The Fire Inside Read online

  He searched through every room, but he didn’t find Tyra. Her scent still hung faintly in the interior of the house, letting him know she’d been gone for some time. Panic gripped him. Had she left? No. She’d said she’d be here when he returned. He stormed back through the house toward the master bedroom. He had to have missed something. On his way there he caught sight of a note hanging on the refrigerator, secured with a magnet. He pulled it free and stared down at the dainty writing.

  She was with Hanna. He breathed a sigh of relief until memories of last night resurfaced. Surely none of them would be stupid enough to repeat an attack on his mate. One thing was for sure—he wouldn’t feel better until he laid eyes on Tyra and knew she was unharmed. He glanced at the clock on the wall. Four in the afternoon. He would most likely find them in the park.

  He took off out of the house and across the lawn. The park was only a few blocks away, located in the middle of his den for the safety of the little ones. Wanting to get there quickly to ease the weight in his chest, he leaped over fences and took a direct path. A few of his pack members gave him shocked looks, but didn’t say a word as he crossed their backyards and hopped over the next fence. Cold water sprayed across his back as he ran through a sprinkler, but he didn’t slow. One more fence and he would be able to see the park.

  His feet touched the earth and he stopped, scanning over the people in the park until he spotted her. Happiness filled him as he took in the sight of her. She held someone’s baby on her hip as she pushed a smaller child on the swing. Hanna stood next to her, pushing her own daughter as she laughed at something Tyra said. A gentle breeze stirred Tyra’s hair, which had been left loose and flowed down her back. The whole sight before him was beautiful. Children played on the grassy slopes and various other playground equipment as their mothers and other women from the pack watched over them. It was only appropriate that his den’s future stirred in its heart—in its center.

  Fullness settled in his chest. He couldn’t name it, but standing here taking in the view had him feeling a mixture of pride and something else that tugged at his heart. He’d only known her for a matter of days, but yet he couldn’t imagine her not being near. Yeah, the mate bond was part of that, but he’d started to wonder if it was something more than just that. Lots of mates grew to love each other over time. But could he be in love with Tyra so soon?

  Watching her with that baby made him long for one of his own. He wanted to see Tyra grow round with his young. Her heat cycle should be upon her at any time. He wondered if she would agree to conceive this soon. Would it be selfish for him to even ask? With everything going on, it would most likely be best to wait. He wouldn’t push her. He’d let her make the decision.

  For now he just needed to be close to her. With slow steps, he strolled toward her. The baby laid its head against Tyra’s shoulder and she ran her cheek over the short blonde curls before placing a light kiss on its hair. He couldn’t help but smile. He was only a few yards away from her when she turned and caught his gaze. Happiness glimmered in the green depths of her eyes as she bestowed him with a wondrous smile. As he closed the gap, the baby’s mother approached Tyra and held her hands out to the infant. The child reached out and went to the woman who had the same shade of golden hair. He laughed as he heard the mother’s parting words to Tyra.

  “I know that look. Your mate is about to steal you away from us.”

  Konrad nodded in the direction of the lady. Amy was her name. It had been only a little over a year ago that she’d mated Javin’s brother, Derek. And only months ago that she’d given Derek the little blonde beauty that now snuggled against her chest.

  He held his hand out and Tyra took the remaining steps between them, placing her small, delicate hand in his. With a small tug, he brought her body against his and growled low as her scent filled his nose. Her laughter rang in his ears, an awesome melody he would never tire of.

  “I take it you missed me?” Tyra whispered next to his ear.

  “More than you know.” He spoke against the soft skin of her neck. “Let’s go home.” He pulled back and watched as she sank her teeth into her lower lip and nodded. She waved to the rest of the women as he released her body, but kept her soft hand in his grip.

  They walked beside each other, and he measured his steps so she wouldn’t have to speed walk to keep up with him. “Did you enjoy yourself today?”

  She leaned her head against his arm as she continued to stroll beside him. “Yes. Very much. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. And the kids are just adorable.”

  His own smile broadened. “That they are.” His thoughts went back to his own want of children. “How do you feel about having children of your own?”

  She took a deep breath. “Well…to be honest I haven’t thought much about it.”

  He remained quiet, not wanting to push the issue.

  “I mean, this is all so new, and if you would have asked me that a week ago, I would have said hell no. But now…well, I just don’t know.” Tyra looked up at him. “Do you want children?”

  He gazed down at her, pulling her to a stop and cupping the side of her face. “You are the most important thing to me. Would I like to have a baby with you? Yes. But that doesn’t mean I have to. I understand that so much is changing for you so fast. You don’t know how much I wish I could go back in time and save your family, or even just save you from all those years of loneliness.”

  Her gaze fluttered down to the sidewalk. “I’m sorry I’m so screwed up.”

  His finger went under her chin, lifting until her gaze once more settled on him. “You’re perfect. And I can wait forever. All I care about is making you happy. And whether that means children in our future or not, it won’t matter as long as I’m with you.”

  She rose up onto her tiptoes and Konrad closed his eyes as her soft lips brushed against his. His hands snaked around her waist and lifted her, deepening the kiss. He traced the seam of her lips and she opened, matching his tongue stroke for stroke.

