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  His mouth pursed. Too bad. He hadn’t seen her naked in years, and it was quite obvious her body had changed since then. Her curves were bolder, whereas before they’d been slight.

  He lifted his gaze to hers, wincing slightly at how her brown eyes condemned him.

  “Let’s not make this any more difficult than it needs to be, Gemma.”

  “Oh, I think it was too late for that the minute you decided to obliterate my wedding day.”

  His jaw hardened, and he stepped forward. “You will walk with me now to the vehicle.”

  “What’s option B?”

  “I’ll carry you.”

  Her nostrils flared and the arms around her knees tightened.

  “Let me think,” she murmured and then continued to watch him for a moment.

  Her lips parted a second later, but words didn’t come out. Instead, the piercing scream she issued was guaranteed to raise the dead. Or bring her groom running.

  Chapter 2

  “Shit.” Hunter pulled her to her feet, planting his palm firmly across her mouth to muffle her. “I should have gagged and bound you. But I had hopes you might even have been happy to see me.”

  She grunted her annoyance and tried to kick him again. He gave a bitter laugh. Of course she hadn’t appreciated his last comment.

  With his hand still over her mouth, he wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her off the ground. Her feet continued to swing back at him, but fortunately he’d trapped her arms against her side. It probably would have been easier to bite her in jaguar form or knock her out. Carrying her unconscious would have been much easier.

  But even as he ran, collecting bruises from her jarring kicks, he knew he could never have hurt her. Not willingly. Not even if it would’ve been for her own good.

  “Go ahead and fight me, angel. I want you nice and tired tonight when we finish what we started in the cabin.”

  She went rigid and then screamed her fury, slamming her head back toward his. He pulled back, easily avoiding a hit. His fingers brushed the underside of her breast and his cock jerked, his throat tightening. Shit.

  He rushed to the waiting vehicle, relieved to see the door already open. Joaquin sat behind the wheel, and Brad sat in the backseat with Gemma’s cousin restrained on his lap.

  “Damn, Hunter, took you fucking long enough.” Joaquin cast him an uneasy look and gunned the engine on the SUV.

  “Sorry about that.” With a grunt, he forced Gemma into the back of the vehicle and then climbed in after her, slamming the door shut and pulling her sideways across his lap. “The bride had a bit of a pre-wedding meltdown.”

  He released his hand from her mouth and realized immediately it had been a major mistake.

  “Pre-wedding meltdown, you asshole?” she shouted. “I’ll show you a meltdown. When I get through with you, your own mother—”

  “Leave my mother out of this. If she could hear the language you use today, she’d die of shock.”

  Joaquin laughed softly from the front seat.

  Guilt flashed across Gemma’s face before it disappeared and she lifted her chin.

  “Whatever you say, Certi.”

  Brad glanced over at them. “What did she just call you?”

  “Certi. It’s short for certifiable,” Gemma snapped before Hunter could answer. “In fact you all should be given the nickname.”

  Instead of being offended, Joaquin and Brad just laughed outright, which seemed to only infuriate Gemma more. Her face turned red and her eyes bugged.

  Hunter stared hard at Gemma for one moment, before looking away. There was no reasoning with her. At least not right now.

  “Head back to White River.” He gave the quiet order to Joaquin and then glanced sideways to see how the younger woman was faring.

  He’d met Megan only on a couple of occasions, but the impression she’d given was that she seemed more fragile than her cousin, bit naive, and prone to drama.

  Right now, she looked ready to keel over. Maybe from the sheer fact she’d probably never sat on a man’s lap before.

  Against her pale face, her blue eyes were wider than what seemed possible, and her lips trembled. She kept her hands clenched into fists and stared at Gemma with a pitifully hopeful expression. As if her cousin was the answer to the way out of their situation. Not gonna happen.

  The SUV bounced out of the woods, spitting up dirt as it turned onto an old logging road.

  “I’d rather sit on the floor,” Gemma muttered. “Anywhere else.”

