Scent : Animal Senses Series Book 2

Chapter 37

37

He could hear water running. Leaning against the door, her scent enveloped him and his legs almost gave out, the heat was back. "Honey, open the door." He tried to keep the growl out of his voice, but his cat was raging. Biting his lip, he focused on controlling his animal. They had to be careful or be rejected. That got his attention.

"I-I'm f-fine, Gage."

He scowled at the door. Why did she sound like she was shivering? Christ, she wasn't... "Kelsey, sitting in cold water isn't going to help you." He fought to keep his voice soft and gentle, even though he wanted to roar. Does my cat even roar? Shaking his head, he leaned his head against the door. How did he get her to open the door without scaring her? When he realized, he felt like a dumbass. "Baby, we're alone, open the door."

There was splashing on the other side, he waited. The door opened a crack and she looked out at him. "Where are Rayne and Devin?"

Placing a hand on the door, he gently pushed it open. "They went for a long walk. I think they wanted to be alone." His heart jerked in his chest when the door opened to reveal her tear-stained face as she stood wrapped in a towel, shivering. "Christ, Kelsey. What were you trying to do?"

She shook her head. "I didn't want anyone to see me like this."

"You should have called me." He gripped the door frame rather than grab for her; she looked like she was going to bolt, despite their talk earlier. Knowing how scarey it could be for a woman in her first few cycles, he stood quietly blocking the door, fighting to not make any sudden movements that would scare her more. "Kels, you need me..." He watched a tear roll down her cheek. "Nothing is more important than you are to me."

She nodded, but still didn't move.

"Let me kiss you," he coaxed softly, "let me touch you and help you." He tightened his grip on the doorframe, wanting nothing more than to grab her and sweep her into his arms. "Come here," he whispered. "It's not mating, baby; it's letting me help you." When she nodded and took a hesitant step toward him, he squeezed the wooden frame harder. He didn't know what else to say to ease her fears.

It took every ounce of restraint to control his cat when her hand touched his waist and slowly slid up his chest. Breathing her scent in, his whole body tightened. She pushed her nose into his chest and took deep breaths. That's it; let your instincts take over. Please. Using both of her hands now, she shoved his shirt up and rubbed her cheek against his chest. Christ. Gage flexed his hands and felt the wood of the door frame give into the pressure he exerted.

When she licked across his pec, he released the frame and ripped the shirt from his body. His cat was vibrating inside him, just like he was from the tension and need this woman created. He moved his hand slowly up her arm and across her shoulder, until he was able to cup her head. She lifted her mouth from his skin and looked up at him. The need in her eyes undid his resolve.

Grasping her hair, he reached to pull her tight into his body as his lips crashed down on hers. Her mouth assaulted his in return. Tearing his mouth from hers, he captured her gaze, "Let me take you upstairs." She nodded, her hands moving all over his chest like she couldn't bear to not feel him.

He pulled the towel free from her body and lifted her up. "Wrap your legs around me." He hissed out a breath he hadn't realized he held when her hot flesh melded with his. He tried to keep his balance and focus as her legs squeezed the breath out of him, her teeth blazing a trail across his shoulder and neck. When she bit his neck, he had to stop and brace himself against the wall half way up the stairs. Christ, yeah.