  His cock hardened and pulsed, aching to fill her. He pulled back slightly from the kiss, whispering against her full lips. “I want to be inside you.”

  She smiled and then nipped his lower lip. “Then take me home.”

  He ran the last block and a half as her giggles filled his ear. She made him burn. It didn’t take long to get them in the door, and he kicked it closed with his foot. He placed her back against the unyielding wood and ground his pelvis against her hot center as she wrapped her sexy legs around his waist. He slid his hands up her bare thighs and gripped her lace-covered ass in his hands. She sighed and tilted her head back, baring the slim column of her neck.

  With a growl he buried his face between her neck and shoulder, grazing her delicate skin with his teeth. Her scent set fire to his blood and had his dick twitching, wanting to be freed from his pants. “Damn if I don’t feel like a rampant youth.” He moved his hand, sliding over her pussy entrance from behind. When he felt her wetness through the flimsy cloth that covered her, he moaned. So hot and ready for him.

  “I’ll be slow with you later. Right now I need to fuck you hard and fast.”

  “Yes,” Tyra moaned as she ground her core against him and ran her hands down his shoulders and abs ’til she reached his jeans.

  When his cock was free, he hissed in a breath as she wrapped her dainty hand around his hot flesh. He gripped her panties in his hand and gave a quick tug. The giving of the seams floated through the air as the lace gave way, baring her sex for his hard cock.

  She guided the head to her entrance. Wet heat slid wickedly across the sensitive tip and had him growling for more. He thrust against her hips and slid into her tight, slick sex. Heaven. He felt her pussy spasm and he pulled back and pushed deeper, this time sliding in to the hilt. “Damn, baby. You feel so good.”

  “Please, Konrad. Fuck me.” Tyra bounced her hips against him, a light mewling sound parting her lips.

  He claimed her lips as he withdrew slowly them ramme
d back inside her depths. She cried out into his mouth, and he drank her pleasure down as he set a steady pace of his hips slapping against her. Her desire layered with her own unique scent drove him mad. Her sweet sex gripped his cock in a way that had him fighting not to come deep inside her.

  He released her mouth and spread kisses down her throat, nipping the flesh but not breaking the skin. Her moans of pleasure rang in his ears as he pistoned in and out of her wet cunt. How he wished she’d let him mark her. But she had to ask for it. She had to mark him first. It was always the woman’s choice to accept the mating. Fuck, he wanted to claim her more than his next breath. Wanted to sink his teeth into her creamy skin as he fucked her deep and thoroughly.

  “Yes! Konrad!”

  Her body trembled against his as her quim pulsed around his dick. Moisture increased as she came all around him. “Fuuuuck.” He ground his teeth, trying hard to fight his own release, not wanting this moment to end. But in the end it was futile. Her hot little pussy gripping him was just too much. With one final slam against her, he let his seed loose with a howl of satisfaction. He pressed hard against her flesh and could feel her heels digging into his ass, as if she didn’t want to break their connection any more than he did.

  He held her tight as she trembled, the last shocks of her orgasms still rippling through her. Damn if this woman didn’t have the power to bring him to his knees. He buried his face into the crook of her neck once more, inhaling a solid breath and releasing it on a possessive rumble. “Mine!”

  * * * * *

  Tyra stood in the backyard looking out at the horizon. The sun rode low, bathing the skyline in oranges and reds mixed with awesome hues of blue. The moon would rise soon. A shiver ran through her body that had nothing to do with the temperature. Then a warm, solid body was pressed against her back as strong arms slid around her waist. Konrad’s scent enveloped her and helped to calm her nerves. With a sigh, she leaned into him and let her eyelids lower as he kissed her throat.

  She could do this. She could be what he needed. At least she wanted to be. How in the world had she fallen so hard and fast for him? It was crazy. The level of passion and understanding he gave to her was amazing. After he’d given her the best orgasm of her life this afternoon, he didn’t release her. Instead he’d sunk to the floor, turning them so that he leaned against the door and she straddled his lap. He stayed buried inside her and held her for a long while.

  The peacefulness of the moment made her weep. He kissed her tears away and rubbed her body, soothing her in a way that she never thought possible. He promised never to let her go, even if she had to spend each full moon sleeping on their bed. But she wouldn’t let him do that. She’d embrace her nature tonight. Something happened to her this afternoon. Something in the way he held her—made love to her. She felt as if she’d finally come home. The healing that had started in his arms would continue. And with Konrad by her side, she felt as if she could do anything.

  His fingers pushed the strap of her sundress down her arm. She moaned as his lips played at the skin of her shoulder.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  He repeated the move on the other side, and she relaxed against him as he completely bared her. He’d already removed his own clothes, and his warm flesh was now pressed up against her. “Guess I can’t stop the moon.” But damn, if she could she would. His hard cock stirred behind her. She could think of other things she’d like to be doing than facing down her fears.

  “Why don’t you shift now? I think it might be easier on you if you know I’m right here and it’s your choice, instead of the force of the moon riding you.”

