her head sadly. “They still won’t talk to me. Their loss, though. I’m hoping one day they’ll come around, but, in the meantime, I’ll continue to enjoy life and have new adventures.”

“Like Alaska?” Lance asked.

“Yes,” Caroline said with a smile. “Like Alaska.”

“So, that’s really a yes? You’re really willing to give up your life here and move to Alaska with me?”

Caroline grinned. “Yes. That’s really a yes. You’re my life now, and I’m ready for the next adventure,” she said.

Lance squeezed her even tighter, and she closed her eyes as she felt her breathing growing rapid again.

Holy shit, she was moving to Alaska.

Three weeks later, Lance watched as the city of San Diego grew smaller and smaller below him. He had boarded a flight to Kodiak, Alaska, along with the rest of the rescue crew and their lifemates. Across the aisle from him sat Ace and Jade, and in front of them sat Brett and Aubrey. Next to Lance, Caroline sat in the middle seat, between Lance and Ben. Ben was the only panda shifter who hadn’t found a lifemate yet, but Lance had a feeling there was someone special waiting for Ben in Alaska.

Lance reached over and squeezed Caroline’s hand, and she smiled back at him in return. He couldn’t believe how lucky he had been to find her. She was the most beautiful, unique woman he had ever met, and she had taken a big leap of faith by following him to Alaska. Their relationship was new, but it was already strong. They both knew they were destined to be together.

Nearly twenty-four hours later, the crew arrived in Alaska after three connecting flights. They were tired, but happy. Everyone was excited to begin their new adventure. And the first big thing they had planned was a joint lifemate ceremony for Brett, Aubrey, Ace, and Jade. Lance was looking forward to the day that he and Caroline had their own wedding, but, for now, he was excited to watch his two good friends officially tie the knot.

The days leading up to the lifemate ceremony were busy. The panda shifters checked in to their new post at the Kodiak Air Station, and familiarized themselves with the layout of the station and the equipment. The crew all settled into new houses near the air station, unpacking their few belongings. They hadn’t brought much with them, preferring to travel light and replace anything that they decided was absolutely necessary to own.

That Saturday, as the sun set, the group gathered outside against a backdrop of glittering blue water and snowcapped mountains. Aubrey and Jade both wore long white gowns and furry white shawls to keep warm, since even in August the evening temperatures in Kodiak were chilly. Brett and Ace stayed handsome and warm in charcoal gray suits. Ben officiated the intimate ceremony, while Lance and Caroline looked on. The sun was just disappearing behind the horizon as Ben announced both couples to be officially man and wife, and Lance and Caroline cheered as the two couples shared their first kisses as husband and wife.

Lance caught Caroline’s eyes right after the kiss, and his heart warmed at the love that he saw in her face. He leaned in to kiss her, and whispered in her ear, “Soon, it will be our turn, Love.” Caroline grinned and squeezed his hand in response.

The group went back to Ben’s condo to enjoy wine, beer, and catered barbeque. It wasn’t the fanciest of weddings, but it fit the couples who were getting hitched. The whole crew wanted nothing more than to spend time together, enjoying each others’ company. They knew there challenging days ahead, trying to find the scientists and eliminate them. But, for now, they were safe. Life was good, and they could kick back and have a good time.

Late that evening, Lance and Caroline bundled up for the short walk home. Lance had purchased a home two blocks over from Ben, so Lance hadn’t bothered to take his own truck to the small reception at Ben’s house. The cold, evening air bit at his skin, and he shivered despite the layers of clothes he was wearing. He could tell Caroline was shivering, too.

“I guess we’re not in San Diego, anymore, huh?” he said, wrapping his arm around Caroline’s shoulder to help keep her warm.

Caroline laughed. “Nope, we’re sure not,” she said. “But, quite honestly, it’s a nice change of pace. I like to shake things up every now and then. I feel like being here will give me a fresh perspective for my art, and I’m excited about that. There should be some awesome storms out here to paint, and I might also branch out and paint some of these gorgeous mountains. I’ve got plenty of inspiration to keep me busy.”

Lance smiled, and tightened his grip on her shoulders. “I sure got a good one when I got you,” he said.

“I feel the same way about you,” Caroline said, smiling over at him. “And I’m enjoying getting to know the other guys and their wives better. It’s really an awesome group. I still can’t believe that there’s a whole group of scientists working so hard just to get rid of people like you.”

Lance’s face darkened. “Well, they don’t view us as people. That’s part of the problem. But, don’t worry. We’ve been in touch with our contacts from other clans up here. We’ll be meeting up with them over the next few weeks, and we’ll make a foolproof plan to get rid of them. Then we can live in peace up here.”

They had reached their front door, and Lance reached into his pocket for his keys. As he unlocked the door and pushed it open, he lowered his voice to a husky growl. “The only thing you have to worry about right now is getting rid of some of those clothes. They’re blocking my access to the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.”

Caroline blushed, and Lance let out another low growl. Her skin was so soft and smooth. He could stroke his hands across it all day long. He felt himself going hard as she shrugged out of her coat and gloves. The more of her he could see, the more he wanted her.

