A few blocks later, Elsa led Leif to a building as tall as the trees in Denwulf and took up an entire city block. Looking up, Leif strained to see the top and couldn’t. He realized he’d seen it as they approached but hadn’t believed what he was seeing because the hazy mist obscured everything above. The dwelling she lived in was bigger than any structure he’d ever witnessed.
Elsa glanced back at him as she pressed in a code before the door slid open. Once inside, it took Leif time to process all he was seeing. Her gait was stiff, brisk as she crossed the dimly lit interior to press a button on a wall next to two more doors. One slid open with a creak to reveal a tiny room. An
elevator
. Leif had heard Brandwulfr’s mate speak of such but hadn’t really thought to see one. Elsa pressed a button for the twenty-first floor, and Leif had to steady himself as the thing lurch upward.
When she exited, Leif snagged her hand again, lacing his fingers through hers. A fine shiver ran through her, making her tremble against his skin. She didn’t let go. Stopping at a door halfway down the hall, Elsa turned to look up at him.
“This is me.” She smiled. “I’m sorry I can’t invite you in, but my children…”
Leif tilted his head slightly, scenting the air for her young ones. “One is asleep; the other is moving about inside your rooms.”
Smiling fondly, Elsa explained, “Jaccob won’t go to bed until I get home, no matter how much I tell him he needs rest for school.”
Impressed, Leif canted his head once. “Sounds like a responsible child. Looking out for his mother.”
“He’s a good boy. I think he worries something will happen to me. They lost both parents in the space of a few weeks. It has to be stressing for them when I’m out of their sight.”
They looked at each other, neither moving. When Elsa’s lips parted, Leif was helpless to do anything other than kiss her. Silky-smooth lips met his tentatively, quivering slightly under him. His wolf nature wanted to master her, kiss her into submission, but she wasn’t resisting.
Then, finally, with a whimper, Elsa slid her hands to his chest, her fingers curling, clutching at him through his shirt. Opening her mouth slightly, she gasped. Leif licked at her lips, coaxing her response, needing to demonstrate the pleasure he intended to give her.
His entire life, Leif had wondered what it would be like to have someone to share his life with. Not to unburden himself or to share his responsibilities to his people with, but to have a partner to provide input when he needed it. Someone to provide another idea on how to handle important decisions. His parents had that. He couldn’t help feeling he was missing something very important by not having a mate to help him, but had refused to take just anyone. He’d wanted the love and affection his parents so obviously enjoyed. Just the thought of having this luscious, passionate female in his bed every night made him want to shout to the heavens in thanks that he’d found her.
As he licked her lips, Leif groaned at the taste of her. Would he ever get enough of this? Of tasting her? Would her sex taste as sweet? He could scent her arousal already. Faint, but growing stronger. Gods! How he longed to find out! When her little tongue darted out to shyly lick his own, Leif cupped her face in both hands and deepened the kiss, taking her mouth more aggressively. Again, she shuddered, her own tongue lapping at his tongue and lips.
A muffled thump from inside her dwelling made him growl. No matter what he wanted, now wasn’t the time. They were exposed, likely watched from any of the dozens of other dwellings next to hers.
With a groan, Leif ended the kiss, feathering his lips over her face and eyelids until he rested his forehead against hers.
“I have to go inside,” she whispered.
“I know. I will find you tomorrow.”
She paused, seeming to consider his words. “Maybe this isn’t a good idea,” she finally said. “I couldn’t possibly be what you really want, and there are plenty of women out there better fitting your station.”
A brief flutter of annoyance rushed through Leif. When she nibbled her lip and turned her face away, he knew she’d seen his disapproval clearly.
“
Kona
, I’m not a man to waste time on something or someone I don’t want. There are too many responsibilities for me to ever do that. I don’t do dalliances with women. Ever.”
“But you don’t even know me.
I
don’t know
you
.”
“No,” he said simply. “But I will calm your fears about me. My kind believe there is one person in our lives whom we can be most contented with. I knew when I first caught your scent you were that person for me.” Before she could say anything, Leif continued. “You’re not of our species, so I know this isn’t something you can readily accept. If you were of my world, you’d feel the same pull toward me. As it is, I know I have to prove myself. Know that no man could do so more willingly or happily.”
“Wow,” she responded, looking up at him with awe and confusion. “I suppose I should give you a sporting chance then.”
Leif grinned down at her. “Of course you should. Plan on seeing me tomorrow. Show me your favorite places in the city. Simply be with me for one day. Can you do that?”
