Untamed Hunger Page 16

  “They’re not muscle. Or at least, they're not mine. They’re from Victor’s clan.”

  Gunner’s body stiffened, his face darkening. “What the hell are they doing here? You invited the enemy into my apartment? That takes some balls, Malone. Even for you.”

  “Calm down, Gunner. They’re not the enemy. They’re here about what happened to Victor. And about what happens next. What you plan to do.”

  “What I plan to do? I’m not planning to do anything except live my life in peace.” Gunner crossed his arms, frowning at Malone. Reece leaned forward, eyeing Gunner intently.

  “Listen, son, you killed Victor. You killed one of the most powerful Alphas around. You knew going in there that there would be consequences. And now it’s time to face them.”

  “I’m not going to be Alpha of Victor’s clan even if he was my father. The only reason I walked into that house willingly was to get Claire. Killing him…” He shrugged. “He hurt Claire and attacked me. What else was I supposed to do?” The cold edge in his voice sent a chill through Claire. The man she loved sounded like a cold, calculated killer. Which, under the circumstances, she guessed he was. She swallowed hard, then realized it didn’t matter. She loved him anyway.

  “There’s something you didn’t know,” Malone went on, leaning back in his chair. “You’re not the only one who wanted Victor out of the picture.”

  Gunner sat forward, eyes locked on Malone. “You’re kidding? You mean them?” He jerked his thumb in the direction of the two strangers. “You’re telling me they wanted their own Alpha taken out?”

  “This is Levi and Crow. They’re part of Victor’s clan…your clan, Claire.” He threw her a pointed look. She had no idea who these men were, and it irritated her that Malone expected her to recognize them. The men shifted uneasily, an awkward silence spinning out before Levi coughed nervously. He took a step forward, almost colliding with the back of Malone’s chair.

  “It’s been…difficult…with Victor as Alpha. He’d become erratic, more violent over the past few months. Ever since…” Levi’s voice trailed off as he looked briefly at Claire before dropping his eyes.

  “Ever since you left Adrian at the altar.” Crow spoke over Levi's shoulder. His voice was sharp and he looked her directly in the eye as he said the words. “Sorry, but that’s the truth. Victor changed. Adrian went insane, or more insane, and Victor went off the deep end, too. He’d always been tough as an Alpha, but he’d been more or less fair. After…” Crow shrugged. “Everyone got hit, from his staff, his bodyguards, all the way down through the ranks. Someone even said he killed his wife, that she’s either dead, or locked in some room in the house.”

  Gunner turned to Claire, his eyes dark. He’d told her about the smell and she’d agreed that something was really wrong in that house. Maybe that was what they’d smelled. She shuddered, suddenly overcome with an image of herself as Adrian’s wife, beaten, left for dead, stuffed in a closet somewhere in the big house.

  “We’re not saying this was Claire’s fault. Whatever was wrong with them, with Adrian and Victor, it started long before that. But things went downhill pretty quickly from there.”

  “And that’s my problem?”

  Levi looked at Gunner and gave him a shrug. “Yeah, you’re in a tough spot. But we…the clan, that is…we’d accept you as Alpha. Hell, they’d probably accept you even if you weren’t family. You’re all we’ve got.”

  Gunner narrowed his eyes at the word family, sitting back in his chair, exhaling loudly. “How many times do I have to say I don’t want to be Alpha? Are you all deaf? And you’re not my family. I’m done with all of you.” He pushed himself away from the table, knocking over his chair. Claire jumped at the noise. Levi and Crow took a step back while Reece reached for Gunner’s arm, but Gunner shook him off. Everyone seemed to be in motion, talking at once, except Malone.

  “Gunner.” Malone’s commanding voice cut through the noise, and confusion. “Sit down.”

  Claire waited for some kind of outburst, but Gunner was silent, and he remained standing with his fists on his hips, breathing hard and glaring at everyone. She reached out to him, fingers brushing against his clenched fist. He flinched but his hand relaxed, not quite unclenching, but just enough to let her slip her fingers inside his.

