Mary and the Bear (16 page)

"Well, hello to you, too. And for your information, my phone never rang. I would have heard it if it had. I've been home all weekend.” Except for the time she spent with Hugh, but she wasn't ready to talk about that just yet.

"I was really worried about you. I know Hugh told Alex that you were fine but I needed to know for sure."

"I'm fine. It got a little rough Friday night but everything turned out okay. I can guarantee that I won't be drinking any more Shifter Surprises, no matter how good they taste. My one experience with their potency was enough."

"Alex said you were sick but that Hugh stayed long enough to make sure you were alright. He was really worried about you when you left the party. Are you sure the two of you don't have something going?"

Mary Elizabeth had forgotten their conversation about Hugh. It seemed a lifetime ago. So much had happened since then. “I'm sure I'm not ready for a serious relationship with anyone right now. I might be persuaded to fool around and have a little fun, but he would have to agree to keep things light.” Then she laughed, thinking to herself, Hugh was definitely fun.

Kiesha laughed with her. “Well, I'm glad you're okay. I'd hate for you to have come all this way and have something serious happen. Your mother would kill me."

"I doubt it.” There was only a hint of bitterness in her tone. She'd learned a long time ago to accept things the way they were. Changing the subject, she looked around at the construction site that was her new place of employment. “Okay, now that I'm here, where do I start?"

Kiesha showed her where everything was going to be when the work was finished. She explained in greater detail what Mary Elizabeth's duties would be and showed her the office that was hers alone. There was an office for Kiesha and one for Shannon, which probably wouldn't be used.

Kiesha gave Mary Elizabeth a budget, put her in charge of hiring and turned her loose. She spent the morning posting job notices and setting up her office. The rest of the afternoon was spent in conference calls with the other store managers going over potential merchandise for the new store. Kiesha was still studying the feasibility of relocating the on-line store to Refuge. It was a move that would require a lot more personnel than what they were currently planning on hiring and/or relocation for some of the current staff. There was a lot to consider before a final decision could be made.

Mary Elizabeth left the store at the end of the day, tired but invigorated, and looking forward to tomorrow. Remembering what Kiesha said about calling reminded her that she planned to buy a new phone. She went to the local drugstore and found one with caller ID and a built-in answering machine. While hooking it up, she noticed the phone cord was unplugged from the wall jack. That was strange. She didn't remember the cord being loose. She plugged it back in and spent a few minutes setting up the phone before she was completely satisfied. Then she changed clothes and went to join Hugh in the diner, hungry and ready to eat.

It was Monday and business was slow. Hugh called out as she entered the diner, “Come on back and wait in my office."

She did as instructed. She'd barely glanced around when Hugh entered the office with two plates piled high with food. “I am so hungry."

"Good, I fixed plenty.” He sat the plates on his desk and motioned for her to eat.

"How was your first day of work?"

"Good. I spent most of the day setting up my office and reviewing the budget Kiesha gave me. I also posted job announcements in the paper."

"How many people are you looking to hire?"

"For now, until we get a better idea of the volume, only two or three full-timers. Later we may add some part-timers as well."

The conversation transitioned from discussing their day to how they each ended up in their current careers. Hugh told her about his career in the military and his decision to open the diner upon retirement. With each conversation they shared, she was coming to know and like him better.

Before it could get too late, she excused herself to go home. Hugh walked her to the door, kissed her goodnight and kept watch as she climbed the stairs until she entered the apartment. Thirsty again, she threw her keys on the table, and went to the refrigerator to get something to drink. “What the hell?"

The refrigerator was full of food. Food she didn't buy. She closed the fridge and started opening cabinets. The story was the same. Her cabinets, even the pantry, were all full of food items she hadn't bought. Some items were familiar favorites while others were things Hugh must have a preference for. “Why would he...?"

She left the kitchen and stood in the living room staring into space, trying to understand what would make him do such a thing. Finally, it occurred to her to see what else he'd done while she was at work.

In the bathroom, the toothbrush he used this morning was still there. Inside the mirror, a can of shaving cream and a razor sat on the shelf.
This isn't so bad,
she thought. In her room, everything appeared to be the same until she opened the closet. Several of his pants and shirts, enough to last at least a week, hung beside her clothes. On the floor sat a bag containing several changes of socks and underwear.

She backed up slowly and sank onto the bed that still smelt like him. He was doing too much—way too much—too fast. More than she was comfortable with. They'd only been a couple for three days and the man had virtually moved in with her.

She tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he wasn't trying to move in. Maybe he was just leaving a few items here for convenience sake; the same way women like to leave things at their lover's homes where they spent a lot of time. After all, a few outfits did not a wardrobe make. She tried to make herself believe it through her entire yoga routine, shower and as she prepared for bed. It didn't work.

Part of her was shocked and offended that he'd dared to invade her space in this manner. Since being on her own, she'd always lived alone, even in college. She wasn't used to sharing her space, and was a very private person, rarely inviting people to visit. She enjoyed her privacy too much.

Another part of her, the more animalistic side of her nature, recognized his actions for what they were and was deeply disturbed. The man was claiming her space even as he'd claimed her body. It was too much for her to handle, so she did what she always did, buried it to deal with later. She pulled out her CD of the sounds of the ocean that she played whenever she needed to relax. With the sounds of nature all around her, she climbed into bed and was immediately engulfed by Hugh's scent, which did more to calm her nerves than anything else.

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As she reached out to turn off the alarm, Hugh muzzled her neck. “Good morning."

She growled in reply and shrugged him off.

He untangled himself, rolled out of bed, and pulled on his jeans while she was still trying to force herself to sit up. “I'll make coffee while you get dressed."

By the time she came out of the room dressed for work, not only was the coffee done but he'd made breakfast as well and it was sitting on the table.

He kissed her lightly on the cheek as he passed by, headed for the bathroom. “Eat. You'll feel better. I want to see an empty plate on the table when I come back."

"Eat, you'll feel better.” She mimicked him lightly under her breath. God, she hated mornings. She poured a cup of coffee and sat to the table to eat as he commanded. The sad thing was, he was absolutely right. She did feel better. More alert and ready to face the day.

Over the next couple of days, they fell into a routine. She'd awaken with Hugh in bed beside her. He'd fix coffee and breakfast while she prepared for work. They would eat breakfast together and then she'd gather her things and head for the door. Hugh would stop her at the door, kiss the breath out of her and give her mind-blowing orgasms. Then he would shove her outside and on her way to the office before her heartbeat had a chance to settle. He never touched her at any other time or removed any more clothes than necessary, meaning what he'd said about giving her body time to heal.

After work, she would unwind by puttering around the apartment before heading downstairs to spend time with Hugh. He'd stop working long enough to eat with her and then they'd talk while he worked. About nine, she would go home and prepare for the next day. Once in bed, she'd fall asleep knowing that at some time during the night, Hugh would join her.

Between work and the time she spent with Hugh, she was rarely home. Even so it occurred to her, now that she had her new phone, it was strangely quiet on the home-front. She'd really expected Charles to call back after she hung up on him like she did. He'd called everyday prior to that last time. That he hadn't called again was a cause for concern.

He'd been acting a little off lately. When he called she would encourage him to speak to a grief counselor. He had some serious issues that he needed to deal with. The next time she called home, she'd ask her father to speak to Charles about seeking professional help. She wouldn't call Charles herself. He'd see it as a sign of weakening on her part and the last thing she wanted to do was encourage him.

She needed to feel him pounding in her, thrusting mercilessly until all she could feel was him. She wanted him deep and she wanted him hard. Umm, yes, just like that. Deep, hard, and fast. She wanted him to power into her until her world exploded and he was the only thing left to hold onto.

She planned her attack carefully. Thursdays were slow. He'd be retreating to his office soon. She took a shower and shaved, leaving her skin silky smooth. Into her skin she rubbed essential oils until it glowed with health and vitality.

In her room, she pulled on a pair of black, lace-top, thigh high stockings that ended high on her legs, framing her pussy. One side of her mound was shaved bald, the skin soft and gleaming. The other side was trimmed very low, presenting an intriguing contrast.

Over the stockings she wore a very conservative skirt that gathered at the waist and flowed to her ankles. On her feet was a pair of black ankle boots with “fuck-me” stiletto heels. Dipping her fingers between her legs, she drew the moisture she found there and dabbed it between her breasts, behind her ears, and in the hollow at the base of her throat like it was the most expensive perfume. Last of all, she put on a silky, black wrap shirt that tied at the waist. She played with her nipples until they stood up straight and tall, drawing attention to her braless state. One last toss of her hair, which she left loose and tousled looking just the way he liked it, and she was ready to go.

Leaving everything behind, including her keys, she locked the door and walked down to the diner. Hugh would unlock the door for her later. She did not intend to return home alone.

She entered the diner via the back door, which Hugh left unlocked just for her. She caught his attention as she walked by on the way to his office. She pointed, indicating that she'd be waiting for him in there. He nodded to show he understood and went back to giving instructions to his staff.

