The Keeping(95)

Slowly, he picked up the pace and Melody met him stroke for stroke. He went harder and deeper, his balls hitting against her bottom, her panting cries urging him onward. Sensation built within him, a tightening in the base of his shaft, a growing tingle. Knowing he couldn’t last much longer, he moved with even greater determination, the couch creaking with every thrust.

“Oh, oh...!” Melody stiffened, her limbs began to tremble, and then her back arched as her body clenched around him.

As her orgasm ripped through her, he allowed himself his own release. Grunting in pleasure, he twitched inside her, spilling his seed before collapsing on top of her.





Chapter 25





For a moment they both lay still, appreciating the aftermath of great sex. Heavy limbs, a pleasantly relaxed feeling, a sheen of sweat helping to cool overheated bodies. Ryne reluctantly shifted his weight, pulling himself away from the sated woman beneath him. Resting on his side, pressed against the back of the sofa, he stared down at his companion. Melody had her eyes closed, a happy smile curving her lips.

He felt his own mouth forming a similar expression. Contentment filled him and his wolf. Good. This is how it will be from now on, the animal inside murmured. No more talk of sending her away.

No sooner had the thought passed through his mind, than he swore. Damn! He had no business smiling at the likes of Melody Greene. Whether innocent or not, he’d come here with the express intention of severing all connections with the woman. Instead he’d ended up having sex. What the hell was wrong with him? Was he ruled by his brain or his instincts?

Melody stirred and of its own volition, his hand reached out to gently brush damp curls from her forehead. Slowly she opened her eyes and stared up at him. He bit back a gasp at the tender emotions evident in her eyes. She smiled up at him, then mimicked his movement, brushing his hair from his forehead before curving her hand to cup his cheek. He leaned into her caress for but a moment before hardening his resolve and pulling away with a frown. Melody opened her mouth as if to speak, then froze. The happiness drained from her expression and her hand fell to her side.

Ryne knew he was the cause of her abrupt mood change yet couldn’t bring himself to remove the scowl from his face. This was all wrong; himself and Melody, his wolf, the Keeping, new pack members. He shook his head. There was no equation that could make them work together and so he scowled both in anger and frustration at the hand fate had dealt.

“Oh crap! You’re doing it again.” With surprising speed, she slid away from him, half falling onto the floor before catching herself and stumbling to her feet. She looked around and snatched up her clothes, turning her back to him while she quickly dressed, all the while hurling accusations over her shoulder.

“What is wrong with you? What kind of a man glares at someone he’s just had sex with? And don’t tell me that it wasn’t any good, because I know you got off!”

Ryne stood as well, saying nothing to defend himself, nor offering a kind word to relieve her emotions. He reached for his pants, slowly pulling them on. Idly he noted that his nudity didn’t bother him as much as her own obviously did. As her body disappeared from sight under layers of clothing, he wanted to protest, but didn’t. It was better this way. He wouldn’t concentrate properly if her delectable body was before him.

Once she was dressed, she turned to face him, arms crossed in a defensive gesture. “What are you? Some kind of Jekyll and Hyde?” She gave a brief, dark laugh. “Do you enjoy messing with my mind this way? One minute you’re so nice and the next you’re scowling like I’m a mass murderer or something. Which is it, Ryne?” When he didn’t answer, her eyes started to cloud with tears. “Do you even care a bit about me or am I just conveniently available when you want sex?”

A wave of guilt washed over him as he saw the hurt in her eyes. He didn’t enjoy treating women this way. Hell, he never treated them this way. He loved women; the way they looked and talked, the quirky way their brains worked, the scent and feel of them... Sure, he wasn’t always a roses and pretty words kind of guy, but he had his own code of chivalry towards the fairer sex and it didn’t include blowing hot and cold like this.

“Melody, I—” He stopped not sure what to say. Could he tell her that his inner wolf lusted after her, but because she might be the catalyst that brought about the destruction of his pack, he had to push her away? Not likely. Thankfully, she didn’t notice his hesitation.

“Never mind. Whatever you have to say, I wouldn’t believe anyway. After all, you can’t even give me an honest answer about a dog!”