Page 14 of Blood, Shadow & Claw

Just then, a rustling announced Ajax's arrival. He stepped into the clearing, his presence so commanding that the ground beneath my feet seemed to acknowledge him.

"Ah, you're at the heart of our history,"he said, his deep voice resonating with the pride of a true leader. "Eva, I hope you've been telling our new pack member about the Great Battle of the Ridge?"

Eva nodded, beaming at him. "I was just getting to that part."

"Perfect,"Ajax said as he sat beside me on the fallen log, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body. "Ourpack faced off against invaders who sought to claim these lands. We were outnumbered but not outmatched. Our ancestors fought with tooth and claw, driven by the love for their home and family."

Listening to Ajax, I connected to this wild, beautiful place I hadn't expected—a kinship with those who had fought fiercely for their right to exist. My struggles suddenly mirrored in the vast tangles of their history.

"Sounds like they were incredible,"I murmured, more to myself than to either.

"They were,"Ajax agreed. "And their spirit lives on in us. We honor them through our strength, loyalty, and commitment to protect what is ours. Now, it's time to train."

My throat went dry. "Train? With you?"

A wicked grin crossed his face just as Eva mumbled about getting dinner started. I wasn't sure whether to holler at her for turning traitor or running for the hills. It's only because I knew Ajax's umbra could quickly overtake mine. And the thought of us tangled up together had my umbra extremely interested.

"I'm ready,"I croaked, not feeling ready.

"Good,"Ajax said, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

The rest of our first training session flew by as I allowed myself to be immersed in the world of the umbrae. Under their guidance, I learned about the pack hierarchy, Umbra customs, and basic self-defense moves. The cool forest air seemed to seep into my bones, imbuing me with a sense of peace I hadn't felt in years.

When dusk fell, we returned to the cabin, laughing and exhausted. Okay, I was exhausted. Ajax hadn't broken a sweat.

"You've got a natural talent for that one-handed takedown,"Ajax teased as he held open the door for me. "Must be those modeling moves in action."

I laughed, my cheeks flushing as I stepped inside. "It's all about balance, right?"I teased back, feeling more carefree than I had in ages.

As we entered the cabin's warmth, the scents of a home-cooked meal wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in delight. "Eva's been cooking up a storm,"Ajax said with a proud grin.

"I hope you like shepherd's pie,"she called from the kitchen, her voice muffled by oven mitts. "It's a Montgomery family favorite."

"Mm... It smells delicious,"I said, inhaling deeply. The scent of roasted meat and savory pastry welcomed me like a warm blanket. "Eva, I could kiss you."

Ajax growled, wrapping a strong arm around my waist. "All your kisses belong to me."

I caught Eva's knowing smile from the corner of my eye. "Dinner's on the stove. I'm headed out."

Ajax flashed me a playful look before taking my hand and leading me to the shower. Much to my chagrin, he merely showed up,dropped me off, and closed the door.

Feeling a little low, I took off my clothes and showered. My bones ached from the umbra training Ajax insisted I participate in. True to his word, he cared for, protected, and encouraged me every day. Never in my life had I ever felt so cherished.

Unfortunately, he also hadn't touched me sexually in days. He was affectionate, caring, and utterly fantastic, but that didn't help the ache between my thighs. If it were possible for a girl to have lady blue balls, I would swear mine were indigo. I was getting better and better at using my newly found umbra senses. I wasn't the only one who was emitting pheromones. He wanted me just as badly as I wanted him.

I didn't know how to initiate it. Groaning, I stepped inside the large shower in Ajax's bedroom and let the hot water caress my cramped muscles. Ajax had one of those new showers that sprayed your body in a million different angles. Using the soap, I lathered up and lost myself to the loveliness of getting clean.

After setting the soap down, I picked up a removable shower head and sprayed everything I missed. It was only by accident that the spray caught me between the legs, and I felt a wave of pleasure jolt through me.

While it wasn't as powerful as Ajax's mouth, it was still arousing. Lord knew I needed to relieve some of this tension. I moved it again, letting the spray smack against my clit, and a moan escaped my lips.

A rustling in the bedroom made me realize Ajax was just outsidethe bathroom door. Embarrassment washed over me. I shouldn't be pleasuring myself in his bathroom. Should I?

No, I couldn't do this when Ajax was outside the door.

Could I?

I took one of my breasts into my hands and pinched the tip. Another tiny moan escaped my lips. Throwing caution to the wind, I angled the shower head to hit me where I needed it.

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