5 comments/ 6830 views/ 25 favorites Tempting Tabitha Ch. 01 By: Daniellekitten Chapter One The growl startled her, making the small hair on the back of her neck stand up and sending shivers down her spine. It sounded like an animal, wild and untamed, a deep rumble meant to warn her away. Lady Tabitha Hynds had no problem with staying away from the animal, turning with a swish of her skirts to head back to the huge manor house of her father's. She would tell the gardener about the animal and perhaps they could remove it from the gardens before someone was injured. She'd only moved a few steps when the growl came again, followed by a whimper. It was the whimper that stayed her feet, causing her to turn once more to follow the sound. It sounded as if the animal, whatever it was, might possibly be hurt. Reaching out with just the tips of her fingers, she gently pushed the verdant green foliage to the side. The whimper came again, a little louder and she bent closer to the greenery, squinting her eyes to see in the shadows. "What are you doing, Tabby?" Tabitha shrieked, backing away from the bushes and spinning quickly. She put her hand to her heart, pressing against the rapid beating in her chest as she stared at the man who'd frightened her. He was tall, with wide shoulders and narrow hips, his dark brown hair just starting to turn gray above his ears, leaving him looking distinguished. Looking into his eyes was like staring into a mirror for she had the same golden amber eyes surrounded by long, thick lashes. He was trying not to laugh at her, his lips twisting as he sought to keep his expression neutral. "Father, you did that on purpose," she scolded. "Were you trying to scare years off my life?" "Of course not, Tabby. I'd called your name but you must not have heard me. What on Earth are you doing batting around the bushes for?" He reached out, taking her hand and pulling it through his to rest it on his forearm. "I heard a growl. I thought there might have been an injured animal but I didn't see anything when I looked." She turned her head, looking towards that area of the garden as if she would have any more luck now. "I'll tell the gardener and make sure he finds the animal and puts it out of its misery. Meanwhile, you have a visitor." Lord Edward Hynds, fourth Earl of Pentington, smiled as if he held the most wonderful of secrets from his daughter, urging her along the groomed pathway to the house. "Come along, we don't want to keep him waiting." "Him who, father?" Tabitha asked suspiciously, slowing her step deliberately to impede her father's progress. "Not another suitor whom you feel will make me the most perfect of husbands?" she grouched. "Please, I thought we'd decided that you would give up on match making and leave me to find my own husband." "You decided," Lord Edward muttered. "I did nothing of the kind. Besides, daughter, he's titled and handsome. What more could you want?" "Perhaps a man who wants me for me and not for the dowry and your estates that will fall to me since you've made me your heir." She pulled her hand from his arm, throwing both of hers up in the air in a fit of pique before kicking at a loose stone in the path. "You've put me in a quandary once more, you know," she said, her eyes narrowing as she glared at her beloved father. "No quandary, my dear, you have only to meet Lord Jared. There is no pressure being put upon you to make this match." He reached out and grabbed her hand once more, pulling her along again, all the while stroking her ruffled feathers with apologies. Tabitha went along with her father, mostly because she knew he was doing this out of love for her. At times, she even found his match making humorous, some of the lords and gentlemen he'd lined up for her to meet had been so far off the mark of what she'd be willing to consider as to be laughable. He was an old dear, though, and he tried so hard to be caring, she couldn't stay angry with him for long. They walked together along the path and up the wide marble steps that led to the balcony that looked out over the garden, a most wonderful view and one she was very fond of. The wide double doors leading to his study were open, white sheer draperies blowing in the slight wind. Lord Edward tugged her along, going into the study and holding out his hand to the man who rose from one of the burgundy colored satin covered chairs. Tabitha's eyed the man warily even as her father greeted him warmly. "Lord Jared, it's such a pleasure to see you." "It was wonderful of you to invite me, sir. There is something about the country air in the spring that's hard to resist." Jared turned, his deep blue eyes landing upon Tabitha's slender form. "This must be your lovely daughter. I've been eager to make your acquaintance." He reached out even as Jared made the introductions, taking her hand warmly in both of his. "Lord Jared, my father just informed me of your visit. I must seem like the most terrible hostess." Tabitha flushed at the look in the man's eyes as he didn't disguise his admiration of what he was seeing. "Nothing of the kind, my dear." He bent over her hand, his lips touching her knuckles with an eagerness that seemed inappropriate. It was all Tabitha could do not to pull her hand from his. When he lifted his head, his eyes seemed to focus upon her breasts and she felt the urge to pull on her gown, to try to cover more than the low cut décolleté was able. She resisted, taking a step closer to her father. "Your father was modest on his assessment of your beauty, Lady Tabitha." "Thank you," she replied, bowing her head. Jared's smile grew wider. "You don't believe you're beautiful?" he asked at the tone of her voice. "My father and I believe that the worth of a woman doesn't really have anything to do with her looks, sir." "My daughter is more proud of her mental acuity, Lord Jared, than her looks." Edward smiled down at his daughter, taking her hand and holding it in his. "A blue stocking?" Tabitha's smile disappeared at the question. "That's not a term I would use." "I didn't mean to offend you, Lady Tabitha. It was just curiosity." He reached for her hand again, flinching when she pulled away. "I truly am sorry." "No, Lord Jared. There is nothing to be sorry about. My daughter understands, don't you, Tabitha?" "Yes, Father. I understand. Lord Jared, might I offer you tea?" "Or something stronger?" Edward added. "Tea would be wonderful." Tabitha went to the corner where a satin pull hung. She tugged on it, hearing a bell ring deeper in the mansion. It wasn't long before the door opened and an older woman in a black gown walked in. "Mrs. Somner, we'd like tea prepared if you would?" "Certainly, Lady. I believe cook has been busy baking this morning. I'm sure she has some fresh scones ready." "That sounds wonderful. Thank you." Mrs. Somner bobbed a quick curtsey and left the room. Tabitha wished she could follow her out but knew her father expected her to help him with his guest. So, being the dutiful daughter, she smoothed the front of her gown and turned to the twin sofas that sat across from her father's desk. Sitting down, she looked up expectantly at the two men. "Gentlemen? Shouldn't we be a bit more comfortable?" Tabitha had to force herself to repress a shiver of distaste as Lord Jared sank down next to her. Her father smiled at the couple, sinking down on the other sofa. "Do you hunt, Lord Jared?" "Yes. I find the exercise quite stimulating." "Then you'll enjoy the hunt Father has planned for the weekend, sir." "Jared, please." "J-Jared," she stuttered. With a sigh of relief, she watched as Mrs. Somner brought in a tray with the tea. A maid followed her, holding a silver tray filled with luscious looking small cakes and tarts. "Tea?" she asked, holding the small pot over the fragile china cups. "Please." She poured the tea, offering cream and sugar as well as lemon. Handing him his cup, she fixed her father's tea the way he liked it. Then she offered the cakes. A sudden thump startled her and she jumped, some of the cakes falling to the floor. "What..." "Well, there's your beast, Tabitha." She stared at the glass doors they'd closed after them, seeing the dog like animal staring back at her. "It's a wolf." She rose to go to the door, only stopping at her father's command. "It's a wild animal, Tabitha. You can't let it in here." He's injured, Father. We can't just leave him out there like that." "No, I'll call the games keeper. He can put the animal down humanely." "No!" she cried, stopping her father's retreat from the room. "We can't just leave him like this, Tabby. I know you want to help him, but he's a wild animal." Tabitha stared into the silvery color of the beast's eyes. They were pleading as if begging her to open the door for him, to let him into the room, to take care of his injuries. "He won't hurt me." Her words were calmly stated, her tone determined. "Tabby," Edward began, only to stop as she reached the door into the garden. "Stop! Tabby you can't..." Her hand landed upon the door and she heard the quiet whine of the huge beast. For a wolf, he was one of the largest she'd ever laid eyes upon. His coat was a mixture of gray and black, standing stiffly along his spine. He panted in pain, blood dripping down his front paw to puddle at his feet. Tabitha slowly opened the door, dropping to her knees. The wolf was a head taller than her in that position and she prayed he wouldn't find her threatening. He took two steps into the room, dropping to his haunches at her side, his huge head turning to sniff quietly at her. "Tabitha!" Her father reached for her, stopping only when the wolf growled, snarling at him with huge white teeth. "No, Papa. Don't come any closer." Tabitha reached out, touching the wolf's lower jaw and gently turning his head so that he faced her. "It's okay," she crooned softly, stroking the mighty beast's chest. "He won't hurt you." "I won't hurt him," Edward said, astonished. Tabby gave him a small smile, still holding the wolf's attention. "Father, he's hurt. I need bandages and water." "You cannot be serious, Lady Tabitha," Jared exclaimed. "It's a wild animal." Tabitha glanced his way, seeing the man cowering back. She gave him a silencing glare, still stroking the animal. "He's injured, he needs help and I'm going to help him. Jared turned to Edward. "Don't you have any control over your daughter? You can't seriously allow her to take care of that beast. He'll kill her." The wolf turned as if knowing what Jared was saying. His huge tongue lolled out of his mouth and he swiped it across Tabitha's cheek. "Yes, he looks like he's going to hurt her, doesn't he?" "Maybe not now, but you cannot mean to trust her with him." "My father doesn't dictate to me, Lord Jared." She rose slowly, reaching down and tangling her hands against the wolf's fur. "He trusts me. If he'll come, I'll take him to the kitchen." "Are you sure that's wise?" Tabby smiled at her father. "Yes. I can feed him there too." "You be careful." She nodded. Her father was a man unlike any of this age. He treated her as an equal and listened to what she said. It was one reason she was so resistant to his trying to marry her off. None of them came close to his ideals. They treated her like Jared was, as if she had no intelligence and had to ask a man for permission. Tugging gently on the wolf's fur, she guided him to the door of the study, enjoying the look on the servant's faces as she passed them. "Lady Tabitha..." She shook her head, hearing the wolf's growl and his whimper as his wound pained him. "Shhh. It's fine." Cook's eyes were wide as she stared at the massive animal that trotted obediently next to her mistress. "Miss..." she began. "I need some hot water and rags, Cook. Then we'll need some scraps for him. He's going to need to replenish the blood he's lost." Tabitha smiled reassuringly at the startled woman. She sank down to the hearth next to the roaring kitchen fire, gently parting the thick fur. The wound was long and angry looking, blood caking his fur and making it more difficult to see. "Shh," she said softly to the beast as he whimpered, flinching back from her fingers. "I know it hurts but you've got to be still." She stroked his wide face, calming him. "Here, Miss." Tabitha took the bowl and the rags, settling them at her side. Dousing one of the rags, she pressed it gently against the tangled fur, wiping away the blood and gore before rinsing it out. The wolf flinched back, whining at the pain. Tabitha crooned to the beast, slowly continuing to clean the animal's wound. Even though what she was doing was obviously hurting him, the wolf didn't snap or snarl at her, trembling with reaction. It took a while to clean, but she finally finished, using some of the rags to bandage the wound tightly enough to keep it clean. "Good boy," she crooned. "Cook, do you have those scraps?" Cook slowly brought over a wooden bowl full of meat scraps, setting it down next to the wolf and hurrying back. The wolf sank down to his stomach carefully, his nose going to the bowl. He gulped the food down, meat juice coloring the fur at his mouth. While he ate, Tabitha picked up the bloodied rags and the bowl of water. Handing it to the cook, she went back to the wolf and sat down again. "Miss ... what are you going to do with him?" Tabitha shrugged. "I'm going to make sure he's all right." She waited until he was finished eating, his huge tongue cleaning out the bowl before he let her take it. She handed it to the cook, smiling when the wolf rose, limping to her side. "I guess he's coming with me." She went out of the kitchen, slowing her step for the huge animal as he limped gamely next to her. She bypassed her father's study, heading for the stairs and her chamber. Night had fallen while she cared for the wolf and she picked up a candle from a small table next to the stairs. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 02 Chapter Two Getting the wolf to follow her up the stairs and into her room was fairly easy though Tabitha cringed at each whimper he made. She reached into the closet where Mrs. Somner kept the extra linen and grabbed an old quilt. Then she spread it on the floor next to her bed and patted the material. The wolf gave her one look and then glanced at the small ball of quilt. Then he turned his back, easily climbing onto her bed and curling into a ball at the foot, his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth as he glanced back at Tabitha. Tabitha let a little giggle of amusement loose. "Ah, you'd better hope Mrs. Somner doesn't find you on the bed," she warned, but her voice was caring and soft. She rose, setting down at the foot of the bed and stroking his soft hair. Then she pulled the bell, calling for her maid. Myrtle knocked quietly on the door of the room than popped her head inside. She smiled at her mistress and began to walk in. The sound of a deep growl scared Myrtle and she froze, staring at the bed. "My lady, there's a beast upon your bed." Tabitha reached out, carefully scratching the wolf's chest while watching for his wound. "He won't hurt you, Myrtle. Just walk slowly over here and I'll introduce you." Myrtle's eyes grew wide. "You'll introduce me?" "Yes, he needs to know you are a friend." Tabitha reached out, taking her maid's hand and pulling her closer. She let the wolf sniff at Myrtle's hand then she told Myrtle to pet him. "But watch for his wound." Myrtle's eyes just grew wider, carefully stroking the wolf's back. The wolf just seemed to preen under the attention and then finally, turned away from Myrtle, dropping his head in Tabitha's lap. "My lady, where did he come from?" "He was in the garden, Myrtle. He'd been hurt somehow and he could barely walk. He came right up to me." She stroked the animal's face, smiling as he snuggled against her. "Should I call for the gardener, Miss?" Tabitha looked over at Myrtle and shook her head, smiling gently. "No, he seems most happy to be here with me. I'm willing to keep him here. Help me get ready for bed." She rose from the side of the bed, her fingers twining in the thickness of his ruff. She seemed to have as hard a time leaving the wolf as he had leaving her. Myrtle reached for the buttons on the back of her gown, quickly unbuttoning them and helping her step out of the gown. She took it to the wardrobe, hanging it carefully inside and then went to a drawer in a large dresser and pulled out a thin silk shift that Tabitha favored wearing to bed. She took it to her mistress and then unlaced her corset taking it and the petticoats and setting them to the side. Finally, she lifted the chemise that Tabitha had worn that day, leaving her mistress nude as she put away the garments. Tabitha heard the wolf whine and she reached over, scratching the poor animal's ears. "It's all right," she cooed. "You'll be fine." She jerked back when she felt the cold nose of the wolf nuzzling against her side. She scratched the wolf's nose, laughing at him when he whined and moved closer to her. But Tabitha stood up, holding her arms over her head so that Myrtle could lift her gown over her head and help her pull it down. She went and sat back down on the bed and let the wolf scoot closer, his head falling into her lap. Myrtle stared at them. "Miss, there's something strange about that animal. He's not acting like a wild wolf, not at all." "Do you think he belongs to someone?" Tabitha laughed as the wolf reached out and licked her chin. "Well, from the way it looks, I'd say he belongs to you, Miss." "Really?" Tabitha asked the question eagerly. "He does seem to like me." Tabitha scooted a little further down on the bed, helping Myrtle turn down the covers. Then she slid under them, smiling as the wolf moved to lie next to her, letting his head rest against her shoulder. "Goodnight Miss." "Goodnight Myrtle." Tabitha yawned, covering her mouth with her hand. She watched as Myrtle added wood into the fire and stoked it for the night. Then she took one candle with her, blowing out the others so that the only light in the room was from the fireplace. She glanced at Tabitha once more before leaving, closing the door quietly behind her. Tabitha turned her head, burying her face in the wolf's fur, hoping that she wasn't hurting him. When she tried to pull back a bit, the wolf whimpered and moved closer, as if he didn't want Tabitha to move. "Shh, sweetheart," she smiled, rubbing the wolf gently. "I don't know your name or if you even have a name." She yawned and let her eyes close, feeling safer than she'd ever felt before. * * * * The wolf moved closer to the beautiful woman, enjoying the warmth of her body and the sweetness of her scent. Even asleep, she cuddled close to him, her body pressed against his. He lifted his head, sniffing carefully at her. His eyes seemed to stare straight into her head and he thought one word... Sleep. He watched as she snuggled deeper into the bed, turning onto her side. He stood, sliding carefully from the bed. Going to the big mirror on the side of her dresser, he glanced in at himself, seeing the careful bandaging she'd done. He sighed, regretting what he was about to do. A shimmer of gold stole over him, his body changing almost magically. When the gold had evaporated, a tall, very naked man stood in front of the mirror. He was well built, his muscles long and corded, his chest wide. His thighs were strong, his legs well developed. He had a gash across his shoulder and the top of his chest, a gash that was only partly healed. He grabbed hold of the dresser as the weakness from his wound had him stumbling. It looked better than it had earlier and he had to thank the beautiful Tabitha for her care and concern. He glanced over at her now; seeing how she curled into the coverlet he'd been laying on, her hand smoothing the warm material where his head had been. He flipped his hair back, the black locks easily touching his shoulders, long bangs that he pushed behind his ears. His green eyes looked like emeralds in the light of the fire, glinting as they pondered the pretty miss. He moved cautiously, favoring the wounded side of his body, cradling his arm with the other. But he couldn't stop himself, he couldn't move away from her if it meant his life. He hadn't been able to believe in his luck when he'd seen her earlier in the day, standing just feet from where he lay, injured. The gash in his side needed cleaning before it turned septic. One look at the lovely mistress of the house had made up his mind. When she'd pushed aside some of the foliage, he'd moved, a whimper and whine leaving his mouth. He limped closer, almost attacking when the older man had stepped up to her. He listened in, breathing a sigh of relief when he'd hear her call the man father. His fingers trailed over the lovely skin of her cheek, sinking down next to her. "Tabitha," he whispered softly, watching as her eyes fluttered beneath the thickness of her eyelashes. She moaned softly and her hand reached out, as if searching for him. "Sleep," he whispered again. He couldn't afford for her to wake yet. Not yet, not until he was strong enough to face the man who'd done this to him. There was still too much damage to heal, time to regain his strength and maybe ... maybe let her fall in love with him as well. He tried to ignore the desire that he was feeling. His cock was hard and heavy with the passion that had started when she began stripping in front of him. It was an incredibly erotic sight, watching as the maid easily and quickly exposed her mistress. He'd barely been able to stay as the wolf when his body was demanding that he touch her. So he'd allowed his muzzle to slip against her skin, sniffing the sweet smell of her and the way it sent a frisson of chaotic desire through him. He'd let her move closer, cuddle against his warmth. And tonight, well, he'd let her sleep all night in his arms if he could be sure that no other human would open that door. He glanced at the door, noting the bit of gold that shone against the panel. He smiled when he realized it was the key to Tabitha's bedroom. He rose again, ignoring the weakness that seemed to pull at him. Locking the door, he took the key with him, letting it rest against the small stand that held a candelabra full of candles. It clinked on the wood and then settled under the candles. He sighed before carefully sliding under the covers, letting her come to rest against his uninjured side. She almost seemed to be holding her breath and he wondered if his magic was that affected by his wound. With another soft breath, he commanded her to sleep once more, his hand sliding under the silky fabric of her shift, enjoying the satin of her skin. She moaned and cuddled against him, her hand moving over his chest, sliding up to his shoulder to curl at his neck. The heat of her breath slid over his skin and he barely stifled the moan of desire. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to slip into bed with her but now that he was, there was no way he'd turn back. Not now, not when he could hold her until morning light. "Mikel," he whispered. "My name is Mikel." His lips moved to her hair and he breathed in the sweet honeysuckle of her hair. "Mikel," he whispered once again before cuddling her closer and moaning as her soft leg moved over his, resting just below the heaviness of his cock. * * * * Tabitha moaned softly as her eyes opened at the rays of sun came through her wide door that led out to the patio. She could feel the soft, furry body of her new bedmate, the heat of him and then felt the cool pressure of his nose as he nuzzled it into her neck. "Mikel," she whispered. "That's your name, isn't it?" Mikel let his tongue loll out of his mouth. Then he carefully got down from the bed and went to the door, whining softly. "Okay, sweet boy. I'll let you out." She got out of bed pushing down the silk shift as it was riding up around her waist. Mikel got a single glimpse of the soft sable hair at the juncture of her thighs before she was at the door, unlocking it and letting him outside. The air outside was ripe with the smell of Spring, the sweet scent of the flowers, the rabbits that the gardener was trying so hard to dissuade from eating the bulbs and vines that they'd planted. He ran, limping, down the stairs and out past the men working in the garden. When he was far enough from the manor, he lifted his leg, letting his stream pour over other animal's scent. There was a small river and he quickly drank his fill. He stretched, grimacing as the wounds pulled, reminding him of how he'd been injured. Ramos, his litter mate, had caused his injury. His own littermate, he thought with a growl. He'd have moved mountains if Ramos had asked. But instead, he'd been ambushed by Ramos and a couple of his lackeys. Ramos had gotten in a lucky swipe of his paw, ripping into Mikel's chest and arm, almost cutting right through the bone. Mikel had fought back but there'd been too many and he was growing weaker with blood loss. So he ran, snarling at Ramos even as blood dripped down his arm and chest. He'd ran past the other wolves, finding his own way through the brush and woods. He heard Ramos's howl, calling together the pack, his pack. He'd run the pack since his father's death. He'd taken care of them, putting his own wishes second to the good of the pack. Now his brother was in charge. He cringed at the thought, knowing that the females still nursing young were going to be the first to be left by the pack now. If they wouldn't leave their children, Ramos would order them out. That thought sent a chill and a shudder of revulsion through him. Those young were the future of the pack, the one day leaders and, as important, the betas and the further line of command. Without them, the pack would fall. But injured as he was, there was no way he could regain command of his pack. His brother would do everything, fair and not, to keep the role he thought should have gone to him. He knew that two of the three females that had children would refuse to go without their little ones. They would be alone, without the help of the pack to feed themselves and those children. He shook his head, his fur ruffling against his neck. He had to get better, he had to. He took another deep breath of the outside air before he turned again, racing back through the gardens and up the marble steps that led to the patio outside of Tabitha's room. He scratched at the door, whining as he waited for Tabitha to open the door. She came to the door, a towel held in front of her. Myrtle was filling a tub for her, the water steaming against the cool of the outside air. He'd gotten back just in time, he thought, feeling desire flood him. He'd never felt like this for any of the females that had thrown themselves at him. "Did you have a good run?" she whispered, rubbing his head as she let her towel drop. His tongue lapped at her and she squeaked, laughing at him. "Your nose is cold." "I can't believe that you let that wild animal spend the night in your room, Miss." "And I slept wonderfully." She lifted her foot, her toes touching the water before she trusted the temperature. Then she slid in, moaning as the hot water covered her body, enjoying its heat. "It was like having my very own fire with him there, Myrtle." Mikel moved closer to the tub, sniffing cautiously at the water she sat in. It smelled of honeysuckle and a hint of spice, a pleasing scent and one provoked a response from deep inside of him. "He looks better," Tabitha said, laughing as the wolf came close and licked at the drops of water that covered her breasts. "He acts like a male," Myrtle grumped, not happy at all with having the wild beast, as she'd taken to calling Mikel, close to her mistress. Tabitha grinned, reaching out and rubbing at his ears. "He's a wonderful pet." Myrtle just scoffed. "Sit forward, Miss. Let me wash your back." Mikel watched as Tabitha sat forward in the tub, her breasts barely submersed. He wanted to growl as he saw the maid reach out and grab a sponge from the small stool that sat next to the tub. Tabitha dropped her head against her knees, moaning just a bit when Myrtle soaped the sponge and then started slowly doing circles on Tabitha's beautiful back. His tongue lolled out and he could barely suppress the urge to change, to touch her with his human hands and his human lips. He felt the pink of his cock pushing out of its furry sheath and glisten wetly. He heard his whine and felt a spurt of surprise at the sound. Tabitha looked over at him, concern shining in her beautiful golden eyes. "Are you okay, Mikel?" Myrtle glanced at the wolf and saw the pink cock hanging beneath the furry body. She gasped at the sight but didn't say a word, her cheeks pink. "Are you sure he's just a wolf?" "What else would he be, Myrtle?" "Well, my momma told me a story once, when I was little. She told of a group of people that could change, a wolf to man, a man to wolf at will." Tabitha grinned. "Your momma did like a good story, Myrtle." "No, Miss. My momma warned us when we were little. She said that if you weren't careful, they could find you and then you'd never want to leave them." Tabitha tipped her head to the side. Then she gave Myrtle a small smile. "My back, Myrtle." "Yes Miss." Myrtle didn't look at the wolf again, she missed the curl of his thin black lips and the shine of his white teeth. His eyes shone like emeralds, beautiful against the gray of his face. He forced himself to lie on the soft carpet, trying to deflate his erection away by thought. If Myrtle hadn't been in the room, he'd have been hard pressed not to change and take Tabitha, showing her how hot he actually could be. The rug was hard against his cock and he forced himself to stay still. He watched as Myrtle moved from Tabitha's back, reaching into the water to lift one of her slender legs and wash the soft skin with her sponge. Tabitha leaned back, enjoying her bath even as she let her hand hang off the side of the tub. Her fingers played against Mikel's fur. She sighed as Myrtle finished her legs and held out her hand for the sponge so that she might finish her bath. Then, she reached up and pulled out the pins that held her hair out of the water. "My hair, Myrtle?" Tabitha ducked her head back and felt the first of the warm water pouring over her head. She closed her eyes, enjoying the way it felt. Then she felt Myrtle's strong fingers and the soap she worked through her hair. She moaned, pushing her head into Myrtle's hands. Then she leaned further back, keeping her eyes tightly closed as Myrtle poured the first of three buckets of warm water over her hair. When it was free of soap, Myrtle took one of the towels she'd brought with her and covered Tabitha's hair squeezing the excess water out. "Are you ready, Miss Tabitha?" Myrtle held out another of the thick, long towels, waiting for her mistress to rise from the tub so that she might wrap her warmly before sliding her robe over her shoulders. Tabitha let her hands fall to the sides of the tub and rose, the water sheeting from her body, her curves pink and flushed from the warmth of the water. It dripped off of her body, glistening like tiny diamonds against her flesh. She took Myrtle's hand to step out of the tub, standing on the small rug that had been left there to soak up the water. She put her arms out so that Myrtle could wrap her in the towel and then tucked it securely in the valley of her breasts. Myrtle led her over to the small stool that stood in front of her dressing table. Tabitha sat down and took the next soft towel from her maid. While she was finishing patting herself dry, Tabitha cocked her head to the side and stared into her open wardrobe to decide upon a day gown. "The pink, my lady, or would you prefer the blue?" "The pink, Myrtle, it has a more becoming décolleté, unless Lord Jared is to be present today." Myrtle laughed but pulled the pink gown from the wardrobe and then found the petticoats and stays as well as her chemise. "So, has my father found a way to push another eligible lord at me, Myrtle?" "Yes, my lady. They were all agog at your new pet and how you seemed to tame him instantly." "Ha, and I expect that Lord Jared is most likely complaining to my father how I ignored him." Tabitha closed her eyes against the thought and then took the silk stockings that Myrtle handed her. It took little time to roll them onto her legs, and then she rose again, letting the towels fall to the floor at her feet. Mikel felt his tongue fall from his mouth. She was soft, sleek and warm, her body naked but for the silky stockings. He got to his feet, moving even closer to her, smelling the scent from her bath upon her skin. She was more beautiful then he'd even realized and he wanted to growl at Myrtle for helping her pull a chemise over her head. The satin clung to her still damp body, her hard nipples pushing against the fabric, the wet material turning more transparent. He groaned, whimpering as he sat in front of her. If the wounds that Ramos had given him weren't going to kill him, then watching the hypnotic siren just might. No woman had ever affected him this way, not even his first. He couldn't understand it but he wasn't willing to fight it. Maybe he was owed a little pleasure after the last couple of days; maybe he should enjoy watching her, even though he dared not touch her, not as a human male until night. He stared at her nipples, wishing he could curl his tongue around them, listen to her pant as he tormented her with tiny nibbles. Then he'd sit back and blow against the tempting treats, enjoying the way they hardened, the way they would almost beg for him to caress again. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 02 She was beautiful, so incredibly, mesmerizing exquisite . Tabitha stood, smoothing the material over her body and then stepping into the petticoats that would hold her skirt out from her waist. The stays were next, the corset tightened but not too tightly. She really didn't need one at all but she could just imagine the shock it would do to her father if he found out. Myrtle tied a bow on her petticoats before holding her stays against her waist and letting Myrtle tie it. The dress was next, the pink looking delicate against her skin. He could imagine it with her sable curls bouncing against the shoulders, holding her arms out to him to catch and swing in a circle. God, I'm going to go insane. She's going to drive me insane. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 03 Mikel sat obediently next to Tabitha as she broke her fast. He growled low in his throat when Lord Jared joined Tabitha. Of course, seeing his lovely mistress roll her eyes at the Lord's smarmy comments did do a lot for his peace of mind. "You've kept that animal here?" he'd asked before even greeting Tabitha. "Yes, and he will be here until I decide he has to go or he goes on his own, Lord Jared. He's been grievously injured and he needs my care." But she had to manage a smile when Jared apologized, though she could tell he wasn't sincere. "I think I was just surprised that your father allowed you to keep him in the house." "Lord Jared, my father doesn't allow me anything. He realizes that I'm an adult and capable of making decisions of my own." She reached back, feeling Mikel's nose touch her hand, then he swiped the small piece of bacon that Tabitha handed him, licking her fingers as well. "Oh yes, Lady, but what about your husband-to-be? Will you be as free with your time and to whom it is spent with when he wants to make you wife?" Jared helped himself to a rasher of bacon and a spoonful of cook's eggs, then set a small whole fish to the side of his plate before going to the seat next to her. "My husband will understand me or I shan't marry at all. I will stay with my father and care for him." Tabitha shrugged and then held her hand out to Mikel again when he started growling as Jared tried to sit next to her. Jared did a quick about face and moved to a place further down the table and Mikel felt a spurt of amusement. It never failed and it was a constant source of enjoyment for him when he'd found a human that was terrified of him. Tabitha wasn't and with her, he was grateful. If she hadn't taken him in the way she had, he'd have been dead by now. Yes, his magic allows him heal faster, the power of the wolf healing small wounds over night, but an injury that was as bad as the one Ramos had dealt him would take more than a little time before he would be as strong and well enough to fight Ramos for his pack once more. Being the "Alpha" of his pack had been a huge responsibility and one that he'd enjoyed He knew most pack members would be terribly unhappy under Ramos's reign, but he also knew that they would follow his dictate no matter how Ramos had cheated and lied. He could only hope that he could succeed in retrieving his pack before the new pups and their mothers were dead. The safety of those smaller, more innocent of his pack weighed heavily on his mind and he knew he would have to see to them before he could find his pack and send Ramos packing. He'd never had patience or enough forethought to realize that loosing those mothers and their pups could harm their pack. He'd never understood why Mikel had found some places when the pups were born and had cared for all of them until they were old enough to move with the rest of the pack. He sniffed at Tabitha's hand as she slipped it against his face again. He licked her fingers before taking the piece of fruit out of her hand. It was true that he was mostly carnivore but he could enjoy other foods as well. It was just that they never had that much of choice as they lived the nomadic kind of lifestyle unless one of the females was whelping. He heard Tabitha call his name and he moved to her side obediently, knowing that her control over him was causing Lord Jared a lot of concern. He sat quietly, letting her hand touch his head and stroke his face. "I think we should take a walk in the garden," she said to him, twining her fingers in the fur at his ruff. There was a clatter of noise and the sound of a tray falling, the dishes upon it, striking the floor hard and crashing to pieces. It startled Mikel and he turned, his ruff rising to stand straight, his ears pulling back, a snarl crossing his lips. "Shh, Mikel," she said, rubbing her hand down his back and soothing him. "It's all right." He yipped and then settled back down to sit beside her, his eyes never leaving her. "I just don't know, Tabitha. It just doesn't seem right for you to care for an animal as big and wild as that one is. What happens if he hears something that upsets him and you cannot control him?" Jared stood, reaching out as if he would take Tabitha's arm in his hand. Mikel growled, the sound fierce and feral. He stood, moving toward the man who'd thought to touch his woman. He growled louder and snapped his jaws at the hand that Jared quickly pulled back. "I don't think he likes you," Tabitha said quietly, her hand falling to Mikel's head. "He doesn't seem to like you touching me." Jared nodded, shrugging his shoulder. "I am supposed to care when an animal doesn't care for what I do and with whom?" He waved his fork as he spoke, tiny pieces of the fish flying off the end. Tabitha felt a sneer curl her lips. Not only was he a misogynist, but he was a slob as well. She'd have to speak to father about the man and see if there was some other way that they could move his trip on to his next stop. That thought in mind, she rose from her chair, picking up the small napkin of scraps that she planned to feed Mikel. She didn't even have to call him. Mikel moved quickly to her side and stood, looking up at her like the most well trained of dogs. She smiled down at him and she could almost swear he grinned back. He stayed between her and the Lord who hadn't bothered to rise when Tabitha had. Mikel's eyes stayed upon him until a closed door stood between Jared and his mistress. "It's fine, Mikel. Do not worry, Lord Jared won't continue his visit when my father will tell him that any arrangements between himself and I are impossible. I could never tie myself to someone who is such a slob and lacking in care for the people under him." She grimaced and shuddered, opening the patio door and letting him out. Mikel barked, the sound dog-like, and then stopped dead still, his entire body alert. He almost seemed a statue, like those that stood in the garden and even in the small orchard. His muzzle was tipped to the sky and she could see his lungs filling with air as he tested the various scents. Tabitha didn't wait for Mikel, instead, resting her hand against the balustrade and moving toward the stairs to the garden. She'd taken barely a half dozen steps before Mikel was at her side again, his nose pushing against her other hand. She giggled, letting her fingers rub into the ruff around his throat and over his ears. "You do like the attention, don't you?" If she only knew... They walked through the gardens, enjoying each others company. Tabitha stopped once again at the place where she'd first heard Mikel, sitting upon the long bench. She opened the napkin and held it so that he could eat. He was so delicate, his teeth never touching her fingers. Not even the best trained lap dog was as caring. "I have to say, Mikel, I am really enjoying your company." She dropped the now empty napkin onto the bench beside her and reached out to lift Mikel's head so that she could look into the dark topaz of his eyes. "I will be sad to see you leave me." No, you won't, love. You'll be going with me. How he wished he could tell her these things and take the sadness from her eyes. He could sense her loneliness and he wanted to take it from her eyes. He wanted her to know that he wouldn't leave until he had to and how he planned to change her, to take her with him. But he couldn't. Maybe tonight, when she slept, maybe then he could let her know. He rose to his feet and let his tail wag. His front paws were on the bench, his back on the ground and he looked into her eyes. They were so different, almost golden, but with a tiny spot of dark brown in one. It was the only fault he'd seen in his beautiful caregiver and he'd seen enough of her to know. "Tabitha!" She turned at the sound of her father's voice, hearing the tone of terror in it. She stood slowly, not understanding what he feared. "Father?" "Come to me, Tabitha. Walk slowly." "Why?" She laughed when she realized that her father had mistaken Mikel's generous show of affection for an attack. "He isn't trying to hurt me, father. He wouldn't ever hurt me." "And you know this how?" He walked closer to her, sitting on the very edge of the bench as Tabitha sat again, her hand falling onto Mikel's head. She didn't bother to answer her father. He'd figure it out on his own. "What ever made you think that Mikel would hurt me?" "Mikel? You've given the animal a name?" For a moment, Tabitha looked confused and then she answered. "It is his name." "But he attacked Lord Jared, Tabitha. He is a wild animal and shouldn't be with people." "No, he is an animal who was terribly injured. He needed my help. She reached for his arm, hugging it to her. "Would you have preferred if I'd let him die?" "I would prefer that I wouldn't have to hear reports of how the animal was going to kill you or how he attacked someone. I love you, Tabby. But the animal could hurt someone." He kissed the top of her head. "Can I show you?" "Show me what?" "How sweet he is, father. Lord Jared doesn't like the fact that he is in the house and he protects me. Mikel growled at him because he tried to touch me. I think he was only sensing my distaste, father. Lord Jared is a swine." "He is titled and comes from a good family, Tabby. I've known his father for years." She shrugged her shoulders. "I guess blood can't always take the swine out of a person. I just can't understand why you are pressing me to be nice to the man, father." "I'm getting old," he said softly and then flinched when he heard her laughter ring out. "It is true, Tabby. I won't be around forever. What will you do if I was no longer alive to care for you?" "I would care for myself. Father, you know that you've taught me to run the houses and the servants. I can even care for the farms and the horse barns. I'm not some insipid little wretch with no thoughts in my head but those that some man wanted there. Besides, I'm not totally giving up. I know there could be a man perfect for me out there. I just have to wait until I can find him." "Perhaps I gave you too much freedom." Lord Edward shook his head. "So you feel nothing but distaste for Lord Jared?" "I'm sorry, he makes my skin creep." She leaned forward, laughing when Mikel pressed his cold nose against the daring décolleté of the pink gown she was wearing. Edward nodded. "I would hate for you to know a loveless relationship." He rose and held out his hand to Tabitha. "Come, he might make your skin crawl, but he still is our guest. We cannot be thought of as inconsiderate." "Yes, father," she said demurely, standing and taking his hand. Mikel rose as well, going to her other side to walk next to her. Edward glanced over at him in shock. "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes..." "Yes, amazing, isn't it?" "And he protects you?" "He seems to understand what I want before I even want it, father. He attacked Lord Jared but only when he tried to sit next to me. He didn't come within six feet of me before Mikel snarled and held him back. I think he'd protect me from anyone who wanted to hurt me." "But how would he react to someone who loves you?" Edward slowed and turned, pulling his daughter into his arms. His eyes never left the wolf and he was ready to pull away at any hint of a growl. Mikel sat next to Tabitha, barely glancing at Edward. Tabitha laughed. "See, father. He won't hurt me. And he does protect me." "Well, going in for tea should be interesting." He kissed his daughter's forehead and let her go. Before he could pull any further back, Tabby grabbed his hand. "Let's let him get used to your scent, father." She pulled his hand toward Mikel. "This is my father, Mikel. He won't ever hurt me." Mikel sniffed almost disinterestedly at Lord Edward's hand and then his big tongue lolled out, swiping over his fingers. "He won't ever hurt you now." "Well, that is one thing I have to say about you, Tabby. You're never boring." He took her arm again and led her into the house where Lord Jared waited for tea. Mikel took one glance at the man and then stood between him and Tabitha, his teeth bared. He only relented when he felt Tabitha's hand on his head and then he went and sat next to her, his eyes never leaving Jared's face. "Do you see what I mean, Edward? He's a vicious animal and should be put down." Tabitha glared at the man who instantly tried to smooth over his words "I just don't want to see you hurt, Tabitha. You have to know that. He is a wild animal and shouldn't be kept inside a house and around people." Edward laughed, walking straight up to Mikel and stroking his head. The wolf turned his head up so that Edward could reach him easily. "I think, Lord Jared that it is just you Mikel feels distrustful of. He seems fine around me and Tabitha as well as the servants." Mikel wagged his long tail; the sound of that hefty tail hitting the floor was loud. "Perhaps he just finds that there is something distasteful with you." Jared glared at both man and beast. Then he rose with a flourish of his arms. "I've never been so insulted, Edward. I shall be leaving, immediately, if you'll have my coach brought around." He strode out of the room and Tabitha sighed her relief. "Thank you, Mikel." * * * * Without Lord Jared's presence, the day flew and soon Tabitha rose to retire. She called for Myrtle, letting the woman help her out of the gown she'd changed into before dinner. Settling the silky shift, she twitched it around and then sank down on her bed. Mikel jumped up instantly, his nose going under her hand so that she would pet him. "Did you see Lord Jared when he left, Myrtle? I'm afraid that man could cause a stink if he wanted to. I certainly hope that I shan't have to deal with him in the upcoming season." "He was like most of them dandies, all air and little substance." Myrtle turned from the wardrobe where she'd been putting away her gown. "Would you like for me to put him out, Miss?" "What do you think, Mikel? Would you like a short run before we retire?" Mikel rose and stepped toward the door in answer. He waited until Myrtle opened the door and then ran out, taking the steps to the patio in hefty leaps. "Well, at least there's one thing about that beast. He's well trained. I can't believe we haven't heard of anyone missing him." "I know," Tabitha hated the thought of losing her Mikel. He'd just fit into her life so well and seemed to know what she wanted before she even did. She sighed as she let Myrtle help her under the covers and tuck her in as the woman had done almost every night since her mother's death. By the time she was finished, Mikel was back at the door and his discreet scratching had Myrtle opening the door. The big wolf jumped up beside her and curled close to his mistress. Myrtle shook her head, laughing at the look on the animal's face. "Miss, I think he's staking claim." "Yes," Tabitha yawned, rolling over to her side and letting her arm rest across Mikel's neck. "Good night, Myrtle." "Good night, my lady. She blew out the rest of the candles but the one she would need and then went to stoke the fire in the fireplace. Turning around once more to check that everything was straightened and neat, she left the room, closing the door behind her. Mikel lifted his head, seeing Tabitha's closed eyes. He stared at her for a moment and felt her settle even deeper into the bed. Then the golden shimmer stole over him and when it dispersed, the tall, well made man now lay. Mikel stole underneath the warmth of the sheets. He felt Tabitha move closer, her hand moving across his chest, resting against his neck. "Mikel," she whispered and his eyes went to her face, unable to look away. There was something about her, something sweet and innocent and so uniquely good that had her aura shimmering with its own sweet white light. Not too many humans had that affect upon the world around them. But Tabby did. "Tabby," he whispered, liking the way it sounded. "My Tabby." She stirred as if she could hear his almost silent whisper of her name. His hand moved against her hair, stroking her as he worked his magic upon her once more. Then he tried to tell himself to leave her be, to hold her as she slept, but his body was ignoring his commands. She stirred even more, pressing her unfettered breasts into his chest, her leg covering his thigh, the soft hairs at the juncture of her thighs pressing against him. He hadn't noticed how short her shift was when she'd gotten into bed. Now it rode above her waist, her soft flesh bare against him. He closed his eyes, savoring the way she'd felt. It was a forbidden pleasure, made even more so because of his desire to show her pleasure. But could he? Did he dare touch her, stroke his hands on her body, touch her as he yearned to do? Could he take her to her pleasure and ignore his own? He didn't know but he sure wanted to try. Settling her back against the bed, he pulled himself away, mourning the loss of the weight of her body against his. "Sleep," he whispered. "Sleep, Tabby. You're safe." He could feel his magic working upon her and he saw her fall even deeper into the realms of dreams than she'd been before. Waiting until he saw her eyes moving under her lids, he smiled and took a deep breath, closing his eyes. A few deep breaths and the magic began to work. He could see light swirling behind his own eyelids and he mentally stepped forward, passing through the miasma of swirling color and lights, into the darkened space behind it. Tabitha lay upon the bed in that darkened room, a slim white sheath covering her slender form while emphasizing the sleekness of her curves. She stared at him as he walked to the bed, his hands reaching out to take a lock of her pretty dark hair between his fingers. "Who are you?" she asked, her eyes moving over his naked body even as her cheeks pinkened. "You know me, Tabitha. Say my name." Tabitha pushed herself up on one elbow, staring into the familiar emerald green gaze. "Mikel?" she whispered. "Are you Mikel?" He smiled, sinking down to sit next to her. "Yes." "B-but you're human?" she asked, her eyes roaming over his naked body once more. "How is that possible?" "A lot of things you think are impossible actually can be true, my love, if you only believe enough." He took one of her hands, placing her palm against the heated skin of his chest. "Touch me, my beloved. Share this night with me." "Yes," she whispered, reaching for him. "Will you..." she hesitated. "Will I ... What? Tabitha. Know that anything that is in my power is yours, just ask." "Will you ... kiss me?" The words were spoken softly but he heard them and his heart began to beat faster, eagerly letting his hand touch her cheek, lifting her face so that he could easily reach her. His thumb touched her lips, smoothing across the lush curves. Then his mouth was there, clinging gently to hers. He could hear the change in the rhythm of her breathing and felt the gasp she made against his own lips. He pulled back after only a few scant seconds, waiting until she opened her eyes. "More?" he asked softly. "Yes, please," she answered eagerly and he chuckled. This time he wasn't as careful but always as gentle. He heard her moan and he smiled, knowing that she was feeling the same desire that was pouring through his body now. Shifting, he lay down at her side, his hands touching her face, threading her silken curls through his fingers. He twisted his lips, feeling her open to him and felt the timid touch of her tongue to his. "Yes, love," he groaned against her mouth, unable to pull away. Heat flooded through him and he felt the coolness of her hands as they stroked over his shoulders and then down his back. She was driving him mad, slowly but surely, with her eagerness to please and the want he could feel on her lips. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 03 Drawing her deeper into his spell, he allowed his hands to roam across her skin, pulling at the fabric that hid her body from him. He released her lips only to pull her shift from over her head and then he looked down, needing to see the beauty of her form that lay spread before him. She was loveliness incarnate, almost more than he could believe. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest and he knew she could feel it as well. Her breasts, proud and full, were tipped with ping pouting nipples, begging for his mouth. He spanned her waist with his two hands, his fingers stroking lightly over her hips. He was torn, his body wanting two things at once. He yearned to take her, to push his cock into the sweetness of her cunny, to feel the veil of her innocence tear under his thrust. He wanted to pound into her and then pour his seed deep inside perhaps to mix within her and create new life. But then again, she was spread before him, a feast for his senses. He could touch and suckle, tease and please every inch of her luscious form until she begged to feel that all consuming fire and the bliss that followed. Her hands tangled in his hair, pulling him from his contemplations back to the realness of this dream. "I love you, Tabitha. I will always love you." His words were whispered against her mouth. She moaned, the sound like a flame of fire against his flesh. She was driving him slowly and surely mad and he craved more of the heat of her. "Tell me what you want, Tabby. Tell me," he pleaded. * * * * Tabitha was on fire herself. She'd gone to bed with Mikel on her bed and now, somehow, some magical, impossible way, he turned into a man more handsome than any she'd seem before. His voice was husky, sending more of those flickering flames to lick at her lower belly. He had a strange accent that made him even more attractive even though she couldn't place it. "This is real?" she asked, feeling his lips slide down the side of her neck. "You're real?" "As real as you want me to be, Tabby," he whispered. He spoke her name with an unusual lilt and she found it strangely appealing. His hands touched her, one sliding from her waist to her hips, the other moving slowly upward until he captured one intriguingly soft breast in his palm. "Is this all right?" he husked, looking up into her golden gaze. "God yes," she cried, feeling him capture her nipple with his finger and thumb. "It feels so good." He smiled, his full lips parting to show pearly teeth. They seemed almost impossibly white against the darkness of his skin and his black hair. "Are you really my Mikel?" she asked, staring up at him. He smiled, the hand that had been resting at her waist moved slowly toward the juncture of her thighs and the silky soft hair that hid her sex. "I am whoever you wish me to be, my Tabby. You tell me and I will become him." "I must be dreaming," she gasped, her hands grasping at him as he slowly parted her thighs. "You look like the dream of Mikel that I had. But why would I dream of him this way?" "Is it a bad dream?" He kissed her cheek and then his lips buried against the skin of her throat. "No. It's a good dream, too good." She felt his fingers part the thickness of her lower lips, his fingers moving there where no man had been before. "Does this always feel this good?" "Do you love your Mikel?" he asked before answering her. "Yes, yes I do." "Then as long as this is with your Mikel, it will always be this good." His lips moved up, finding her mouth again, stopping the questions that he could see in her eyes. He gently pushed one of his fingers into the steamy heat of her cunny, feeling the tightness of her virginal walls. She was hot, and wet, incredibly reactive to his touch. "Do you want me?" The question was almost growled against her mouth and he kept her from answering while he kissed her deeply. Her tongue rubbed against his, following his into his mouth and flicking against his teeth and tongue. He moaned and Tabitha smiled, feeling a sense of power that she could make a man like this groan with pleasure. Mikel felt her smile and lifted his head. "Yes, you minx. I want you that much." Her smile was radiant and her hands framed his face, drawing him closer. "I want you, Mikel. I want to love you." Her lips were on his and she felt his smile as well. Her hand moved from his cheek to his hair and then across the width of his shoulders. "Tell me what you like," she lisped. "You," he said with a moan. "Touch me, Tabby." He seemed to arch into her touch, moving ever closer. She felt his body press against her, felt that part of him that she'd only glimpsed at before. It was long and hard, impossibly big to her naïve eyes. His hands moved over her thighs once more, pushing them apart and then moving so that his hips lay cradled against her. She moved her hands over him, her fingers sliding down his back and over the curve of his ass. She touched his warm flesh, feeling him jerk against her, his cock slipping between her lower lips and sliding against her wet flesh. She cried out as his fingers moved over the little bump of her clit and she shivered, arching to press against him. "Please," she whimpered. But she didn't know what she was asking for. She needed something, she felt empty as if some part of her body had opened for the first time. It yearned, it cried out, it ... wanted. "Slowly, my love. We have no reason to hurry." He slid down her body, his lips finding the pale pink tips of her breasts. Tabitha cried out as he suckled upon one tip, his hand moving over the other. Every sweet suckle of his lips had some part of her, deep inside of her, that convulsed in ecstasy. She could feel the wet walls of her sheath, feel it throbbing deep, forcing more of her wetness to cover his fingers. She whimpered more, her breathing growing ragged and harsh. "Please, Mikel." He looked up and into her beautiful face, amazed by the look of passion, the desire that flared in her golden gaze. Instead of rising over her, he moved further down her body. The silken curls tickled his lips and he heard her gasp as his tongue buried in her wet pussy. Her knees were around his ears, her legs shaking as he found her clit with his tongue. It took very little to push her over the edge and into the madness of her climax. Her hands were buried against his hair, her body arching and thrusting against his pleasing tongue. She cried out, her voice hoarse as she called his name. It was harsh and fast, swallowing her whole and then spitting her out weak, her breathing husky and fast. She was barely conscious, her head pressed back and into the downy soft pillow. Mikel rose, smiling down at her. His cock throbbed in need and he pulled himself up her body, pressing his cock against her sopping flesh. His hand pushed the hair in her face away from her pretty eyes, waiting until she opened them, looking at him with a dazed, surprised look. "Mikel?" "Yes, beloved." Before she could say anymore, he thrust himself inside of her. He felt her stiffen in shock and pain and cursed himself soundly because he'd hurt her. Her nails scoured against his back and she cried out. "That's it, love. That's all it will every hurt." He waited until she relaxed against the bed, her fingers once more moving over his back. He moved slowly, ready to stop if she tightened at all. Soon, her moans echoed through the room, her body moving against his. The same intense pleasure was engulfing her, the same incredible need that made her feel as if she would die if he stopped. Mikel had no intentions of stopping. Every thrust he made into her body was another piece of paradise unlike anything he'd ever known. For an instant, he wondered if it was due to the dream walking that they were doing but he quickly forgot about that. Her body was warm, her arms and legs wrapping around him. She was crying out with every thrust he made. With a groan, he kissed her, muffling the sound of her bliss, feeling the contractions of her pussy around his cock. He felt the orgasm flooding him, emptying himself into her. "I love you, Tabitha," he groaned against her neck, cuddling her to him and letting himself relax. An instant later he felt himself moving, wanting to cry out at the unfairness of it, the unwelcome return to reality. He held her against him still but he hadn't taken her. It was all in the dream walking. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 04 Tabitha was quiet the next day and she kept glancing at Mikel as if she were trying to figure out what and who he was. She took him outside, sitting on the same bench that they had before. She sighed, staring at him. "I had a strange dream," she said to him, scratching his chin. Mikel's eyes lit up and he could barely hold still. "It was very different, Mikel. I don't know what to think." He lifted his paw, setting it gently in her lap, as if urging her to continue. Tabitha smiled but didn't seem to want to continue. He whined, nudging her with his nose. "Are you trying to learn all my secrets, Mikel? I don't blame you after last night." She rose, beginning to pace in the small area of the clearing she was in. "It feels as if I've done something ... wrong isn't the right word. Maybe ... ahh!" She threw her hands in the air and turned again, her skirts swishing around her. Mikel almost smiled. After what had happened between them last night, it was good to know that she didn't think they'd done anything wrong. He watched as she made another circuit of the clearing and then sank back down on the bench and let her head rest in her hands, her elbows on her knees. It was the most unladylike position he'd ever seen her take and it sent another twitch to his lips. Mikel felt alive, more alive then he'd felt since becoming "Alpha" of the pack. There was a sense of freedom in him that he knew came from not having to worry about every member of the pack and what would be best for the whole. He shook before moving close to her again. Sinking down on his haunches, he laid his head in her lap and gave her a look of total devotion. It was amazing to know that he loved her, that he'd only known her a few days and he was already committed to her. He let those emotions shine in his eyes, hoping that she would guess the truth. If she did, he'd change now and show her the truth of whom and what he was. Her smile was slow to coming this morning and he blinked up at her, hoping he could make her feel better in some little way. "Oh, Mikel it wasn't your fault. I ... just can't seem to figure out what is going on in my head." She stroked her soft hand over his head, moving to scratch between his ears. She already knew where he liked stroking and where he liked scratching. She'd given him some of the most intense pleasure he'd felt with a woman or wolf. He knew his emotions and feelings were in a tangle but he was more concerned about her. If what he'd done last night had caused even the littlest bit of pain for her, he'd never change around her again. He would chew off his own arm if it caused her pain and he'd do it with a smile upon his face. He nudged her once more, whining piteously to get her attention when she quit stroking him. "I just don't understand," she sighed, gently tugging on his ears. "How can you be a man in my dreams? Am I that mixed up, Mikel?" He leaned closer trying his wolfish best to be supportive as he listened to her speak. Nudging her with his nose, he whined again. "Yes, Mikel, I know," she stroked his face before scratching his chest. His wound was almost healed. It had a pink look that promised new skin and the scabs that covered it looked as if they'd fall off if he rolled on the floor. "You were a man. It felt just so real, like I was really there. I'd always wondered what drew a man and a woman together." She pushed her hair off of her forehead, blowing out a long breath before sitting up. Rising, she tangled her fingers in his fur and then drew him back toward the house. "Come, Mikel. Let's see how you and Galahad get along." The name was unfamiliar and he followed docilely. In through the same door she'd brought him in before, she headed toward the stairs and her bedchamber, calling for Myrtle. When the maid finally arrived, Tabitha called for her riding habit and her horse to be saddled. "Miss, you can't want to take Mikel with you. He'll scare your horse and you'll end up on the ground. Your father's already canceled the hunt since Mikel scared Lord Jared off." Tabitha glanced over at Mikel, feeling his eyes on her as Myrtle unbuttoned her day gown, pulling it off her silky sleek body. "Mikel did nothing to scare off the man. I refused to deal with his idiocy. I won't go without Mikel, Myrtle. They'll get along." "If that's what you wish, Miss. But at least take a groom with you, just in case." Myrtle fluttered around her, her hands more hindrances instead of help. "No, I need ... something," she shook her head, her hands going up as she shrugged. "Something? Miss, couldn't you find something here?" "Myrtle, that is enough. Mikel won't hurt Galahad and I can control my horse. Now hurry with my habit before it's tea time and I miss out on my ride." It took a few more minutes before she stood before her mirror, arranging the tiny top hat upon her curls. It was more for decoration then for any safety purposes and she hated the little things but Myrtle would be crushed if she didn't allow her to pin the thing to her curls. Finally, she was dressed to her maid's satisfaction, heaven forbid she was ever less than perfect, and she reached out, waiting for Mikel to touch her fingers with his nose. "Galahad is my horse, Mikel. You cannot frighten him or I will have to leave you here." Mikel shook and then headed for the door, waiting until she caught up with him. She was lovely in the soft green habit, the color making her eyes shine. The tiny hat caught in her curls was a charming notion and he wished that he could take her hand as a man takes a woman and rid her of the anxieties she was feeling. He was cautious as he walked into the barn in front of her. The sound of the horses was loud, shaking their heads and whinnying at his scent. He held still as Tabitha reached her horse's stall. He was a gorgeous gelding, his mane braided and beribboned. He tossed his head, nudging Tabitha with his big nose. "You big baby," she cooed, rubbing the itchy spot between his ears. "Now you two get along." She found his blanket and then his saddle, quickly saddling him and then put his bit between his teeth and led him forward. Mikel walked up beside the big horse, snuffling at his legs and then darting in front of him. He pranced for a moment and then they were nose to nose. Galahad snuffled at the wolf before him and then he lifted his head, settling down and holding still while Tabitha climbed into the saddle. She turned him and headed out of the barn and off down the long lane that ran from their beautiful home. "Shall we run?" she called out to her two males, kicking Galahad into a trot and then into a run. The wind rustled past her, tugging at the pins that held her hair up, causing them to loosen. She glanced behind her and saw Mikel running full out, his ears up, his tail high. His mouth was open and his tongue lolled out, making him look as if he were smiling. Tabitha laughed, the sound of her voice trilling back to Mikel. It was a melodious sound and one that he cherished. "Come on Mikel," she called back to him. "Let's race." Mikel barked his agreement. He raced up beside her and then ahead, turning to wait for her next to a bush. The run had been something he needed. He had forgotten how much he loved to race across a field, the wind in his hair, his strides eating up the distance. It was something else he hadn't been able to do when he was alpha of his pack. He saw Tabitha coming and rolled in the grass before standing to greet the wind-blown angel. "You cheated," she teased, hopping down from the saddle. She walked Galahad toward the small stream that was one of her favorite places on the property. Tossing Galahad's reins over a low hanging branch and making sure he had access to the stream. She sat down on a small grassy spot warmed by sunlight, pulling off her riding boots with a moan of pleasure. Her stockings came next and she pushed her skirts up until she could reach her garter, rolling the silk stocking down her legs. Then she scooted a bit closer to the stream. "Hmm," she moaned as she put her feet into the crystal clear water of the stream. It was heaven and she closed her eyes, holding herself up with her elbows. Her head tipped back and she couldn't control the groan of pleasure. When she lay back against the small grassy oasis, the smell of warm grass filled her senses and she yawned. * * * * Mikel watched the young woman as she slowly let sleep take her. The temptation to dream walk with her was too great and he changed, a shimmering gold haze taking his body. When he was man once more, he knelt beside her, his hand gently brushing against the rosy hue of her cheeks. "Sleep," he whispered. "Sleep Tabitha. Let me find you." He curled up against her, feeling the sweet curves under all that fabric she wore. His breathing deepened and he saw the swirling color that invaded his mind. He stepped through those colors and then felt the softness of the grass that she lay against under his feet. "Tabby," he called softly. When she didn't answer, he knelt beside her, tracing the soft features of her face. "Come to me, my love." She stirred, opening her eyes and starring up at him. "Mikel?" "Yes, beloved. It is me." He smiled down at her, watching as she blinked as if she wasn't sure if what she was seeing was real. "How..." She lifted her hand to his and felt him take it. "You're a man again." "Yes, love. I am a man and the wolf. You aren't going insane." "But..." she couldn't finish. Seeing him again just made her remember the powerful emotions he drew from her. She could feel her breathing quicken, her pulse racing as she looked up and into his eyes. "I missed you," she whispered. "How could you miss me, my Tabby? I am with you always. As the wolf, as the man, you will never be rid of me." "Then you are the wolf?" His smile was wide and beautiful, surprising her with the sensations he caused inside of her. "I am," he said softly, his hands touching her face. "But I will never harm you, Tabitha." He took her hand, bringing it to his face, turning his head so that he could kiss her palm. "You believe that, don't you?" "I ... I don't know." She could feel her heart racing, tingles of fire moving over her skin from the heat of his mouth. "It's too incredible," she breathed. Her eyes met his, the emerald green a flame as he ran his gaze over all of her. "How you make me feel is incredible," he crooned. He helped her sit up, bringing her closer to him, so much so that he could lean down easily and kiss her. "You make my heart race, Tabitha. My pulse feels as if it will beat through my skin. My hands ache to touch you, to feel your soft, warm skin again. I want your scent in my nose, your taste upon my lips. I want to hear your pleasure as I take you, my Tabby. This is what you do to me." She moaned, her head falling back so that his lips could move over her throat. He took the invitation gladly, breathing in her scent, touching her skin. She moaned again, unable to stop the pleasure that flooded through her. Then she felt her gown loosening and felt him pull the bodice down, leaving her bare but for the silky shift she wore. His fingers loosened her stays and she breathed a huge sigh. "Why do you do this to yourself?" he asked, his lips finding the soft, sensitive spot under her ear. "It is the fashion of the day." "But why would you bind yourself like this? You are slender enough without this contraption." Tabitha smiled up at him. "It is what is done, Mikel." Mikel growled, bending over her to kiss the welts on her ribs from the bones of her corset. He worked his way up, finally arriving at the sweetness of her pink nipples, barely hidden by the silky chemise. He took one proud peak in his mouth, wetting the fabric so that it became transparent, exposing the hardened bud. His other hand was covering her other breast, squeezing and kneading the softness of her flesh. She was warm under his hands, soft and sweet against his skin and he wanted more. "I'm going to take you again, Tabitha." She groaned, arching under his hands. "Yes," she murmured. "Yes, please." Mikel smiled before capturing that peak again. His hands rose to the thin straps of her chemise and he pulled them down her arms, capturing them against her body. She couldn't move and he took advantage of that fact, tugging at the skirt of her habit even as his mouth suckled hungrily against her breast. His hand stole under her skirts, finding her legs and moving his palm between them, opening her for his possession. His breathing was harsh, his mouth hard upon her breast. His fingers played against the wet flesh of her sex and he groaned when he heard more of her passionate pleas. He inveigled his fingers between her plump lower lips, the wetness of her cunny drawing him in, making him want more and yet still more. Taking two of his long fingers, he pushed them into her body, moaning as she cried out with the pleasure of it. Moving carefully, he began to thrust them into her, his thumb moving to press against the hard bud of her clit. Her hips moved, pushing up and against his hand, her cries sweet in his ears. He felt the softness of her thigh pressing against the hard length of his cock and he couldn't keep from pushing against her, rubbing himself against her silky skin. "Fuck me," he growled, low in his throat. It sounded almost inhuman and sent a shiver of pleasure down her spine. Her hands locked in the black locks of his hair, holding him trapped against her breast. He opened his mouth wider, suckling in as much of her as he could. Tabitha cried out, unable to stop herself. She could feel the first amazing spurt of fire that heralded her coming orgasm. "Mikel, please," she begged shamelessly. She ground her hips against his hand, begging him for more. When it hit, she forgot how to breathe, she forgot thought, cares or even the impossibility of Mikel really being a man. All she could think about now was the pleasure he was giving her so unstintingly. It was too much to bear and she arched against him, holding on to him tightly. He was the only solid thing in her world gone mad with sensation and she needed him to anchor her so that she didn't go flying off into some strange place. She cried out his name, hearing the sound of his "hmmm" of satisfaction. Prying open her eyes, she stared up at him in awe. Her breathing was ragged and her nails sharp as they dug into his back. He saw her staring up at him and his lips curved into a smug grin before they came down upon hers. He kissed her hungrily, his passion for her taste causing him to want more. His tongue pressed into her mouth and he rubbed against her tongue, wanting more and yet still more. "Tabitha," he growled, unable to stop himself from sending her up that long climb toward another burst of pleasure. His fingers were still thrusting between her thighs, his thumb rubbing teasingly at her clit. Her thighs were tense, her legs shaking from that first intense burst of bliss. "Again, beloved. Come for me again." "Yes," she cried, lifting her head to take his lips with hers. "Kiss me, Mikel. Come with me." He pulled his hand from the creamy portal of her cunny, pushing her thighs further apart. With a groan of need, he pressed his cock into her, thrusting almost desperately. He filled her easily, his hips moving quickly, his hands holding on to her hips. Her cries of pleasure filled his ears and he searched for her lips, needing to taste her more. She was hot and tight, almost more than he could take. He wanted nothing more then to pound into her, to give them both what they needed. But what he really wanted would not be allowed, could not be done, not without her permission. Still, he lifted off of her, rolling her to her stomach so that he could pump into her from behind. The sweet curve of her ass was pressed against him, her thighs opening to allow him full access of her. He pushed back inside, lifting himself over her, his arm holding her off the ground Her skirts were voluminous and he pushed them out of his way, his body pummeling hers as his need grew. He could see the softness of her nape, that spot that he would have to claim if he wanted her as mate. He could also feel his teeth grow in his mouth, the sound of his lusty moans and groans growing muffled and rasping hoarsely. He pulled her to her knees, dragging her back against him, his hand moving over the soft curls covering her sex, pushing in to find the hard bud of her clit. Tabitha moved with her own frenzy, her hands moving over him, tugging in his hair, reaching behind to grab hold of his thighs. "More," she begged. Her hair had fallen down around her shoulders but she felt his hand pull it over one shoulder, baring the back of her neck. She could feel the softness of his lips there, the thick wetness of his tongue. She turned her head, searching frantically for his lips. She wanted his kiss, his touch, craved every second of the time he was inside of her for there to be more. She reached down, lifting his hand in hers and brought it to her mouth, licking at the pads of his fingers, kissing his palm before suckling on his wrist. She had an almost overpowering urge to bite him, to taste his blood as it filled her mouth. Tabitha let her teeth score over his flesh though she didn't dare break the skin. He diddled her clit, pinching the tender flesh delicately. He could feel the rush of his own orgasm coming and he desperately wanted her to come with him. Short, hoarse cries seemed to explode from his mouth and he couldn't stop pounding into her. His fangs lengthened and filled his mouth and he growled with the desperate urge to bite down upon her flesh, to make her his not only in mind but in fact as well. Tabitha cried out as joy and heat filled her body, rushing over her from that spot that they were so intimately joined. She'd never felt such pleasure, such heat of the kind that filled her now. She knew a moment of pleasure so intense her head spun and then she felt the pressure of his teeth upon her neck. She could hear his growled words but didn't understand them, her body too focused upon the pleasure that filled her so incredibly. When he bit down, she felt the pinch of his teeth and then a rush of even greater pleasure filled her. It was as if he were claiming her as his own, claiming her to belong only to him no matter what happened in their future. She cried out, moving her head to give him more room. Something filled her, something wild and wonderful, something she didn't understand. Her hands grabbed for his hand and she let herself bite down on him, feeling his blood fill her mouth. Mikel let out a roar of passion, his big body jerking against her as he came hard, emptying his spunk filled balls into her. He could feel his wolf splinter, feel the intensity of the mating bite. His head was thrown back and his cries mimicked hers. His heart beat with a force that had his blood rushing to the wound she'd caused in his wrist, his blood flowing thickly into her mouth. "I love you," he moaned. "Tabby, I love you." A sudden noise interrupted their tryst and Mikel felt his body pulled back into the reality of their actual world. He heard Galahad snort and move about and then the rustle of a body walking toward them. Letting go of his beast, he let the change occur and then stood over her, a snarl of warning upon his lips. The intruder was a stranger to Mikel and he kept his protective mien, his eyes narrowing and his temper causing the fur at his ruff to stand up. "Whoa," the man said, turning to comfort his horse before throwing the reins over the same branch that held Galahad. He held both hands out to Mikel, showing him that he had no weapon and that he meant no harm. "Tabitha?" he called, hoping to wake her before the huge wolf decided to attack. "Come on, Tabby. Wake up and call off your beast." Tempting Tabitha Ch. 04 Tabitha woke slowly, hearing the loud rusty sound of Mikel's growls. She sat up slowly, her hand going out to Mikel and digging into his fur. Her head turned and she gazed up at the man held at bay by Mikel's snarls and growls. She stood quickly and then froze. Then his name tumbled from her lips. "Peter?" she squealed, pushing past Mikel and throwing herself in his arms. He caught her easily, twirling her to hear her giggle. Then he let her rest upon her feet though he made no move to release her. "I missed you, Tabby," he said softly and then lifted her chin, wanting to see her eyes. What he saw there must have pleased him, for he held her gently, his mouth coming down upon hers. Mikel growled furiously, unable to hurt the man like he wanted. Tabitha wasn't pulling away from his kiss; instead, she seemed to be quite satisfied with where she was at that moment. When Peter lifted his head, there was a flush upon her cheeks and her hand was touching his face. He kissed her again; quickly then slowly let her go. "Your savior over there doesn't like me, Tabby." Tabitha turned and stared at Mikel, feeling a sudden rush of guilt. The dream had come again as she'd napped in that small clearing, that dream of Mikel as a man and of the things he'd done to her, wonderful things that she hadn't known existed before finding Mikel. She glanced up at Peter. "Stand still and I'll introduce you two," she said softly, calling Mikel to her side. "Mikel, this is Peter. We grew up together. His parents own the next estate over. Peter used to pull on my braids and put frogs in my bed." She laughed at the memory, especially when she remembered Nanny and the curses she'd heaped upon his head. "Where did you find him? He's a wolf, isn't he?" "Yes. He showed up in the garden one day and he was hurt. He let me come right up to him and he's been my companion ever since." She wrapped her hand around his soft fur. "Will he let me touch him?" Tabitha knelt close to her pet, speaking soothing words to calm him. "Peter is a friend, Mikel. He doesn't want to hurt me or you." Mikel stood under her hands and only growled once when Peter moved a bit closer. His lip seemed to tremble under his rage and he thought of all manner of ways to rid himself of this competition for Tabitha's affection. None of them worked because all relied upon Peter's death, something that would hurt the woman he loved. He stood docilely as Peter slipped his hand under his nose. Turning to glance back at Tabitha, he saw the soft warning in her beautiful eyes and he refrained from trying to hurt the man now. But a streak of jealousy ate at his gut and he wanted nothing more than to push the man into the stream, sitting upon his back to hold him under the water. His rage didn't subside even when he allowed Peter to stroke his fur. But the Alpha in him wanted nothing more than to rip his throat out and revel in Peter's blood. He could feel his body start to quiver and he stepped back, away from the man's hand. He pushed his head against Tabitha, trying to move her away from the interloper's presence. "Mikel, stop that," she said softly, pushing his head away. "He is devoted," Peter said, his eyes upon Mike's strange reaction. "It's almost as if he is jealous." "Jealous?" Tabitha snorted. "He's not jealous. Are you stopping by the manor to see father? I know he'll be most pleased to see you." "And you? Are you most pleased to see me too?" Mikel snarled at the question but didn't move from Tabitha's side. "Of course I am, Peter. It's been so long since you left on your trip, I'm just surprised your father didn't come and tell us you were coming home." "Well, I surprised them as well. I was supposed to do another circuit of continent, but I missed home and my parents, and you." Peter reached out to touch her chin, pulling back quickly as Mikel snapped his wide jaws. "He is definitely staking claim, isn't he. I'd thought only to have to contend with your many suitors, not an animal." "Contend with?" Tabby asked, unsure of what he meant. "Oh, come now, Tabby. You must have known that I'd planned all along to come back from my tour and stake my own claim upon you. I'm allowing you the usual time to play the suitor games and then I plan on making you my wife." Tempting Tabitha Ch. 05 Tabitha felt as if her world had come to a complete standstill and all the air had been sucked out. "You ... You want to marry me?" she asked him, shocked. "You can't pretend you didn't know how I felt, Tabby." He held out his hand, taking hers and holding it gently. He tried to ignore the growl of the huge wolf but it wasn't easy. "I had no idea," she answered, reaching down with her other hand to touch Mikel's head, to calm him. "The last time we talked, you were so wrapped in the details of your tour. You barely said good-bye to me." "I was afraid that if I did, I would be unable to leave you. I really didn't know that I was that unreadable." Peter tried to move closer, stopping only when Mikel growled again. He sighed, shaking his head at the rage he could feel flooding him from the wolf. "Shh, Mikel," she said softly, her hand stroked over his head, calming him. She smiled as Mikel pushed against her, sitting and leaning against her legs. "You know, Mikel, I'll be spending a lot of hours with Tabitha. We're going to have to find some way to get along." Peter tried to touch the wolf as he'd done before, but Mikel shied away, growling and snapping at Peter's hand. "Are you sure he isn't jealous?" "He's an animal, Peter. He's taken a dislike to you somehow. We're going to have to work with him, though because I refuse to leave him tied or to cage him. He doesn't deserve that kind of treatment." She sighed, running her hand over Mikel's head. They walked to where their horses were tied and Mikel sat expectantly, watching Peter lift his mistress to her horse. Peter's hand lingered on Tabitha's skirt covered legs and he had to stop himself from attacking. Instead, he yipped loudly and Galahad shied away from the man, giving Mikel a look. She'd planned to ride with Peter, but Mikel's yip had startled Galahad and he pulled away from the bit, grabbing it between his strong teeth. Within minutes, she was flying down the trail, away from the small stream, Mikel at her side as she fought Galahad to slow him. She'd heard Peter's cry of warning and then the loud sound of his hoof beats following her. But he was a bit late. Mikel moved in front of the spooked horse, jumping up to grab his reins and stop his headlong race. He held Galahad, refusing to release his hold until the horse calmed. Mikel still held the reins in his mouth when Peter rode up; he was staring at the wolf as if what he'd done was unbelievable. "Where did you say you found him?" Peter spoke up, reaching up and pulling Tabitha down off of her horse. "He found me in the garden. She took Galahad's reins and scratched Mikel's back and sides, listening to the sound of what could have been deep purrs coming from his mouth. "He devoted to me, Peter. I think he just proved it" He went to touch her and Mikel growled ferociously and then jumped up to knock his hand away from Tabitha. "One of us is going to have to relent, Mikel. It won't be me," Peter hissed. Mikel stood stock still under Peter's hand then he yelped loudly, picking up one foot as if Peter had stepped on it. He looked up at Tabitha, giving her the best hurt look he could do. "Oh, Peter, you must be more careful, he's just healing up from a serious wound in his side." She glared up at Peter and resumed petting Mikel. Mikel glanced out of the sides of his eyes at Peter, grinning widely. He heard Peter's soft curse and he backed closer to Tabitha as if he were terrified of the man. Tabitha sighed heavily. She lifted Mikel's chin, tugging on him so she could look in his eyes. "You're all right, sweet one. Peter doesn't want to hurt you. He wants to be friends." Mikel scoffed, a sound that was distinctly human. Tabitha laughed at her pet. "Peter, you have to work better at being friends. Mikel has never really tried to hurt anyone in all the time he's been here." She patted Galahad's neck and then gathered his reins. Looking to Peter, she waited until he helped her mount. Mikel stayed at her side, as any good hunting dog would. This time, it took little time at all for the manor house to come rushing toward them. Tabitha left Galahad with his groom and then waited while Peter dismounted and greeted the staff, giving them specifics upon how his horse was to be cared for. She took his arm when it was offered and let her hand trail in Mikel's fur, pulling him along with them. "You allow him in the house as well?" Peter asked, the tone of his voice unbelieving. "He's an animal, Tabitha. He's not the type to be domesticated." "Mikel has been a perfect gentleman, Peter. He hasn't destroyed or harmed anything or anyone." She smiled down at the wolf as he let his long tongue slick across her hand. "I sometimes think he's part human, the way he listens to me and the things he does." "But he's not human, Tabitha. He's a wild beast." She scoffed at his words but stopped when Peter's fingers touched her jaw, turning her face to his. "It's not that I don't believe you, Tabitha. I do. But I also know what a wild animal might do. He could turn and attack one of the servants or even your father. Do you want to take that kind of chance?" "He won't, Peter. I know he won't." Tabitha pulled away from Peter kneeling down beside Mikel. "He would never hurt anyone." Mikel sat next to her, resting his head against her shoulder. With a soft sigh, he projected a thought into her mind. "I'd never hurt you." "I know Mikel." She let her cheek rest against his and felt him move even closer to her. "Peter, I can't and won't treat him like a wild animal. I can understand what you mean, but he has never even come close to hurting me or anyone I know." Peter nodded but you could see that he hadn't changed his mind. "Just be careful." He reached out and took her hand, drawing her back to her feet and into his arms. "I'd hate to have my new wife have any bite marks on her." "You're taking a lot for granted," she said crisply, leaving one hand to touch Mikel. "What if I do not wish to become your bride?" "You'd deny what both you and I want?" he teased softly, his fingers caressing her cheek. "You can't know what I want," she said softly. "I don't even know for sure what that is." "Then might I ask that you keep your heart and mind open too?" He bent his head, kissing her soft cheek and ignoring Mikel. He only pulled back when he felt Mikel's teeth wrap around his wrist. The wolf didn't bite down or leave any marks that could scar. He just held on to him, growling furiously. "Mikel, no!" Tabitha cried, reaching down to pull his mouth away from Peter's wrist. Peter held it up, checking both sides. It was unblemished. "Are you all right, Peter?" "Not a scratch." He showed her his wrist. "I guess he thinks you belong to him." Tabitha didn't know how to answer that. She lifted his hand in hers, turning it over to look at his wrist. "There's not even a scratch." Mikel sat at her feet, staring up at him, his tongue out as he panted. He stared at Peter, his green eyes sending out a message that spoke volumes. He didn't growl again, just watched Peter. There was no doubt what he was saying. Touch her and face my wrath. "Perhaps you should just give your father my best for today, Tabitha. I'd rather not push your new pet any more today." He lifted his hand and cupped her cheek, brushing her hair away from her face. "I will be back. Never fear about that." She smiled. "I'd enjoy that." She let her cheek nuzzle against his hand and then watched as he turned away, heading back toward the stable. She waved once more when he rode out, blowing her a kiss. Then she headed toward the house. Her father met her in the front hall. "Was that Peter I saw with you?" "Yes, he's back from the continent. He found me at the stream." She rose on tiptoe and kissed her father on the cheek. "He said to give you his best." "Why didn't you invite him in?" Edward asked, tugging on one windblown curl. "I had, father. He and Mikel seemed to ... rub each other the wrong way." "Mikel? I haven't seen that wolf not like anyone." He reached down and patted Mikel's head, laughing when the wolf slicked his long tongue over Edward's hand. "Maybe it was just too much stimulation," Tabitha said. "I'm going to go up and change for dinner." She reached up and kissed Edward's cheek before calling for Mikel and heading out the door to the stairs. Mikel stayed by her side, pressing his face against her skirts as she paused to open the bedroom door. He yipped at her when she entered the room and she stopped, halfway to the bell pull to call Myrtle. Her eyes were worried as they looked down at Mikel. He didn't look quite the same as he had a few minutes ago. "What's wrong, Mikel? Was that outing too much for you?" She moved toward her pet her hand out. Instead, she stopped, her hand going to her breast as she watched the gold light shimmer over the wolf. "Mikel?" she called again, her heart beating harshly in her chest. Something was going on with him, but she couldn't see past that golden shimmer to see him. It slowly faded and her hand rose to her mouth. Mikel stood upon two feet, his body sleek and naked, his beautiful green eyes meeting hers. "Don't scream," he said quickly, his accented voice just the same as it had been in her dreams. "Mikel?" she whispered, barely able to speak at all. "Yes, my love. I am your Mikel." He reached forward, taking her unresisting hand and bringing it to his lips. He stepped closer to her, her skirts brushing against his body. "Please don't fear me, Tabitha. I could never hurt you." "But ... but you're a man..." she stuttered, shaking her head as if to clear her eyes. "How are you a man?" He smiled. "I suppose it was like any other man born, my love. I've got different parts then yours but I am just as human as you." "But you were a wolf?" The smile fell from his lips but he didn't release her hand. "Yes, I am that as well. I had to let you see my true self, love. I had no hopes of wooing your affection from Peter if I didn't let you see my other form." He spat the name as if it were a curse. "You're jealous?" she asked, her eyes roaming over the firm sleek muscles that were so bare to her eyes. "Of Peter?" she added, laughing. "Oh you laugh as you tear out my heart. I've loved you since the first moment I cast my eyes upon you in the garden. I had gone there to die, away from those who would have made my death agonizing. Instead, I lost my heart to you, my Tabitha. You hold it in these small hands." He drew them to his lips, kissing each palm passionately. "What of those dreams?" she asked suddenly, finding herself all aflutter by the things he was saying and the look in his eyes. "Dream walks," he said softly, staring down at her. "I couldn't help myself, Tabitha. I needed your touch, the taste of your lips, the feel of you under me. But I couldn't take you as I wanted, not while I was so badly injured. Now I am strong enough to fight for you, to prove my love for you." "It felt so real," she breathed. She reached up and pulled the pins from the tiny hat that still sat upon her curls, throwing it onto the dressing table even as she walked away from him, beginning to pace. Her face flamed for on the return part of her pacing, her eyes fell to his nakedness. He was a well made man and she couldn't help but look at his cock, imagining the heaviness of it, the size as it had filled her. "It wasn't real. I'm still..." she waved her hand letting him figure out what she meant to say. "Yes, you're still..." he said with a small crooked grin. "Though, if you'd like, we could take care of that now. I'm very capable." He gestured toward his groin and saw the blush flame on her cheeks. "You are so bad, Mikel. Teasing me like that..." Her hands fluttered in front of her and then she turned her back once more. "I should throw you from my room," she stated, her hands coming down to rest against her hips and she turned to glare at him. "I should ban you from my presence." "No, Tabitha." His voice was stressed and his green gaze was panicky. "Please, I would rather die then have that happen. I love you, Tabitha. Please..." He took the two steps that put her flush against him and pulled her into his arms. "I need you," he husked, his lips coming down to hers. His kiss was almost desperate, his lips shaping to hers and then parting her sweet mouth for the possession of his tongue. He took her hand, drawing it up to his chest, pressing it against the heavy beat of his heart. He reached up, tugging at the remaining pins in her hair, letting it fall around her shoulders. He lifted the heavy locks in his hands, playing his fingers through the soft, silken tresses. "I love you," he murmured. "I want to be your mate, Tabby. I want to show you how to be a wolf, to feel the wind in your fur, to hunt with the pack. You'd be my Queen, Tabby. Wolves mate for life." Her hands