“Maybe you should take of some of your clothes, too,” she said coyly, looking up at him through her thick eyelashes. She kicked off her dress boots, and sashayed toward the bedroom, glancing over her shoulder with an inviting look. He didn’t need to be asked twice. He took off his own coat and shoes, then padded across the living room in his socks, making his way to their bed. Caroline stood in front of him with that same coy look on her face, pulling off both of her socks without breaking her hold on his eyes. After she had bare feet, she started performing a slow, sensual strip tease for him. His dick was already hard, but when she reached to slowly pull off her sparkly, tunic sweater, he felt himself straining against the fabric of his black dress pants. Her beautiful curves beckoned to him, and it was all he could do to keep himself from grabbing her and throwing her onto their plush bed. He forced himself to wait, though, as she slid her leggings slowly down and off. She was wearing a lacy black bra and panties, and he grunted with appreciation at the view in front of him. She continued to keep her gaze locked on him as she reached behind her back and unclasped the bra. She slid the shoulder straps off one at a time, slowly revealing her full breasts with their hard, alert nipples. Lance moaned, and Caroline continued to give him that same, sultry grin that was driving him wild. She hooked the hem of her panties with her thumbs and wriggled them off, giving him a full, unobstructed view of her soft skin and naked curves. She was amazing. There was no other way of putting it. Simply amazing.

Lance started to take a step toward Caroline, but she held up her hand to stop him.

“Not so fast, buddy. I’m in charge of this show,” she said. Lance grinned, turned on even more by her authoritative attitude. She walked up to him and unbuckled his belt, then unbuttoned and unzipped his pants. She shimmied them down and off, letting him use her shoulder for balance as he stepped out of each pant leg. Then she grabbed his soft gray sweater and pulled it off, stretching to get the thick, woolen garment over his head. Lance felt his erection poking at her stomach as she leaned against him to reach high enough to pull his sweater off. The feeling of her body against his sent shivers of delight up his spine, and he felt his rock solid dick pulsing with excitement. Caroline noticed his excitement, and grinned as she reached down to pull of his tight briefs. His erection sprung free, standing at attention in the dimly lit bedroom and aching for a chance to find its home.

Caroline slowly pushed Lance backward until he reached the bed, then she pushed him onto the fluffy mattress so that he was lying flat with his back against the bed and his dick pointing toward the ceiling. Licking her lips, she climbed on top of him and positioned her mouth right over his erection. He felt himself pulsing with excitement as he realized what she was about to do.

She didn’t make him wait long. She covered his shaft with her mouth, the warm, moist softness of her mouth filling him with an incredible sense of ecstasy. He savored the feeling of her skin against his skin, and shivered as her hair fell around his stomach and legs, tickling him as she pleasured him. He felt the pressure burning in him like a fire, and he moaned and growled underneath her mouth, enjoying the sweet, tingling heat of his arousal.

She continued to run her tongue up and down his shaft, stopping often at the head to tickle him with just the tip of that talented tongue. When he felt like he was moments away from exploding, he stopped her.

“Wait,” he panted, gently pushing her up and then onto her back. “I want to finish inside of you.”

Caroline nodded, not arguing as Lance straddled her, and held her loving gaze for several beats before closing his eyes and sinking into her. She gasped, and arched her back, moaning with intensity as he began to thrust into her. The heat was overwhelming, and it didn’t take long for both of them to find their release. She cried out, and he could feel the waves of her passion squeezing his strong shaft. He smiled, and closed his eyes as he let his own relief come. He shot a burning hot stream into her as the pressure and tingling he had been feeling gave way to sweet release.

Lance moaned with satisfaction as he slowly climbed off of Caroline and snuggled up next to her. They lay there, skin to skin for quite some time, both of their bodies glistening with the sweat of their lovemaking efforts. When Caroline finally began to shiver, Lance pulled a blanket up and around them. She breathed in happily and kissed his neck where her face was resting. Lance breathed in her scent, and kissed her forehead.

“Thank you for moving with me,” he said. “I’m so excited for our future together.”

“You’re welcome,” Caroline said. “I’m happy to be here. But are you sure we’ll be safe? It seems like the scientists are well-organized up here.”

“Don’t worry,” Lance said. “I promise we’ll be safe. The only way they’ll be able to get to you is over my dead body, and they aren’t strong enough to kill me. We’ll find them, and wipe them out. And then, you and I are going to have a beautiful lifemate ceremony to celebrate our future together.”

Caroline sighed. “I love you,” she said. “And I trust you. I’m excited about our future here together.”

“I love you, too,” Lance said. “And I’m excited about what’s to come. Only good things are up ahead, I promise.”

And he meant it. There might be challenges, but he had no doubt he could overcome them. The months ahead would be filled with good times for him and his beautiful, artistic lifemate. San Diego had been good to him, but he knew that, with Caroline by his side, Alaska would be even better. He had his lifemate. What more could he ask for?

The future was looking bright.