ROMANCE: SHIFTER: Shifter to the Max Collection (Dragon, Bear, Wolf and Panther Shifter Romances) (Paranormal Fantasy Romance Collection) (103 page)

Cade shuffled around the kitchen, heating up the prepared plate in the microwave. His hands pressed into the counter and gripped it tightly. She had ended up spotting him. He had been nervous about that. It might complicate things if she figured it out. Cade closed his eyes and let out a slow breath trying to clear her perfume from his nose.

It wasn't too heavy on her, and it matched her natural scent so well. He was honestly surprised that he didn't tent his pants in front of her as he had fixed her bandage. Granted, if not for the blanket over her head, he would have seen her face in pain and become even angrier. He was already pissed that the wolves had dared to attack an innocent on his territory, let alone a female. If she went back to the rangers and told them, they might start to scour the area which would definitely disrupt his lifestyle.

Well, Cade would have to just hope for the best and pray that she wouldn't offer up too much information and jeopardize his existence here. This woman, Mira, was no dimwit, either. She had a good head on her shoulders, an intelligent spark in her eyes that intrigued him. That, of course, and her figure- curved in all the right places. He always did like women with some meat on their bones, so to speak. Above all else, though, it was her spirit that called to him.

It was obvious that she was damaged in some way. He saw how she had flinched at any sudden movement he made. Plus, he knew she wouldn't have hesitated to defend herself with the ice pick if he had advanced without receiving her permission first. Perhaps she suffered abuse in her past.

But, if that were the case, how could she so easily allow him to be in her presence? That still threw him off. How she could let a stranger so close to her? Perhaps she felt an attraction, as well. Cade chuckled to himself, perhaps that was his wishful thinking right there.

Although, she sure had taken his flirtation well, blushing as she did. Surely, that was some sort of a sign.

But, why did he care if she blushed or not? What did these human's feelings have to do with him? Cade was struggling internally. A growl rumbled in his chest, and his shoulders lowered in defeat. He had to admit it. He could no longer deny the fact that he was falling for the human.

Something else had been odd with her as well. She hadn't spoken like she hated the wolves for attacking her, and didn't seem like she was in fear of the attack.

The ding of the microwave brought Cade back into the present moment. He removed the plate and grabbed some silverware before heading back to the room. When he reached the doorway, he paused, staring at Mira. She was sitting up, leaning against the bed frame with her head tilted to the side as if asleep. He stepped forward quietly clearing his throat.

Mira mumbled something sleepily while rubbing her eyes before smiling at him. Cade found her tired smile quite adorable. What a turn his day had taken. He was actually enjoying having a stranger share his home with him. He placed the plate on her lap, careful to not set it near her wound, and they both laughed when her stomach gurgled again. He leaned over to grab a tray table from behind the headboard and slide it next to her.

“There, that should be much easier on you. Swing your legs to the side, here...”

His voice was tender, and Mira blushed as he moved the blanket and reached an arm under her knees turning her sideways so her feet dangled off the bed. His hand lingered along her thigh a couple extra seconds before he realized and removed it quickly taking a step back. He set the utensils down on the tray for her and sat in a chair a few feet from the bed.

He watched as she tentatively picked up the silverware. “Thank you, Cade, it smells amazing,” she said, and directed a brilliant smile at him.

Cade felt his chest tighten briefly. God, he wanted that woman in his arms, crying his name. Swallowing dryly, he merely nodded as he watched her take the first bite. She chewed and swallowed, her bright blue eyes staring at him the whole time.

“And you say you don't know how to cook. This is lovely, Cade,” she stated.

His heart skipped a beat, at her sincere praise. He didn't know why her approval meant so much to him, though the wolf within rumbled in appreciation. He watched Mira eat hungrily, amazed that she ate as he did. She must have been starving. Wolfing down her food with a hearty appetite.

“A good appetite means that you are healing well and are healthy. That's good to know,” a light tease came from Cade causing Mira’s cheeks to turn that lovely shade of pink again. God, he loved how she blushed so easily. Beautiful.

Though he didn't bother her any further while she ate, he absently glanced at her from time to time out of the corner of his eye. His hungry glance met the trail of some juice slipping down the side of her lips before her tongue swiftly lapped it up. He couldn’t help but wonder what else she could do with that tongue. He closed his eyes a moment just listening to her eat, and he dozed off momentarily in the chair with his head propped on his fist. After a few minutes of resting, his head slipped causing him to jerk back up and glance around the room.

Mira was covering her mouth, eyes full of mirth. When he directing a half-hearted scowl at her, she burst into a fit of giggles with an arm wrapped around her stomach as the other hand desperately tried to contain the sounds emitting from her lips. Muttering under his breath, Cade couldn't help but struggle to contain his own laughter.

