Page 26 of Claiming Xan
I got off a second time, then cleaned myself up and began packing a duffle bag with clothes and sex toys. But I was on autopilot. My mind was already churning out ideas—ideas on how to get exactly what I wanted.
I ate a light brunch, since my appetite was far more sexual than physical, then stopped in at the vet clinic that was attached to our house.
Mom got the best of both worlds. She owned her own private practice, plus she had zero drive time. Just clock out and walk through the door that connected the two buildings, and bam. Home sweet home.
As it turned out, Mom was between clients. She was in one of the rooms, spraying down the metal exam table with something bleach-y before wiping it down with a rag.
It didn’t take her long to notice me. Probably because I stunk of hormones and sex. She was my mother, but she was still an Alpha. “Xan? Is everything alright?”
“Yeah,” I told her, hoisting my duffle bag strap a little higher up on one shoulder. “I’m headed to Shay’s place for the week. They’re setting me up in their spare room so I’ll have my own space. It’ll be awkward, but it’s only for a week, right?” I tried for joking, but it fell flat, even to my ears.
Mom’s dark eyes softened. She reached out and squeezed my arm. “Take care of yourself, and be safe.”
“I will. Love you,” I said.
“I love you too, Xanny.”
“Ew. Gross.” I flapped my hand at her before spinning on my heel and making my way outside, to where my car sat waiting in the drive. Instead of getting in, I tossed my stuff in the passenger seat and started the engine, then went back into the house.
I went to River’s room and knocked lightly on the door, then let myself in. River was on his feet in an instant, but the moment he saw me, the moment he smelled me, his pupils dilated and his breath hitched. My heart kicked in my chest at the absolute hunger in his eyes.
“Just wanted to say goodbye,” I murmured, even as I sauntered towards him slowly.
“Xan…” My name was a soft utterance on his lips, but he didn’t manage to say anything else before I closed the gap between us and slid my hands up his chest. I wrapped my arms around his neck and gazed up at him, and he looked so torn. Like part of him wanted to shove me away, and the rest of him wanted to fuck me against the wall, right here and now.
So I made the decision for him—I pressed my mouth to his, flicking my tongue along the seam of his lips, and when he parted, I slid inside. River groaned and suddenly, all bets were off.
His hands were all over me, palming over my heated flesh, and I whimpered into his mouth as we made out like a couple of clumsy schoolboys, hard and hungry and unpolished.
When I finally pulled away, I was flushed and breathless, my heart racing a mile a minute and my cock aching fiercely in my jeans.
“Spend my heat with me,” I pleaded.
“Xan.” River’s voice was a growl. “You know we can’t. Your mom?—”
“Fuck my mom!” I barked, surprised at my own outburst. I covered my mouth with one hand and glanced over my shoulder,half-expecting to see her standing there, judging me. But of course, she was at work. We were alone.
Softer, I said, “Iwantyou, River. We can get a hotel room, just you and me. No one has to know.” I leaned in, smiling up at him, hope ringing clear as a bell. “I have a plan. I’ll text you once I set it in motion, okay?”
River stared down at me, his eyes blazing with hunger and heat even as his throat worked, but he nodded. He didn’t say anything, but then again, he didn’t need to. I knew he wanted me.
I beamed. “See you soon, babe.”
Leaning up on my tiptoes, I stole one last kiss, then hurried out to my car, feeling almost euphoric.
Soon.
16
XAN
I spentthe first two restless nights of my heat in Shay’s tiny craft room, fucking myself with a variety of toys while trying my damndest not to be too loud. I even covered my face with a pillow, but Shay’s place was small and shifter hearing was keen. Ugh.
And the dildos weren’t cutting it. Not even the knotty ones. My body ached for cock in a way it hadn’t before. I was ready to put my plan into action.
I used my phone to book a few nights’ stay in a hotel just outside of Greymercy. Luckily, they had available rooms and were able to accommodate my needs. So what if it cost a little more money? You can’t take it with you when you die.
Once that was settled, it was time for part two. I waited until Donovan had gone to work, then pulled Shay aside.
