MadMoon Read online

  She tried on the jeans and several silky tees to find they fit to perfection and then drooled a little over the basic black dress that Savannah had said teasingly that every woman had to have. The sleeveless, black scoop-necked dress was anything but basic and Lana wondered when she’d have the occasion to wear it. Sweetridge was a small town and she doubted she’d have a chance to wear the pretty thing. Along with the black dress were several short, flirty dresses that trended toward casual. Oh yes…these were nice.

  Deciding to slip one on for the dinner she planned later with Madden, she studied them carefully and finally chose a pink bit of nothing that featured a frothy, flirty skirt, a portrait neckline and slender shoulder straps. Savannah had selected a pair of matching pink shoes to complete the outfit and luckily for Lana, they fit like a dream. She eyed the clock on the bedside table, noting the time, then hurried into the bathroom for a quick shower.

  While making plans for a nice, cozy dinner with Mad, she dried her short hair. Cutting it had been an act of defiance but now she loved it and thought the style suited her face. A new look for a new life. There wasn’t a thing wrong with that. Smiling, she spritzed on a bit of light perfume and applied a touch of makeup before going back into the bedroom.

  Lana slipped into a pair of silky pink panties that showed quite a bit of “cheek” but decided against wearing the matching bra. The dress she planned to wear had handy built-in cups and she wondered why most clothing wasn’t designed that way. Wearing only the panties, she put the beautiful goodies away then pulled the lovely little dress into place over her body.

  She’d just spun to check the dress in the mirror when she heard a low wolf-whistle. Turning in a flash, her hands over her heart, she saw Mad leaning against the door wearing a decidedly lecherous look on his face.

  “Well, now,” he drawled. “Don’t you just look like a cupcake. Think I’ll eat you up.”

  Lana squeaked as he ran at her, lifted her and gently tossed her to the bed. Together they bounced a couple of times, her laughing and Mad growling as he nipped her throat.

  “You’re early,” she gasped as Mad’s breath tickled her neck and whipped into her ear. “Ooh, stop that. I mean it, Mad!”

  Smiling, he lifted his head and looked down at her. “Finished early. Now I’m ready to celebrate finishing this job but, more than that, I want to spend time with you.”

  She liked that idea.

  “That sounds like a good plan. By the way, thank you for the clothes. You shouldn’t have.”

  Mad rolled from atop her and curled up next to her on the bed. He slowly traced the neckline of her dress with the tip of a finger. “Of course I should have. You arrived virtually naked, you are my intended mate, and I will provide for you.”

  Lana considered herself a modern woman and though contemporary women might think Moon’s vow to “take care of her” rather sexist and archaic, she knew this attitude was prevalent in lycan society. A male wolf didn’t consider his attitudes about caring for a mate and family to be wrong. It was just a fact. She smiled. “And I know you will, but I hope it’s okay if I provide for you too.”

  He tipped his head. “We’ll talk about it later.”

  Lana knew that was as close as they’d get to distinguishing between their future roles, at least for now. “So what are we going to do to celebrate?”

  “It’s a surprise.” Suddenly he grimaced. “Shit. I’m a dumbass. I’m all dirty from work and you’re lying here looking like the top of a wedding cake.” He sat up quickly and went to work on untying his boots. “If Mom were here, she’d kick my ass.”

  Lana sat up beside him, smiling at the image of Mad’s mother reading her big, tough Alpha son the riot act. He set the boots aside and reached for the hem of his tee shirt. Once he’d pulled it over his head, Lana filled her gaze with row upon row of hard muscle and bronzed flesh. She licked her lips, remembering the first time she’d touched him. While she gawked, Mad turned to see her shamelessly staring. Without a word, he reached for the top button of his jeans. “If you keep looking at me like that, darlin’, I don’t think we’ll make it past the bedroom door tonight.”

  “That wouldn’t bother me,” she managed, feeling the effects of his body, his warmth, race over her from head to toe.