  She squirmed on his lap, bringing the soft curve of her ass in contact with his cock. He hardened further against her, his pulse quickening.

  The hand he’d wrapped low on her waist splayed across her belly, and with each bump of the vehicle, his fingers brushed against the springy curls shielding her pussy.

  She let out a soft gasp and arched her body away from him.

  That’s right, angel, keep moving on me like that and you’ll get a hell of lot more than you bargained for. I don’t care how many people are around us.

  She went rigid, her eyes widening with alarm and something else. He almost missed it, but it had been there. Desire.

  A small amount of relief swept through him. After all the years that had passed, she still wanted him. But then he’d known that in the cabin, when the juices of her pussy had teased his senses with the most seductive perfume.

  She’d wanted him in that cabin. Had he taken a moment to explore the folds of her sex with his fingers, he could have discovered the tangible proof. Five years. For five years, he’d dreamed of touching her again, thought about her body and sweet moans as he’d pumped his cock with his fist. And now he had her again.

  He tapped the swell of her pussy with two fingers, and she sucked in a quick breath, whimpering.

  Be prepared, Gemma, for tonight you are mine.

  *

  This was utter and complete madness. Gemma tried to ease away from Hunter’s intimate touch, but his arm tightened around her waist.

  She was on the verge of either an orgasm or a complete meltdown. Probably both.

  If she thought there was even a slight chance of escaping these three overgrown brutes, then she might have tried to jump from the vehicle. But with the speed they were going, the fall would likely hurt her enough to slow any chance of escape. Not to mention she’d be leaving Megan all alone.

  She glanced at her cousin. Megan sat, her spine rigid and jaw tight, on the other man’s lap, staring out the window.

  Blinking back tears, Gemma tried to come to terms with what had just happened. Tried to accept the fact Hunter had forced his way back into her life as if the past five years hadn’t existed. But they had. No matter how much she may have wished otherwise.

  She closed her eyes, going back to that place in her mind she had no desire to visit. But the memory of their last night together rushed her mind before she could halt it…

  Her pulse raced, her panties already drenched from her desire for him. He never failed to affect her this way, even the first time she’d met him at his mother’s deli and he’d been passing through. He’d approached her right away, flirting shamelessly. And before her sandwich order had been filled, he’d asked her out.

  They hadn’t even been together a month, but staring up at him now, she knew it didn’t matter. Hunter was the one for her. Body, mind and soul. x

  “Hunter,” she whispered, grasping his chin in an attempt to lift his head from her breast.

  He sucked on her nipple one last time, before raising his head with a wry grin.

  “I’m sorry, Gemma. I’m going too fast.”

  “Actually, you’re not.” She shook her head and stroked her fingers through the strands of his short dark hair. “In fact, tonight…I don’t want you to stop, Hunter.”

  Hot possessiveness flashed in his gaze, even as he said quietly, “I won’t rush you.”

  “You haven’t rushed me. You’ve waited almost a month and have been more than patient.” She ga
ve a light laugh and wrapped one leg around his hip, trapping him between her thighs.

  His cock jerked against her hip, and he gave a hoarse groan. “You’re an angel. My angel. You have no idea what you’ve done to my life. How did I get so lucky to find you?”

  Her lips curved into an impish grin. “Mmm, we both love the roast beef sandwiches at your mom’s deli, and one day our paths finally crossed?”

  Hunter laughed and then drew in a ragged breath as she touched the tip of his cock, unable to stop herself anymore.

  “Gemma…are you sure?” he rasped with obvious uncertainty. “Once I start…”

  “I’ve never been surer about anything in my life. I’ve never met anyone like you. Never felt this way about anyone else.” She trailed her fingers up and down the hard ridges of his back. “I just know this is right. Take me, Hunter. Now.”

  With a growl, he closed his mouth over hers. The weight of his body fell heavy on top of her, pressing her deeper into the mattress.

  Her shirt and bra had long since been disposed of, and he made quick time tugging her skirt and panties from her body.