  “You’ve set this in motion and I get where you’re coming from, that none of this was your idea and that you’re not happy with any of it.” Malone sat forward, resting his hands flat on the table. “You’ve been thrust in situations all your life, that weren’t your fault. Your father’s murder, getting passed around as a kid, trying to fit in with strangers, finally ending up with Reece at the shop.”

  Malone stood and took a step around the table. He set his index finger against Gunner’s chest. “You need to stop running, Gunner. You run when things get tough. It’s time to face the situation.”

  Malone held Gunner’s gaze. Levi and Crow exchanged nervous glances while Reece shifted in his chair.

  The two men stared at each other for a long time. Claire held her breath, waiting for something to break, for someone to give in. In the end, it was Gunner who made the first move. He blew out a small breath, some of the tension draining from his body. He dropped his eyes to the table. Malone stepped back.

  “You’ll do what’s right, Gunner. I know you will.” Without another word, he turned toward the door, Levi and Crow following. Reece rose slowly, suddenly looking old and tired. He walked around the table, coming close to Gunner, standing almost on the tops of Gunner’s boots, and set his big hand on Gunner’s shoulder. Gunner had no choice but to look into the man’s eyes.

  “Gunner, you know if I could, I’d change all this. But Malone is right. You…” Reece glanced down at Claire, his face softening for a moment. “Both of you need to think about what comes next. Malone’s right, you can’t run away from this. It’s too big. Promise me you won’t run this time.”

  “Yeah.” Gunner nodded. “It’s big and it’s all mine.” He managed a weak smile. “I promise I won’t run…we won’t run.” Gunner glanced down at Claire, squeezing her hand, and she nodded.

  Reece followed Malone, and the others out the door, closing it softly behind him. Gunner stood for a moment longer before he let go of her hand, then he reached down and set his chair upright. He dropped wearily into it, blowing out a long breath.

  “So much for happily ever after.” He stared at the table, tracing a scratch on the surface. “I really dragged you into some kind of hell here, didn’t I?”

  “Gunner, I’m the one who dragged you into this, not the other way around. You could have walked away at the beginning, and not helped me get away from Adrian.”

  The room suddenly seemed very bright, way too bright, especially for this conversation. Claire wanted to be in the dark, in Gunner’s bed next to him holding her close and safe, for whatever they had to say. She rose, holding out her hand. He looked at her, one eyebrow raised, then slowly reached out and took her hand.

  “What’s on your mind, Claire?” He gave her a lopsided smile.

  “I want to talk about this lying down.” She tugged him up from his chair. “Preferably naked.”

  That got a laugh from Gunner, and Claire thought that everything might be okay. Not great, not at first, but maybe okay.

  He followed her into the bedroom. The blinds were drawn, the room in shadow. She reached out, tugging the zipper down on his jeans.

  “You’re pretty determined to get your way, aren’t you?” Despite his words, he didn’t resist her efforts. He reached for her, grabbing the edge of her t-shirt. She stopped what she was doing long enough to let him pull the shirt over her head.

  He dropped the shirt to the floor. His jeans and then hers followed. In the soft light, she wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his chest. The touch of his hands on her back as he folded her into his arms was exactly what she wanted.

  She looked up at him, his face in shadow but his eyes bright. She stood on
tiptoe, kissing him softly.

  “Come on…” She took a step backward, pulling him with her, drawing him toward the bed.

  “I’d follow you anywhere, Claire.” She heard the smile in his voice.

  She climbed into the bed, Gunner sliding in beside her. “You know; we’re going to have to pick sides one of these days.” His voice was low in the dark.

  “Pick sides? Between Malone and Victor?” She frowned, pulling the blankets up.

  “No. I mean sides of the bed. We never talked about it, and if you have a preference…”

  “I don’t have a preference. And you’re trying to avoid the elephant in the room, Gunner.”

  He slid down in the bed, pulling her against him. “Yeah. I suppose I am.” His breath was warm against her cheek. His lips brushed against her neck, one hand caressing her hip. She squirmed against him, turning toward him.