moved over his hot skin, her breathing growing heavy and ragged. She said nothing as he pulled at the bodice of her riding gown, tugging at every button and tie until she pressed against him as naked as he was. Taking her hand once more, he pressed her palm against his stomach, sliding it down until she cupped the hardness of his cock. "This is yours, my love." His hand cupped her cheek and he stepped even closer to her. Feeling her naked skin against his body, he growled his pleasure, melting under the heat of her hands. "I love you." Tabitha gasped as the heat of his body felt almost impossibly warm. He was hard, his hands feeling almost desperate against her skin. She knew what he was doing. If she allowed him to possess her body, here, now; she would be his for life. Peter would hold no sway upon her life. Her father would find out the truth about them, she wouldn't be able to be deceptive with him. She would run at his side, entwine her future with his for life. But was that what she wanted? His lips were sweet, tender and wonderful against hers and she could feel his hands, roaming over her curves, molding her breasts until her nipples felt swollen and needy. When his fingers pinched the taut pink tips, she arched, wanting desperately to let him make love to her in actuality. She did want it to be real. But she couldn't lie to him. "Mikel," she whispered, her voice soft and somewhat hoarse. She knew he heard her, she felt it in the tiny shake of his head and in the way his hands moved over her. "No," he said slowly, lifting his mouth from hers. "Don't tell me you don't feel as I do, Tabby. I can feel it in here." His hand opened over her chest. "I can hear it in every beat of your heart. You do love me, Tabby. I know you do." She opened her mouth to answer him and it was as if he knew he wasn't going to like what she was going to say. Instead, he lifted her into his arms, slipping out of the second story bed chamber and down the flight of stairs that led to the garden. He moved between the plants with ease, his measured steps silent, the only sound between them was the quiet rustle of her breathing. "You feel like I do, Tabitha. You do. You just don't know it yet." Within minutes, he'd gone through the small garden and through the tiny gate that led out to the pasture they rode in earlier. His feet never hesitated, his eyes moving through the shadows, becoming one with them when any person came into view. It took barely longer than the time it took to walk the gardens and they were near the small stream and he was setting her down on her dainty feet. "You felt it earlier today, Tabitha, love. I know you did. I saw it in your eyes." He heard the pleading note in his voice and felt shamed but the love he knew was inside her, the love he had for her was more than worth a bit of pleading if it was necessary. "I can take you for a run as a wolf; show you how you'd feel as my mate without making the change permanent. When I brought you back, you could be the same Tabitha that you are now, just with the knowledge of the wolf." "I ... I could become like you?" Her hand lifted, touching his face, her fingers running over the slight roughness of his whiskery stubble. "What would I have to do?" Mikel smiled, turning his face so that she cupped his cheek. "You'd do nothing but hold very still for a moment. My magic would make the change and keep you wolf until you wished it stopped. Then, well, then I'd bring you home for you to make your own mind up if you want this to become permanent or not. Her hand shook just the tiniest bit, her eyes lighting up with the challenge of the unknown. "Yes," she whispered. "I want to feel it, to know what your life is like. Change me." "Just be very still," he whispered. "Close your eyes." Tabitha did as he asked and felt his hands touching her. Then it was as if he'd grown a hundred hands, the heat of them running over her skin. There was no pain only a strange sense of physically being different when she opened her eyes less then a moment later. She was a black wolf, her fur pitch black, a streak of white curving over her muzzle to her ears. She felt warm and wonderful, strong and well. Sounds were different as were smells. She could smell the small mouse that shivered in fear in its burrow under a nearby tree. Turning her head, she could smell Mikel as well. He stood close, his eyes upon her. Are you well? he thought, his words speaking into her brain. This is absolutely amazing. Yes and you haven't even hunted or run yet. He rubbed his face down her body and she let loose a sound that was curiously purr-like. Show me how. She demanded, turning once in a complete circle. Mikel nodded but he stopped her, speaking softly and seriously. We can take some time to play if you wish, Tabitha. But if we don't turn you back before the magic drains from my hands, this could become a permanent lifestyle change for you. When I say enough, we must change back. She nodded. And then chased her tail once more. He reached out with one paw and stopped her. Say the words, Tabitha. I must know that you are certain. What we are doing is incredibly dangerous and I need to know that you understand. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 06 I promise I will listen, Tabitha said easily enough. She was too eager to learn this new world around her. The smells, the sounds, the way the wind felt in her fur, it all had her spell bound and fascinated. She stared over at the huge wolf that she'd grown so used to the past few days. What now? What do you want now? She was a beautiful wolf, her fur full and rich, her head well made and with a delicate grace that was a pleasure to watch. It was going to be hard to keep track of his magic and watch out for her as well. He lifted his head into the wind, scenting the air to make sure that they were safe. What are you doing? she asked, moving closer to him and lifting her own head. If Mikel were human, he would have smiled. I'm scenting the air for danger, Tabby. He watched as she lifted her head again, her nose pointed defiantly into the wind and she breathed in the scents as she'd seen him do. Is that a deer? she asked, her eyes going to his. Very good, Tabby. Yes, she is a field or so away, eating corn. She hasn't gotten our scent yet or she would be gone. Tabitha nodded but then moved away from Mikel, her thick fur making her progress through the brush and to the stream silent. Mikel watched her with pleasure, enjoying the grace of her wolf and the ease with which she was reacting to the different sensations and scents. She knelt close to the water, her nose going to the clear flow of the stream and lapping at it. It tastes so differently, she thought at him. What else is different? Run with me, he urged, going to her side and nuzzling at her. Feel the wind marking your freedom, let it blow through your fur. There is no other feeling like it, Tabitha. She nodded eagerly and then bounded at his side, easily catching the rhythm of his stride and staying next to him. She nipped at him in her joy, her thoughts a wild cacophony of words that were almost a blur. When he slowed, she did too, leaping around him before forcing herself to still. It was wonderful. Yes, he said to her mind and then felt a stab of pain. The magic was running low. They had to get back to the pasture beyond the garden before it was gone. Nuzzling her side, he urged her to move with him, another stab of pain making him almost desperate. What is it, Mikel? She kept moving but kept glancing over, watching as he stride began to falter. The magic is going, Tabitha. We must be at the pasture before I turn you back. He panted harshly, his pace faltering just a bit. This hurts you? It was more than worth it to hear your joy and to have you at my side, Tabby. He groaned, a harsh sound but saw that they were close enough to change her back. Close your eyes. What if I want to stay like you? If I wanted to be your mate? No, baby. Let me turn you back, then we can discuss this more comfortably. She nodded, lying down and closing her eyes. She could see the glimmer of light through her eyelids and she waited for it to fade. When she opened her eyes, she lay upon the grass, her naked body, slim and beautiful. Mikel lay next to her though his chest rose and fell with a harshness that was worrisome. She reached out, laying her hand against his cheek. "Mikel? Why didn't you tell me this was going to hurt you so?" She pushed his hair out of his face, seeing his finely shaped lips curve into a smile even as he rolled toward her, his arm against his stomach. "It was worth it, Tabby love. I wanted to see your eyes when you felt the wind in your fur. I wanted to let you know that this wasn't a part time thing, that it could be our life together if you love me enough." Tabitha rose on her elbow, moving so that she was above him, though her hand stayed on his face. "I do love you, Mikel. I knew it today when Peter asked me to marry him that I couldn't do it. Not when my dreams of you were so incredibly passionate and wonderful. Having you make love to me the way you did, even if it was only dream walking, it was simply incredibly Mikel." "Incredible enough to make you mine forever? I meant it when I said that wolves mate for life, Tabby. For us to be together you have to be completely sure that it is what you want. This isn't something you can try then want to go back if life gets a bit difficult." He reached up, taking her hand in his and kissing her palm. "But what of my father?" "What of him?" Mikel asked. "I am his only kin; he has made me his heir, Mikel. Would I have to give up my relationship with him? Would I have to leave him alone?" There was a hint of panic in her voice and Mikel tugged her closer, his arms going around her. "No," he said. "As long as no one knew the truth but him, there is no reason that we couldn't stay here still. If that is what will make you happy, my love." She sighed, the heat of her breath blowing across his shoulder and chest. "I want to be yours, Mikel. I have no doubts of that. But I do have to worry about my father. Losing me forever would be too much for him. We've gotten really close since my mother died. I ... I made her a promise to take care of him, for her." Mikel touched her chin, lifting her face. His lips were warm upon her own and she could feel the jagged shards of passion clawing at her even as he tried to keep the kiss soft and loving. A small moan was ripped from her and his green eyes began to sparkle. "Then I promise to care for him as well," he said softly, letting his forehead rest against hers. "It's a bit more difficult staying in one area but we will manage it." His hand ran over her face and down her neck, coming to a rest against the softness of her breast. "I love you, Tabitha. I will do whatever it takes to make you happy." "Then how do you make me wolf, like you?" Mikel felt the groan that was building in his chest and he had difficulty in forcing it back. "We make love, for real, Tabitha. When the time is right, we share blood and my wolf will splinter off to become yours. After that, I belong to you and you to me, for life, Tabby." "Maybe we should wait until you are stronger," Tabitha suggested, her lips touching his jaw and then his neck. Mikel shuddered and felt his cock grow hard, standing tall against his stomach. He chuckled, taking her hand in his and placing it upon his turgid shaft, moaning as she wrapped her soft little palm around him. "I'm feeling stronger already," he said with a small laugh. "But making love to you out here, especially since in all actuality it is your first time, I don't think is advisable." "Then when, where?" she asked eagerly, moving her hand teasingly around his hardness. "I want to be yours, Mikel." Mikel closed his eyes, his breathing heavy as the sound of her voice saying the words he'd longed to hear her say sent a rush of pleasure through him. He felt her hand on his cock and felt her scooping up the proof of his excitement, using it to lubricate her palm as she rubbed it over him. A groan escaped him and he felt his hips moving against his will, thrusting his needy cock into her palm, wanting nothing more than to flip her over and thrust inside of her, to take her and make her his own in the way of his kind. "You're killing me," he growled, his green eyes opening to stare down into her passion-glazed amber orbs. "I want you so much, Tabby. I want you too much." When she begin to loosen her hand, to move away from him, the growl on his lips startled her and he reached down, taking her hand in his own, showing her exactly what he wanted. "Don't, Tabby. I don't know if I can control my need if you take your hand away." His head fell back and his hips arched, thrusting hard against her hand. "God!" His voice was deep, filled with the lusty passion that her touch caused inside him. He was close to coming and he could think of only one thing that would be as close to taking her virginal sheath right now. But if he frightened her... Her lips were moving across his chest, her mouth opening over the hard tips of his nipples. When her tongue swiped over them ... well, he barely controlled himself from pushing her head down, from forcing her lips to move over his cock. "Your mouth is so hot, Tabby," he groaned. "I ... I'd love to feel it around my cock." He spoke the words quickly and for a heart rending moment, she didn't speak or move. "Will you show me how?" she asked finally and he could hear the note of curiosity in her voice. There was no fear or disgust and he could have shouted his pleasure. "Yes," he purred, reaching out and grasping her hips. With an easy move, he drew her thighs close to his head, parting them so that she straddled his face. He could smell the pungent aroma of her arousal and it sent his pulses racing. Then he felt her hand upon his cock and could almost see the curiosity in her piquant face. "Use your tongue, Tabby." Her sweet little tongue lapped at the side of his cock, moving from the base to the flared head, then her lips pursed and she pushed them down upon his cock, taking him in until he touched the back of her throat. "Ahh," he groaned. "Yes, baby. That's it." With a moan, his arm moved around her hips and he pulled her down until he could reach her easily, his eager tongue swiping through the heat of her juices, tasting her from her clit to the small rosebud that furled under his tongue. She squirmed just a bit then cried out around his cock as he found her clit, suckling it into his mouth. His tongue stabbed at the tiny piece of hardened nerve endings, flicking it until he felt her hips moving, pulling him in deeper. He curled his tongue, finding the portal to her passage, touching the small almost translucent piece of flesh that covered it. It was taut, her juices flowing easily. It would take very little to pierce that covering, to make her his in fact. That thought and the movement of her mouth on his cock sent him slamming to a peak of pleasure that sent the first stream of his come shooting through him. She hummed as she felt it fill her mouth but when he tried to pull back, she suckled upon him harder, not allowing him to draw back. She moved faster, her hand cupping the soft sack of flesh that covered the hardness of his balls, her fingers moving even further back against the smooth strip of skin between his balls and his anus. It was all too much and he growled furiously, burying his face in the wetness between her thighs. The vibrations of the cries that he loosed there sent vibrations of pleasure through her clit and when he suckled it into her mouth; she loosed her own cries, muffled by his cock. Her juices flowed over his face, filling his mouth with her sweetness, his hands clamped on the softness of her ass. Mikel lifted his head first, hearing the cries of the servants out in the Lord's garden. They shouted her name, moving closer and closer. "We have to go," he said softly. "Yes, before father sends out the hounds looking for me." "Well, it's not the hounds but I can hear Myrtle as well as a few others. We shall have to sneak into the house." He rose, offering his hands to her to help her to her feet. Before she had the chance to catch her balance, he lifted her into his arms and took off at a measured run, using the sharpness of his ears and nose to evade detection. By the time the first of the servants had reached the back gate, Mikel was gently lowering her onto the soft carpet that covered her bedroom floor and reaching into her wardrobe for the warmth of her robe. He helped her into it and then kissed her one last time. "Tonight," he whispered against those wondrously soft lips. Then a shimmer of gold covered his masculine form and the wolf, Mikel sat before her. Tabitha smiled down at him, her hands touching his ears and face. Then he went to the bell pull, tugging on it and waiting to hear Myrtle. The servant rushed in, her hands reaching for her mistress to pull her into a hug. "Where have you been?" she exclaimed, fear making her voice sound fierce. "I came here to help you change and found your clothing upon the floor, but no Tabitha or this big brute either," she said, nodding toward Mikel. "I had to take him out, Myrtle. I didn't mean to frighten you, but you should know, Mikel won't let anything hurt me." She sat down on the small stool that sat in front of her mirror, handing Myrtle her brush and stifling a yawn behind her hand. "The stable was buzzing about your companion on your ride today, Miss Tabitha. I've been wondering when that boy would be back to claim you." "Claim me?" She arched a brow at Myrtle. "You can't tell me you didn't know he was coming back to make you his?" Myrtle let her hands rest on her hips, staring down at her charge. "That boy was here so much when he was a child, I often thought he should just have moved right in and settled the matter." "I'm not his, Myrtle. And, I don't want to be his so I'd rather hear nothing more about it." Myrtle stared at Tabitha, confusion in her eyes. Instead of saying anything she went to the doors of the patio and opened one to let Mikel out again. She left it cracked so the wolf could push it open himself when he wanted back in and then went to her mistress to help her dress. When she looked back at the door, it was closed all the way and Mikel lay upon the bed, his eyes fixed upon Tabitha. He had a wolfy type grin upon his face that had her glancing at him twice. "That animal is too smart, it's almost unnatural." "There's nothing unnatural about him, Myrtle." She rose from the dressing table and went to her wardrobe, reaching in and pulling out a thin silver gown. It had one of her most daring décolletage with no sleeves to speak of. Tabitha had worn the gown but once before and had never felt comfortable enough to wear it again. Myrtle pulled the undergarments to match from the wardrobes, not saying a word about Tabitha's choice. Her mistress had seemed a bit strange tonight and she didn't want to be at the wrong end of another tongue lashing. She wove a silver ribbon through Tabitha's russet curls and fixed the swinging silver earbobs to her tiny lobes. Flouncing the gown once more, she backed away from Tabitha and proclaimed her perfect. "Thank you, Myrtle." Tabitha took her soft silver shawl from Myrtle and let it fall across her arm before calling Mikel to her side and heading out the door. She met her father in the salon where he was enjoying a drink before dinner and accepted the small glass of Sherry that he poured for her. "I'm sorry for the delay, Mikel and I went for what was supposed to be a short walk and I lost track of the time." She smiled down at the wolf, feeling a flush suffuse her cheeks as he gave her a sly wink. "He is almost healed, is he not, dear?" Tabitha looked at Edward, wondering at the question. "Yes, why do you ask?" "Well, I had no problem with you bringing the wolf in here when he was injured, but Tabitha, he is a wild animal. You cannot expect me to let you keep him here when he no longer needs you to care for him." Tabitha felt a small spurt of panic start in her belly. "He is not wild with me, father. I won't put him from me if he doesn't want to go. Why should I? He protects me." "Yes, from Peter." The tone of Edward's voice spoke of exactly how he felt about Mikel's and Peter's disagreement earlier. "Now that Peter is home, I expect that he will be here as often as he was before he left on his tour. You don't want Mikel to scare him off, do you?" "And you are making the assumption that there are feelings to be had in me for Peter, father. He's been a friend for a very long time. I feel nothing for him but that." "You would choose your pet over the man who I think will declare himself soon?" Tabitha felt Mikel's nose under her hand and she took a sip of her Sherry before she answered. "Mikel isn't a pet, father. He is a friend, maybe more than that. He cares for me and about me and I won't let you downgrade him to the role of 'pet'. Peter has always been a friend and he will always be one, but I don't have feelings like that for him." "You sound definite," Edward said, lifting up his own tumbler of whiskey and taking a large sip of the pungent brew. "I am, Father. I'm sorry if it doesn't please you. But I refuse to marry some man just to make you happy." "Just tell me there is hope, Tabitha. Give me reason to dream that one day I'll be dangling your child upon my knee." He rose and let his hand drop to Tabitha's cheek. "You can't fault me for wanting your happiness, Daughter." "I don't fault you. I just hope you'll accept who I want when I meet him." Edward stared down at her, confusion showing in his eyes. "You aren't planning on falling in love with a circus act, are you?" Tabitha laughed. "Not anytime in the near future, Father." "Then I cannot think of anyone that I might not approve of." He finished his drink, setting the crystal tumbler down on the tray next to the cut glass carafes. "Come, Robert has already been in twice to declare the meal. Let's not make him make the trip again." They walked into the dining room and seated themselves, Edward lifting the small silver bell that sat next to his plate. He rang it once and then watched as his staff expertly served the elegant and tasty meal. Tabitha was always an intelligent conversationalist and she kept abreast of the news of the area as well as the gossip columnists that dragged the lords and ladies of London through the muck. Now she entertained him with some of those little stories, quickly taking his mind from his thoughts of marrying her off. Instead of excusing himself after the luscious dessert of fresh raspberries and cream, he took her arm, drawing her into the sanctum of his library and offering her another glass of sherry. They talked a while longer then she rose, going to place a kiss upon his cheek. "Not that I don't appreciate you foregoing your cigar, Father, but it has been a long day and I am tired. Sleep well," she smiled down at him before going to the door and calling Mikel to her from where he'd been studying the contents of a series of shelves hidden in a corner. He stayed beside her, feeling her hand rest upon his head again, as if he was her escort and it was his arm she was taking. He stayed beside her when she opened her bedroom door, waiting until more of the candles were lit before he went to the patio door. She opened it for him and then left it cracked, knowing he was capable of letting himself in while she went to ring for Myrtle. When Myrtle arrived, Tabitha went to the drawer and pulled her own gown out for the night, one that she'd yet to wear. It was more lace than silk, the creamy yellow of the gown making her skin seem like satin. It hugged her curves, two slits allowing her legs to be seen when she walked toward her bed. She sat with the coverlet over her lap, letting Myrtle comb out her curls until she heard Mikel shut the patio door behind him. "Thank you, Myrtle. I shan't need you early, I find that I'm exhausted and hope to sleep a little later in the morning." "You do look tired, Miss Tabitha. I shall keep one and all away until you ring for me." Tabitha nodded and then surprised her maid by reaching up to pull her down to kiss her cheek. "Thank you," she said again and smiled at the surprised delight in Myrtle's plump face. Then she covered her warmly and went to blow out the candles, taking one with her to light her way down the darkened corridor. Tabitha curled upon her side, staring into the green eyes of the wolf. "Mikel," she said softly. "Come to me, I need you." The golden glimmer was bright and then, he was there in all his naked glory. His voice was rough as he reached out for her. "I want you as much as I did this afternoon and you wear this gown to drive me to madness." Tempting Tabitha Ch. 06 He couldn't deny the smile that lit her face or help but feel the curve of her lips as his covered them. "You haven't changed your mind," he whispered between long, sweet kisses, his tongue dipping between her lips to capture hers. "And if I had," she teased, surprised when he pushed himself away from her, falling to his back with a groan of pain so fierce she rose to look at him. "You would kill me this way?" he moaned, letting his arm drop across his eyes so that he couldn't see her. "No, Mikel. God, never. I but teased you like you normally do me." Her hands were on his arm, tugging it away from his face, her eyes huge with worry. He stared at her for less than an instant, his arms coming out to wrap around her, pulling her against him even as he tugged the covers from between them. His cock was hard, pressing against her thighs. "Then tell me what I want to hear, my Tabby. Tell me to make you mine." ************** Author's Note- I hope you are enjoying this novel. I'd forgotten how much I liked this one. I hope you remember to vote and maybe leave a comment. Anyway, happy reading. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 07 The creak of the manor settling was loud in the silence and Mikel felt a spurt of fear. Why wasn't she responding? She'd said she wanted this. What was wrong? "Tabitha?" Her hand came up, touching his face gently as she looked into the heated green of his eyes. "I'm scared." The whispered words hit him in the stomach like a huge fist and he stroked her hair, his hands infinitely gentle. "Tabby, I'd never purposefully hurt you. I'd gnaw off my own arm before..." Her little fingers touched his mouth, stopping his words. "I know this, Mikel. I feel the tenderness of your touch. I know you'd never hurt me physically. That isn't what I fear." She met his eyes and he could see the fear in hers. "Then what?" he asked, rolling so that she lay against his chest, her almost naked curves soft and sweet against him. "What is it, love? I would sooth your fears if it is in my power." She sighed, letting her head rest against him and closing her eyes. "I'm afraid that forever is too long of a time for you to stay in love with me. I've friends that vowed their love to their husbands but now, well, they are looking for lovers and I never ever want that sort of pain, Mikel. It would kill me to hear of you with someone else." "Then it is lucky for both of us that it will never happen." "But how can you know, Mikel? How can you be so certain that you shan't grow bored with me, with staying here? What of when I grow pregnant and fat with your children? Or when I'm old and toothless?" His chuckle was soft, tender and he rolled with her again, putting her under him. His hands framed her sweet face and he forced her amber eyes to focus upon him, speaking softly. "Tabitha, I have been searching for you for decades. I am wolf before man, and what I feel for you is forever. When you are fat and pregnant with my pups, I will be devoted to watching every change. I will be enthralled and terrified. When you are old and toothless, we shall have someone to chew our food, for I shall be the same. You will never hear of me with someone else for it will never happen. When we mate, when we share blood and you become wolf, you will know my feelings perhaps even before I do. Then you will have no doubts of how I feel about you, Tabby." "But then it's too late." He sighed, his hand brushing her hair from her face. "I promise you with the last beat of my heart that I shall want no other than you, Tabby." She sighed too, her eyes closing and then opening to meet his. "I don't want the last beat of your heart, Mikel. I know you are wolf first. I've accepted this and the fact that my life will change drastically when I tie it to yours. None of that scares me. But the thought of you turning from me in disgust or shame or even loathing terrifies me." "What can I do to tame those fears?" His hands were gentle and they slipped over her with tender tenacity, determined to prove to her that he was what he said he was. "I can only promise you that I will never turn from you, Tabitha. Just the thought breaks my heart, my love." Tabitha took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. His hands felt so good against her, so right just as his words did. She made her decision quickly, reaching up as he opened his mouth to speak again. "Mikel, beloved, make me yours." The smile on his face shone even in the depths of his emerald gaze and she smiled back, unable to stop herself. "It will be my pleasure, Tabitha." She opened her mouth to say something else but he dipped his head, eager to taste of her once more. She kissed him back, her lush lips opening, her tongue rubbing with delicate dedication against his. He moaned, the sound becoming lost between them as he pulled her even closer, wanting to feel all of her. Even the thin material of her gown was too much separation and he reached down, fisting his hands into the skirt to drag it up her long, silky legs. Tugging it over her hips, Mikel helped her sit up, whisking the gown over her head. The beauty of her naked form had him spellbound and for a moment, all he could do was look, his hands locked into fists at his side. "Mikel?" Her soft voice touched him and he reached out, his hands shaking as they touched her satiny skin. "I want you," he growled, nuzzling his face against her neck. "God, Tabby, I want you." His words seemed to be all she needed to calm her fears. She reached for him, her hands sliding over his shoulders and down his back, digging in when his lips slipped down her throat, his tongue laving a trail across her collarbone and down the mound of her breast. Circling the dark circle around her nipple, he held her still, keeping his tongue away from the pouting treat of her hardened flesh. He wanted her to feel just a hint of the need that was swirling inside of him, the desire that had his cock hard and weeping clear lubricant into her sheet. "Please," she suddenly cried as if it had been torn from her. "Don't tease me, Mikel. I need you!" His hand cupped her other breast, his thumb rubbing tender patterns across her hard nipple. His mouth opened wide, suckling her in, tasting the sweetness of her flesh in the pouting pink peak. He flicked his tongue over her, hearing her cries and feeling her arching against him, thrusting her breast into his mouth. She growled her need and felt his smile against her nipple, her hands rising to tangle in his hair, holding him with desperate strength against her. She moaned when he moved his hand off her breast, his fingers roaming down the soft skin that covered the ladder of her ribs. The hard point of her hip bone was next and he found her hip, holding her still as his lips moved to the lower curve of her breast. She tasted salty sweet against his tongue and he couldn't get enough, loving every moan, every panting cry she made. He moved lower, letting his tongue dip into the indentation of her navel and then kissing the softness of her lower stomach. Her hips were moving against him, her cries growing as he moved lower. "God Mikel! More," she begged, her fingers burrowed into the sheets, her nails digging in. Her thighs moved as well, opening and closing under him, desperate for the pressure she needed to come. "I need you!" "Yes," his voice was rough and he fought the urge to flip her over and take her. She was so hot under him, the smell of her arousal filling his head with pictures that did little to help him control his lust. He raked his teeth across her hip bone and then held her still, one hand on her flat stomach, the other pushing apart her thighs. He could smell her wetness and he pushed his lips against her swollen nether lips, his tongue sweeping out to press between. She was musky and sweet, her clit hard and throbbing and he couldn't resist suckling it between his lips, his tongue stabbing at the honeyed bit of nerve endings there. His name was torn from her lips and she fought his restraining hand, her hips desperately pressing against his mouth. "Do you want to come?" he growled, his eyes meeting hers over the dark curls of her cunny. "Do you want me to make you feel pleasure?" "Yes," she pleaded, her feet digging against the mattress to push herself harder against his mouth. "Make me come!" she demanded, her hands coming to rest against