Chapter Eleven
Warrick paced the front porch, his hands fisting and unfisting at his sides. His whole body was taut with worry for Sienna. For the intensity of questioning Quinton no doubt was bestowing on her right now. Shit, she would probably be a freaking mess when she came back.
He wanted to be there with her, to shield her from the brunt of the verbal attack she was no doubt undergoing. But dammit, it needed to be done. She wouldn’t confess to him, but she’d crack under Quinton’s scrutiny. They all did eventually.
“Shit.” Casting another glance into the woods, he shook his head when she showed no sign of appearing.
He needed to do something. Distract himself. His muscles itched and the wolf within him screamed to run free. His brows drew together and he grunted. Now there was an idea. A good run would calm him down a bit and appease the wolf.
Wiping another bead of sweat off his forehead, he cursed the damn humidity and heat. Maybe a run and then a swim.
Decision made, Warrick pulled off his T-shirt, dropping it onto the porch and then shucked his shorts a moment later. With a low growl, he jumped from the porch and tore off into the woods, heading toward the river.
The transition happened rapidly. His muscles and bones twisting in a mild burn that was so chronic to shifting he barely noticed it anymore. Black fur covered his skin and a moment later the shift was complete. He fell onto all four legs, howling his frustration as he tore through the trees.
Even though it was still early in the day, the summer sun showed its heat. With the tension in his body easing from exertion, Warrick followed the sound of the river. He broke from the trees and made his way out onto the rock-laden river’s edge.
The rushing water slowed at this location, making it not nearly as dangerous to cross or swim. The curve of the river and isolation from other property made it almost a secluded bath. One he intended to indulge in, being that it was so damn hot.
He padded slowly into the shallows, letting the coolness bathe his paws and his legs.
He’d just lowered his head for a drink, when the sound of a twig snapping stilled him. Warrick slowly lifted his head again and scanned the forest, a growl of warning building low in his throat.
There was no one at first glance, but someone was there. He inhaled deeply to pick up the scent and the fight left him.
Sienna was nearby. Watching. It was amazing he hadn’t picked up her presence moments ago. But he’d been blinded by frustration and the need to run.
Warrick padded from the water, swim forgotten, and allowed himself to transform back to human.
“You can come out, Sienna. I know you’re there.”
Another twig snapped, before she stepped from the trees. Eyes wide and hands clenched in front of her, her gaze swept over him. He felt no embarrassment or shame in his nudity, but instead a surge of confidence at the feminine awareness in her eyes.
“It’s such a beautiful thing,” she said softly. “When you shift. You’re beautiful, Warrick.”
Was she referring to him in wolf form? Or human? Either way, beautiful was an interesting word choice. His lips twitched and he allowed himself the equal opportunity to run his gaze over her. She didn’t look the least bit traumatized or ruffled by her interview with Quinton. If anything she looked mildly irritated, and once more entirely too sexy.
He should ask her how the questioning went. Or escort her back to the house. Instead he walked slowly toward her, until their bodies almost touched, and slid a hand up to tangle in the softness of her hair.
Her lips parted on a sigh and her gaze—full of trust and desire—sought his.
Sienna was the only female in a safe house full of men. And by the way the other agents had been watching her this morning, Warrick knew they had to be feeling the strain of it.
The way she looked at him now, combined with what had happened last night, sent a rush of pleasure and possessiveness through him.
Need her.
With a tug of the silken strands, he pulled her head back, angling her mouth up toward his, before crushing his lips down on hers.
Want her.
She molded herself against him, making a soft moan of pleasure as he teased her and tasted her. Sliding his tongue against hers in a slow rub that had his blood pounding and his cock rising.
Oh God how he wanted her. Wanted to ease her to the ground and take her. Hear the sound of her pleasure echoing in the forest. But he couldn’t. Dammit, he couldn’t. He needed to remember what jacked-up circumstances had brought Sienna back into his life in the first place.
With one last seductive nibble on her bottom lip, he lifted his head with a sigh. Her eyes remained closed, lips parted and moist, and her face was flushed with pleasure.
“Don’t stop this time,” she pleaded huskily.