“But my job! I can’t simply throw away my only means of income.
It’s
how I provide for my children.”
“If you’ll give me a chance, you won’t
need
that job. I’ll take you and your children under my protection and give you all the luxuries in life my station provides. I swear to you, Elsa. Give this to me. Trust in me and you’ll never regret it.”
***
Oh, God!
Elsa had never had anything so erotic happen to her in her life as Leif’s kiss. Maybe that was why she’d agreed to spend the day with him tomorrow. After closing the door, she stood there with her back against it feeling like Leif had just branded her as his. Heart racing, breathing ragged, it was all she could do to fumble with the lock and find her son before he got nervous and came looking for who had entered the apartment.
“Mom? That you?”
Right on time. Elsa couldn’t help but smile. “Sure is, sweetie. How was school?”
The tall, stocky, blond-headed kid shrugged as he rounded the corner and into her arms for a hug. “OK, I guess. Did you get to bring home leftovers?” Jaccob always loved to snack on anything she was able to snag on her way out, which happened frequently.
“Not this time, baby. You need help with homework?”
“No. My teacher said there wouldn’t be any more stuff for me this year. They’re moving me to the accelerated section.”
“Accelerated?”
“Yeah,” her son said, seeming unconcerned. “She said I’d do really
good
there because I was big and strong.”
“But they were looking at putting you in trade school.”
Jaccob shrugged. “I think I didn’t do so
good
in testing that day I was sick.”
“Accelerated” was simply a term for “absolutely necessary.” Any students moved there were going to either military or labor. Neither was what she’d wanted for her son. Both offered nothing but a hard life and an early death.
“Did you ask to retake the test?”
“Yeah, but she said it wouldn’t matter much. I couldn’t score high enough no matter what I did.”
As high as Elsa had been from her encounter with and all the promises from Leif, this was like a kick to her teeth. Unbidden, her mind seized on all the imagined luxuries Leif promised. Could it mean that, if she accepted whatever he offered, she could keep Jaccob safe? Yet something else to consider in this. And the very last thing she wanted to do was offer herself up to a man again assuming he’d take care of everything because of his pretty words and promises. The last time she’d done that it hadn’t worked out so well.
“I want you and Surriah to stay home tomorrow.” She had to think about how to handle this. “Don’t leave the apartment for any reason, and don’t make any noise. Don’t answer the phone or the door if they come looking for you. I’ll call and tell them you both ate something tonight that made you sick and you won’t be at school.”
“Mom?” The boy had always been perceptive. He could likely hear the worry in her voice.
She smiled. “Consider it a free day.”
Again, the child shrugged. “Sounds like a plan. Can I stay up late tonight?”
“Sure thing, sweetie,” she answered with a smile, giving the boy another hard hug. “Just use your earphones if you watch TV.”
As she watched her son go to the couch, a nearly overwhelming desperation welled up inside her. She had to let Leif know about this going in. The last thing she wanted to do was have him thinking she’d deceived him. She’d give him the chance he’d asked for, but she’d let him know it was as much for her children as it was for herself.
As promised, Leif got her out of work. Elsa received a call from the chancellor’s domestic overseer that she would be attending the wolf king for the rest of his stay. Clever wolf had not only secured her day with him, but had assured she was being paid for it as well. Had she not been distraught over the development with Jaccob, she would have laughed.
Dressing for a day in the city, Elsa took care with her appearance, needing to impress the wolf. He was offering her quite a lot when she had nothing for him but herself. If that was all she had, she figured she’d better make it worth his time lest he lose interest in her before getting her and her children out of Skyward Home.
Her nicest pair of slacks hugged her hips and butt in what she knew created a fetching view. A backless top with three-quarter-length sleeves and a beaded scoop neckline completed her understated but, she hoped, sexy look. The top was held together in the back by a simple string tied into a bow that swung low on her back between the dimples just above her waistline. It had been years since she’d worn the outfit, but it seemed appropriate. A pair of strappy sandals with small inlaid gems over them completed her outfit. Yes. Nice, but not overtly sexy.
She was just wondering what to do next—Leif hadn’t given her instructions on where to meet him—when there was a knock at the door. Glancing at her still-sleeping children, she snagged her purse and checked her appearance one last time.
“Ms. Throne?” The large man at her door could have looked menacing, but she was oddly reassured by his presence.
Canting her head she said, “And you are?”
“Jorak. I lead the king’s guard in the Guardian’s absence. I’ve come to bring you to the embassy and King Leif.”