her breasts, her fingers tugging unconsciously against her nipples. The power of her desire was thick upon her skin and he lapped it up, using his middle finger to gently push inside of her. Her sheath was tight around his finger, satiny and wet. Her hymen stretched tight, circling his finger, tempting him to break it now, when she was so caught up in her desire, she wouldn't feel the pain. But he wanted to feel it against his cock; he wanted to feel it give way against his invading member. Tabitha sat up on the bed, reaching for him, her hands touching his thighs as she tried to get him to turn, to take the position he'd been in with her earlier when she'd made him come in her mouth. The thought of that wet mouth, of the heat and suction around his cock made him moan and he pulled her over, his face buried in the sweetness of her cunny. He felt her tiny hand come around his cock, her fingers barely meeting around his girth. Her mouth slicked over the throbbing glans and he felt the first delicious pull around his shaft. He became desperate to make her come and he slowed his thrusting finger, letting the tip find the slightly rough patch of flesh inside her sheath. His tongue flicked and stabbed at her clit before drawing it back into his mouth. With delicate precision, he took the hard bud between his teeth, nibbling the delicious treat. Her nails dug into his thighs and he heard the first of her cries of completion, her pussy fluttering around his finger, pulling him deeper. He resisted the tenacious demands of her mouth. He wanted to come inside of her, to come as his wolf fractured inside of her, her blood sweet on his tongue. She was still coming upon his tongue when he rolled her desperately to her back, pulling from her soft lips and parting her soft thighs. His cock rubbed against her saturated flesh and he felt the head of his cock catch against that slight depression. He found her mouth with his, his tongue slipping between her lips. Holding her hips still, he tipped them up slightly, reaching down to pull her leg up around his waist. Then he pushed inside of her, breaking her hymen easily and filling her half way with one swift thrust. He felt her nails dig into his back and the way she tensed against him and he froze. "Are you all right?" he whispered softly, pulling his lips from hers. Her voice was tense even when she answered with a whispered, "Yes." Her fingers kept their grip and she didn't move. Mikel's hands were tender as they stroked across her flesh. He kept his body still, his lips finding the silent tear that leaked from the corner of her eye. "I am so sorry, Tabby. I never wanted to hurt you in this way." "I ... I know." She let loose a sigh and then visibly forced herself to relax, closing her eyes for just a moment before she turned to look at him. "I knew it would be painful, Mikel. There's nothing that can be done for that kind of pain." He nodded but it did nothing to change his expression of self-disgust. "I hate that I caused you tears." "Promise me it gets better," she said quietly, her fingers touching his face. "It does, love. You just need to relax and grow use to my presence inside of you." He kissed her fingers, feeling her shiver slightly against him. "You are inside of me, aren't you?" she asked, her voice growing breathless. "Yes," he said, his vast approval of his position apparent in the tone of his voice. He could feel her relaxing even more, the tense muscles of her thighs shaking slightly against him. He pulled out just the tiniest bit before pushing back in just a fraction further. She moaned and his eyes went to her face, gratified to see the look of pleasure upon her face. "Better?" "Yes," she moaned though her hand went to his hip when he pushed a bit harder on his inward thrust. "Does it feel good yet?" he asked, hardly able to think as the heat of her, the wetness of her pussy enveloped him. "Good?" She spoke the word doubtfully though she raised her hips to push back against his next thrust. "Maybe strange is the word. You're inside of me, Mikel." Mikel smiled against her throat, feeling her leg tighten around his hip. His fingers slid between them and pushed against her wet curls, parting her eagerly. With the tender tips of his fingers, he found her clit, strumming it in a rhythmic motion to match his ever harder thrusts. He could feel the tip of his cock, butting up against something deep inside of her and the muscles of her pussy as they gripped and released his eager shaft. She was holding onto him now, little moans ripped from her throat as he brought pleasure back to her loins, taking her to the brink quickly before holding her there with just the lightest brushing of his fingers. "It feels good," she cried, her lips searching for his skin, needing his taste, his scent. "God! It's going to happen again!" "What Tabby? What's going to happen again?" "I'm going to come," she cried, her arms wrapping round his neck, her heels locking into the small of his back. "You're going to make me come!" His sharp teeth nipped at her throat and he pushed her easily over the edge, riding the ripples of her orgasm. He held still, waiting for her. It took minutes but she lifted her head, her eyes heavy as they starred up at him. "Mikel?" she whispered. "Yes, love. Now it's time to make you one of us." He began to pound into her, holding her hips still for his possession. He could hear the change in her breathing, smell when her arousal grew to the point of frenzy. Only then did he pull from her body, easily flipping her so that she lay upon her stomach under him. He lifted her by her waist, taking her to her knees, pushing her legs apart with his knees. Then he was filling her again, his beast growling and wanting to take over, fighting with him for control of his body. He felt the fur that grew along his skin, felt the claws that grew at the ends of his fingers. His teeth changed, the sound of his voice growing deeper. He growled with a feral sound that had her glancing over her shoulder, looking up into his face. Her eyes were wide, her pupils full and dark. Her arousal had her nostrils flaring, her fingers digging into his arm that held her back against him. She felt Mikel's other arm gather her hair, pulling it up and over her shoulder and then felt the heat of his breath as his mouth touched her nape. "Do it," she cried, bending her head to give him easier access. "Make me one with you, Mikel." "Yes," he growled then opened his mouth, taking her nape in, his teeth barely touching her skin. He heard her cries, heard her demands and he finally relented, his sharp teeth biting down, breaking her skin and spilling her hot blood into his mouth. The taste was sweet and his tongue lapped at the wounds, feeling his wolf splinter, a piece breaking off and leaving him. Mikel lifted his wrist, giving it to Tabitha. "Bite down," he growled. "Finish it." He heard the unfamiliar growl of a female wolf and then felt the sharpness of her teeth against his wrist, biting into his skin, taking his blood into her mouth. A surge of pleasure unlike anything he'd felt before filled him and he plowed into her, unable to stop. He heard her cries of pleasure even as she licked at his wounds and then felt the sweet pulses of her pleasure envelope his cock. He couldn't stop, he could barely breathe, the only thing he could do was pound into her, feeling the hardness of his knot as it bound them together. Then it overwhelmed him and he slammed his hand down against the bed to keep from falling on top of her. His body felt like one big throb of bliss, his cock spurting into her almost violently. He rolled to his side, his hips still twitching against hers, the intense pleasure seeming to short out his system. But he held her to him, his hands still gentle no matter what. He didn't realize he was speaking until she turned her head, her lips searching for his. "I love you, Mikel." He smiled and then kissed her gently before drawing her even closer and letting his head rest against the pillow. He could feel her relaxing against him and he let his eyes close, his lips curving into a smile. He stroked his hand down her back, letting his mind drift. When his body finally completely relaxed and his knot relented, he felt himself slip out of her. She moaned a bit but rolled, her head coming to rest against his chest. "You all right?" he asked softly, lifting her chin to kiss her gently. "I'm wonderful." She folded her hands against his chest, her chin propped on her hands. "Do you feel any ... different?" He tucked her hair behind her ears. "Different as in ... a wild and furry animal or different as in I'm now a woman?" "Either, love." He chuckled at her description. She tapped her lip for a moment. "Well ... I feel satisfied," she said slowly, smiling up at him. "Very definitely satisfied." His smile widened. "You are very good for my ego." His finger slid down her cheek. "Can I satisfy you again ... tomorrow night?" "Not tonight?" "You'd be too sore, love. I don't want to hurt you." He watched as she moved experimentally and saw the slight frown that crossed her face. Wiggling out from under her, he rose and went to the small washstand that sat in the corner. He poured cool water from the pitcher onto a soft towel and then brought it back to the bed. He tugged down the covers, straightening them automatically even as his hand slid up her thigh. "This will help," he promised and folded the towel, laying it gently between her legs before he climbed back into bed next to her and covered them both. Tabitha felt a surge of relief as the cool cloth soothed her reddened flesh but she turned her face up to Mikel's anyway. "So, how does this wolf thing work?" "I was wondering when you were going to get curious," he admitted, his hand coming up to cover his mouth as he yawned. "Close your eyes." She did as he bid, closing her eyes even as the palm of his hand moved to cover them. She searched inside of herself, following his explicit instructions until she found a tiny spark tucked deep inside. "It's so small," she whispered, concentrating intently on that small spark. "Yes, it is at first. Or so I've been told. I was born wolf, Tabby. Changing was innate in me and my litter. But I've seen others changed and helped with first changes before." He stroked his fingers over the softness of her cheek, his lips moving to touch hers. "Hold on to that spark, Tabby. Hold on tight and picture it growing. In a few moments you should be able to see the wolf in your mind's eye." He watched as her brow furled and a frown crossed her face. "This is so hard," she admitted. "You make it look easy." "It will be for you, too, Tabby. Just relax and don't struggle with it so." She growled, surprising herself. "It's bigger. But it's fighting with me." "A wolf isn't an easy animal to live with, Tabitha. We're proud and stubborn and almost always have to have our own way." Tabitha laughed. "I know a lot of people who would tell you that you just described me to the core." "Then grab those parts of you, Tabby and make the wolf do your bidding. The biggest part of the change is controlling the beast inside." He grinned and then the golden light blinded her. When she could see again, he lay there in his wolfy form, his tongue hanging from his mouth. It's that easy, he thought at her. Try it. She closed her eyes and he could see she was focusing and focusing hard. A shimmer enveloped her body and he heard her grunt, then it grew brighter and brighter still. A few moments later, she lay next to him, her graceful head turning to look at him. I did it! He yipped, but then closed his eyes, pushing the beast back and changing to his human form. "It's more difficult to control sometimes, Tabby and you'll have to watch your temper. Remember, changing in front of humans could get us both killed." She could tell he wanted her to change back but being wolf had so many advantages, she hated the thought of going back to her human form. She wanted to nip at him, to tell him to change back and then go for a run in the moonlight, maybe learn to hunt like a wolf. There were so many new sensations, new emotions to discover and feel, she wanted to do them all, to learn them all. Jumping from the bed, she sniffed at the air, ignoring him as he tried to call her back. There was a mouse in the corner. She could hear it as well as smell it. She could smell the powder she'd used for her hair and the scents that Myrtle added to her bath. Under it, she could smell the others that lived in the house and by listening intently; she could tell where they were. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 07 It was a heady feeling, knowing so much so easily. She enjoyed the sensation and headed toward the patio doors. Tabby wanted nothing more than to open them and run into the moonlight, maybe go back to the stream or chase the deer she knew wandered the garden at night. She wanted to learn the scents that would be with her always and to know when something new was added. She wanted to explore this new aspect of her life. But to do that, she needed to get outside. Mikel lay upon the bed and he called her name. When she turned to him, he patted the bed next to her. "Change back, my mate. Let me hold you for a while. The night will pass with the speedy wings of Hermes, much too fast for me." He watched as she seemed to weigh her options before she turned from the doors, leaping easily to his side. Then she shimmered once more and became human. She smiled up at him, pleased that it had seemed so easy. "You will teach me to hunt and to know the different scents?" "Of course I will, Tabby love. But for tonight, your body has been through a lot and you need to rest. I want to hold you for a while." She snuggled up next to him, enjoying the heat of his body and his scent. "I'm glad you're my mate, Mikel." Tempting Tabitha Ch. 08-09 Author's Note-I decided to give you a bigger chunk with these two chapters. I hope you enjoy it and please, remember to vote and maybe leave a comment. Thanks y'all ***** Chapter Eight Tabitha woke slowly as her mattress dipped, rolling her to the middle. Warm, muscular arms wrapped round her and she smiled, nuzzling her nose into the hair on his chest. "Mmm, good morning lover." Mikel stretched and then dipped his head, kissing her gently but thoroughly. "Here I was beginning to think you were going to sleep the entire day away." She began to sit up, to look out her patio doors, but he stopped her. "I could think of something much better to do with your time, my love." "Such as?" she teased. "Kissing me." He gave her no warning before he rolled across the bed with her, tangling them in the sheets and blankets, landing her under him with almost uncanny accuracy. She laughed at his antics until he captured her lips again, his tongue making passionate forays into her mouth. He kissed her until her toes curled and she fought to get free of the blanket, wanting to touch him, to caress his body. He helped her, his eyes roaming over the loveliness of her body. His hands went to her breasts, holding them gently almost as if he were taking their measure. "Do I pass?" she asked huskily? "Oh yes," he groaned, leaning down to suckle one firm tip into his mouth. He heard her groan, felt her legs spread so that his body was between her luscious thighs, his stomach pressing against her most intimate flesh. He could feel her wetness; he could hear the need he was causing inside of her body. You like this? It took her a few moments before she realized he'd spoken inside her head. "I can hear you," she whispered, her hands cupping his face, bringing it back up to her. "I heard you in here?" Mikel picked up her hand, kissing it gently. Now you try it, he ordered. Tabitha closed her eyes, concentrating on what she wanted to say. I love you! Her voice seemed to scream inside of his head and he flinched. Gently, sweetheart. I'm right here, you don't need to scream. She stared up at him and he could feel her little mental fingers digging into his memories. "Tabitha, we don't usually mind share thoughts but digging into someone's head is a bit rude." He watched as her cheeks reddened and felt the probing fingers disappear. "If you want to know something about me, you've only to ask, Tabby." I'd like you to kiss me some more, she asked and he grinned. Definitely my pleasure, my love. He kissed her, feeling her response in the aggressive flicker of her tongue against his, of the way her lips moved. His wolf set up a howl inside of him, demanding to be let free, wanting to spend time with her wolf as true mates would. But he fought it back, afraid that what would happen would frighten her too much. He moved down her body, tracing the line of her neck with his lips, touching his tongue to the slight scars that marked her as his. He felt her shiver and knew that his touch would always be pleasurable to her there. But he was finished exploring. He moved even lower, his lips feathering across the pink tips of her nipples, suckling one in to roll and nibble the tasty treat. Her moans were becoming louder, the sounds of her pleasure going straight to his core. He could feel his face changing and knew that his wolf would go feral if he didn't let him loose. Tabby, hold really still. I won't hurt you, I promise. His tongue, now long and pink, lapped against her nipples, stabbing at the taut buds. He heard her moan again and moved lower, exploring the dip of her navel, the softness of the hair on her mound. He glanced up at her, seeing her hands wrapped against the bedclothes, her head thrown back, her eyes closed. Her hips moved as if begging for his touch and he watched them for a moment, filling his senses with the pungent, ripe smell of her pussy. Mikel? What, my love? His green eyes, still half human looking, went to her face, meeting hers. Will you ... will you kiss me there? she blurted into his mind. Where? he teased. Between my ... thighs, she finished and he felt the wolf in him howl his pleasure.Yes, but hold still, my love. My wolf ... isn't controlled. I won't hurt you, I promise that. I trust you, she moaned softly, deep in her throat, her hips still thrusting up and against him, letting him know in no uncertain terms that what she wanted. He nibbled on one of her hip bones, letting her feel the sharpness of his teeth and know that he would be careful. Moving further down her body, he took her thighs in his hands, seeing the smoothness of her skin against the dark hair of his wolf. He pushed her thighs up and apart, baring her to his eyes. Her scent was sweet here, overwhelming with promise of pleasure for both of them. His tongue slipped out, swiping through the wetness of her desire, flicking against the hard bud of her clit. She moaned again and he pressed further, tasting just the trace of her virgin's blood that had spilled from her the night before. The reminder that she was his, only his, forever, spurred on his beast and he began to torture that sleek pussy with long laps of his tongue before he pushed it into her as far as he could. Tabitha did her best to stay still but the things that he was doing, the way it was making her feel was too intense and she moaned, her hands moving from the sheet to dig into the hair on his head. Little moans turned into words and she told him how he was making her feel. "Oh God, Mikel, don't stop. Oh, it's too good. Right there, lick me there," she said ending with a moan so full of earthy pleasure he almost raised his head. But her thighs were locked, her hands roaming over his head. His cock was rock hard, pressing against the sheets. With a grunt, he broke the hold of her thighs, turning on the bed and turning her on the side. He rested his head against one of her thighs, the other he pushed up so that it went over his back, out of the way of his searching tongue. He was about to tell her what he wanted her to do but before he could, he felt the shyest touch of her tongue against the tip of his cock. Oh God, yes, baby. Just like that, lick me like that. He parted her thick lips, his mouth searching for every bit of her wetness, his tongue even curling inside of her sweet little puckered hole. All the while he was sending her thoughts, telling her how good what she was doing was making him feel. He felt her body tighten and knew she was close. He desperately wanted to be inside of her when she came, he wanted to feel it against his cock, to lock himself inside of her and hold her while he shot his seed into her waiting womb. Pulling away from her mouth was one of the hardest things he'd ever done and he moved behind her, holding her thigh in his hand as he pushed his cock into her tightness. Mikel licked his lips, tasting her on his fur. He could smell her arousal and heard her whimpers of need. He pushed his cock even harder, parting her silky walls and feeling them caress his arousal with a moan of his own. Tabitha did her best, thrusting her hips down and back, wanting to capture him between her legs, to make the pleasure that he was giving her never end. Don't stop, she begged. Please Mikel, never stop. Never, I love you, Tabitha. He could hear the bed squeak under their passionately thrusting bodies but he was powerless to slow his pace. Her hands were digging into his fur, one covering his half-formed paw against the curve of her breast. He could feel the pouting peak, hard and thrusting against his palm and he longed to taste it in his mouth. But for now, his mouth was busy, his teeth touching the nape of her neck. She bowed her head, exposing the soft flesh and the scars from the bite he'd given her the night before. Fitting his teeth to that scar, he let them puncture her flesh, his mouth filling with the sweetness of her blood. His hips slapped against the softness of her ass, his hand wrapped around one womanly breast, squeezing it rhythmically in time with his thrusts. Her cries were becoming louder, her words stuttered as the pleasure began to flood through her like a dam breaking. She reached down, taking his hand in hers and bringing it to her lips. She could see the scars from the bite and a sense of satisfaction filled her at knowing that she'd marked him as her own. She brought those marks to her mouth her teeth changing, growing sharper as she dug into them, thirsting for his blood. Mikel felt her body convulse around his and threw back his head, a howl growing in his chest as she clamped down upon his cock. He came, his seed filling her fertile womb, his howl echoing in the quiet of the manor house as he lost control. Turning her head, Tabitha reached out for him, drowning out the sound of his pleasure with her lips, her tongue thrusting into his mouth to taste his dark passions. He tore his mouth from hers, his breath clogging in his chest, his body weak from what she'd done to him. His knot was firmly placed, his seed still spurting into her, filling her. I love you, he whispered to her mind. I love you, she whispered back, turning her head to look up at him. He smiled down at her even as a shiver of pleasure tore through his body. I can't believe the things you do to me, Tabby. That makes two of us, Mikel. She reached up and pushed his longish hair out of his face. You feel so good inside of me. Well we could try living this way but I think we'd get hungry after a day or so, he teased. He kissed her gently, capturing her small moan of pleasure in his mouth. "Mmm," she moaned but then she lifted her head. "Myrtle is coming." "Oh hell," Mikel growled. He tried to pull away from Tabitha but his knot was still firmly in place. "Mikel, ouch! Try changing." She watched as the gold shimmer took him and then almost screeched as she felt his cock seem to grow even longer and thicker in his new shape. She turned her head, staring at the wolf that was now firmly attached to her. "I don't know what would be worse, her coming in with you as a wolf or as a man?" Well, as a man, we can bet that your father would allow us to marry, he teased. He shimmered again and then wrapped her in his arms after reaching down and grabbing for the comforter and blankets that had been kicked aside. Let go, Mikel and don't move, she warned. She turned and pushed more of the blankets his way, flipping the side of the thick comforter up and over his face as well. Don't move and don't talk, maybe she won't even notice you. Tabitha, his mind growled at hers. You can't expect me to just lie here, stuck inside of you, while you hold conversations with your maid? I can't? she thought at him just as there came a knock on the door. She stretched a bit, her hips moving just enough to make him groan in pleasure. "Myrtle?" she called. "Yes, milady. I thought I heard that big beast up here making some God awful racket. Is everything all right?" God awful racket? he growled into her head. I'll show her God awful rackets. Hush, Mikel. Don't give yourself away. "He just wanted out, Myrtle. I'm going to stay in bed a bit longer. I didn't sleep as well as I should have last night. Would you be a dear and bring my food and Mikel's scraps up in about an hour?" "Certainly, Miss. You do look a trifle tired yet. If you'd like, I can find your beast and keep him in the kitchen with me so that you can sleep?" Yes, like I'd allow that, Mikel snapped, a low growling sound coming from his throat. Tabitha covered the sound with a small cough. "Oh no, Myrtle. I'd never get back to sleep without him. Don't worry. I'll let him back in and then go right back to sleep, never fear." Myrtle took one more step toward the bed, her eyes catching in a shimmer of yellow that was on the floor. "Miss?" she asked, reaching down and picking up the gown Tabitha had gone to bed in, the one that Mikel hadn't let her wear for long. "I guess I got too hot last night Myrtle. It's okay, I really don't need it. I'm warm as toast in bed here. Go on about your duties, Myrtle. I'll ring for you when I'm ready to rise." Myrtle acted as if she was going to straighten out the bedclothes and Tabitha felt a moment of panic. "Please Myrtle; I really don't need anything now. I promise I'll ring when I wish to get up." Myrtle nodded and then turned toward the door, hesitating for only an instant. "Sleep well, Miss," she said over her shoulder. "I will. Thank you." So polite, Mikel teased as the door closed behind Myrtle. Tabitha elbowed backward, hearing him oof. "That would have been really hard to explain." Mikel chuckled. "I think I would have kind of enjoyed watching you struggle out of that one." She gave him a menacing glare and then tried to pull herself off of him. Hearing him moan, she stopped moving. "Am I hurting you?" "You're killing me," he teased. "Just don't stop." "Mikel," she scolded. "You shouldn't tease so." "If I can't tease my mate, who can I tease?" He pushed his hips into hers and listened as she moaned softly. "This isn't going to get us separated," she whimpered as a thrill of pleasure shot through her. His lips moved down her throat, his tongue lapping at the scar on her neck. "Yes but this is more fun, isn't it?" "God yes," she whispered. Her hips moved as well, forcing herself back until she could move no more. "Hmm, but we should really talk about how you're going to introduce me to your father," he moaned against her ear. "I can't really just show up and call you my wife." "Wife?" Tabitha twisted sideways until she could look up into his face. "You really do want me as your wife?" "No," he said, rolling his eyes at her. "I just thought I'd make you my mate and then leave you." "Mikel," she said, her eyes narrowing at him. "Quit playing." "I want to tie you to me as many ways as possible, Tabitha. I want to be your husband, your mate, the love of your life. I want to live with you and be with you until this existence ends and then I want you beside me when we find out what comes next." She kissed his lips. "Now that was a fantastic answer." He smiled, his green eyes almost glowing. "I live to please, milady. Now, do you have a fantastic answer for me?" She kissed him, her lips punctuating her every word. "I want to be tied to you, Mikel. I want to be your wife, your mate, the love of your life. I want to live with you until this existence ends and then on to the next. I love you more than I thought it was possible to love." Mikel felt each word as it rang true in his heart and he felt as if he was the luckiest of men with her in his arms. "So how are we going to get me into your life as a man, so that I can be with you as a man during the day as well as night?" "My father only wishes for me to be happy, Mikel. I know he will welcome you when he sees how happy you make me." Her hand moved over his arm that he'd wrapped around her waist. "So somehow we have to get me invited, Tabitha. We can't come right out and tell him what I am." "But how?" She moved her hips experimentally, her breath catching as a spurt of pleasure shot through her. "Well, I could tell him that I want to steal his daughter and make her into my love slave," he said softly. "Hmm, not funny, Mikel." "It was kind of funny, Tabby." She shook her head. "It's a good thing I'm in love with you. I don't know of too many people who would put up with you." She reached up, pushing his hair out of his face, tracing his hairline down to his ear. Her finger curved around the whorl, before she threaded them into his hair and held him still. "I love the way you taste," she murmured. "Tabitha," he growled, the warning note apparent in his voice. But she paid little heed, teasing his lips with small kisses, her tongue peeking out to taste his passions. She kissed him until thought of the day ahead disappeared from his mind. He had one thought and that was to make love to her once more. "What of meeting my father?" she whispered when she felt his hand cup her breast. "What of it?" he breathed hoarsely. He lifted her arm, holding her breast in his hand and drawing the tight tip to his mouth. "I want you again, Tabitha." "Good," she hissed, her head falling back as he tortured her with nipping little kisses. "I want you." Her hips moved, her body pumping against his as well as she could with his knot still inside of her. His hand moved down the front of her body, slipping over her flat stomach and then into the slight puffiness of her mound. His finger found her hardened clit and she climaxed almost immediately, her pussy convulsing around his cock. "God!" he growled, pushing against her, fucking her as she came hard around him, her wetness squelching as he pushed harder. He rose to his knees, forcing her to rise as well. In that position, he took her again, his eyes on her face, watching every little emotion that came over it. "Change," he whispered. It was easy to find her wolf, she was right there on the edge of her consciousness. It took little effort to draw her forth and her eyes glittered as the shimmer of gold surrounded both of them. His movements grew quicker, more feral. He was wild, his tongue hanging as he panted hoarsely. Instincts took him and he did what came naturally to both of them. He fucked her hard, hearing her whining and then the tiny yips that came from her throat as she convulsed once again. He held himself in her, feeling the spasms in his cock and the pleasure that seemed to burst through him with every spurt of his cum. His teeth moved against her skin and she whined once more. He didn't bite her again, only licked at the scars upon her nape, drawing her down to lie beside him on the bed. She panted, letting her eyes close and relaxing against his warmth. Change back, he whispered to her mind. Let me hold you. She felt the shape of him change and pushed her wolf back, taming her to take her place. "I love you," she whispered, feeling his arms come around her. "I will always love you, Mikel." His kissed her hair. "And that is why we will figure this out; we will be together for eternity, Tabitha. I will allow nothing less." She smiled, closing her eyes to let sleep take her. She never felt his knot soften or heard him rise from the bed, covering her warmly before he let himself out the patio doors and changed once more, running wild to greet the morning sun. Chapter Nine Tabitha woke slowly, turning her head to look at the sound that had woken her. "It's about time, milady. Your father was getting ready to summon the physician." "Myrtle? Where's Mikel?" she asked, reaching out to run her hand along the empty sheet. "Where is he?" Myrtle hurried to her side, her hands out as if to calm her. "Your beast has gone outside, milady. Your father has been worrying himself sick. You've got company waiting for you." She held out Tabitha's robe, holding it while she slipped into it. "Who is it, Myrtle?" "I'm not sure, milady. I've never seen him before. He just showed up at the door and asked for his lordship." "And you didn't hear his name?" She watched as Myrtle went to the wardrobe and pulled out one of her newer gowns, one she'd yet to wear. It was a becoming peach color with a ruffle of lace along the low cut bodice. "No, milady. But then again, you know I don't put my nose where it doesn't belong." She held out the petticoat that matched the gown, helping Tabitha slide it on over her legs. Then she slipped the shift over her head, helping her take her arms out of her robe as she settled the shift around her waist. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 08-09 Her corset was next and she tightened the laces. Then she pulled on the peach gown, letting Myrtle button it up the back. Then she sat at her dressing table and let Myrtle do her hair. "What's this, milady?" she asked, her fingers touching the scars on the back of her neck. "What Myrtle?" she asked innocently enough. "These scars. I've never seen them before." Tabitha lifted her hand touching the scars, amazed by the size. She turned her head as if trying to check them out in the mirror. "I must have done something," she said with a shrug. "They don't hurt." "Well at least that's a blessing, Myrtle said. Then she finished Tabby's hair. Tabitha rose and went to the patio door, stepping outside and searching the gardens for Mikel. "Where is he, Myrtle?" she asked her maid, worry in her voice. "I don't know, Miss, but I could go through the garden while you go meet your father and your company. He probably just caught the scent of a rabbit." She stroked the three spiral curls that lay temptingly over one of Tabitha's shoulder. "You look beautiful, Miss." "Thank you, Myrtle. Please, try to find him and if you don't come and find me. I can't get the thought of him trapped or injured and unable to come home." "You quit worrying. Miss. Mikel is a wild animal and very capable of taking care of himself. He'll come back when he's good and ready and probably wearing a wolfish grin from ear to ear." She hurried Tabitha to the door and watched as her mistress looked one last time at the patio doors before walking from the room. She took her time going down the stairs, hearing two male voices. Her father sounded happy, relaxed as he laughed at something his companion said. It was nice to hear him that way. She stepped off the stairs and turned to her left, going around and into the hall that led to her father's study. Knocking on the half-closed door, she pushed it open. "Papa? I hear we have company." Edward rose, his eyes glowing with pleasure as he took in her beauty. "You are looking lovely today, my dear. She smiled at her father and held out her hands as she went to him. "Thank you, Papa." She rose on her tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek. "We've had a surprised guest, Tabby. He's been very anxious to make your acquaintance." He took her hand, holding it against his as he turned toward the man who was now just rising. "Sir Mikelski Alexandros Andropov, I'd be honored to introduce my daughter, Lady Tabitha Hynds. She is the one, sir that found your lost wolf." Tabby glanced up at the mention of her wolf and her eyes looked straight into emerald green orbs that almost seemed to shout his love for her. She felt herself being drawn away from her father's arm and taken in a tender embrace while kissed on both cheeks. "I can not tell you how much it means to me, the tender care you showed to my poor Mikel. One of my handlers let him too near the mating pens and he'd been attacked and ran off." He bent his head to kiss her cheek once more. Say something, Tabby Mating pens? she thought at him while she greeted him courteously. Do not even dream of getting me into one of those. Mikel grinned, a smile that she loved as it showed a mischievous side of him seldom seen. The picture he sent from his mind to hers, made her gasp and her thighs began to feel weak. Sure you don't want to try one? The wolf he'd shown her looked amazingly like her. She'd been forced into a pen, a small piece of padded wood holding her midsection locked in place. The male that was half mad from the scent of her estrus was let in the cage behind the female. It started with the male sniffing and lapping at the female's sex and then went on from there. Tabby could almost feel Mikel's long, talented tongue between her thighs. Not fair, Mikel. She used her fan to cool her cheeks even as Mikel bowed over her hand. "You seem somewhat flushed, Lady Hynds, perhaps a walk in the garden would cool you?" "You do seem flushed, Tabby. Go for a walk with Sir Mikelski. We shall have lunch when you return." Tabby nodded though she eyed the arm he held out for her suspiciously. "Sir Mikelski? You couldn't do any better than that?" she asked as soon as they'd left her father's earshot. He pulled her even closer bowing his head as if listening to her every word. "Well, you had no ideas. I decided to wing it. I am now an ousted member of the Russian Royal Family and I had lost one of my favorite beasts." Mikel glanced around the area and seeing how they were walking in a semi dark corner of the garden, he pulled her even closer, his lips covering hers. She wrapped her arms around him, kissing him passionately, wanting him even more. Her hands clung to him, her body arching to push against his. "I want you, Mikel. I can't get that image you sent me out of my mind." Mikel chuckled. "So you'd let yourself be locked into a mating cage for me?" "Just for you?" His hand came up and captured her chin, holding her face so she had to look up at him. "I'm a one woman wolf, I expect that woman to feel the same that I do." "Good." She smiled up at him. Then her eyes cast down and she seemed to grow rather shy. "I might like to try a mating cage with you." Mikel took hold of her arm, spinning to push her against a tree. He came forward, his mouth finding hers and kissing her with all the heat her words had sent shooting through his body. The idea of getting her alone, naked, waiting for him had his body hard and throbbing, aching for her touch. The idea of seeing her slender form, naked, shut within the braces of the mating cage had him wanting nothing more than to tear at the gown she wore, to find his woman and take her, to make her remember who she belonged to. She seemed to understand that and she pulled at the buttons that held the placket at the front of his pants closed. She growled when he flopped into her hand and she smiled, kissing his lips once more before going to her knees in front of him. "Tabitha?" he groaned, watching her face, her expression, her mouth as she opened to take him inside, wrapping his cock with hot, sweet, friction that made his knees go weak. His hands went to her hair, his fingers tearing out the pins and holding the entire mass against him. He could barely stand as her tongue curved round the end of his cock before she suckled him deep inside once more. "You'll be my death, Tabitha," he growled, one hand pressing against the bark of the tree. She moaned and felt him shiver. It made her smile, to know that she held such power over a man like Mikel, a man who was so in charge of himself and his surroundings. Being able to surprise him, to please him this way had a throbbing pulse start deep in the core of her pussy and she could feel her wetness against her thighs. You're making me wet, she whispered to his mind. He growled, throwing his head back, the hand in her hair guiding the strokes of her mouth. "I want to make you come, Tabby." Later, he heard. Don't worry, I won't let you forget. Mikel's laughter turned into a heated moan. She was doing things with her mouth that he'd never felt before. And even after making love with her this morning, she had his cock on a hair trigger. His breathing was loud, his hips moving even as he tried to control it. She sent him a picture of her own and one that had the first spurt of his cum rushing to her mouth. The picture was just this, her on her knees, loving him the way she was doing, his head thrust back, teeth gritted as he tried to halt the howls of pleasure he wanted to release. I'm yours, she thought at him. Forever. Every spurt of his cum was swallowed, his cock was licked, cleaned and then tucked back into the pants he'd found somewhere. He reached down, helping her to her feet, drawing her into his arms as he kissed her gently, almost reverently. "I would die for you," he whispered against her lips. "Just live for me," Tabitha whispered back. Her hands speared into his hair holding on to him as she kissed his full lips. Live for me, Mikel, live for our pups. A noise broke his attention and he took a step away from her, holding one finger to her lips when she would have spoke. Peter. She nodded. When Peter came round the corner of the path they'd taken, Tabitha was pushing in the last hairpin that Mikel had scattered. She smiled up at Peter and let Mikel help her back to her feet. "Peter, how wonderful to see you." She moved quickly to step between Peter and Mikel, hearing the growl that came from Mikel's chest. Her arm moved and her elbow inveigled itself between Mikel's ribs. Behave. I will if he'll leave, Mikel thought. He allowed a feral smile to touch his lips and then he quickly licked the upper one, a threat in any language. "Your father said you'd be out here but he didn't mention you had a guest, Tabitha." Peter stepped forward, taking Tabby's hand despite the look that he got from Mikel. "Oh yes, Peter. This is..." Before she could say his name, Mikel spoke to her. Alexander Andropov, Tabby. Let's not give him any thoughts that Mikel and Sir Mikelski could be one and the same. " ... Alexander Andropov. Alex, our neighbor and good friend Lord Peter Markway." Mikel clicked his heels together and bowed, his movements graceful and sleek. "Markway." "How long do you plan to stay, Sir?" Peter asked. He still held Tabitha's hand and now tried to place it upon his arm, to mark her as his. But Tabitha pulled gently away, taking a step to put herself between the two men. "My father has given Alex free reign until we leave to go to London. He's also invited Alex to go with us, Peter." He's done nothing of the kind, Tabitha. I know that, but do you want Peter thinking he has a chance with me? Well now that you mention it ... no I don't. "Yes. Sir Edward has been very welcoming. Lady Tabitha was kind enough to find my wolf and care for him. Mikel had been injured and had run from home when he had a run in with another male in the breeding cages. Needless to say, I am very grateful for her generous care." He reached down and lifted Tabitha's hand to his lips and then held it between his, playing with her fingers under Peter's hard stare. "It was nothing, Alex. I shall miss his presence now that you've sent him back with your men." "Then you must come and visit him, Tabitha. We wouldn't want poor Mikel to die from a broken heart." Tabitha smiled. "No, that wouldn't do at all. Peter, would you care to join us for tea? I woke late this day and missed breakfast." Peter seemed torn then he shook his head. "No, Tabby. But maybe this afternoon you might care to join me for a ride?" No, Tabby. Tabitha smiled. "I think I'd enjoy that, Peter." Tabitha! Mikel scolded. What about this not wanting to give him any false hope? This will give me time to tell him that I've fallen in love with someone and maybe it will be easier if it is just the two of us. She nodded at Peter and then took Mikel's arm to go back toward the house. Mikel wasn't happy and he made no pretenses when he was alone with Tabitha. "He's going to want to kiss you," he snapped. "Maybe. But Mikel that doesn't mean I want to kiss him." She reached up and stroked his cheek. "You have to trust me, Mikel." "I do, I just don't trust that ... that..." he threw his hands up in the air and stomped across the drawing room to stand in front of the cheerful fire and glare at the lively flames. "I just don't like this." Mikel she whispered in his mind. I love you, no one else but you. I've never done anything more but take Peter's arm or kiss him in welcome. I have no feelings for him. Nothing like this, like what I feel for you. Then she did something she didn't really know she could do. She opened her heart to him, showering his with the love she felt for him, the need, the want, all of it, every tiny bit she opened to him and let him feel. The outpouring was immense and it hit him hard, bringing him to his knees. She raced over to him, dropping down in front of him and holding him. His tears fell to her neck and she smiled. "Do you understand now, Mikel?" "Yes," he whispered. He held her tight, needing those moments of peace she brought him. When he lifted his head, the tears still sparkled in his eyes but there was a smile curving his sensual lips. "I will never doubt you, Tabitha." Her fingertips were gentle as they wiped the tears from his eyes. She smiled up at him, almost luminescent in his eyes. "I love you, Mikel. You will never have cause to doubt me, ever," she promised. "Then I suspect we should order tea so that you can go and change into you riding habit. You do realize that some of this is really going to be awful, now that Mikel has gone home." "What do you mean by that?" she asked him, taking his hand to help her off the floor. "I can't come in and watch you change anymore, or watch you in the bathtub. Do you know how sensual you are with your breasts bobbing just above the waterline, your head back and your face slightly wet from the heat of the water?" He sent her the picture that he'd saved in his head of just that moment. Tabitha gasped. "You are awful, Mikel, completely awful." But he heard the catch in her breath and knew she'd felt the same that he did. While she still had that picture, he inserted himself into it, dream walking, something that wasn't usually doable when both persons were awake. He sat across from her, his hands circling her slender ankles, parting her legs. Moving closer to her, he held her out of the water with just his hands, bringing the sweet heat of her pussy to his lips. He pushed his tongue between her swollen lips, hearing her moan and gasp and then felt her hips begin to move, thrusting against his mouth as if she could do nothing else. "God, Mikel," she breathed. "Don't stop, don't ever stop." As if he could. He was addicted to the taste of her, to the sound of her whimpering cries. He lived to feel the throbbing of her pussy and the pulsing of her clit. He nibbled on that hard bundle of nerves, burying his face in her wetness. He wanted nothing more than to make her come and to have her remember who it was that gave her such pleasure even as she went on her ride with Peter. Flattening his tongue, he pressed it against her clit, rubbing against it. Her hands were digging into his hair, holding him to her almost desperately. He could hear her frantic cries and reached up, covering her mouth with one hand to muffle them. Shh, let's not bring everyone in to watch, he teased. But Tabitha was beyond thought, logical or rational. All she wanted was the orgasm that he seemed to be keeping just out of her reach. Please, she begged. God, Mikel, please let me cum. He attacked her sweet flesh, his tongue lashing, holding her with one hand while he used the other to finger fuck her into a frenzy. Water splashed over the sides of the tub and she fisted her hands, slamming them down on the edges of the tub just as it hit. Her body convulsed, starting from her toes and slamming its way through her until her entire body tingled. She strained, arching to give him more, to find more stimulation. When it was done, she was limp, like a piece of pasta that had been well over-cooked. Her entire body felt numb and she stood, only with his arms around her. She shook her head realizing that none of it had actually happened, that Mikel had taken her for an amazing dream walk. "That's handy," she whispered, her breathing still ragged. "Handy?" he asked, cocking one dark brow at her. "Well I don't have to get undressed," she teased, hearing him chuckle. "Mikel?" "Yes, little love." "I love you. You have nothing to worry about with Peter. He's been a friend for a lot of years. I'd like to keep him as such." "He leaves his hands off of you and I'll allow him to live," Mikel said, reasonably enough. Tabitha shook her head, but she couldn't hide the giggle that snuck out. "So you think I'm joking about this? Tabitha, he puts his hands on you and I'm afraid that my beast will not be responsible for what he'll do. Remember, I was born wolf. Being human is second to me, not first. I try but sometimes the wildness comes whether I will it or not." "I'll remember that." She kissed him gently. "I should go change clothes. I can't actually ride in this gown. Please, if Peter gets here before I come down, please be nice. I will tell him about us during our ride. All right?" "I will do my best." He tipped his head, kissing her once more before letting her escape, just as cook brought in a small feast for him to eat. * * * * Tabitha rushed Myrtle through changing, not wanting Mikel to have to be burdened with entertaining Peter. She sat and pushed the pins in herself for her hat and then whisked out of the room. She met Peter in the hallway where he was greeting her father and speaking of his tour of the continent. "You look stunning, Tabby," Peter said, taking her hand to bring it to his lips. "Thank you, Peter. Father, we shouldn't be gone long. Alex said something about taking a nap this afternoon. He isn't quite rested up from his trip." "That's fine. You be safe and enjoy your ride. Peter, you must come to dinner. I'd love to hear all about your tour." "I'd like that as well, sir." Edward reached out and opened the front door, ushering them out. A stable boy was just bringing Galahad to the stairs where Peter's mount already waited. He had a pair of saddle bags on the horse's flank and he stopped, putting his hands in one that was squirming and moving. "I've gotten you a gift, Tabitha. I know Mikel had to go back to his master." He pulled a pure white puff of fur out of the bag and held it out to her. "I thought maybe you'd be happy with something a little smaller?" Tabitha clapped her hands, an exclamation of surprised delight coming to her lips. "What is she?" "She's a Pomeranian. She won't get much bigger than she is right now, Tabby." He held the puppy out to her and watched as she hugged the little puppy, holding her against her face as a little pink tongue licked at her nose. "She's so adorable, Peter. What's her name?" "She's yours, Tabby. You name her." He watched as a sudden sad expression crossed her face. "What is it, Tabby? If you don't like her, I can take her back and you can pick your own." "I love her, Peter," she said softly, burying her face in the puppy's soft fur. "I shouldn't accept a present from you," she said finally. "It isn't right." "It's not a ring, Tabitha," he said softly, trying to ignore the pain that was starting in his stomach. "It's just a puppy." "I know, Peter. But I'm worried that if I accept her you'll think that there is more between us than there actually is." She glanced up at him, her eyes searching his face for understanding. "You're afraid that I'll think you feel the same way I do," he said slowly, the words coming thickly. "Yes. I don't Peter. I love you, but only as a friend." Peter turned away from her and walked a few steps. "Some couples start with less than that." "Yes, Peter. But most of them aren't in love with someone else." She took a deep breath and walked to his side, absently petting the puff of fur in her hands as she did. He looked up and she gasped at the pain that lay bare in his eyes. Pain enough to have her reach out to him. "Please, Peter, let's not do this to each other." "Do what, Tabitha? I thought you knew when I left that I would be coming back to marry you, that I loved you and only wanted this last trip to grow up before I offered for your hand. How could you fall for someone else when you knew I loved you? How, Tabby?" Tempting Tabitha Ch. 10 Author's Note: I don't remember this novel to be as well thought of the first time I posted it. It's kind of thrilling to feel the love. Tabitha was always one of my favorite of all my characters. She's got a lot of spunk and not afraid to do what she thought was right. Anyway, thanks for the comments and the votes. You all are the best. >^,,^ Chapter Ten Mikel only sat at the table for a moment, unable to stay still while Tabitha was away with another man. He trusted her but thoughts of what Peter might do to her against her wishes ... well it was more than he could handle. With a growl, he headed out the glass doors that led to the patio. Hurrying down the stairs, his fingers went to his cravat pulling out the fancy knot. He unwrapped it quickly and then shimmied off the form fitting jacket. The linen shirt flew off his head and he continued running, grabbing the buckled shoes off his feet as well as the silken stockings. It took mere seconds for him to strip off the tight breeches and dump the whole mess behind a hedge of bushes and out of sight. His body shimmered and then his wolf stood, sniffing the air. The scent of many people was in the air and he searched through them all until he found her. He yipped and raced around the corner of the manor, slowing when he saw Tabitha with the small puppy in her arms, her hand was up as she tried to speak to Peter. But Peter was having none of it. He turned away, ignoring Tabitha's pleas. He bounded onto the back of his horse and rode off, leaving Tabitha to stand alone, watching him leave. She stood there as if lost and he could see the tears that were falling down her cheeks. Seeing her that way broke his heart and he yipped, hurrying toward her. He rubbed against her legs, seeing the surprise in her eyes when she saw him in wolf form. Are you all right, my love? "I'd be better if he talked to me instead of stomping away." But honey, he's hurting and he doesn't want to hear about this wonderful man that's taken you away from him. He doesn't want to hear that you're in love unless it's with him. Can't you understand that? "I'd understand it better if you'd change back so that you can give me the hug I need." Mikel stared up at her, giving her a wolfish nod before heading back to where he shed his clothes. While he was gone, she sat down the tiny puff of fur, watching as the puppy did clumsy puppy things that made her laugh. "Oh now, I'm being replaced by two eyes and a puff of fur." He sighed, shaking his head. Tabby laughed like he wanted her too and then scooped up the puppy to hand to him. The puppy sniffed at him for a minute, then curled happily in his arms, her eyes closing and she went right to sleep. "She's adorable," Tabby said sadly. "She is. Why so sad?" "I can't take her, it wouldn't be right." "And you always have to do things that are right?" "Well, yes," she said, confused by his question. "If we don't do what's right, people we love could be hurt and hurt badly." Mikel petted the puppy unconsciously, thinking of the pack that had been taken from him, of those females that had been pregnant and how he hadn't thought once of them since he'd fallen for Tabitha. "What is it, my love? Your face just got dark and somewhat brooding." "You seriously believe that we should always do what is right?" Mikel almost wanted to cross his fingers as he waited for an answer. "Yes, you're scaring me Mikel." "What if I were to tell you about my pack? I was Alpha, Tabitha. It was my responsibility to make sure that each and every one of them was safe, cared for and doing their part for the pack." "But I haven't seen any other wolves. I haven't even scented them. Where are they?" "They've moved on to other hunting grounds. We were here for the females to pup. It was my way to let the females give birth here where it's warmer later into the season. Then when they were healed and the pups a bit older, we would slowly move up to our winter hunting grounds. The Beta wolf who took my pack didn't want to wait for the females to have their pups or give them a chance to heal up and care for the infants. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd lost half the pups and maybe one or two of the females as well." "So, you want to find your pack, run with them," she said softly, nodding her head sadly. "I will miss you, Mikel. I cannot leave my father. But I do understand your duty." Mikel grabbed her hands, drawing her closer to the back of the gardens where there actions could be hidden from spying eyes in the manor. "I will not leave you, Tabitha. My rival took the pack, it's his now. You are my main responsibility and I take that responsibility seriously." She smiled sadly at his words. "But those women and those babies, won't they be in danger if you don't go and save them?" "Tabby, love, you're not getting it. If I become pack leader once more, than I would have to do what is important for the pack, not what is important to me. I would have to leave here, to take them to their winter hunting grounds. I would be forced to have sex with the females because only the pack Alpha is allowed to mate with the Alpha and Beta females. I can't do that to you. I won't. I'm yours and you're mine. That's how it's going to stay, Tabitha." "But..." "No," Mikel said. "You are not sending me away. The only thing that will ever take me from your side is if you decide you don't love me. And after that outpouring this morning, I don't think you could ever actually expect me to believe all that feeling has changed." "How can you just walk away from them?" she asked, her eyes on one of the roses she held in her small hand. "The same way they did me when they thought I was dying. On the day you found me and cared for my wounds, my pack walked right by me with their noses in the air as if they smelled something foul. They didn't care that the injury in my chest could have had me bleed to death. They walked by me, standing by the new Alpha, a wolf that had cheated to take my place. I don't feel anything for them, Tabby. They made their decision of who they wanted to lead them and pack rules applied. I was run off to either die or to become part of another pack." He smiled down at her, lifting her chin to draw her gaze away from the glory of the rose that she'd been slowly picking apart. "I've found my new pack, Tabitha. If you'll agree to be my Alpha, we don't need anyone else." She let her fingers move across the crisp white of his shirt that showed just a bit of dirt from being cast in the bushes. "I'm not sure," she said, looking up at him from under her thick lashes. "What does the job entail?" "You must do everything the Alpha wants you to do," he said softly, stepping closer to her. "You must love me with everything in your heart. You must let me into your heart and head so that I know when you are safe or when something is hurting you. And, this is non-negotiable, Tabby, you've got to tell Peter and any other young upstart that comes here thinking he has a chance for you that you are off the market." Tabitha couldn't help the smile that crossed her lips. He was so adorable when he was being strong; it made her heart race and her need for him double. "I want you," she said softly, moving closer. She had to be cautious with the young pup caught between the two of them. "What do you say about finding fluff here a basket and getting her set up in my room for right now?" "I thought you said you didn't want to keep her," Mikel teased, stroking the soft pointed ears of the sleeping puppy. "Well, that's before she decided to take over my spot in your arms. This way, if for any reason I have to leave you alone, she'll keep you company." They snuck up the back stairs, going into Tabitha's room and finding a small basket. Putting the old comforter that she'd gotten down for Mikel to lay on that first night, she padded the basket and created a little nest for the puppy. Mikel set her down in the softness and she walked in a circle before curling up into a ball and closing her coal black eyes once more. "She looks happy," Mikel said, scooting back to sit on the edge of her bed. "Come here." She glanced up at the command, seeing the heat of his emerald gaze and the provocative way he was sitting on the bed. A small smile curled her lips and she rose, walking over to him to take his hand. He tugged her down so that she lay on top of his chest, her hands crossed, her chin resting on them while his hands slid over the soft curves he could feel under her gown. "You didn't answer me." "I didn't? Maybe you should ask me the question again." He sighed and she grinned, squeaking when his hand came down upon her bottom. "Will you become my pack, which is in essence, my world? Will you stay with me, fight with me, love with me? Will you bear my pups and let me make you happy all the days of your life?" "You already make me so happy, Mikel. Is it bad of me to want to thank that Beta wolf who took your pack from you and freed you so that you could become mine?" She reached out with one hand, slicking back a stray lock of hair that kept falling over his eyes. "You're still avoiding the question Tabby. But if you want to thank him, maybe we could send him a box of something, preferably laced with poison." Tabby giggled. "My blood thirsty mate. Yes, I will live with you as your Alpha. I won't every leave you, Mikel. And I promise, no more young upstarts will come and try to stake claim on something that is yours. Me." His hands framed her face, drawing her downward toward his lips. He knew that what they were doing was dangerous, that they could be caught at any time, but he had to admit, he really didn't care. If they were caught, then they could forget all the rigmarole of parties and meetings before they stood in front of a priest and said their vows. Besides, in his heart, she was already his. "I love you, Tabby," he half growled the words against her soft lips. Tabitha sat up, letting her legs part over his hips. She moved her mouth against his, letting her tongue sweep past his lips and into the dark passionate depths of his. The beat of his heart was under her hands and she smiled as she felt it begin to race. "You want me too?" The question was more of a statement but he answered it anyway. "With every beat of my heart," he whispered against her lips. His hands began to fist in the riding skirt she still wore, drawing it ever so slowly up to bare her legs to his hands. They were long, curvy and smooth, her skin like satin and he couldn't get enough. "I'm going to fuck you, Tabby," he whispered. "I'm going to drive in to you and make you cum so hard you'll not think of anyone but me, ever. She groaned, her head falling back as he started to trail kisses down her neck, his tongue coming out to lap at that place over her pulse. He could feel it, racing, each thumping pulse a cry of need. He could smell her arousal and hear it in the little cries and whimpers she made, each cry and whimper shooting straight to his groin. His cock felt as if it would strangle inside the black wool slacks and he drew her hands down. "Take them off." Tabitha felt the thrill of his command, loving the way he sounded, cherishing the fact that she could drive him as mad in this crazy existence as he did her. She slowly unfastened his pants, reaching in to draw out his hard cock, feeling the small beads of lubrication that it was leaking onto her fingers. "God!" he groaned, his back arching to push more of his cock into her hand. She gave him a sly look, going to the foot of the bed to remove his shoes and the silky stockings that were now filthy from the ground outside. Then she reached for the heavy waistband of his pants, watching as he lifted his hips to help her remove them. Tabby climbed back on the bed, straddling his thighs as she pushed her hands into the cravat he'd managed to retie. Unwinding it, she slipped it across her shoulders then leaned down and slid her hands up his chest, helping him sit up to remove the shirt, leaving him bare in front of her. It was a position he was more than fond of and he watched as she moved forward, her lips finding his. The first loop of his cravat around his wrist didn't even register. He was too wrapped up in the sensation of her mouth and the things she was doing with her tongue. Mikel felt her pull his arm over his head, but it still didn't register. Not until she finished tying the knot on the other wrist and he found himself bound, naked to her bed. "Tabby," he growled, tugging on the material, trying to free himself. "What kind of games are you playing, Tabby?" "Oh, the best kind," she said with a small gasp. She bent and found his lips again, taking control of the kiss and pulling away long before he wanted her too. "I always said I was going to keep you tied to my bed," she whispered as she kissed his eyes, and his long, straight nose, touching her mouth to the dimples that flashed at her when he smiled and the small crease in his chin. "Tabby," he groaned, struggling even more with the bindings that held him fast. "I want to touch you. Let me go." "No," she said, sitting up to look down at him. "I kind of like you right here." Her fingers trailed down his shoulders, her nails flicking across the hard points of his nipples. He groaned again, letting her know that he liked what she was doing. "I always wondered if these were as sensitive as mine." She bent over him once more and his body arched in pleasure when she drew one taut tip into her mouth, flicking it with her tongue. Glancing up into his