Finding Ryder

CHAPTER 16

NOTE: This chapter is about to get spicy. You have been warned.

A short swim, a steep climb, a quick run.  After a rollercoaster day, the journey to the cabin was completely uneventful. A short reprieve from the goddess. Staring at the hard oak door of my new home I only hear the pounding of my broken heart. Its beat strong, unlike its condition.

We shifted to our wolves as soon as our feet felt the soft sand under them. The beasts are  less affected by the heat than our skin side. I didn't expect this. I never expected any of this.

Walking inside the cottage is simple, utilitarian. At least three dozen of them are built on our land. Secluded enough from the main settlement not to attract attention from unmated males.

The heat is hard on the female, and without relief, it can burn out her reproductive organs. Without the help of her mate the female risks her life, her fertility, future, with each heat.

A female can spend her whole life never knowing the pain nor pleasure of heat. If she doesn't meet her mate, the heat doesn't come. It is a physiological process ignited by the bond between mates. When mates meet, the bond is explosive. Unimaginable connection binding the bodies and souls into one. Once the bond snaps in place the heat can come at  any time. Days, weeks, sometimes a month or longer, when the heat cycle is activated,  signaling reproductive organs are ripe to conceive. Breeding should be sacred.  Intimacy grows, mates yearn for each other. Through the bond, through their bodies. Creating life that binds their futures.

For me it may mean death.

My body temperature is elevating. I feel it with each inhale.  Light sheen of sweat gathers on my nose, the brow. My scent is stronger already. It is happening too fast, I think. Inside the cabin everything is as it should be. My mother's clothes are still in the clothes chest, quickly I make use of a loose cotton dress.

Evan waits outside. Looking around I take a quick inventory of the place. Canned fruits and vegetables line the pantry, spices, sauces, and some grains. The fridge is empty, as is the freezer. I will need fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat. Lots of meat.

Taking a deep breath, I close the fridge door and head back outside.

"Ooohh!" I am shocked to see Evan's skin, when expecting the wolf.

Eyes stare back devouring. I have seen this look in males. None had dared look at me with eyes full of hunger, want. I should hate it,

I don't. It is jarring. Different. 

 He is beautiful in his maleness. Strong thick thighs braced apart. Cock erect, thick and long. Oozing seed that smells of relief. He can't give me a future but he can make the pain subside. Shoulders wide, chiseled chest. A strong stomach, ripped in ridges of building blocks, framed by the perfect V of masculinity. I have never noticed a male like this before. 

Heat is growing.

I grab hold of the doorframe, sinking my claws into the wood. Finding purchase and stability. Throbbing desire, low in my belly stirs, raises the heat of my skin.

"Evan, what are you doing?" I ask. Voice lower, softer then I knew I could utter floats between us.

He stares at me. Unblinking.  Pupils blown, raw power emanating from his shaking skin. There is a wildness in him right now. Something I have not seen before stares back at me. Wild, primitive, he is virile. 

Male.

I watch his chest expand. He inhales deeply, taking the scent of me inside him. I shiver, everywhere. A need is building low in my belly. Lower, I feel slick.