  Then he was between her thighs, his hot tongue probing her clit as he prepared her for his cock. Devouring and eating her until the pleasure threatened to explode in her head.

  Only when she writhed and begged beneath him did he kneel between her thighs. He cupped her ass in his large hands, and with one smooth thrust, buried his cock deep inside her.

  Pain and pleasure exploded as her body struggled to accept the thick invasion of his body.

  “Gemma.”

  With the discomfort fading to a dull throb, she could finally register the shock in his voice and that he’d gone still inside her.

  “You’re a virgin?” he choked out.

  “Yes. I thought you knew?” She ran her tongue over her lips and hesitantly wrapped her legs around his waist.

  The movement brought him deeper inside her, stretched her, and she drew a ragged breath in.

  “No, I didn’t know.” He gave a soft laugh and lowered his head to lick one of her rigid nipples. “But I will say it’s a very nice surprise.”

  Warmth spread all throughout her body, from her toes to the top of her head. She ran her fingers through his hair and gave a soft sigh.

  “You’re so tight. So creamy. God, Gemma, you feel incredible.” His face pinched, and he began to move inside her, slow and gentle at first. She matched his thrusts, learning the rhythm he so patiently taught her.

  Pleasure built inside her, twisting higher and higher still. Her mind spun with the sensation, her heart heavy with emotion.

  “Hunter, please,” she cried out, not even sure what she was begging for.

  “Yes.” His fingers bit into her ass cheeks as he lifted her to move faster inside her. His gaze held hers, a possessiveness that seared her to her soul. “Tell me. Who do you belong to, Gemma?”

  “I’m yours, Hunter. All yours.”

  “Yes, Gemma.” He pressed deeper inside her. “Mine forever. Say it.”

  “Forever,” she agreed wildly. “I’m yours forever, Hunter.”

  He pulled out of her and buried his face between her legs again, his tongue seeking her swollen clit.

  The orgasm ripped through her, rocking her all the way to her core. With her body still quaking from release, he entered her again with his cock, pounding inside her faster and harder, until he screamed her name and she felt him spurt hot and thick inside her body.

  “You are mine, Gemma,” he whispered, before his weight fell heavy on top of her. “Forever…”

  The van hit a pothole, and Gemma fell backward against Hunter’s chest. His arm tightened around her waist, and his lips grazed the nape of her neck. Hot shivers raced through her, but she ground her teeth together and jerked away.

  Apparently forever had the same definition as the next morning in Hunter’s world.

  The memory of that last night she’d spent with him faded back into the dark recess of her mind. The same place she’d tried unsuccessfully to store it all these years.

  Her stomach churned with the familiar pain and bitterness. He’d left after that night with a promise to see her the next day, only she’d never seen or heard from him again.

  That had been five years ago. Five years.

  And then last week he’d sent her the cold, toneless e-mail. Her jaw hardened with anger. Certifiable. Because he’d actually done it.

  Not for the first time, she had to ask herself how well she’d really known Hunter. She’d known he helped out at his mom’s deli every now and then and taught martial arts. Yes, they’d talked about anything and everything. Their fears and dreams. Fantasies. She’d thought she knew him, but had she?

  They’d not even been together a month, and at times he’d seemed to be hiding something. That something had always eaten at her. Even today. Was he married? Had he been seeing another woman? What was he hiding?

  It didn’t matter. None of it did. Not anymore, at least. And she had to stop trying to analyze and solve a puzzle that should have been put to rest years ago.

  Hunter had obviously slipped off the deep end with the stunt he’d pulled today. Gemma shook her head. She’d find a way out of this for her and Megan. She had a good future with Jeffrey, and damn Hunter for trying to take that from her.

  When Gemma pulled away from him again, this time Hunter let her go. She moved to the seats behind him and folded her arms across her chest, her shoulders rigid.

  He watched her closely, trying to gage just how much she hated him right about now. The answer wasn’t encouraging.