face, she smiled widely. "Yes, just as sensitive. Could I make you cum the way you do me when you touch my breasts?" Hearing her say the words almost did the trick in and of itself. He pressed his hips against her bunched gown and struggled even more to free his hands. His whole body wanted her touch, his hands wanted to fill with her breasts and repay some of this sweet torture she was inflicting upon him. She smiled at his moans, her mouth moving from one turgid tip to the other, her fingers moving over his muscled abdomen. "You are so sexy," she whispered against his skin. "Tabby," he groaned again. "Let me go." "No," she said simply, glancing up at his face. "Not until I am ready to do so." She didn't watch to see the expression on his face, instead gently biting into the flesh of his stomach. She drew what flesh she could into her mouth, suckling and biting on it. When she let it go, she saw the mark that she'd made and she smiled. "If you won't let me go," Mikel cried, his body aching for her. "Then suck my cock, Tabby, please. I'm going to go crazy here." She moved even lower, giving him a single instant of relief before she shook her head. "I'm not ready yet." Without even touching his cock as it waved above his body, she kissed the top of his public hair and then slipped down to his thighs, teasing him with another love bite. Mikel felt as if his world was gone out of control, that his every breath, his every thought was controlled by the society miss who wouldn't have dreamed of doing what she was doing two weeks earlier. Now she was enjoying it as much as he was because she was slowly driving him completely insane. He tugged at the ties once more, feeling the heat of her breath against the tip of his cock. "Please, Tabby. Don't tease me. I need you." Tabby looked up at the expression of almost painful pleasure on his face. Then her head dipped and she took his cock into her mouth. She drew upon it with a soft suckling motion, slowly bobbing her head up and down, one hand cupping his balls to roll them gently, the other stroking what of his cock that wouldn't fit in her mouth. His moans became groans, his hips moving, thrusting frantically into her mouth. He wanted to touch her so badly, to make her feel even a bit of what she was doing to him. With one final tug, he felt the satin rip and his hands were free. He grabbed for her, hearing her surprised gasp as his hands went around her waist, spinning her on the bed. "My turn" he growled, holding her legs apart. His eyes went to the pretty flesh of her pussy and for an agonizingly long moment for Tabby, he just stared at her. Then he dipped his head, tossing her skirts up even further to get them out of his way. "Did you enjoy that?" he asked her hoarsely. "Did you like driving me mad?" "Yes," she whispered, feeling the first stroke of his tongue as it slid through her sopping pussy. "Yes, I loved every second of it." The admission seemed to drive Mikel crazy and he attacked her clit with a vengeance. She could hear him swallowing as her juices began to flow harder and the first hard-hitting wave of pleasure made her blind. She cried out his name, reaching for him through the layers of her skirt. But he continued to attack her pussy, drawing wave after wave of pleasure from her until she was panting heavily, her body almost lethargic. Then Mikel rose from between her thighs, his cock finding its home between her legs. His hands moved over the front buttons of her riding habit, tearing the fabric in his haste to get to her flesh. He scooped her breasts out of the confines of her shift, suckling on first one and then the other pink nipple. The bed was creaking under the power of his thrusts, her moans were like a counterpoint to his rhythm. She could feel him fill her, stretching her with his cock and she begged for more. He took her hard, holding her legs apart with her ankles over his shoulders. He thrust deep, deeper then he'd ever gone before and she was going mad with the pleasure. Her nails scored his back even as she kept telling him that she loved him. The coil inside her became tighter and tighter and she knew when she came, it would be an explosion. She craved it, thrusting her hips up to his, holding him to her as hard as he could. He felt her cum, heard the cries that came from her mouth even as he covered it with his own. Pushing in deeper, he felt himself swell, felt the first heated rush of sperm as it left his cock, bathing her insides. He collapsed on top of her, only barely remembering to hold up his weight so that he wouldn't crush her. His lips found the soft line of her throat and he breathed in her heady scent, letting it suffuse his body, wanting to keep it for always. "Hmm, am I dead?" she whispered, then cleared her throat. "Well if you are, so am I," he replied, rolling to the side. She had to roll with him because he'd tied them together with his knot. "No more thinking of other men?" he asked softly, pushing the hair from her face to see her eyes. "Just you," she said softly, lifting her face for his kiss. "You are the only man in my life, Mikel." At that moment, in the hall outside of her door, a big grandfather clock struck the hour. Tabitha stared at Mikel in horror. "My father is going to be frantic." She pulled away from him, moaning at the slight pain. She rose and tried to fix her appearance but Mikel had ripped a hole into the bodice of her gown. She glared at him as he sat upon her bed, completely at ease with his nudity. "You're going to have to help me." "You want me to play ladies maid?" he said with a laugh. "You were the one that ripped my gown." "I'll buy you another, hundreds if that's what you want, Tabby." She glared at him until he finally rose. She retrieved a gown from her wardrobe and quickly unbuttoned the few buttons that the he'd left on her bodice. She shimmied it over her hips and then held out her hands for Mikel to help her get the dress on. He buttoned up the back, kissing her spine as he did and sending shivers through her. "Get dressed," she urged him, sitting at her dressing table and taking a brush to her mussed curls. She pulled a simple ribbon through the front, blue to match the dress she was wearing. It was a bit of a surprise when Mikel, a fully dressed Mikel minus his cravat, came and took the brush from her, using long strokes to brush her hair from the crown of her head to her lower back. It curled and bounced with health and was a pleasure to run his hands through. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 10 "Mikel you're going to put me to sleep," she warned. There was a sharp rapping at the door and Mikel looked up, putting his finger to his lips before disappearing out the patio door. Tabitha went and got the door, smiling at Myrtle. "What is it, Myrtle?" "That Lord Peter is at the door, Miss. He says it's urgent he speaks with you." "Did you show him into the front parlor and offer him refreshments?" Tabitha asked, reaching down and picking up the puppy that was nipping at her dress. "Yes ma'am. He said he didn't want anything. You want me to bring in some tea things, Miss Tabitha?" "Yes, Myrtle." She almost pushed the woman out the door as she stepped into the hallway and started down the stairs, the puppy in her arms. Walking into the front parlor, she slowed her steps, seeing Peter standing at the patio doors, staring out into the garden. "Peter?" "Was that him, Tabitha? Was that the man of your dreams? The gentleman who just walked out of your bedroom, is he the one you love?" Tempting Tabitha Ch. 11 Before Tabitha had a chance to answer, Peter had rushed toward her, grabbing her arms and shaking her like he would a naughty child. "You had him in your bed, Tabitha. In your bed!" Tabitha reached out, her hands going to his arms to try to calm him, but he wasn't going to be calmed. "P-Peter, s-stop, please. You're hurting me." But his hands dug into her arms, leaving welts that would become black colored bruises. She tried to cry out, to tell him how badly he was hurting her, but before she could do anything else, he stopped. He stared down at her, his brown eyes hardening. "I hate to do this, Tabitha." "Hate to do what, Peter?" she said, confused. She could feel Mikel's presence in her mind, his curiosity. She began to tell him that she was fine but a sudden sharp pain snapped her head back and then she was falling to the floor of the parlor, unconscious. When she woke, the sky outside was dark. She lay across the front of a horse, her hands bound behind her. A heavy hand lay across her back, holding her in place. Her head was throbbing, hurting so badly that she couldn't concentrate. She moaned and then realized she was gagged. She could hear Mikel in her mind; he was screaming her name, crying out for her. I'm here, Mikel Where, baby? Where are you? I-I don't know. I-I'm on a horse, I think. I'll find you, love. I promise, I'll find you. Tabitha could feel the tears slipping down her forehead. The pain in her head seemed to grow and she felt her stomach turn. She swallowed heavily, knowing that if she were sick with the gag in her mouth, she could choke and die. She searched in her mind, seeking that small golden light that was Mikel. She could feel him as if he were there with her, holding her in his arms. She grabbed hold of that feeling as every step the horse took made her feel worse until she almost wished she could die. Mikel... I'm searching for your scent Tabby. Which way did he take you? I don't know. She sobbed quietly, her body moving against the legs that she knew had to be Peter. I told him I loved you. I told him I couldn't be his wife or be what he wanted. He saw you go out my bedroom door, Mikel. He's gone insane. Be strong, my love. Your father has sent out for the constables and I will find you. Hurry, Mikel. Please, I want to go home. She felt the horse stop and felt Peter jump down. Then he lifted her easily, throwing her over his shoulder. He walked with purpose and she heard him unlock a door, opening it and going inside. It was dark inside and it was cold. He walked without light, finally tossing her down on a mattress. Going to a table, he lit a candle and held it at waist level, giving his face a spooky, scary look. "You could have been my wife, Tabitha. We could have been happy together." He reached out and pulled at the rag he'd tied around her mouth, tugging it from between her lips. "Peter," she said huskily, her mouth dry. "You don't have to do this. Take me back and we can forget all about this. Please, Peter," she pleaded. "Please let me go home." "Home to him, to that Andropov? What do you really know about him, Tabitha? When did you first meet him? You didn't know him yesterday when you were so happy to see me." Tabitha swallowed harshly, looking around the room at what she could see in the dim candlelight. "Where are we?" "You don't remember this place, Tabitha?" He held the candle out, spinning carefully so that the flame wasn't blown out. "You've been here before." "This ... This is your summer house," she said, moving uncomfortably on the bed. He'd tied her hands behind her back and laying on them was causing them to fall asleep. "I'm right, aren't I?" "Very good, Tabitha." He sat the candle on the tabletop, moving across the room to sit next to her. His hands went to her shoulders, holding her still on the bed. "You could love me." "I love him, Peter. I'm sorry, but I do." He gnashed his teeth audibly and she felt his hands grow hard, hurting her again. "No, I won't accept that. It can't be too late; I won't let it be too late." God, Mikel, come and get me, please. I want to go home. I'm coming love. I've got your scent. I'm coming, just hold on. Peter shook her once more, then pulled her into his arms. "I can make you love me," he whispered against her ear. "I know I can." "No, Peter. No!" She tried to turn her head but he grabbed her hair, holding her still. His mouth mashed down on hers, blood flowing into her mouth from the cut on her lip. He kissed her hungrily. His tongue pressed into her mouth, violating her. She struggled with the ropes that bound her, wanting to push him away. Inside she felt her wolf howl angrily, growling at what he was doing. She could feel her trying to take control of her body, to turn into the wolf to get away from Peter. Her teeth began to change, growing sharp. She twisted her head away, feeling the power of the wolf double and then triple her strength. "No!" she snarled. "Get away." She wanted nothing more than to let the wolf have her freedom, but with her arms tied so tightly behind her back...Would she be able to get her arms unbound before they were dislocated? Peter held her to the bed, his body moving over hers, rubbing against her. His hands roamed over her, touching her in places that only Mikel had touched. She could hear her mate in her mind, calling her name, ordering her to answer him. "Leave me alone, Peter. Let me go or you'll be sorry." Peter laughed. "Leaving you alone was the whole problem, Tabby. If I hadn't gone on that tour, we'd be together now, together and happy. You might even be carrying my child." She could see that the thought excited him even more and almost screamed when he rolled her on the bed, pushing her face into the mattress as he unbuttoned her dress, ripping at the cloth covered fastenings when they didn't open fast enough for him. "Don't do this, Peter," she cried again, feeling his hands on her bare skin. It sickened her, especially when he rolled her back and she could see the gleam of lust in his eyes. She felt naked, even with her shift still covering her. His hands were hot, hard, biting into her flesh, hurting her. She cried out, unable to keep silent. "Stop!" she screamed. But there was no stopping him. He held a knife in his hand, the blade glittering in the dim light. He cut the sleeves of her gown so that they came off of her arms, then he slit the front of her shift. Her breasts were exposed, her corset pushing them up so they rose high upon her chest. "I knew you'd be beautiful," he whispered, his hands now delicate as they touched her bared flesh. His fingers plucked at her nipples, the tips growing taut in the cold air. "You'll be mine soon." "He'll kill you for touching me," she growled, struggling to turn away from him, ready to give in to her wolf if it would stop him from what he was doing. The problem was, despite what he was doing, she'd always cared for Peter and loved him as the best of her friends. She didn't want to see him hurt. She just wanted him to stop. * * * * Mikel raced through the gathering darkness, feeling Tabitha's panic in his mind. He could tell that Peter was hurting her, that he was touching her and it was driving him insane. I'm coming, Tabby. I'm coming. He panted heavily but didn't slow his pace. His mate needed him and he wouldn't fail her. He wouldn't let her fall prey to Peter. He knew if Peter took her, it would make her feel dirty and tainted though he could never see her that way. He stretched out, running full tilt, almost tripping as the scent caught his attention like a load of bricks. Ramos? The answer was swift but he couldn't stop, not even when his brother called his name. Later. The words were more a promise than anything else. He would be back to see Ramos but it wouldn't be until he'd rescued Tabitha and had her safe once more. The house came upon him almost faster than he'd expected and he barely slowed his pace, leaping up the steps and throwing himself at the heavy door. He thumped against it and he hit it again, feeling the wooden panel give. One more hit and he was through, rushing toward the room where he could sense her presence. The sight of Peter, lying on top of her, his hands caressing Tabitha's bared breasts had him almost howling in anger. He hit him hard, leaping over Tabitha so that his claws wouldn't hurt her. Peter rolled off the bed, hitting the floor, staring around him in confusion. Mikel stood atop him, his anger making his eyes glow. He stared down at Peter as the man tried to push him off and then he shimmered, his body changing to that of a man. "You son of a bitch," he growled, straddling Peter, his forearm across Peter's throat. "You hurt her and now I have to kill you." Peter blinked even as he choked out an answer, pushing at Mikel's bared chest in an effort to get him off. "W-what are you?" "I am her mate and the man she will marry," he growled. "Andropov?" Tabitha rolled from the bed, getting her feet under her though it wasn't easy with her hands tied behind her back. She felt shame at what Peter had done to her, shame at the torn bodice and shift. She had no way to cover herself, not with her hands still tied behind her back, but she couldn't allow Mikel to hurt Peter. If he did, he'd never forgive himself. She had to stop him. "Mikel!" "Stay back, Tabby," Mikel warned. Don't hurt him, she cried out to him. You're joking, aren't you? No, please, Mikel, don't hurt him, not for his sake, but for yours. He looked away from Peter, his eyes meeting hers. "You're serious? You want me to let him go?" "I don't want you to kill him, Mikel. You'd never forgive yourself and it would kill me to know that you did something so against your true nature for me that it would hurt you the rest of your life." She lifted her shoulder, rubbing her face against her skin, trying to rid herself of the tears that were streaming down her face. "Leave him for the magistrate, or for my father, or better yet, for his father." He slowly released his hold on Peter's throat, his vicious glare going back to the man that had hurt his mate. "You owe her your life. Touch her again, come near her again, and next time, I won't be so lenient." Peter nodded, waiting until Mikel rose from his body. He rubbed at his throat, staring up at Tabitha. "I'm sorry, Tabitha. The thought of losing you, of seeing you with him..." he couldn't continue, instead he looked at Mikel. "What are you?" "I'm the man who will be marrying her," he answered as he finished untying her hands and then took her in his arms. "That's all you need to know. Do yourself a favor, Peter, forget about her and what you saw today. You don't want me any madder than what I am." Peter nodded and then got up, heading toward the door. He glanced back once. "There are clothes in my room up the stairs," he offered, then he ran to the door, throwing himself upon his mount and galloping away. Mikel ran his fingers gently over Tabitha's face, tracing the bruise that swelled from her jaw line to her cheek. "I should have thrashed him for this," he said softly. "He wasn't worth it, Mikel. I won't have the thought of Peter, of what you might have done to him, come between us." She buried her face against his naked chest, breathing in the wonderful essence of him. "I was so scared, Mikel." "I know. I could feel it." She stared up at him, hearing a strange tone in his voice. His emerald gaze was gentle, caring, loving even. But something was different, she could feel it. "You ... You don't find me disgusting now because he touched me?" The words exploded out of her mouth, the question hanging in the air between them. "Disgusting?" The surprise in his voice was real. "How could you ever disgust me, Tabby? You are my world." "B-because of what he did to me? I feel dirty." She looked down, unable to meet his eyes. Mikel lifted her chin, his mouth infinitely tender as he kissed her swollen and cut lip. He kissed her jaw and the line of the bruise, kissing each one of her amber eyes so they closed. "You will never be dirty, Tabitha. There is a gentleness to you, a kindness that I've never seen before in all the years I've been alive. You see the good in people, even when others can't. It's one of the many things I love about you." "Many things?" she asked, her eyes searching his. "Now you're just fishing," he teased. There was a chiming out in the hallway as a grandfather clock rang out eight times. "I should find something to wear or change back into the wolf before your father gets here. He's already wondering how I knew where you were and why I wouldn't ride with him to your rescue." He held out his hand to her. "Come, help me find the clothes Peter was talking about. Maybe we can find a shirt for you as well." His fingers touched the bruises on her arms and the ones that ringed her breasts. They aren't permanent, Mikel. I will heal. "But you are mine and I should have hurt him more." He closed his eyes, blowing out a long sigh. "You are too good a person, Tabby." "Because I didn't want you to hurt him?" She laughed. "That was completely selfish, my love. I didn't want to come and visit you in the magistrate's jail house." He took her hand, pulling her out of the room and toward the stairs. "Can you imagine how awkward it would be to make love with bars between us?" she asked. "No, because I don't want anything between us." He stopped on the stairs, turning and surprising her. "Couldn't we leave a note for your father?" She knew instantly of what he was speaking and a slow smiled crossed her face. "We could do that. He'll be fine as long as he knows I'm safe." Mikel changed directions, heading down the stairs. "Help me find paper and ink, Tabby." It didn't take Tabitha long. She was very familiar with this house, having spent many a summer day visiting with Peter and his parents before they would go to London for the season. She went unerringly to the study and to the huge desk that sat amidst row upon row of books. Pulling out a piece of thick, creamy paper, she found quill and ink and quickly wrote a note for her father. Papa: I am safe. Alex found me and now we've decided to take our time going back home. Remember when you asked if I would ever find love? Well, I have, with Alex. I love him with everything in me, Papa. I know you know how that feels. Don't worry; we'll be back before morning. I love you, Papa, Tabby She sanded the wet ink and then folded the paper, writing her father's name on the outside. "Where shall we leave it?" "On the front door, he'll find it there." Mikel took the note and then took Tabby's hand, walking with her to the front door. Sliding the note into the crack at the side of the door when they closed it from the outside, he drew her to the woods just across from the wide expanse of green lawn that lay at the front and side of the manor house. His hands were gentle as they helped her strip off the rest of her clothing. When she stood as naked as he, Mikel reached out, pulling Tabitha into his embrace, letting her feel the length of him pressed against her. "I thought I'd lost you, Tabby. I don't know if you know how that made me feel. I was crazed with the thought of never seeing you again or not being quick enough to save you." "But you did," she said softly, wrapping her arms around his neck and rising on her tip toes to bring their bodies into closer contact. "You saved me. Now I'm your responsibility." "Oh, I can feel the grey hairs already," he teased, chuckling at the look on her face. "You do want hurt tonight, don't you?" "In all the best of ways," Mikel answered, his arms holding her close, his lips coming down to capture hers. His kiss was hot and greedy, yet still gentle enough not to hurt her. He seemed to be holding back, not allowing his passions to rule as he caressed her sleek body. She moaned, her lips parting, her tongue coming out to press against his mouth. Kiss me. I am, he responded. She almost growled her frustration. No, really kiss me. You won't hurt me, Mikel. I promise. Instead of kissing her, he lifted her in his arms, laying her gently on the dress and petticoats he just took off of her. His fingers touched her mouth. "Shh, let me love you." Tabitha sighed but managed just to hide her frustration. Hurry, Mikel. No. I need to do this my way, he whispered to her mind. Just relax. He rubbed his face against her hair, pulling pin after pin out of her sable tresses, breathing in the fresh scent of honeysuckle. He used the back of his fingers to stroke against her cheek, tracing the lines of her face as if he would memorize it. I love you, so much, Tabby. His gentleness and care had tears coming to her eyes, his avowal of love had them slipping down her cheeks. "I love you," she managed to get out, her hands framing his face as he looked down at her. "I know how you felt when Peter took you. I felt it when he took you out of the house. I couldn't get to you, Tabby. I can't help but feel guilty about that. If I had, you'd never have gone through what he put you through." "And we wouldn't be out here making love in the moonlight," she added. "Don't feel guilty, Mikel. You got to me before any irreparable harm could be done. The bruises will heal and the memory of his hands on me only needs your hands on me to fade. Make love with me, make me feel whole again." "Yes," he whispered, touching his mouth to hers. His hands were ever loving, caressing her slowly. He touched the bruises on her breasts, moving down to kissing each one before taking her nipple into his mouth. She moaned at the pleasure, her hands going to his hair, touching the silken texture of his longish locks, pushing her fingers in to hold him to her as she arched, offering more of her body to his lips and tongue. But even with the ever greater temptation, his lips never suckled too hard, his hands never touched her in any way that could hurt. He stroked her, causing her to arch even further, like a cat being petted. "God, Mikel, make me whole," she begged. "Love me." "I do, Tabitha. I do." His voice was ragged, his gentleness and the care he took with her was telling. She could feel his wolf, wanting free reign to tempt and tease, to drive her mad with longing. She wanted that too, wanted to free him of his worry, and drive him as mad with passion. She fought with him for a moment, wanting him on his back, wanting to kiss and touch him. In the end, she won. His worry about hurting her was his downfall. Her lips trailed across his nipples and he heard his husky growl. "What are you doing?" "Loving you," she whispered, using the words to blow cool air across his chest, tickling the flat oval of his nipples until they stood hard, begging for her lips. She flicked at one with her tongue and felt his hands go to her hips, his fingers gripping her soft flesh as if he were about to flip her over. Tabitha took the taut peak between her teeth, tugging it playfully. His hands moved from her hips, sliding up her back to curl over her shoulders, tugging her so that he could find her lips. He wasn't as gentle now, his teeth nipping at her bottom lip, his tongue tasting her blood from the cut on her mouth. His cock slid between her puffy pussy lips, feeling the wetness of her desire for him coat his flesh. "Yes," she moaned, rising up just enough to capture the head of his cock in the tightness of her opening. She pushed down, taking him in slowly, hearing his groan as her silky walls caressed him. She moved over him, rising and lowering slowly until she took his entire length, stretching her with passionate promise. "Yes, like that." Tempting Tabitha Ch. 11 "God yes," Mikel growled. He was her slave, as long as she kept moving over him, he would do anything she asked. The shock of pleasure he felt was mind boggling and he closed his eyes, concentrating his whole being on her. Tabitha was shocked when a whole new kind of pleasure pulsed through her. Her eyes opened and she stared down at him in wonder. "How?" she gasped. "Just like you did when you showed me your love." His hands held her to him, grinding her against him. He kept his eyes closed, knowing that if she managed to do as he was doing, he was going to need every bit of his control. When she did it, he could barely breathe. The bliss that showered over him, the need, the want, it was all overwhelming. He flipped her over easily, putting her on her belly so that he could kiss and lick at the slippery juncture between her thighs. He found her clit, using her pleasure to tell him what she liked the most. Then he tortured her with that knowledge, holding her at the peak until he couldn't handle it any longer. He rose, grabbing her hips and holding them as he pushed inside of her again. Her climax was almost instantaneous. She cried out his name, her hands grasping at the material, digging her fingers into the fabric of her petticoats. Pushing back against him, she whimpered his name, barely able to think through what he was doing to her. Mikel heard her and he reached down, lifting her so that her back was pressed against his chest. His hands roamed over the front of her, pulling on her nipples, sliding over her ribs until one hand cupped the steamy heat of her pussy, his fingers finding their way to her clit. One touch and he felt her convulse again, her pleasure sending shivers through him, causing goose flesh to rise on his skin. It felt amazing and he wanted more, he wanted to feel her cum again and again. Tabitha gasped at every stroke of his cock and her fingers, reaching back to hang on to him as he drove her crazy. "Mikel," she cried. Her nails dug into his skin, the tiny pricks of pain sending pleasure through him. He couldn't help it, he was the wolf and every sensation during a mating was extraordinary. He could feel his teeth grow, feel the wolf tugging at his conscious, tearing his humanity away from him. Tabitha felt him change, felt the cock he pushed inside her grow and change, his knot pressing against her. His front paws moved over her skin, their rough texture glorious against her body. His fur was thick and soft, tickling her and she heard his voice in her head. Change, now Tabitha. It was an order she had no trouble following. Her body convulsed even as she changed, black fur growing thickly on her skin, her bones cracking and changing, her face developing into a muzzle, filled with sharp white teeth. She fell to all fours, and felt his teeth against her nape, his tongue licking at her scars. She waited to feel his bite and was surprised when he didn't. His knot pushed inside of her and she heard him growl, a yip coming from his throat. He filled her with the heat of his seed, the knot sealing it inside of her. Even as his orgasm swelled and then faded he continued to move, wanting to feel her come just once more. Tabitha howled when it hit, her muzzle rising to the night sky, singing her pleasure to the full moon above them. She was beautiful in her pleasure, her amber eyes staring almost sightlessly, her body shaking against his. Mikel couldn't stop staring at her, even as he pulled her down to her side, slowly changing back to human and feeling her skin, silky smooth as her fur disappeared. She hummed her contentment, her hands stroking over his arm that he'd wrapped around her. "See, I don't break." He chuckled, kissing the back of her head. "You may not break but you are definitely incorrigible." "Is that a good thing?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder at him. "Oh yes, definitely." He kissed her lips and was about to relax against her again when a familiar scent filled his senses. His head jerked up and he listened intently to the animals and birds around him, trying to find the cause of that scent. Still cautious brother. That is good. It will make killing you and taking your mate much more enjoyable. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 12 Mikel rose to his feet, staring down at his mate, his life, still lying on the petticoats he'd taken off of her a little over an hour before. "We have trouble, Tabitha." "What?" She rose, going to him, her hand resting against his chest as she stared up into his face. "What's going on, Mikel?" "My brother," he said softly, his eyes searching the area around him. "The one that stole your pack?" Mikel nodded. "He's close. I can smell him and hear his thoughts." He bent, picking up one of her petticoats and wrapping it around her shoulder. "He wants you, Tabby." "He can't have me. I belong to you." He smiled down at her matter of fact tone. "He plans on killing me first, Tabby. But I won't let him hurt you. I promise." "We'll fight him together, Mikel." She sounded so sure of herself and of him. "No." He leaned down, kissing her lips gently. "I want you to change and then I want you to go home." He stared down at her, seeing her expression change to one of stubborn determination. "I'm not leaving you here alone to face him, Mikel. You can come with me. He can't hurt you there." Her hands clung to him, refusing to let go. "Come with me, please, Mikel. I can't lose you, not now that I've found you." Mikel took her hands, holding onto them wanting nothing more than to reassure her that he didn't want to leave her. He bent his head, his lips touching hers again. "Tabitha, you know that it won't work that way. If I don't take care of this now, he'll haunt our life. One day he'll find a way to hurt you or your father. He knows it's the only way he can hurt me now is to hurt you." "But ... Mikel..." "No, Tabby. No buts. You know what I say is true. I need you to think. You could be carrying our children." His hand slid to her flat belly, touching her almost reverently. "You have to protect yourself so that you can protect them. Please, Tabby. For me, think of them and go home. I'll follow as soon as I can." "What if you can't?" "I will, Tabby. I will." He caught her as she flung herself into his arms, holding on to him tightly. "I love you." He stepped back, pulling her arms from around him. "Now, change. You wait until I find him and then I want you to run." Tabitha stared at him. She opened her mouth but knew there wasn't anything she could say that would change his mind. "I-I can't," she said helplessly. Ramos' scent was growing stronger and Mikel lifted his head, nose twitching. His eyes were almost wild as tried desperately to place him. "Baby, you have to go, please. I can't fight him unless I know you're safe." Tears streamed down her face but she stared into his eyes, seeing the upset, the need there for her safety. She stepped away, nodding before her body convulsed, hair sprouting and then she was on all four feet. I love you so much, Mikel. Please, please come back to me. Don't leave me to raise our children alone. I will, I promise. Go, Tabitha. Run! She yipped, turned in a complete circle before she took off, her tail straight out behind her, ears flat against her skull, as she fled the clearing. Aww, now wasn't that sweet. Ramos, if you want me, I'm right here. If you want to end this, I'm waiting for you now! He held his arms out, hands up as if offering himself to his brother. He wanted this fight, he wanted this over. The sound of Ramos' howl sent a chill down Mikel's spine. But he stood, watching as the big gray wolf trotted confidently into the clearing. Ramos contorted, changing into a man. "Brother," he said in greeting. "Ramos." "You've mated?" "You know I have," Mikel growled. "You wanted the pack and you took them. You wanted the females for yourself, you have them. Why can't you leave me alone now?" "You know why, Mikel." Ramos moved closer, his eyes on the scar that marred Mikel's shoulder and down his chest. "You should have died from that wound." "Sorry to disappoint you. Tabitha saved me. Are we going to do this?" "Are you in a hurry to die?" "You won't be taking me by surprise this time, Ramos. I don't see your flunkies anywhere either. Where's the pack?" Ramos growled, his lip curling in a sneer. His eyes, as green as Mikel's, grew hard, contemptuous, like shards of green glass. "They were weak, disrespectful. The females..." he snorted. "Why did you choose them, brother?" "I had no problems, Ramos. Did you ever think that maybe it wasn't the females but the Alpha male that could be at fault." He smiled grimly, enjoying his brother's discomfort. "Do you still have any of them?" "No. I left the pack to start my own. I plan to start with your Tabitha." "I'll kill you before I let you touch her, Ramos." He took a step toward his brother and then changed, leaping at him. Before Mikel could reach Ramos, he'd changed as well and met him with his teeth bared. Growls and sound of snapping teeth filled the clearing as the two snarled and bit at the other. Blood flowed, spattering the ferns and leaves around the clearing. They circled each other warily, each searching for an opening. Mikel just wanted to end this. He wanted his mate safe, he wanted Ramos gone. He growled and knocked Ramos down, leaping on top of him and searching for a way to get to Ramos' throat. Ramos twisted, managing to throw Mikel off balance and charged toward him. His jaw snapped, his teeth digging into Mikel's leg, shaking his head to tear at the flesh. Mikel's uninjured paw slashed out, his claws raking across Ramos' side, tearing at his hide. He yipped in pain as the blood flowed down his side, dripping to puddle at his feet. Have you had enough? Mikel asked, snarling fiercely. Ramos panted heavily and shook his head. He leaped once more and Mikel ducked under his attack, slamming his head into Ramos ribs, hearing one crack and Ramos' yelp of pain. He limped away from his brother, pain defeating him as he couldn't catch his breath enough to attack again. Why don't you kill me now? I would have in your place. You're my brother. I never wanted this fight in the first place. Mikel turned, watching his brother with a wary eye. He couldn't believe he'd won so quickly, so easily. Yes, right. You were Alpha of the pack. You had the females, the pups. You were the leader and made all the decisions. What was I? He whimpered a bit, sinking down onto his haunches and licking at the wound. My brother. Mikel thought angrily. You meant more to me than being Alpha. You're my blood, Ramos. Why didn't you ever understand that? Ramos shimmered, though it wasn't the bright gold that Mikel shimmered. His was darker, a hint of red tinged throughout. "You would have chosen me over the pack?" "Yes," Mikel said, standing proudly in front of his brother. He reached down, picking up Tabby's petticoat and handing it to Ramos to use against his wounds. "Why is that so hard to believe? We were the last of our litter. You are my brother." Ramos stared at him, holding the petticoat to his torn flesh, stemming the drops of blood that were running down his stomach. "After everything I've done to you, you still feel like that?" "If you'd touched Tabitha..." Mikel sighed heavily. "She's my mate, Ramos. I would give up everything, even my own life to keep her safe. Ramos could do nothing but nod. He stared down at the wounds that Mikel had given him. None of them were life threatening. He dropped the petticoat and then turned away from his brother, starting to walk into the woods. "Wait! Where are you going?" Mikel had his hand out as if he were going to physically stop Ramos from leaving. "I'm not sure. There is a boat I heard about; its captain is one of us. I might decide to try somewhere new." He shrugged, wincing at the pain. "The pack would probably take you back as Alpha, Mikel. But I can't stay here. Not now." "Why not?" "I have no pack. I need a fresh start, Mikel." "But leaving everything you know?" Mikel asked again. He held his hand out to his brother. "You're forgiving me?" Mikel smiled at the tone of surprise in Ramos' voice. "You really did never know me. Family is life, Ramos. You are my family." "I tricked you, ambushed you, took the pack and failed them and you're that willing to just hold out your hand and forgive me." Ramos shook his head, a chuckle leaving his mouth. "I guess I didn't know you. I would stay, Mikel, but..." "But you wouldn't be Alpha." Ramos nodded. "You know me, understand me. I guess I never took the chance to do the same to you." He reached out, shaking the hand that Mikel held out to him. "Maybe..." "When you find your place in life?" "Yes, like you." "You will be welcome here." Ramos stared into the eyes that were so like his own. He shook his head in disbelief. "Thank you." Then he stepped away, changing once more and left the clearing, howling when he reached the top of the hill, the full moon above him. He heard Mikel return his howl and then he was gone, searching for his own place in this world. Mikel changed as well. He had to find Tabitha, to tell her he was okay and the most amazing part that he and his brother had come to an understanding. There was little that stood to block their future. He had only to find her, to let her know he was safe. His gait was long, eating at the ground under him as his mind searched for her. * * * * Tabitha could feel the sobs that wanted to burst free. She'd done as Mikel had asked. She'd run from his side. Slowing her pace, she lifted her nose. She recognized the field in front of her. She was almost home. Changing her direction, she headed for the stream and the bank of soft grass that grew there, unable to just go home. She lay against that grass after satiating her thirst. Sending out her thoughts, she could feel just the tiniest glimmer of Mikel, like a spark, barely there. She didn't dare try to force a connection. If Mikel was distracted in battle because of her and died, she would never be able to forgive herself. She was weary, tired of the battles, of the difficulties that seemed almost too much to cope with. It all stood before them, like a huge wall, keeping them apart. Mikel. But there was no answer. Curling up in a ball, she felt the first whimper burst free and she sobbed out her sorrow, howling loudly in her fear for his safety. It wasn't long before exhaustion pulled at her and she fell asleep, strange dreams tormenting her slumber. It was there that Mikel found her and he lay down beside her curling into her warmth. She felt right, as if all he'd needed was her there to make him complete. He sighed, his eyes closing as well, and he sought his rest, lying beside her in the soft grass. * * * * Tabitha woke first, stretching in the warmth of the sunlight that filtered through the trees. She felt him next to her and opened her eyes. A sudden burst of joy filled her. He seemed all right. She could see no outward sign of the battle he'd had her run from. Mikel! His eyes opened slowly, almost lazily, meeting hers. His tongue lolled out in a big, wolfish grin and he sat up, stretching in the sun. Do you know how much I love you? She growled, trying to digest the fact that, after all her worry, all her fears, he seemed like nothing untoward had happened at all. She turned her back, changing slowly from wolf to woman and then let him see the marks on her face, the shadows under her eyes, the redness of them from crying. They were swollen as well. "You're all right?" Mikel sat up, his arms reaching for her. "I should have woken you last night. I'm so sorry, love. Ramos and I came to an agreement." He opened his mind for her, letting her see what had happened. "He just walked away?" "Yes. He's gone, Tabby and you and I are together." "What of the pack?" She snuggled her nose against his neck, savoring the warmth of his skin, the feel of his arms. "They have a new Alpha, one that will take care of them well. He has a mate and she is strong enough to handle the females of the pack and keep them in line. I hope you don't mind, but I would invite them to use the same hunting grounds. As long as I have no interest in his females, there should be no problems with him." "Or with me," she said softly, but he heard her. He chuckled, enjoying her little show of jealousy, especially after dealing with Peter and letting him go, for her. "I have no interest in any woman but you." He lifted her chin, smiling down at her rosy cheeks and the loving look in her beautiful amber eyes. "I don't think I could handle trying to satisfy you and a pack." Her eyes narrowed but she smiled. "Then it is good that you only need to keep me satisfied. If I saw another woman in your arms, I'd snatch her bald and then I'd kill you both." "Both? My mate is blood thirsty." "Your mate is very happy that her Alpha is healthy and back where he belongs. Do me a favor; don't do that to me again, Mikel. I was terrified that I would lose you." He brushed the softness of her cheek with the back of his knuckles. "I was a bit worried as well. I'd forgotten how many times I'd beaten Ramos when we were younger. It's why I became Alpha along with the fact that I was first born. Ramos cheated when he beat me, Tabby. He couldn't have done it any other way. He found out the hard way how hard it is to keep a pack in order and didn't learn how to keep them happy and working with him, not against him." "Then keeping me happy should be easy. You just need to be with me." She moved against him, straddling his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck. She could feel the interest in her as the hardness of his cock pushed against her. "And I think I know exactly how to keep my Alpha happy." She tugged on his hair, pulling his mouth down so that she could reach it easier. Her tongue teased at his lips, flicking against the corners until he opened, letting her in. Moaning at his taste and at the heat of him, she rubbed her moistening pussy against his cock, letting him feel exactly how much she wanted him. Mikel filled his hands with the rounded curves of her breasts, rubbing his thumbs against her nipples. They hardened quickly, standing proudly. Hmm, he moaned into her mind. I love you. Her mouth curved against his. Say it again. Demanding, aren't you. You'd have me no other way. I'd have you anyway. He sent a few very lascivious and lusty images into her mind, hearing and feeling what they were doing to her. When she sent him a few of her own, he bore her down to the soft grass, taking over the kiss as his hands roamed her soft curves. I need you. I'm here. Her hands were against his back, stroking from his shoulders, down the length of his spine. She ran her palms over the tight muscles of his ass, sliding between his thighs to tease at the sensitive sack that held his balls. He jerked, his moan audible and filled with the pleasure she was giving him. "I want no one but you, ever, Tabby. I just want to make you happy. Do I?" His voice was hoarse, his breathing raspy, his question asked against her lips. "Yes," she moaned softly, holding him tight. "Do I?" "Any happier and I'd be dead," he whispered, laughing as she growled at him. He rolled, pulling her over him, letting her set the pace as her hands moved against his chest, her lips tracing the cord of his neck. His head was back and he moaned his hands at her hips. "You feel so good, Tabby." She moved her hips, rubbing her wet pussy against the hardness of his cock, but she didn't take him, not yet. Instead, she tossed her hair over one side of her head, her lips roaming across his chest to take one hard nipple in her mouth. She teased him, flicking her tongue against it, nibbling on him, making him moan and then groan. "You make me so wet," she said softly, looking up and into his eyes. "Promise you'll love me forever?" "And then a week after that." He promised the words, staring into her amber eyes. "My heart belongs to no one but you, Tabby. I'm yours to do with as you will." His smile was slow but grew when her expression changed to one that promised him abundant pleasure if he could stand the wait to get there. Tabitha kissed his neck, her tongue sliding up to tickle his ear. When she took his lips, she reached down, taking his cock into her small hand, holding it so that she could push her pussy down, capturing him deep inside of her. The sound he made as she moved above him, the way his hands felt as he grabbed her hips, helping her move, drove her onward. She knew the pleasure she gave him would be returned ten fold. Kissing him greedily, she sank all the way down on him, feeling him deep inside of her pussy. She moaned, rubbing her hard clit against the wiry hair that surrounded his cock. It felt so incredible, he felt incredible. She couldn't get enough. "God, I love the way you feel inside of me." "I love the way I feel inside of you," he growled, urging her hips to move faster. His palm slid against her stomach, his thumb moving down until he slid against her fur covered mound. He parted her lips, rubbing his thumb against her clit, teasing and torturing that little bud until her movements grew jerky with her need and her cries became whimpers. Then he rolled her under him, one hand pulling her thighs wide and he thrust into her quickly, wanting to feel her explosion around him. Her breasts jiggled with every hard stroke, her hands grasped at his arms as he held himself above her. His cock sawed inside of her and he watched as her face grew tight, her lips parted. His name exploded from inside of her as the tight coil of her need burst, sending heated tingles that seemed to start at her toes to end with the roots of her hair. He smiled darkly as her hands fell from his skin, her body relaxing under his. He reached down, lifting her legs over his shoulders and thrust deeper, three ragged thrusts sending his senses reeling as his cock swelled and then jerked, filling her with his hot spunk. He howled his pleasure, finally relaxing against her, his fingers moving slowly to pull her damp hair away from her face. "I love you," he whispered, kissing her softly. "You are going to marry me soon?" "Yes," she whispered, shaking as a pleasurable aftershock made her moan. "As soon as you speak to my father." He moaned, the sound desperate, making her laugh. "He won't bite." "Are you sure? I think I'm more afraid of him then I was worried about Ramos." "Do you want me to tell him?" she asked, her eyes opening to see the tender expression on his face. "No, I'll do it. And soon," he added. "What, you can't wait?" "Well, there is that, but if I have gotten you pregnant..." She laughed softly. "Sure of yourself, aren't you?" "Sure of you, too." He kissed her again then slowly pulled away from her softness, sitting up and tugging her up with him. "I should warn you. Wolf pregnancies aren't like humans. The gestation period is a lot shorter and we always have multiple births, Tabby. We are going to have to tell you father something." "About being..." " ... wolves, yes." "My father only wants me happy, Mikel. If you make me happy, he won't care if you're wolf or ... circus performer. He'll be happy if I am." "So even if you give birth to puppies...?" Tabitha laughed. "As long as we don't allow him to get them collars, he should be fine." "Collared? My children? I don't think so. Of course, I might get you one, something simple and elegant with rubies I think." He ducked as she slapped at him. "You are so lucky I love you." "I am, aren't I?" He laughed as she launched herself into his arms, her lips finding his. "Good answer," she said when she let him come up for air. "Come on," she rose easily, grabbing his hand to tug him up. "Let's go tell my father I'm marrying an animal." She shrieked when his palm landed unerringly on the curve of her bottom. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 12 Then he took her hand and they headed toward the gardens that would lead to the house where they would collect their clothes and then face Lord Edward with the truth. Tempting Tabitha Ch. 13 Dog Days Epilogue Mikel smiled up at his beautiful wife when she walked carefully into the breakfast room, her stomach cradled with one hand. She was readying for her confinement though he'd promised that her labor and the birthing wouldn't be as hard if she'd continued to exercise and walk as she had been through the weeks of her pregnancy. She'd been amazed by how quickly her belly had grown and how fast it had seemed when she'd felt their first movement. She'd been as thrilled with every stage and had asked many questions throughout. She'd been a bit worried when he said that he'd be there and help her with the birthing since contacting a doctor when she'd be giving birth to a litter might have them asking questions. But now she seemed more relaxed the closer to her due date that she became. She stopped at his chair and he rose, bending to touch his lips to hers. "How are you feeling?" "Huge," she said with a sigh. "It's good that we are almost at the end, I'm running out of gowns." Mikel laughed along with her and held her chair for her, reaching down to pick up the white Pomeranian that Peter had refused to take back. Tabitha had named the cute puppy Bailey. She'd claimed that she ran their lives and in some ways, she did. Bailey licked at his face and he laughed. He'd held her out to Tabitha and she sat her on what little lap she had left, feeding her scraps from her breakfast as she had Mikel at one time. But now, he added to the little dog's spoiling, slipping her scraps as well. "You two are going to have that little dog as wide as Tabby is," Edward said as he filled a cup of coffee for himself. He held a newspaper under his arm as he went to kiss his daughter's cheek, nodding at Mikel. "Well, I can take Bailey for a run with me, I can't do that now with Tabitha," Mikel said with a grin, ducking the small piece of bacon she threw at him. The first time the small dog had seen Mikel as a wolf, the expression on her face had been priceless. You could see the confusion in her little eyes as she'd watched Mikel, but when she'd realized it was the same scent, the same person, they'd gotten along famously. It had been almost as amusing the day they'd come home and had decided they could only do one thing, and that had been to show Lord Edward who Mikel really was. The man's face, when Mikel had risen and began to take off his clothes had only been equaled when he'd watched Mikel turn into a wolf. When he'd found out that his daughter had fallen in love with the fabled creature of werewolf and had become one herself, almost had Tabitha running from the room in tears. But Mikel had stood up for himself, explaining his history and the fact that if Lord Edward wanted to keep a relationship with her daughter, he would realize that she hadn't changed all that much. Things had been cold between the two of them until Edward had finally given in, missing his relationship with Tabitha more than he worried about any imagined stigma that might have been there. When he found out about her being "with child", the coldness was as if it had never been. Now he looked forward to the babies as much if not more than Tabitha and Mikel did. They'd been married at the same small church that Edward and Tabitha's mother had, Tabitha wearing the dress that her mother had packed away so many years ago. Somehow, the satin had not yellowed and nothing had been ruined by the years between. She'd been beautiful when she'd repeated her vows, her eyes only for Mikel, the love shining out of them making her even lovelier. Tabitha had talked Mikel into moving in with her father but they had begun work upon a small manor house of their own on property that Mikel purchased after the wedding. Tabitha had been amazed at the money and property that Mikel had owned. She'd never thought he'd be rich enough to rival her father's wealth, but she'd been glad. And now that Lord Edward had thawed toward Mikel, she'd never been happier. She picked at her breakfast, surprisingly not hungry. Instead, she fed most of it to Rex, only taking a bite or two when Mikel caught her. "Think of the babies," had been his favorite line to get her to do what was best for her and what he wanted her to do. He spent a lot of hours, rubbing her belly, speaking to it, resting his hand on it to feel his children move. It was something they did a lot, especially at night when Tabby wanted to sleep. "Tabby, you need that food more than the little furball does," Mikel said, reaching out and touching her hand. "Are you feeling all right?" "I'm just not hungry and my back has been bothering me today. I guess I should have expected that, having to cart these little ones around." She traced her hand over her belly affectionately. "Where, love?" Mikel asked, his eyes concerned. "My lower back. It's fine," she said quickly, not wanting to worry him. "I'm sure it's nothing." Mikel rose, crouching down next to her, his hand against her cheek as he stared into her gorgeous amber eyes. "You'll tell me if it continues?" "I will," she answered, smiling up at him and rubbing her cheek against his palm. "I don't want you to worry." "It's my job to worry," he argued, kissing her lips gently then picking the young dog up off of her arms. "I'll take her out for her run." You will tell me if it continues or gets worse. She smiled. Of course. Go, run with Bailey. You spend too much time confined in here with me. After your laying in, I'll show you how much time we'll spend confined. He sent to her one of his most favored of memories, one where she was upon all fours, her head thrown back, her eyes closed in pleasure, a tiny trail of her blood seeping down from his bite upon her nape. He smiled at her unapologetically as she gasped, the feelings coursing through her of what that moment had been like for him. "I love you," she whispered. "I love you," he whispered back, too quietly for Edward to hear. "Watch her, Edward. I worry about this pain." "I shall," Edward promised, holding his hand out to Tabitha. Mikel let Bailey down as he walked out the doors onto the back balcony. He took the small dog beyond the garden wall, stripping off his clothes when he was out of sight of the servants. He changed quickly and then yipped at the dog, trotting as Bailey ran beside him. It was but a short time later when they returned to his clothing. He was too distracted to enjoy the run, too worried about his wife and the pain in her back.Mikel! The panic he could hear in her voice had him throwing his cravat and jacket over his arm and rushing back toward the house, Bailey at his heels. He burst through the door of the dining room and then hurried up the stairs, knowing Tabitha had gone to their room to rest. "Tabitha!" he called, before he was even close watching as Myrtle opened the door, the maid wringing her hands. "It is time, Lord Mikel. Should I send for the doctor?" "No," Mikel said. "Bring me hot water and the scissors, towels, lots and lots of towels, and let Lord Edward know." "But ... what of the doctor?" "I know what I am doing, Myrtle. Now hurry, get me what I ask for." He walked into their room, staring in confusion at the empty bed. He finally spotted Tabitha with her head in the wardrobe, her bottom up in the air. "Tabby, what in the hell are you doing?" He hurried toward her, ready to lift her in his arms and put her back in the bed. "My gown is wet, Mikel. I must change it." She held up a pale blue nightgown, one of the thinnest of silks, lace over the thin bodice. "Tabby, you're going to drive me to drink," he vowed, helping her change and then scooping her up in his arms to carry her back to the bed. He pulled down the thick comforter and the blankets, laying her upon the bottom sheet and tossing the rest to the floor. Covering her with one blanket, he watched as her face contorted in pain and she reached out for his hand. "Easy, Tabby. Don't fight the pain. You have to work with it." He smiled when her face smoothed out and he got her to open her eyes. "Don't forget to breathe, my love." "That's easy for you to say," she grumped. Her growl grew worse as the day passed slowly and she almost threw him out of the bedroom when he forced her to get up, to walk the floor with him. Only when the last pain seemed unbearable did he allow her back in the bed. He helped her pull up her gown, pulling the blanket up over her belly, then he lifted it up over her knees. "I have to check, Tabby." She nodded, taking his hand as he bent over her. She felt the gentleness in his hands as he slowly pushed his fingers inside of her. Then he smiled. "You ready to push, sweetheart?" Tabby nodded again, trying to catch her breath. "Yes," she finally managed. "I'm going to need my hand, love." She let him go and then felt the power of the contraction and the way it made her stomach feel so hard. She pushed, grunting against the strain. The pain grew worse before it got better and she heard the sound of a small cry. Opening her eyes, she saw Mikel take one of the towels, gently wiping the gore away from the baby's mouth, nose and eyes. "Mikel?" "It's a boy," he said and she could hear the pride in his voice. "He's beautiful, Tabby." He tied off the cord before quickly cutting between the ties and then wrapped him warmly. "Can I hold him?" she asked, reaching out her arms for her son. "Please, Mikel." He hesitated only an instant before placing their son in her arms. His eyes were on her, watching for any indication of the next pains to start. When she flinched, he reached out and took the baby from her, wrapping him tightly before placing him in the bassinette. "All right, sweetheart. Round two." Once more he bent between her legs, his hands as gentle as he could be as he helped his children be born. The second baby quickly followed the first and he cleaned off the gore. "Another boy, my love." Mikel wrapped him warmly then laid him in Tabby's arms, seeing the strain on her face even as she held him. She ran tender fingers over his ears, watching as his dark blue eyes seemed to stare into her face. "I love you," she said tiredly to her son and then gave him up to Mikel to place in the crib with his brother. Mikel came back to the bed, pressing gently on her belly. "Rest, love. At least until the next pains start." She nodded, closing her eyes. There were dark shadows under them and he gently took her hand. They are beautiful, darling. And? she asked. One more, at least. Maybe we'll have a girl. I'd like to have a little girl, one with your hair and eyes ... and sass. And she'll wrap you around her little finger. You know me too well. She grunted, feeling the pains start again. "I don't know how much more I can take," she whimpered. "You're an Alpha, Tabby. You can do what you have to." He said the words with absolute faith and she took a deep breath, trying to find the strength she needed. His hands were on her belly, feeling for the baby. "Last one, Tabby. You can do this." "I can do this," she repeated. She began to push, her hands curled around the back of her thighs. Her eyes were closed, her face contorted by the straining and the pain. "Push, Tabby," he encouraged, one of his hands over hers. "This baby is up higher than the first two have been. Push!" She did and she felt the burning pain and then the last rush that led to that sweet release as the baby slid into Mikel's arms. "We have our girl, Tabby," he said joyfully, cleaning out her mouth and encouraging her to take her first breath. She let loose a cry that had Tabby's eyes opening. The boys hadn't cried, but this little girl was doing just what her father had hoped for, she was showing her sass. Tabitha held her arms out and Mikel finished wrapping her warmly before he set her in Tabby's arms. "How do you feel?" he asked softly. "Tired and sore." Tabitha unwrapped her daughter, staring at the tiny hands and feet, counting toes and fingers. She sighed before she wrapped her up again. "Names?" "Kinley Ross?" Mikel picked up their first born, rocking him gently. "For my father." Tabby nodded, smiling up at him. Mikel laid the baby next to his mother and picked up his second son. "Then this one has to be Edward." "No," Tabby said. "Christopher Edward. Papa might start calling him Eddie or something like that." Mikel chuckled. "Christopher it is then." He sank down next to Tabby, looking down at his daughter held securely in his wife's arms. "Isabella Anne?" Tabitha smiled, nodding. "No more?" she asked. When he shook his head, her smile grew. "You're sure?" "Did you want there to be more?" "No. Three is more than enough for now." "I love you, Tabby." He reached out and kissed her, laying Christopher next to his brother to go and finish up the messiest part of the birthing process He picked up a towel that he'd bundled together and then he helped her to get comfortable, changing the sheets and tucking her in warmly By that time, Edward was at the door, knocking hesitantly. "I thought I heard a baby cry." "You did, Grandpa." Mikel laid his daughter in her Grandfather's arms, watching as the older man's eyes filled with tears. "Edward?" "Thank you, Mikel." He walked the rest of the way into the room, seeing the two bundled babies that were lying with their mother. "Three?" "Two boys and a girl, Papa," Tabby said, holding out her hand to her father. "They are beautiful, Tabby. I guess now I can tell Myrtle to settle down. She's been moaning about calling for the doctor or the midwife, or someone and that you must be dying up here with no one to help Mikel deliver the baby. Especially since you were pregnant for such a short time." He shook his head. "I have to admit, I almost told her to go ahead, but I didn't want to worry about what would happen if you had puppies instead of children." "She'll know soon enough," Tabby said with a small smile. "From what Mikel tells me, they will change with their moods until they reach an age where they understand which is which. So I guess the story will be out anyway." "We'll worry about that when it happens," Mikel said. "From what I know of Myrtle, she'd throw herself under a speeding coach before hurting Tabby. I'm not that worried about her finding out." Tabby moved on the bed, pushing another pillow behind her back as one of the boys started fussing. "He's hungry." Edward laid Isabella next to her momma and then bent to kiss Tabby. "I'll go down and tell her she can come up now, if that's all right with you." Tabby nodded and watched as her father left the room, taking the baby that Mikel handed her and pulling down the side of her gown to bare her breast. The baby felt her nipple brush his cheek and turned his head, latching on hungrily. "Ouch," Tabby said. "Take it easy on Mommy, Kinley." Mikel sat, entranced as she fed their son. He was staring so intently that Tabby blushed. Mikel, you're embarrassing me. "You're just so beautiful, feeding my son..." The words came out as a whisper and Tabby looked into his face, seeing the tears in his eyes. She felt her own eyes tear up for she could feel what he was feeling, the wonder of it all. "I love you, Mikel. Forever." "Forever and a week," he said, meeting her lips with a kiss that showed the wonder of his emotions. "Forever and a week."