  “Gunner…” His lips cut off her words, his kiss all-consuming. She kissed him back as one hand slid up her side, reaching up to cup one breast, his thumb sliding across her nipple. Heat blossomed deep inside, sweet and intense. For a moment she gave in, letting her body take control.

  “Gunner…” She broke the kiss, gently pushing him away. “You’re avoiding it again.”

  “The elephant…yeah. Okay.” They rearranged themselves in the bed, Claire resting her head on his shoulder, Gunner’s arm curled around her shoulder.

  “So…you think I should do it, become Alpha of Victor’s clan?”

  “I think you should think about it.”

  “Seriously? You’d want me to be the Alpha of the clan that almost got you killed?”

  “It wasn’t the clan that almost got me killed. It was Adrian…and Victor. And they’re gone now.”

  “You really think I can be an Alpha? That I have whatever I’m supposed to have to do that? To take care of a whole clan of tigers?” His voice changed, grew hesitant, and for the first time Claire heard a hint of doubt in Gunner’s voice. It almost broke her heart.

  “You’re smart, and brave, and fearless. Besides, you take care of me. I think taking care of a clan would probably be easier.”

  His laugh was a low rumble against her cheek. “Yeah, you’re a handful, alright. Not sure how I manage.” He leaned over, kissing her forehead. “And I love you. That makes a little bit of difference.”

  “You don’t have to do this alone, you know. You’ve got Malone, Reece…me. You’ve got clan mates in that clan who would be happy to have you as Alpha.” Gunner made a non-committal noise. “At least two of them want you.”

  He went quiet for a long time. She listened to his breathing, slow and steady, to his heartbeat against her skin. After a long time, he drew a deep breath, held it for a second, then blew it out. His body relaxed against hers.

  “Alright. I’ll call Malone, tell him I’ll…do the right thing, as he calls it.” The doubt was gone from his voice. “But not until tomorrow. I want whatever is left of today for us, not being an Alpha.”

  Claire propped herself up on one elbow, watching his face in the soft light. “It’s going to be okay, you know?” She rested one hand on his chest, right over his heart. “It’s both of us now. We’re in this together.”

  “Yeah, I know.” He took her hand, raising it to his lips and brushing a kiss across her knuckles. “If you weren’t here, I’d have run. Like I always have.”

  “If I wasn’t here…all this wouldn’t be happening. This mess is all because of me.” Something like guilt washed over her and she dropped her eyes, hot tears prickling her eyelids. She hated herself for feeling like this: it was Adrian and Victor, not her, that had caused all the problems. She sniffled, eyes traveling over the pattern of wrinkles on the sheets, anything to avoid looking at Gunner.

  He squeezed her hand. Then he squeezed it harder and she met his gaze. “You know what I mean, Claire.” The sharp planes of his face caught the light. He didn’t look relaxed, exactly, but she thought he looked relieved. “It’s not your fault. It’s just the way things got played.” He pulled her down, reaching up to caress her cheek.

  “It’s all been worth it. You’re worth it, Claire. Without you, I’d just be some lonely soul, working at Reece’s, leaving when things got tough, and crawling back when I got tired of living on the road.”

  Gunner sat up so abruptly she squeaked in surprise. She fell back on the bed, as he rose above her. His eyes were bright, almost glowing in the dark.

  “You’re it, Claire. You’re the center of my life, the most important thing in it. This Alpha crap…” He waved his hand. “I’m willing to give it a try. But if it gets between us…at all, in any way…I’m done. They can find someone else.”

  He leaned down, his mouth finding hers. Any words she had, any objections were lost in his kiss. She closed her eyes, his lips firm against hers, his tongue flicking against her mouth. She parted her lips, meeting him fully.

  The kiss deepened. There was a need Claire felt, echoed in Gunner’s kiss, something deep and primal, an overwhelming desire to come together, to take as well as give. She wanted him, his strength, his warmth, his protection. She was pretty sure Gunner wanted the same, and she’d do anything in her power to give it to him, body and soul.