  He leaned closed and pressed a kiss to her lips. “I’m not looking for a quickie. When I fuck you tonight, and believe me, I will, it’s going to last for a mighty long time. So with that thought in mind, why don’t you take your beautiful, tempting ass downstairs and wait for me.” He kissed her again. “I won’t be long.”

  The need, the tremendous urge to fuck hit him in the shower and he knew he wouldn’t last through dinner. Running through the routine of making himself presentable, he hurried downstairs with nothing on his mind but answering his body’s demands.

  Fuck gallantry.

  Fuck consideration.

  A sexual ache curled low in his gut, only winding tighter the second her saw her waiting expectantly in the kitchen. She was seated at the table but stood instantly, her eyes going wide, no doubt feeling the tension that radiated from his body. He’d spent too much time away from her trying to finish that damn house and now he was paying for it.

  “Don’t ask me to be a gentleman. Can’t do it.”

  She shook her head and took a step back but his beast rolled low in his belly, demanding consummation with his mate. It wouldn’t be denied much longer. Taking the edge off was paramount as frustration simmered through his mind and his body answered that wild call as he gripped her upper arms and stared into her startled eyes. He shook his head. “I won’t apologize. I’m sick of dicking around here.” Mad moved close and settled the palm of his hand against her head as he slanted his mouth against hers, instantly taking the kiss deep, drinking the heavy sigh that left her lips.

  Though he made a good pretense at civility, at heart he was a predator, a wolf, a beast that demanded immediate satisfaction. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her but he sensed no fear and, pressing his advantage of size and strength, he swept his other arm around her waist to pull her close. Tracing her curves with his fingers, Mad broke the kiss to move his lips along the curve of her jaw and a bare stretch of her shoulder then, continually mapping her body with his hand, he dipped it beneath the skirt of her dress and settled his palm against her pussy.

  It was hot, burning his fingers and, testing her, pushing her, he traced the seam of her labia with a thumbnail. Lana jerked, whimpering, and the sound prompted him to swift action. Grabbing her waist, he lifted her onto the table and with a hand at her sternum, pushed her until she lay supine on the hard surface.

  He didn’t want to be careful with her pretty new dress. No, he wanted to rip it from her body with his teeth. Restraining the animal impulses that beat through him, he lifted the skirt until she was bare except for the tiny scrap of her silky panties. The fabric clung to her wet pussy, which was clearly outlined. Her clit, a swollen knot, pressed against the silk. Mad’s mouth went dry as his cock pushed tight against the front of his jeans. Bending over her, he sucked her clit through the flimsy barrier as her fingers sank into his hair. She moved on the table’s surface, pushing against his mouth as frantic little cries swept from her throat. She lifted her legs until she had them propped on the table and Mad took advantage by pressing her knees open until she was exposed to him.

  Hungry, famished for a taste, embracing the need to make her fall apart under the stroke of his hands on her body, Mad dipped his thumbs beneath her panties and stroked her hot flesh. She was drenched, creaming for him, and he was savagely pleased she needed him too.

  Madden settled his lips against her inner thigh, dragging the scent of her into his lungs as the mating heat raced over the surface of his skin. “I have to look at you,” he managed. “Lift up.”

  He straightened and she adjusted her position on the table so that he could pull the panties from her hips. Once she’d assumed that wide-open position again he reached for a ne
arly empty glass on the table. There were several cubes of ice melted inside the plastic tumbler and he plucked one up. The cold water dripped from his fingers and he quickly placed the melting ice into his mouth then bent over Lana’s pussy. His icy tongue lashed her along with the bit of ice and again, she jerked. She made a frantic sound, bucking against his mouth. The ice quickly melted and he warmed her flesh then, stroking her, licking her.

  Lust riding him hard, he straightened and looked down at her as he unfastened his jeans and released his stiff cock. Mad fisted his hand at the base then drew the head over her flesh, gathering moisture on the thick rounded end. Heat radiated from her body, searing, singeing, and he could no longer deny the desire that burned him, spurring him to move this along until they were both limp and finally satisfied.