“I can make it to the embassy myself. But thanks.”
The big man grinned. He was even taller than Leif with big brawny arms he now crossed over a wide chest. “I’m sure you can, but I have no intention of letting you.”
“Look,” she said, glancing around the empty hall, lowering her voice. “I know you don’t know me and have no reason to do anything I ask you to, but I need your help with something.”
“Why do I have a feeling I’m about to be bullied by the king’s woman?” He sighed, shaking his head in that way men could when they knew they were about to do something they didn’t want to do. He looked anything but put out. In fact, the big wolf looked amused.
“I need you to stay here with my children,” she said. “Just don’t let anyone take them from here.”
All seriousness now, Jorak asked, “You’re expecting trouble?”
“I don’t know. It’s a long story. Will you do this for me?”
Jorak cocked his head, seeming to think about it. “I will. I have men outside the building waiting for us. They can take you to the king.”
Elsa was surprised at how relieved she was. “Thank you, Jorak. I appreciate this.”
“You can trust me to see them safe.”
Once Jorak had escorted her outside the building and introduced her to the two men assigned to escort her to Leif, she turned back to Jorak. “Thank you again,” she said. “My children mean more to me than anything.”
“I understand.” Strangely, she thought he might. “I also suspect you might be taking the king’s proposal.” Jorak’s face turned hard in an instant. “Make sure he knows why.”
“I have no intention of doing otherwise.”
The ride to the embassy was nerve-racking for Elsa. She was equal parts excited and nervous. How exactly would she tell Leif her dilemma? How would he react? He knew about her children, but would he still agree to take them all away from here knowing she was doing this solely for them? Would he have the ego of a king as well as the title?
Trepidation filled her as they entered the stately building. It was fashioned much like the ancient Greek architecture favored by the American government before the collapse. Hell, the thing might have actually been one of those buildings. Once inside, Leif greeted her with a warm smile, taking both her hands in his and kissing her palms.
“We need to talk,” Elsa began. “Is there someplace private we can go?”
“Absolutely.”
Leif’s mien turned serious as he led her to the gardened rotunda in the center of the building. It was open air, allowing the sun or rain to enter. Flowers and trees grew in abundance while winding dirt paths lead to a shallow pool in the center. In essence, it was a reminder of what this place had been like before the wars and devastation that forced everyone skyward and away from parts of the Earth that were still dangerous to any living thing. Never had she seen anything so breathtaking. Vaguely, she wondered if all government buildings had such an area. This building wasn’t a place normally occupied by Leif’s people. It was government owned for visiting dignitaries. A very upscale hotel of sorts.
“This is stunning,” she murmured, awestruck at the sight.
“It is,” he agreed, but when she looked at him, those emerald eyes were fixed squarely on her.
Ducking her head, she cleared her throat. “Something’s happened,” she began, wanting to get this out of the way. But before she could continue, Leif threaded his fingers through her loosely flowing hair, cupping her head as he lowered his head to claim her mouth.
God, should any one man be allowed to kiss like this? Elsa couldn’t resist, no matter hard she tried. The pleasure he gave her with just the pressure of his lips on hers was enough to drive sane thoughts from her head. His tongue licked at the seam of her lips. When she didn’t open fast enough, he nipped her bottom lip only to immediately rasp his tongue over the ache. When she gasped, Leif took full advantage, plunging inside her mouth.
There was no fighting him. Yes, there were pressing matters to discuss, but he would listen to her. She knew this. And, God, she loved what he was doing to her! Nothing had ever felt so good. And he hadn’t touched her yet. Not intimately. He’d held her hand, cupped her face, kissed her like there was no tomorrow, and Elsa was more turned on than she’d ever been in her life. Sex had never been this enjoyable, to say nothing of the foreplay. If they ever got down to the business of making love, Elsa knew this man would see to it she found more pleasure in his arms than any woman had a right to.
One hand slid from her cheek to her neck, feathering a caress there before continuing down to her waist, then around to her bare back. When he met bared flesh there, he tensed, releasing her head as he pulled away. His other hand joined the first and he groaned as he buried his face in her neck.
“By all the gods, woman, what are you trying to do to me?” His low growl was enough to send butterflies winging in her stomach. Had she ever
needed
this much?
“Leif,” she whimpered as she tugged him back to her mouth, meeting his hunger with her own. Never had the act of kissing a man brought so much feeling, so much pleasure. But this man consumed her with his kisses. There were things she needed to tell him, important things they needed to discuss. Yet once he’d started kissing her, Elsa never wanted it to end.
