As the intensity built, Jesse’s hands gripped my hips firmly, holding me close as we both approached the edge of ecstasy. My own grasp tightened around him, desperate for him to take me over the precipice with him.
I whispered softly into his ear, urging him on. “Please, Jesse, make me feel everything,” I pleaded, my breath ragged and my voice trembling with anticipation. I’d been waiting for this, I’d been fantasizing about it, I wanted to feel everything all at once.
The passion between us escalated rapidly, and the room seemed to fill with the sounds of our shared ecstasy. Our breaths grew heavier, our gasps echoing off the walls of the room. The passion between us reached its peak, and I quickly found myself on the brink of pleasure. Jesse, knowing exactly when to push me over the edge, made sure that every thrust hit all the right spots.
I clung to him as I fell over the edge and into the never-ending abyss of orgasm, my fingers digging into his strong back. I loved the sound of Jesse losing his mind as well, I wanted to remain in this blissful moment forever. But of course, it couldn’t last, and all we could really do was sink into the beautiful post-orgasmic bliss together.
The events of the evening had left me emotionally drained, and as I lay in bed, my thoughts swirled in a chaotic whirlwind. Jesse’s revelation about Ophelia and the looming threat of a rogue shifter weighed heavily on my mind. The night had been a rollercoaster of emotions, from fear to determination, and finally, a spark of love and connection.
I curled up under the blankets, seeking refuge in the warmth and safety of Jesse’s home. My eyelids grew heavy, and exhaustion crept over me like a comforting blanket. The steady rhythm of raindrops against the windowpane provided a soothing lullaby, and I drifted closer to sleep with each passing moment.
My phone, sitting on the nightstand beside me, buzzed softly, its screen lighting up with notifications. Yet, in my state of weariness, I paid little attention to it. It could have been messages from friends or missed calls, but none of it seemed important compared to this very moment.
As I finally succumbed to the embrace of slumber, my dreams were filled with visions of wolves and shifting shadows, a reflection of the uncertainties that lay ahead. At that moment, all I craved was a reprieve from the storm that had become my life, if only for a few precious hours.
TWELVE
JESSE
The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. As consciousness gradually returned to me I found myself in a new situation. I woke up with Marie nestled in my arms, her soft breaths tickling the skin of my chest. Her presence was both comforting and exhilarating, but it also stirred a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within me.
As I gazed down at her, her features peaceful in slumber, I couldn’t deny the profound connection that had formed between us. Her blonde hair spilled across the pillow, and her gentle curves fit perfectly against me. It was impossible not to feel a surge of desire, but I also knew our situation was far from simple.
My thoughts drifted to the warnings and concerns voiced by others, especially Mike and the ominous presence of Ophelia. Her jealousy and possessiveness were like a shadow that loomed over us, threatening to disrupt the fragile peace we’d found. I didn’t even want to think about what she might do to Marie. I didn’t want anything to happen.
Despite my determination to protect Marie and my daughter, Belle, my heart was in turmoil. I had to confront the reality that I was falling for Marie, and it scared me. The age gap, the responsibilities I carried as her boss, and the complicated dynamics of our world all weighed heavily on my mind.
But as I watched Marie sleep, her face relaxed in blissful unawareness, I couldn’t deny the depth of my feelings for her. It was a love that transcended the boundaries and complications of our lives, a force that refused to be ignored.
I gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. My heart ached with longing and uncertainty, but one thing was clear–I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it.
I carefully extricated myself from the tangle of blankets and limbs, doing my best not to disturb her peaceful rest. It was a rare and precious moment, one that I didn’t want to disturb. As I moved about the room, preparing for the day ahead, my phone began to buzz incessantly with messages from the pack. The events of the previous night and the ongoing search for the rogue shifter had created a flurry of activity. Urgent messages and updates flooded my screen, demanding my attention. I wanted to give it all of my focus because it was important, but it wasn’t easy when my mind was all consumed by the woman lying in my bed. As I watched her sleeping, a pang of longing tugged at my heart. We had tiptoed around our feelings for each other, cautious and aware of the complications that could arise from pursuing this. And yet, the chemistry between us was undeniable, a magnetic force that drew us closer with each passing day. We couldn’t ignore it, even if we didn’t know where it would take us.
“Marie,” I whispered softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face, “I have another meeting this morning.”
She stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she met my gaze. A soft smile graced her lips as she nodded in understanding. “Of course, Jesse,” she replied, her voice filled with warmth. “I’ll stay with Belle.”
I couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for her willingness to support me, to be there for my daughter when I couldn’t. It was a testament to the remarkable person she was, caring and selfless even in the face of uncertainty and danger. Yes, it was her job, but she went above and beyond for me all the time.
With a final, lingering glance, I left the room, preparing to face the challenges that awaited me. The morning air was crisp and cool as I made my way up the mountain to our meeting point. The towering trees and rugged terrain of Wolf Mountain loomed around me, casting long shadows that seemed to whisper secrets of the forest. It was a place of both beauty and danger, a world where shifting allegiances and hidden threats lurked beneath the surface.
As I approached our designated rendezvous at the Patron’s mountain, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding in the air. The weight of responsibility rested heavily on my shoulders, and Ophelia only added to the mounting tension within our community. Especially if my suspicions were correct and it was her killing everyone.
The members of our pack and the representatives from the other clans had already gathered, their expressions somber and anxious. We exchanged nods and greetings, but there was an unspoken understanding that something grave hung in the balance.
“It’s not good news, Jesse,” Daniel, our tech expert, murmured as I joined the group. His voice held a note of resignation, and I knew that his words carried weight.
“What’s happened?” I asked, my heart sinking with dread.
Lissa, our tracker, stepped forward, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. “They found the bodies of the two more missing hikers last night,” she announced, her voice trembling slightly. “It’s… It’s bad. Worse than ever before.”
The tension in the group grew palpable as we considered the implications of this grim discovery.
“We need to find this rogue,” Octavio spoke with urgency. “We can’t let these attacks continue. Especially if they are getting worse.”
I nodded in agreement, my thoughts drifting to Ophelia and the disturbing possibility that she might be the one responsible for these horrific acts. The woman I had once loved, who had now become a dangerous threat to our community. Did I tell everyone? I wasn’t quite sure at that point. Just in case I was wrong.
“Ophelia Roberts.” Her name fell out of my mouth before I could even really decide what to do moving forward. Everyone turned to look at me, so I knew I needed to continue. “I saw her, last night. She doesn’t belong here.”