It howled at the feel of her hot, wet body wrapped around his. And as always, it gave his magical powers a surge. Sex always charged his species, making them stronger.
More dangerous.
She covered his hand with hers. The sight of her spread out while he thrust into her made his heart pound even harder. His powers shivered through his body, sparking and dancing until he was raw from it.
Bride couldn't breathe from the intensity of her pleasure. This was the most incredible encounter of her life. He was so thick and hard inside her. So commanding. And oddly enough, he felt as if he were getting bigger. He filled her to capacity, but it wasn't uncomfortable in the least.
And when she came this time, it was even more forceful than the last. She screamed out with such satisfaction that it made her hoarse. Weak. Her body shook uncontrollably as he continued to give her even more.
"That's it, baby," he whispered to her. "Come for me."
And she did. In a way she had never orgasmed before. It was so primal and powerful she wasn't even sure how she survived it. Oh mercy! How could anything feel so wonderful?
Every stroke he continued to give her only made her orgasm more. Made her entire body sensitive. This had to be the longest climax of her life!
Vane kept a tight grip on her as he felt his own pleasure mounting. He quickened his strokes as he neared the peak.
Bride turned her face into his and laid the sweetest kiss imaginable on his lips. It sent him careening over the edge.
He wrapped her in his arms as he released himself deep inside her body. Unlike a human, he wouldn't be finished quickly with this. His orgasm would last for several minutes.
Holding her tight, he used his powers to heighten her pleasure and to hide the time he stayed inside her while his body spent itself. He leaned his head against her neck and just reveled in her scent. Reveled in her.
He buried himself deep, then gently rocked her in his arms while he let his release and an unfounded sense of peace and comfort wash through him.
Vane couldn't take his eyes off Bride as his body finally relaxed. Slowly. Peacefully.
He held her in his lap and watched the slight smile that still hovered on the edges of her lips. This woman was a goddess. Pure and simple. Lush and full, she was everything a man could ever desire.
"That was incredible," she breathed, reaching up to run her fingers along his jaw.
"Yes, it was," he breathed gently, still amazed at what he had felt inside a human female.
Maybe Acheron had been right after all. Maybe there was more human in him than he thought. It was the only reason he could think of for why he felt the way he did right now.
A phone rang from outside the dressing room.
She jumped in his arms, then checked her wristwatch. "Oh no," she breathed. "That's probably Tabitha. I'm supposed to meet her and her sister for dinner tonight."
Vane sighed. For some reason he couldn't name, he didn't want to let her go. Didn't want her to leave his side.
If she were one of his people, she wouldn't even think about leaving until dawn.
But she wasn't.
And wanting to stay here was crazy. He was a wolf under a death sentence and she was a human.
What they had shared had been exceptional, but it was time he put her out of his thoughts.
Forever.
Kissing her cheek, he withdrew from her and got up to dress.
Bride felt a bit awkward as Vane handed her her clothes. He didn't ask her for her number or for anything else as he pulled on his pants and boots.
Did he regret what they had done?
She wanted to ask him for his number, but her pride wouldn't let her. Maybe she was being stupid, but given Taylor's actions she didn't want to risk another dent to her ego tonight.
Vane buttoned her dress, then pulled his shirt on over his head. "Is your car nearby?" he asked.
"It's parked in the back, but I was just going to walk over to the restaurant. It's only a few blocks away."
He brushed her hair with his fingers. There was an air of sudden sadness to him. "Would you like me walk with you?"
She nodded.
He held the curtain open for her. She ducked out and turned to watch while he tucked his T-shirt into his jeans. He raked his hand through his hair to settle it back into place.
All the playfulness was gone from him now. There was something almost predatorial about him.
He went to wait outside while she set the alarm and locked the door.
She felt even more awkward as she straightened to smile at him outside her store. The air was a bit chilly, but he didn't seem to notice. He draped an arm around her shoulders as they headed toward Tabitha's favorite restaurant, Acme Oyster House.
They didn't speak while they walked. Bride wanted to, but what did a woman say to a guy who had just given her the best sex of her life?
A guy she didn't know.
A guy she would most likely never see again.