She didn't have long. He would follow shortly. She moved the heavy armchairs from in front of his desk and pushed them to the side. Their previous position would block his view of what she wanted him to see. Next she cleared his desk of anything that looked important or that might be painful to lie upon. With any luck, he'd have her flat on her back on the desk shortly, driving into her.

Hopping on top, she arranged herself in a way that was sure to get his attention. With her hips on the very edge, she spread her legs as wide as they would go. Then planted her feet on the desk pointing in an outward direction. If she were less flexible, she wouldn't have been able to hold the position. Thank God for yoga. She straightened her back and rested her elbows on her upraised knees while making sure her skirt covered her completely.

She was so excited about what she was doing that she could feel her feminine juices leaking from between the lips of her vagina to wet the fabric of her skirt underneath. Her nipples were tight little stubs pressing against the silk of her shirt, betraying her arousal. She finished arranging herself not a moment too soon.

As Hugh approached the office, he threw on last comment over his shoulder before opening the door with one hand. As soon as he stepped through the door, the scent of her arousal hit him like a hammer between the eyes. He could smell it over the food he was carrying in his hands. His cock immediately sprang to life, and he swallowed and prayed for control. It had been excruciatingly difficult holding back these last few days. His beast demanded that he claim her fully, as he had the night he'd caused her to bleed. The mating fever was riding both of them hard, and only his fear of hurting her pain enabled him to hold back.

It looked like she was taking matters into her own hands. He closed the door and leaned against it, holding onto the plates like a drowning person held onto a life preserver. He didn't trust himself to come any closer, because the minute his hands were empty, he would be all over her. Yes, it was better for him to stay right where he was. His control was already razor thin. Any little thing was liable to push him right over the edge.

"Lock the door, Hugh.” Her voice was husky with arousal.

Balancing both plates on one arm, he reached blindly behind him to do as she said. He took in the way she was seated on his desk and knew he was in trouble.

"I want your honest opinion, okay?"

He swallowed to clear his throat, which had closed up, and took a firmer grip on the plates. “Sure. I'll be honest.” He watched as she began to ease up her skirt. His eyes were glued to what was slowly being revealed.

"I couldn't decide which was better, so I decided to leave the final decision to you.” Her skirt was up to her knees now. His eyes took in the shoes and the stockings, but it was what waited between her legs that caused his heart to stutter.

Using a finger to illustrate, she pointed out to him what she'd done. Drawing her index finger up the side of her sex that was baby smooth, she asked, “Do you prefer totally bare? Or,” sliding her finger slowly down the other side she continued, “barely there?"

When she reached the end, she slid her finger deep into her dripping hole and spread the moisture on her distended clit. Rubbing her finger in a circular motion, she masturbated while he hungrily watched. “This feels so much better now that there's not all of that hair in the way."

He came toward her like a man hypnotized, his eyes never once leaving the motion of her fingers. The plates in his hands dipped alarmingly, the food slid to the edge, then dropped unnoticed to the floor. She shivered delicately as the pleasure from what she was doing raced up and down her spine.

"You know what feels even better than this?” She continued before he could answer, her words coming out choppy as her orgasm approached. “Your big, thick cock pounding into my wet pussy the way you did last Saturday night. Mmm, it felt soooo good. I love the way you fucked me. Deep and hard. Pounding into my pussy until I could hardly catch my breath. You made me want to scream, scratch, and bite. You brought out the wild woman in me."

She was panting now. She was so close. She could smell his arousal, see the war he was waging to remain in control and not fall on and devour her as he wanted to. Just a little bit more and she would have him right where she wanted him. She sped up the motion of her hand, her finger pressing firmer. Her hips were making little thrusting motions, following the movements of her hand.

"At work I think of you taking me. Fucking me hard. The fantasy is so vivid, so real that I cream my panties as I come.” She was so in tuned with her body that her attention strayed from him, focusing inward.

She never noticed his eyes changing as his beast began rising to the surface. His nostrils flared as he breathed in deeply of her scent. The plates dropped to the floor with a crash. His hands clenched into fists. He was fighting a losing battle to remain in control. His hand crept to his cock, stroking its rigid length through his pants. The pressure was so great that he undid the zipper and released his cock to give it some relief.

Her finger picked up speed. She brought her other hand up to squeeze her aching nipple, until with a keening cry, she threw back her head and came. Her cry shattered the last fragment of his control. He leaped forward and grabbed her hips with his hands, stabilizing her as he rammed home, sliding in to the hilt in one stroke.

Pushing her down onto the desk, he locked his teeth onto her shoulder and gave his beast full control. He hammered into her, each thrust bringing forth a grunt from her mouth. Her nails clawed his back. Her feet dug into the desk as she braced herself to counter each thrust with one of her own. Her heels were probably leaving score marks on his desk, but she didn't care. THIS was what she'd wanted. This is what she'd been craving.