Trailing his lips from her mouth to her cheek and down her neck, Leif lingered over every inch of her skin, inhaling deeply as he kissed, licked, and suckled softly. “Love your taste,” he said, his voice breaking low. “Your scent. Divine…”
“I—Leif. Please.” Elsa pushed at his chest, albeit weakly.
With a growl, Leif went back to her lips, taking her once more before ending the kiss with slow, leisurely licks. He pulled back, but only to stare at her mouth as if with fascination and desperate longing. Brows drawn in disappointment, he looked like she’d just taken away his favorite toy.
“I’d say I’m sorry, but I never want to lie to you,
kona
. Especially not about this.”
“I’m not sorry either,” she said, smiling up at him. “But I don’t want to lie to you either. I want this. Want
you
. Badly,” she admitted. “It’s just that something’s happened you need to know. If we do this, we do it with everything up front.”
“This sounds serious,” he said between nips at her neck and ear. “Maybe we need to sit down.” He sounded like he was fine standing there with her in his arms. She might have managed to put a little distance between them but he still stroked his fingers up and down her bare back, tracing her spine. He seemed to be gauging her every reaction to his touch. Learning as he petted her.
With more willpower than she realized she had, Elsa pulled away, going to a bench that overlooked the picturesque pond. Leif didn’t release her, keeping an arm around her shoulders as he sat beside her. Seeming unable to stop himself from nuzzling her hair and ear, Leif rubbed his face against her skin, the rough stubble of his cheek abrading deliciously. Never before had Elsa wanted to simply surrender to the pleasure given her by another. Always, she’d been on her guard, not feeling the security she felt now. She had to make sure this man was willing to get her children to safety, but she had the distinctive feeling he’d do whatever she asked. Which made wanting to surrender to him all the easier.
“What’s on your mind,
kona
?”
Clearing her throat, nervous beyond belief, lingering desire making it that much worse, Elsa told him everything. All the while, she wondered how he’d react. If he blew her off, if he didn’t promise to keep her children safe until he could take them all back to his home, she wasn’t sure how she’d feel. There was every possibility she’d be crushed. Considering she didn’t even know this man, she figured she’d already lost her mind, so what would it hurt to lay it all out there for him? Besides, this would give her the best chance to see what kind of a man he really was. To see how he’d treat her once he took her away from everything she’d ever known.
***
Leif listened patiently to Elsa’s story. Her son had been chosen for a shit life, and she would do anything in her power to keep him safe. She feared they’d want her daughter to follow her son. Neither of which was acceptable to Elsa. Bottom line was Leif would do whatever he had to in order to protect her children if it made her come with him. Trust him.
“Consider it done,
kona
,” he told her without hesitation. “You left them in Jorak’s care for now. I’ll make certain they always have someone watching out for them until we’re away from this place.”
“Really?” She let out a relieved breath, looking surprised, but definitely pleased. “I don’t expect you to, like, accept them as your own or anything, but you will be kind to them. Right? They’ll have every opportunity to thrive in your world, won’t they? You don’t have to give them anything—just let them have the chance to be productive members of society and be happy in their lives.”
“Of course! Our society protects our young ruthlessly. They will be treated with the same respect and kindness any of our children would receive. Besides, if it means you come with me willingly, I’ll do anything I have to. What you’re asking is no burden whatsoever.”
“Then I’d really like to see where this goes. I promise to give you a fair shot. If you’re as serious as you’ve explained, I have no doubt you’ll do everything you can to make me happy.”
Heart pounding, it was all Leif could do not to howl with joy. Everything inside him demanded he do everything in his power to make this woman his. She’d just given him that opportunity. Gods knew there was no way he’d ever let her down.
“If that’s the case, then I mean to take more than a kiss, Elsa. But only if you feel the same pull to me I have for you.” Did his voice sound husky? He was definitely in a bad way for her. Elsa was the most exquisite female he’d ever beheld. The fates had at least gotten that part right. There was nothing about her physically he’d change if given the chance. The rest remained to be seen, but he was usually a good judge of character. The mere fact that she’d told him upfront her terms for staying with him said much. Besides, what she-wolf wouldn’t do the same to protect her young?
“I think you know I do,” she replied, meeting his gaze boldly.
Reaching out to cup her face, Leif grazed his thumb over her bottom lip. Her cheek. “Just so you know this isn’t in payment for helping your children. I want you, but only if you want me back.” In response, Elsa closed the distance between his lips and hers.