  “We need to put clothes on you two before we reach the main road,” Joaquin said suddenly from the driver’s seat.

  Hunter gave a terse nod. His people had no issue with nudity, but humans—though having grown less apprehensive and more tolerant of their kind over the years—weren’t comfortable with the frequent display of nakedness. And right now, they couldn’t afford to draw extra attention to themselves.

  “I have no clothes,” Gemma reminded him acidly. “My dress is now scattered around the forest in enough tiny pieces to deck out an entire community of squirrels.”

  Hunter bit back a soft laugh, knowing that she wouldn’t appreciate his amusement.

  “We brought extra clothes. Figuring Gemma might try and run.” Brad grinned and glanced closer at Megan. “Fortunately we got you, little lady, out of there before you got the chance.”

  Hunter noted the spark of interest in Brad’s gaze as he stared at her and made a note to talk to the man later. Megan was off limits. She’d just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Not to mention she was just too young.

  Hunter reached behind the seat and grabbed the nylon bag sitting next to Gemma. He unzipped it and handed her a cotton dress.

  “Put this on.”

  For a minute, he thought she’d refuse, but then her eyes narrowed and she tugged the dress over her body, smoothing the fabric down her curves. She probably appreciated the fact that she didn’t have to be naked in front of him anymore.

  Hunter changed into the clothes he’d worn earlier—before he’d gone after Gemma.

  A few minutes later, they turned onto the major highway, putting more distance between themselves and Delmore’s luxury resort.

  He glanced behind him again, and the air locked in his lungs. Even with the dress on, her body still tempted him. The urge to suck on those soft pink nipples, stoke the fire between her legs, and bring her pleasure until she begged him to fuck her rode him hard.

  He wanted to hear her promise that she was his again, but he knew the chances of that were slim to none. Leaning more toward none.

  Hunter couldn’t fault her for getting on with her life. And as far as he knew, Gemma still had no idea that he worked for the Elite Shifter Agency. He knew what had happened after that mind-blowing night they’d spent together. But he also realized that from her point of view, she’d given herself to him entirely, and then he’d vanis
hed from her life. Talk about taking the asshole of the year award.

  Regret twisted in his gut. He wished things could have been different. That he could have found a way to tell her…

  But he hadn’t and she’d moved on. And he knew deep down he shouldn’t begrudge her for that. He might have even accepted her new life easier if she hadn’t moved on with Jeffrey Delmore.

  His eyes narrowed, and he glanced out the window of the SUV.

  It was obvious Gemma had no idea what kind of man she was marrying, that her future husband was a low-life filth who headed up a sick underground trafficking ring that ended in death. He knew Gemma well enough to realize she’d never have gotten involved with such blatant evil. And it was evil.

  They’d been trying to get the proof on Delmore since they’d first begun to suspect him, but the man was slick. This weekend, they were trying a new route, though. Sending in bait. And hopefully the bastard was stupid enough to take it.

  Thank God he’d found Gemma before she could marry the creep. Hunter was determined to see that she never did.

  Chapter 3

  Hunter ran along the river, his paws hitting the earth as he expelled his frustration and anger. After the morning he’d had and fighting the temptation of Gemma’s body during the car ride, he needed this outlet.

  Brad had, too, apparently, and joined him now in the run. They followed the river for a few miles before turning back toward the safe house. Instead of going inside, Hunter dove into the slow-moving river and swam for a bit in jaguar form before shifting back to human a few minutes later. He cooled his overheated body and washed off the sweat.

  A splash next to him was notification that Brad had decided to swim for a bit, too. His friend emerged from beneath the water a minute later. He shook his head, sending water droplets flying.

  “Fuck, I needed that,” Brad said, leaning back to float next to him. “How you holding up?”

  “Doing fine.”

  “Hmm. She’s a feisty one, huh?”

  Hunter glanced at him. “Which one?”

  “Gemma.” Brad gave a soft laugh and shook his head. “Not Megan, that’s for sure. She’s too scared. But she sure is a sweet little thing.”