"Yes! Fuck me. Fuck me
hard
. Just like that."

He growled and pumped into her even harder, pounding against her cervix. She slid her fingers down his back and dug her nails into his ass, gripping him tightly. She wanted him in her so deep that she couldn't tell where he began and she left off.

The sensations bombarding her body were so intense, she couldn't catch her breath. She wanted more. She wanted all he had, everything in him. She urged him on with her words, her mouth right by his ear. “You feel so good. You're so big and hard. I love the way you fill me. I need you. Harder! Faster! Give it to me! Don't hold back. Give it all to me!"

He growled low and long as he began to shift. His fingernails lengthened into claws. His incisors became fangs that cut into her shoulder drawing forth blood. The little bit of pain was all she needed to fall over the edge.

With no breath left to scream, instead she reared up and bit him on the tendon where his neck and shoulder joined, her jaw locking down so hard that she drew blood. He gave a mighty roar and pulled out of her. He flipped her over onto her stomach and was back, pounding into her before her mind could fully comprehend the change in position. Her breasts were squashed against the desk. The pistoning motion of his hips caused them to rub back and forth across the smooth surface of the desk, abrading the nipples and sending streaks of fire to her womb.

Her hands had automatically slapped down on the desk to break her fall when he flipped her over. Hugh had one arm under her hips, lifting her and holding her steady for his thrusts. The other hand held her by her thigh, holding it up and keeping her open, allowing him maximum thrusting potential.

"Oh God, yes. Right there, Hugh. Just like that. Oooooh!” This position hit all of her hot spots, which triggered another orgasm and kept her at a high peak. One orgasm bled into another until with a mighty thrust and a powerful roar, Hugh came, spurting his seed deep into her waiting womb. He continued to thrust as he came, filling her to the point where sperm began flowing out of her body, coating her thighs. When he released the last of it, he slumped down on top of her breathing heavy.

The heavy musk of sex filled the office. He lay there while his fangs retreated and his claws retracted. His mind was mush. Her pussy gave one last spasm and his cock twitched but stayed soft. He was totally spent. When his mind began to function again, he realized he was crushing Mary Elizabeth. He gathered his strength, pulled his arm from under her and lifted off of her, balancing on unsteady feet.

He reached back and pulled the chair closer before toppling into it. He became concerned when Mary Elizabeth didn't move. He jumped up and grabbed her off of the desk, before sitting back down with her on his lap.

"Honey, are you okay? Was I too rough?” He tipped her head back so that he could see her face.

She gave him a dreamy smile and looked at him with eyes that were unfocused. “Ummm,” she purred, “That was great. As soon as the feeling comes back in my legs, I want to do it again. But next time, let's do it in bed. That desk is a little hard."

Her words startled a laugh out of him and caused his cock to harden. He was deeply satisfied. His mate was a match for him in every way. He should have known she'd be able to handle his passion. He looked around at the mess they'd made. He wondered if Mary Elizabeth realized that everyone knew what they were doing in here. They were so loud, he was sure even the customers in the dining area heard.

He gave a small chuckle. He was seated in the chair with his shirt on and his pants down around his ankles. Mary Elizabeth's blouse was ripped, something he had no memory of doing, and her skirt was around her waist. One of her stockings had fallen and now sagged around her ankle.

Papers were scattered on the floor. There was food on the carpet as well as shards of pottery from the broken plates. If he had taken her on the floor, she'd be covered in food right now. Good thing she positioned herself on the desk.

"You never did answer my question."

"What question was that?” He had a vague memory of her talking, but he couldn't recall a word she'd said.

Taking his hand in hers, she spread her legs and used his hand to rub over the wet mound of her sex. “Which side do you prefer?” She released his hand and he continued to pet her, rubbing one side and then the other.

"I'm not certain. I think I need a closer look."

He stood with her in his arms, and then turned and sat her in the chair, arranging her legs so that they hung over the arms of the chair. He pulled her hips to the edge of the seat and flipped her skirt to the side.

Then he kicked off his shoes and pants and tossed them into the other chair before dropping to his knees. He dropped back until he rested on his heels, his hands rested on his outspread knees. His cock stood up straight and proud as his balls dangled to the ground.

"Hold up your skirt up so that I can see you better."

She did as she was told, her belly clenching in response to his intense gaze on her most intimate parts.

"I've touched it, and looked at it, and I still can't decide. I don't have any choice. I'm going to have to use the tongue test. It's the only way,” he informed her solemnly.