  Sinking deep into her soft, clinging warmth, he settled balls-deep inside her body. Mad looped his hands beneath her knees and lifted, canting her hips, then he slowly withdrew before the true onslaught began. Patience at an end, he gave up all finesse as he thrust, ramming hard and fast as his wolf curled through his belly, howling for satisfaction and a cure for his burning lust.

  Lana’s arms went straight out to clutch the sides of the table as he fucked her. The mating power of his species blasted into her, making her tremble beneath him. Again and again, he plunged, the frantic ride raw, savage, a blur of movement that stunned him. Pleasure whipped through his veins, sizzling along nerve endings and sucking the air from his lungs.

  Crisis point hit Lana hard and fast as her body seized and she screamed his name yet still he fucked her, lust surging sharp and high, carrying him toward orgasm as nerve endings pulsed against the squeezing clasp of her pussy. Sensation gathered, racing through his blood, a conflagration of power he had to release. With a low groan, he released the magic, shivering as the fire consumed him.

  Chapter Seven

  They’d had sex before but it had been nothing like that. The raw and untamed ways in which he’d touched her still burned through her system, leaving her more than a little stunned as they made the drive into town. True consummation rolled toward them at the speed of a runaway train yet she knew Mad wanted this business with her father over and done before they could look to the future.

  It waited though, the future, sweet and just out of reach. She was as impatient as Madden. She wanted to grab hold of her life and let him claim her in the ways of his people. Their people now.

  Wondering wildly what more tonight would deliver, she forced herself to a calm she didn’t feel and concentrated instead on the fact they were actually out on their first date.

  Talk about doing things in a backward manner. If nothing else, their courtship had been unusual.

  She realized he had gone to all kinds of trouble by the time they arrived at The Lamplighter steak house and he gave the hostess his name. It wasn’t a fancy place but she figured it might just be the only dining spot in the entire town that featured white linen tablecloths and a dressier ambiance than what the local burger joint provided. A table in a back corner featured fresh-cut flowers as a centerpiece along with a bucket of something bubbly. Two long-stemmed flutes rested nearby.

  As Madden held a chair out for her, she wished belatedly she’d worn the basic black dress but there was nothing to be done about that now. Tonight Mad wore a crisp white shirt, a dark sport coat and freshly pressed jeans along with ostrich dress boots. To the folks in Sweetridge, this was probably about as fancy as it got.

  She didn’t need fancy as long as she was with Madden and could look at him, touch him. The man was sex on a stick and hot enough to incinerate a woman. His jeans fit his long, sturdy legs to perfection but she realized that it didn’t really matter what he wore, Madden exuded strength and power. A definite turn-on.

  Every female in the place took him in as they walked through the crowded dining room but Lana knew they were looking at her too. Like any small town, there would be a natural curiosity about a newcomer. In her case, interest would be doubly intense with the lycan population and there must be at least a dozen pack members here tonight. Power practically sizzled in the air of the dimly lit room, a power distinctly different from the lower human energy.

  “Crowded,” she murmured as she slid into the chair Madden held out. She glanced around, feeling a little nervous until he sat across from her and gave her a steady look.

  “It’s Friday night and there’s not a whole helluva lot to do around here except head out somewhere to eat. As to the lycans here tonight, it’s only normal they’d be interested to see who their new lupa will be. I promise you, there is only acceptance here.”

  “Just not used to this, I guess.”

  Their waiter, a very young man, walked up and nodded politely before handing them menus. From his scent and his deferential manner, Lana knew he was lycan. “Lana, this is Daniel Yielding. He’s from one of our oldest families and the star quarterback of our high school football team.”

  The kid grinned, his shyness seeming to melt a little. “I don’t know about star but I’m sure enough the quarterback. It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”

  “Same here, Daniel. I look forward to watching you play this fall.”

