What This Wolf Wants(28)

It was all Jackie.

Finally able to suck in air, he let it out on a groan. Even bloody and bruised, his desire for Jackie kicked into high gear. His wolf was licking its chops and his battered body was heating, his heartbeat gathering speed. And damn if his cock didn’t start twitching in want. Fuck. Really not a good time.

Jaw clenched in anger, Jackie narrowed her eyes on his lips and must have read his silent curse. “Fuck indeed.” Her eyes drifted lower, taking in the blood seeping through his shirt. “Idiot. You’ve busted my stitches.” Her lips tightened in a fierce line. “I have half a mind to leave you here bleeding to death. It would serve you right for using your brawn rather than your brain. Yeah, I heard what Eddie said, but that didn’t mean you had to flip out and pound him into so much meat.”

He’d beg to differ. He had every right to rip Eddie a new one, and would do it again if the other shifter ever opened his mouth to disparage Jackie again.

Around him people set about righting the room and either removing or trying to waken the five men he’d dropped. Above him, Jackie was muttering, her hands fluttering over his chest. Her touch was electric, jolting sexual awareness to life. “What are you trying to prove? Never mind. I don’t care and don’t want to know. And Jeezus. Are you seriously sporting an erection?” The last was hissed out between clenched teeth.

Because her eyes appeared glued to the area in question, Zan’s body shot from semi-lust filled to a full-on craving instantly. He forgot her hurtful rejection, her silly reasoning. He only remembered how she felt in his arms, her taste on his lips. Drunk on her scent he grinned up at her. “Guess you just bring out the best in me.”

Her mouth dropped open and he zoomed in on the lush parted lips, imagining all the things he wanted to do with that mouth. Starting with a deep, hungry kiss and then moving down from there.

Jackie’s face flushed a deep red. “You seriously are...”

“An ass?” Zan interjected as he struggled to sit up. “Only around you it seems.” He winced on a deep breath and rubbed a hand over his bruised sternum. “Christ woman. You pack a serious kick. I don’t know if I should be full of awe or embarrassment.”

Jackie squatted next to him and shoved him down with a hand on his forehead, flat on his back once again. When she pushed his shirt up he couldn’t help saying, “changed your mind about us, have you?”

When she jerked her head up and glared, Zan clamped a hand over his mouth. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” he muttered under his palm. “Anytime you’re around I can’t seem to say the right thing.”

Her lips twitched, a dangerous sparkle gleamed in her eyes. “Oh. I think we can fix that. When I re-stitch this wound I can suture your mouth shut as well.”

Zan wanted to shout out with joy. Despite her words, she was playing with him. It was a first and he swore then and there it wouldn’t be the last. No matter what he had to do. He wouldn’t give up, wouldn’t give in to his wolf’s need for blood. He simply couldn’t not have Jackie in his life. That was unacceptable.

And as if his wolf agreed, the near rabid fury that had filled his beast only moments ago evaporated, only to leave the animal to stretch and roll in contentment, just from its mate’s presence.

A pair of scissors appeared out of nowhere and she carefully cut the bandages around his torso. Each time her cool hands traced his heated flesh to probe his ribs he had to bite back a groan at how wonderful she felt against his bare skin. He never dreamed he could miss someone’s touch so much. And so soon.

“Does that hurt?” She asked, concern crossing her features when he squeezed his eyes shut.

Ah. Now maybe he would get some sympathy. “Yeah. A bit.”

“Good.” She pressed harder and his head shot up off the ground.

“Ow! What the hell are you doing, woman?”

Her eyes rolled in a complete and total unsympathetic manner. “Quit being a baby. Despite your fun and games, it appears you’ve managed to avoid further damage to your ribs.”

As Jackie continued poking and prodding, Zan turned his head left to right. While he might enjoy being at Jackie’s mercy, he didn’t care at all for his current position. While his ears had finally stopped ringing and he could hear or scent any danger, he couldn’t see behind Jackie’s back. He wanted all his senses available and in working order where she was concerned. He was also wondering what happened to Joe and Scott.

“If you’re looking for your boys,” Jackie said conversationally, “they’re out in the bar speaking with Dean.”