“Fuck,” he bit out. “That feels so good.”
She sat up and rode him harder, waiting for the spasms of his orgasm. She could see the pleasure in his face, and she chased his release. He grabbed her hips with a bruising grip then thrust up inside her one last time before he grunted and stilled, emptying himself inside her.
Finally, his eyes flew open, and he sat up, wrapping his arms around her. Emily struggled for breath as he hugged her, and she realized that she would never be able to get enough of him.
“That was incredible,” he breathed against her ear, pulling her tight against him.
She hid her face in the crook of his neck, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. Carter made her feel amazing. She felt safe with him, and he made her feel attractive and loved, too. He was more than she had ever thought to ask for in a man.
She sighed as he stroked his hands down her back. “I don’t want to let you go,” she whispered.
“Me, either,” he said. “I could stay here with you like this forever.”
And as they sat there, side by side, drawing strength from one another, the weight of the impending mission seemed a little lighter. The world around them, with its natural beauty and serenity, served as a reminder of what was at their fingertips, a chance at love, happiness, and a future filled with possibilities.
They had lost themselves in the beauty of nature and each other’s company. But reality was bound to knock at their door, and it did when Carter’s phone started ringing.
His face grew serious as he glanced at the caller ID. “It’s Seb,” he murmured, answering the call. “Talk to me.”
Emily could hear the urgency in Seb’s voice, even from a distance. “Team’s landed, Carter. It’s time to regroup.”
Nodding, even though Seb couldn’t see him, Carter replied, “Understood. We’re on our way back.”
They got dressed quickly then started to pack their belongings when Emily’s phone vibrated, the screen displaying her workplace’s number. She felt a sudden dread. Glancing at Carter, she answered, “Hello?”
“Emily, it’s Dr. Sanders. We need you to come in. Something urgent has come up,” the voice on the other end said.
Emily’s eyes darted to Carter, who was shaking his head frantically, signaling her not to agree. She bit her lip, contemplating her next words. “Of course, I’m on my way.”
As she hung up, she could see the concern etched on Carter’s face. “Em, it won’t be safe for you there today.”
“I know,” she whispered, trying to calm him. “I’ll go in to see what they want, and then I’ll make an excuse, maybe say I’m feeling sick, and come straight home.”
Carter held her face gently, his eyes searching hers. “Promise?”
She nodded, giving him a small smile. “I promise.”
The drive back was filled with tension. She dropped Carter off at his parents’ house and could feel his eyes on her car until she was out of sight, heading towards the unknown at her workplace. She only hoped that whatever was going on there could be dealt with swiftly so she could get home before the teaminfiltrated the building.
Chapter Nine
Carter
The dim lighting of Carter’s parents’ dining room was soon filled with the low murmur of banter and laughter. Seven huge figures sat around the expansive wooden table, eating up all the space in the room.
“Remember that time in Berlin when you almost got us killed, Carter?” Max joked.
Carter rolled his eyes, chuckling. “I told you, that waiter was suspicious!”
“I think he was more interested in getting your number than planting a bug,” Max said, fighting a grin.
There was general laughter around the table, but Carter caught the wink Max sent his way. They’d been through a lot in the few short months they had known one another, and their camaraderie was evident.
“You know, Max,” Logan started, his wolfish grin evident even in his human form, “you’re a fine one to talk. That time in Berlin, you moved just like a cornered mouse.” He smirked, taking a sip of his water.
Max smirked back. “Oh, really? Last I checked, I was the one who saved your tail.”
Arlo, always the smooth one offered up a toothy grin, “It would’ve gone smoother if you just let me take a dip in the river with them.”