Cade stood and stretched, his muscles rippling. He couldn’t help the inner smirk of satisfaction as he noticed that she was watching his every movement with something akin to lust in her eyes. God, he wanted to wet those luscious lips of hers

“Since you are done eating and being amused, did you wish to take a bath or shower? I think it might help you relax.”

Cade’s voice was calm. He slid the tray table to the side easily. Mira blinked at him, caught off guard by his question. He noticed the hesitant look in her eyes and shook his head motioning to the bathroom. “I'll not peek in unless you need me, alright? You shout if you need anything.”

It was important to him that she was satisfied with his answer. Glancing back at her, he was a little surprised when she pressed her hand to her leg and said, “I... cannot very well hold my weight on it yet, so... If I could ask you to help me walk there and to start a bath for me?”

Mira's voice was soft and rather shy, and the imploring look on her face made Cade's heart skip a full beat. Containing himself, but only barely, he nodded and leaned over, scooping her up into his arms.

“Just take it easy, don't tense your leg.”

She felt so warm and soft in his arms. Her lovely scent wafting up to his nostrils. It took some effort to not press his face into the woman's neck and inhale, though another scent piqued his interest even more. As her legs shifted on his arm, he smelled her arousal. Cade felt a tightening in his groin as he pulled her even tighter to his chest and turned toward the bathroom in a sexual-tension-filled silence.

Mira curled her head against Cade's shoulder breathing in and out deeply, finding his scent to be stimulating. It amazed her that he could so easily lift her, as though she weighed next to nothing. His taut chest muscles were driving her crazy. With so much strength, and so much muscle, he could easily take advantage of her. Yet, he was gentle. He was tender even when he did not have to be. She was a stranger, someone that he found injured out on a hiking trail. He could have easily just left her alone, yet here he was going out of his way to care for her.

She hoped that he couldn't feel the quickening of her heartbeat, or hear her shallow breathing. But, damn, it felt good to be wrapped up in his warmth. She wondered idly if he would feel as warm within her. The thought turned her face a bright scarlet hue, and her hand gripped his arm a bit tighter.

“Are you hurting?” His concern melted her heart instantly. God, he was just so kind and gentle. It made her want to stay like this in his arms, held safe and secure.

“N-No, not that much. I'm sorry that I can't move yet, making you carry me like this. I know I'm not exactly light.”

Rumbling laughter came from him a moment later. With a little smirk he responded, “ You're perf... I mean, your weight isn't a problem in the least, Mira.”

Perhaps he was as attracted to her as she was to him? A curious little thought.

When they entered the bathroom, she swung her head around, mouth agape. The room was huge with a sealed cherry wood slat floor and a sink and tub that both looked like they were carved from a massive slab of pure white marble. The faucets and fixtures were golden, plated or real, she wasn't quite sure. Just how much money did this man have, anyway?

“It's... Goodness. It's beautiful!” Mira's awed gasp made Cade smile widely. He stepped over to a chair, gently setting her on it as he leaned over and started the bath. Mira watched as he wandered to a wall cabinet and opened it to reveal numerous bottles and jars, unmarked and filled with what appeared to be different herbs.

“Not allergic to Calendula, are you?”

“No, marigold is fine. I thought that was just an old wives tale, though, that Calendula could help the healing process?” Mira thrilled at the proud look in his eyes. He seemed to like that she knew a bit about herbal remedies. He shook his head, taking the jar and emptying a good handful into a pouch, putting it under the steaming water and crushing it between his fingers.

“My mother used it on me many times when I was little and I felt better after soaking in it for a while. It's been used continually through the years, though not many still believe in it since over the counter medicines get quicker results.”

Cade got quiet, suggesting to Mira that he was remembering times long ago. His voice held a fondness when he mentioned his mother that made Mira's heart swell.

“Your mother sounds very wise. What does she think of you being way out in the mountains here, by yourself?”

Mira smile faltered when the warmth in his eyes was replaced by sorrow. He turned and smiled at her, but she noticed that the smile didn't reach his eyes.

“She passed several years ago, sadly. She lived a good life, and was a strong, admirable woman. Like you.” His voice changed. It had a softness to it. He looked back at the satchel of Calendula soaking in the tub, his brows slightly furrowed, lost in bittersweet memories of the past.

“I'm not really all that strong. It's been proven time and time again. I'm too weak for my own good,” Mira's voice was quiet, her eyes looking down at her feet. She suddenly felt quite small in that spacious room. She could hear a man’s laugh in her mind, whispering that she would never escape her weakness, that she was nothing, not worthy to walk the earth. When she looked up, Mira blinked several times at Cade's fierce gaze.

“I'll not hear any more of that. You're fire itself. You tried to fight off wolves that had every intention of making you their meal, woke up in a stranger's house and instantly found a weapon to defend yourself with, allowed me to dress your wound with naught but the covers shielding you, not even crying out at the pain.” Cade's tone was earnest, passionate even. Mira’s lips parted in silent shock. He leaned down slightly and lifted her chin with his forefinger and thumb, his eyes nearly golden in color.