  Mad engaged the young man in further conversation and Lana realized he was careful to show an interest in their lives of his pack members, no matter their ages or stations in life. “So when do y’all hit the practice field for next fall?”

  “Probably end of the month but no pads until sometime in August, I figure. It’s going to be mighty hot around then.”

  “You can handle it, brother.”

  Daniel beamed then seemed to realize he needed to get back to work and headed off, promising to bring bread and water. When he left, Madden lifted a dark-green bottle, opened it and splashed golden-colored wine into the two flutes.

  “You seem to have a great relationship with pack members, even the younger ones. That’s impressive.”

  “There’s nothing particularly monumental about it, darlin’. A good Alpha loves his pack and gets to know them. I’ve never been a bully nor do I believe it’s a good idea to run roughshod over your people. Loyalty is important in a pack and you don’t foster a lot of that by being an asshole.”

  Lana took a sip of the fabulous wine then shook her head. “Dad could learn a lot from you. Members of the Snow Wolf pack are ruled by fear. As far as I know, it’s always been that way.”

  “It’s been my experience that some people can’t be taught and my guess is that Tomin Vronski will never change. The bully boy mentality is probably too ingrained in him.” His gaze burned hot and Lana recognized the anger there. “I’m just glad you’re out of that mess and, believe me, you never have to go back.”

  “It’s so nice to be here with you, Mad, and everyone has made me feel welcomed. Let’s not ruin the evening by talking about my father. I’m sorry I brought him up.”

  “We’ll have to deal with him eventually but not tonight.”

  Later they dug into rare steaks, baked potatoes with all the trimmings and Mad talked about his thriving business. With the completion of his project, he planned to take a week or so off. Lana knew that had much to do with the threat hovering over her. Logically she knew she had Rogue pack behind her but she couldn’t help stressing over it. It felt as if a huge cloud hung over her when all she really wanted to do was move on with her new life with Madden. The respite tonight was something she aimed to enjoy.

  Madden watched her indulge in a decadent chocolate dessert as he sipped a cup of coffee after their meal. “Tell me what you want to do with all this newfound freedom? Do you want to work? Study? Is there some kind of project you want to tackle? There’s a big wide world out there, sweetheart.”

  She set down her fork and thought about it. “I really think I want to go to college.” She shrugged, trying to be matter-of-fact about the oppressive life she’d lived. “I was homeschooled so I wasn’t around other kids much and Dad was against educating females. I’ve been explor
ing nearby schools on the internet and I’m thinking about enrolling in one of them.”

  “That’s great, Lana, you definitely should. Do you want to study anything in particular?”

  She laughed. “Everything. Anything. I want to study languages and business. I’m interested in law and medicine. The only thing I know for sure is that I suck at math so, no, math isn’t happening.”

  He grinned. “Okay, no math. The main thing is you want to jump into this thing and see where it takes you. There’s a small university not far from here. You could commute, if that’s what you want, and the drive wouldn’t be bad. Just tell me and I’ll help.”

  Lana figured she was beyond lucky the night she’d met Madden but now she knew it went a whole lot deeper than luck. She’d found her mate but had discovered more too. Acceptance. Love. Caring. Her heart warmed as love for him carried her under. Impulsively she reached across the table and took his hand. “I think you’re good for me.”

  Mad went quiet and she felt the energy, the power of his touch seep into her flesh as he shared his strength. Lana knew that no matter what happened, or how she chose to live her life, he would offer support. This was such a new thing for her that it was hard to know how to react. Closing her eyes, she squeezed his fingers and prayed that things would always feel this way.

  “Don’t laugh but this is my first date,” she finally said. Feeling a little awkward about that admission, she took back her hand. “I’ve really had a good time. The past few weeks have been weird with you being gone so much. I know you had work to do but I missed you. This has been nice.”

  “Oh honey,” he drawled, leaning toward her, “we’re just getting started. This is just the first of many things we’re going to do. And not just tonight either. I have plans for us.”

  Lana grinned. “I’m glad to hear that.”