  His whispered words fanned out across her neck and ear. She swallowed and nodded, stepping away from his warm embrace. Nausea swirled through her as her nervousness increased. I can do this.

  She sank down to the ground and looked up, catching Konrad’s gaze and holding it. Freeing her mind, she let the approaching cycle of the moon fill her. The familiar tingling of her skin had her pulse rate increasing. Normally she’d already be asleep.

  “I’m right here, Tyra. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  She swallowed again and nodded. With effort, she stopped resisting the call of the moon and felt her body heating as the tingle became more of a steady buzz. Lights shimmered around her and her heart hammered. The feel of fur replacing her skin had her body trembling. Any moment her shift would be complete and fear rose up to choke her as she worried about the comforting emotional silence that once held her in such a tight grip. Konrad’s amber gaze held hers and she clung to what she’d begun to feel inside for him. He would be her anchor.

  “That’s it, Tyra. Beautiful,” he whispered.

  Her joints began to bend then change. Her teeth sank into her lower lip as she fought the whimper that wanted to rise.

  “You’re mine, Tyra. I won’t let you leave me.”

  Her eyes slid closed as the rest of her shift consumed her. Voices, weak but there. They filled her subconscious mind. Then a powerful voice—one she recognized as a melody she never wanted to stop hearing. She opened her eyes as she felt a tongue lap at the side of her face. Konrad stood before her in his wolf form and leaned in to nuzzle her neck.

  “My beautiful mate.”

  Shock tore through her. The silence that had been her companion was now gone. Her head was filled with the others from the pack, like background music. But Konrad’s thoughts rang loud inside her head. A whimper escaped her. She’d forgotten. It’d been so long that she’d forgotten what it was like to hear the thoughts of your pack. To be surrounded and know you weren’t alone. She looked into his rich amber gaze, not sure how to put into words all that she was feeling.

  “I know. You’re home now.”

  Emotion burst forth inside her and she pressed her body against the soft pelt of Konrad’s. “Thank you for finding me.”

  “I’ll always find you, Tyra.”

  He nipped at her flank and she jumped to the side. “What was that for?”

  “Play with me, Tyra.”

  She growled in his direction before taking off toward the side gate. His thoughts rang clear in her head. “That’s it, mate. Run.”

  She burst out into the front yard and made her way toward the park. It took a little getting used to, running on four legs again, but it came back. She knew Konrad was giving her a head start. He wanted to hunt her. Her insides tingled as she thought of all the things he would do to her once the moon set. Oh yes. She definitely wanted him to catch her.

  Funny how her memories came flooding back. Not those that had haunted her so much over the years, but the good ones. She now played a game that she’d learned as a child. Laying false scent trails as she looked for a place to hide. A wolf’s version of hide and go seek, but this game would end differently. This wasn’t just a childhood game she played with Konrad. When he found her, he’d assert his dominance and claim her. She shivered with desire. Her memories surfaced of the younger ladies playing a similar game with the males of her father’s pack. As a child she just ignored them, but now she understood why they’d been so excited.

  Tyra rubbed against a few trees in the park, making a circular pattern to help disguise which direction she’d take. She was at a disadvantage somewhat, as she didn’t know the lay of the den as well as he. But she didn’t let that stop her. Her lips pulled back from her teeth as she raced toward the clearing where she and Konrad had nearly made love the first time by the lake.

  She laid a false trail as she made her way around the perimeter of the clearing. She set out in different direction, rubbing her fur against the rough bark of the thick tree trunks. This had been one of her best talents as a child. Each full moon she’d succeeded in escaping detection of others. So many memories had come flooding back. All good. She’d held on to the bad for so long, but how could she have forgotten the best ones? She knew she wouldn’t fool Konrad for long. But she didn’t want to make it easy for him. She wanted him to find her as worthy
prey.

  With quiet steps she moved around in the woods. She kept her ears open as she blocked her thoughts from being read. She still heard the background noise of the pack, creating a soothing sound. Konrad was silent, but she knew he only hid his thoughts to heighten her anticipation.

  She knew there was a chance that he even now had her in his sights. But even if he did, he would make her wait. He wouldn’t try to take her down until the moon was low on the horizon. It had taken her more than an hour to reach the clearing, and by her best guess she’d spent the next few hours spreading her scent down different paths and sometimes straight into the thick underbrush. He’d come soon.

  Chapter Twelve

  Tyra hunkered down low in a pile of fallen leaves as she spotted movement near the edge of the clearing. She pulled in a breath, nice and slow, looking for that familiar spicy scent that drove her crazy with lust. Faint, but there. Just enough to tease her hormones. She was willing to bet he had the ability to conceal it totally from her, but what would be the fun in that? She burrowed further down, using the earth’s scent to mask her own. She spotted a flash of dark fur as he turned and went deeper into the woods.

  Most likely he’d caught one of her scent trails. She wondered how much longer it would take him to find her. She knew the moon would soon set, and along with it the force that kept them in their animal form. Heat flared inside her. She craved the coming fight with him and inevitable claiming. She’d give him her all tonight and in the end she planned for him to wear her mark.