Wait, golden? That color was familiar, that exact color. The large wolf? Mira's head tilted back a little as he lifted her chin, and a small shiver coursed through her at the electric feel of his touch. She had felt the same electricity through his touch on her thigh as he changed her bandage, but this was a far more intimate gesture. She couldn't help it, she felt herself lean towards him, looking into those half-golden, half-hazel eyes, their lips inches from one another.

She could hear her heart beating ringing loudly in her ears, her soft lips brushed gently along his. As she pulled away, she saw Cade’s eyes almost glow before they darkened again, a hungry look crossing his face. He responded, in turn, by sealing his lips firmly against hers, stealing the very breath from her lungs as he snaked his arm around her arched back.

He tasted amazing, just the right amount of spice along his tongue to draw her in deeper, the musk of his skin tickling her nose. His tongue played so delicately with hers, teeth pressing against her soft muscle and causing a involuntary moan to escape her lips.

Cade's hand pressed into her lower back, and Mira felt a fire race along her skin. Goosebumps dotted her hypersensitive flesh. She could barely breathe as his grip pulled her in towards him, and she felt his body heat spike in response to the sensual contact. Her arms curled up around the back of his shoulders, craning her neck into the increasingly explosive kiss, and feeling his tongue dominate her mouth.

As quickly as it started, it was over. Cade withdrew his lips from hers, and he instantly wrapped his other arm around her, tucking her head into the crook of his neck. Mira could hear his rapid heart rate, and feel her own pulse through her very teeth. She gasped short little gulps of air to try and settle herself down. Damn, that was what you call a moment of extreme passion. She didn't want to let go of him, didn’t want him to let go of her. The warm embrace led her mind to naughty thoughts.

A shallow laugh slipped from her lips and he loosened his hold enough to lean his head back and look at her. She was breathless and he was pleased to witness the glow of pleasure beaming from her face. He made this Goddess sparkle with just a kiss... What else could he do?

“That was... God, that was amazing. And here I am, kissing a stranger, loving it, and... Ooh, what would Amanda think?” Her cheeks flamed again, though her radiant smile hadn't left her face. He returned her quiet laughter as he slowly, reluctantly, released her, and knelt before her.

“I'll apologize to her later, then. Though I'll not regret a moment of it,” a warm rumble came from him, and he grasped her hand and pressed a tender kiss along her knuckles, before clearing his throat, and standing once more.

“Now, how did you wish for this to work?”

Mira blinked at him in confusion, having forgotten that they had come in here so that she could have a bath. She shuffled anxiously a moment as she watched him remove the satchel from the steaming hot bath water and place it in the sink to dry out.

“Well, you could always join me,” she replied, only half-teasing. She hadn't quite expected the heated gaze that he suddenly focused onto her. She gave an impish little smile, wincing briefly as she shifted and pressed her palm to her leg.
“J-Joking, ouch... Um, well, I could undress, and...,” she trailed off, looking at him shyly, watching a vein along his jaw throb briefly from the teasing temptation. Now that she thought about it, she truly wouldn't mind it, actually, if he were to join her. Cade shook his head once, closing his eyes and offering his hand to her.

“Strip down, I'll help you into the tub. The bandage has sealed the wound, so don't worry about it. Best to not allow the water to touch it at the moment, that could cause more pain, and it's an annoyance to dry it out afterward. Don't worry, I won't look,” His reply was courteous and gentlemanly, yet as her eyes traveled down, the outline of the hard-on in his pants was clearly evident.

Mira murmured in agreement, untying the robe and hefting herself, not too gracefully, on one leg, her hand grasped his tightly for stability. Even without opening his eyes, his reaction was swift. His other hand came up quickly, then slowed as it neared her body, pressing against her shoulder, allowing her to use both hands to remove her bra.

She struggled a moment before sliding it over her shoulders. His hand moved and returned as the straps slid down her arms and the bra dropped to the floor. Now she had to tackle getting her legs free from her underwear. Biting her tongue and stifling little whimpers of pain, she shimmied her way out of her panties and gasped as he scooped her into his arms again.

Even now, his eyes were closed, scrunched together tightly as if he were battling with himself to not look. He turned slightly, feeling the marble with his toes and slowly lowered her body into the water. While not bubbly, the bathwater had a decent film from the preserved flowers. Her body arched ever so slightly as he lowered her into the tub.

The water was steaming hot to her bare skin, though once her body got used to it, a soft low moan of delight escaped her and she relaxed entirely in the soothing warmth. Cade slowly withdrew his arms and smiled at her soft moan. His inner wolf was scratching at his skin, begging him to claim this woman as his mate.

It killed him, but he did say that he wasn't going to look. If she ever gave him permission, however, he'd make those legs tremble in ecstasy every day until the day she died.