  It wasn’t long before she was moaning against his mouth, her body responding to their kiss and to Gunner’s hands sliding over the sheets. He touched and rubbed her breasts, teasing her, tormenting her, the fabric between them sliding across her skin, over her sensitive nipples. A soft whimper rose from her throat and she nipped at his tongue with her teeth. Every movement, each touch, every caress, all of it sent waves of pleasure through her. It lit and fanned the fire deep in her belly. But she wanted more. She wanted hot skin against hot skin, her skin against Gunner’s, his body pressing her to the mattress. The whimper turned into a growl.

  Gunner slowly tugged the sheet from between their writhing bodies, exposing one full breast. The cool air hit her skin, goose bumps rising along her arms, her nipples pulling up hard and tight.

  Gunner’s hand moved up, grabbing her breast, his thumb sliding across the nipple. She jerked, electric jolts running through her body, shooting home deep inside her.

  She squirmed beneath him, her body taking on a life of its own, legs shifting beneath Gunner, hips rising against his hard thighs.

  With a growl of his own he reached down, sliding one arm beneath her thighs, shifting her body until he was between her legs. The kiss became all wet and sloppy, their tongues thrashing between their mouths. The soft mounds of her breasts were crushed against his chest, hard nipples rubbing against his smooth skin.

  With a savage thrust he took her and she arched against him, legs tangled by the sheet twisted around her ankle. Finally free, she wrapped her legs around Gunner’s body, her calves resting against his hips. He broke away from her, burying his face against her neck. His breath was hot against her skin, his lips and tongue and teeth brushing against her body.

  The feel of his body moving against hers and the muscles of his hips flexing beneath her legs was intoxicating. His hands were everywhere: grabbing her breast, pulling at her sensitive nipples, reaching down beneath her, cupping her ass.

  Everything spiraled upward, her body moving with Gunner’s in a dance that felt both new and familiar. Against her neck, he moaned as he drove himself into her, faster, harder, claiming her.

  With a final thrust he lifted his head, breath rasping from his throat, sounds she recognized breaking from his throat, sounds that sent her over the edge.

  She cried out, body arching up against him, meeting his solid weight, as he pinned her to the bed, his hips thrusting forward over and over, filling her with such an incredible heat that she thought she would melt into the bed.

  She went limp, the waves of pleasure crashing through her body slowly diminishing. Gunner held himself buried deep, shuddering against her body, his open mouth pressed against her shoulder.

  In the soft light they held each other for a long time, e
ach reluctant to let go of the other. Gunner finally raised his head. She caught the glint of his eyes.

  “That was pretty amazing.” His voice was soft, slightly rough around the edges, and still more than a little breathless.

  She smiled, her fingers tracing the contours of his. “Yeah. It was.” He shifted, rolling onto his side next to her. For a moment she felt weightless before his arm slid across her stomach, pulling her back to earth. “It’s never the same twice, you know?”

  There was a snort of laughter in the dark. “You mean not every time is earth-shattering? I’m going to have to work on my game in that case.”

  She wiggled against him. “No, not like that. Every time is wonderful. But sometimes…it’s just different. Different shades of wonderful.” She turned to him in the dark.

  “I love you, Gunner. I want you to know that no matter how this turns out, it’s not going to change how I feel about you.”

  He gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Thanks for that. I have no idea in hell how this is going to work. But I know I wouldn’t even be thinking about this Alpha thing if you weren’t here with me.”

  In the dark, he turned to her. “No more talk about Alphas, or clans, or any of that crap.”

  “What do you want to talk about?”

  “I don’t want to talk at all.” He leaned down, lips finding hers, delivering a searing kiss that left her breathless. “I want to see if I can give you another different kind of wonderful. Isn’t that what you called it?”

  “Different shades.”

  He was already moving over her, his hands touching the familiar places that made her quiver, lighting a fire deep inside. A fire she knew she would gladly let consume her completely.

  “Different shades,” he murmured the words against her cheek. “I can work with that.”

  In the dark, they came together again, and Claire knew in her heart that no matter what happened outside this little world of theirs, that here, with Gunner, everything would work itself out.