Chapter 7

The water was cold when she awoke and she snuggled closer to the warm body she was laying on, stroking the firm hair covered skin. He responded by bringing his hands up her body to caress her sides and fondle her breasts until she was fully awake with need, seeking his mouth with her own. Running her tongue carefully over his sharp canines, she stroked him inside as she stroked him without. There was a low growl as he tightened an arm around her waist and stood up, holding her tightly to him before lifting her over the edge of the tub. He set her on the bench and she almost whimpered from loss of contact as he pulled back to crouch between her legs. Leaning forward, Victor ran his tongue and lips over her stomach as his claws ran gently up and down the inside of her thighs, just enough contact to stimulate. He nuzzled lower and lower, breathing deeply, inhaling her scent and smiling in obvious enjoyment, before covering her lower lips with his own.

She tasted perfect and his tongue strained to plunge as deeply inside her as possible before retreating to massage and tease at her clitoris. Betsy's hands clenched at his broad shoulders and thick, long hair as he lapped at her like a kitten tasting cream for the first time. His large hands curved over her upper thighs, kneading the firm muscles as his thumbs kept her spread wide for his attentions. Betsy was writhing in pleasure as he traced the edges of her with his hot, wet tongue but she felt empty as well and wanted more. "Victor, your fingers, I want to feel you inside!"

His only answer was to push his tongue more deeply inside her, lips carefully covering his teeth, hands gripping her harder. Betsy was breathless with need as she panted, "No, your fingers, I want your fingers."

Moving his mouth up to playfully nip at her stomach, he rumbled, "You givin' me orders?"

She pulled at his hair in punishment before responding, fiercely, "Yes, now do it!"

Victor's return smile was predatory and dangerous. "Seems we need a lesson." Grabbing her hips, he roughly rolled her until her hands and stomach pressed down onto the bench then pushed into her deeply, almost violently. His mouth suckled and nipped at her neck and shoulders leaving behind marks announcing just who she belonged to. Bracing herself, Betsy pushed back toward him, demandingly. The empty feeling was replaced with him large and deep inside her, more than her body was demanding and forcing her to fulfillment. Betsy's back arched with a throaty moan as her body spasmed and shook, bringing Victor to climax, his head thrown back in a roar of pure dominance.

He held her tightly to him as their breathing returned to normal, their hands stroking and caressing, not sex, just touch. "Once she recovered, Betsy was gripped with a deep curiosity and so she tipped her head back so she could look up into Victor's face. "Why did you refuse to do as I asked? Why deny me your fingers?"

His look was incredulous. "You're kiddin'?" She shook her head, indigo eyes wide with confusion. "I can't believe you have to ask."

Rolling her eyes in exasperation, her voice became more demanding. "Victor, why?"

Slowly standing, he helped her up and turned her so she faced the mirror with him standing behind her. Gently, he pulled her hair up and back so she could clearly see her neck and shoulders. Her eyes widened at the sight of the shallow bites and passion marks. He waited until what she was seeing dawned on her before raising his hand so his claws were in front of her eyes. "If I do that with my teeth cause I'm carried away, do you really want these inside you? Remember the mattress."

The reality of what could have happened dawned on her. His claws were capable of rending steel like paper. Hell, she knew from personal experience how easy it was for him to rip a human in half. Those claws could easily kill her. Then again, so could his teeth. His fangs were as strong and sharp as his claws. Checking the mirror, she examined the marks on her neck and shoulders more closely. None of the bites were deep enough to draw blood. In fact, none of them were worse than any she had received from overly eager dates before. It spoke of a great deal of discipline and caring. Despite his apparent loss of control, he was still watching out for her safety. Wonderingly, she turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You really do not wish to harm me, do you?"

"Hell no."

"You do not like the idea of your woman coming to any harm, do you?"

Victor's blue eyes became clouded with suspicion and unease. This conversation could go very badly for him. "No, I don't."

She smiled at his nervousness as she stepped back and drew her robe around her cold body. "Do you realize your mind is becoming more open to me the longer we are together?"

His unease grew but he did not retreat or try to raise his psychic defenses. What was his mate up to? Was she going to attack him now, knowing he would not hurt her back? Maybe use the new openness to take control of his mind and force him to take her home. Victor breathed deeply, trying to ascertain her mood by her scent. There was no fear or anger, just contentment tinged with a little smugness as she led him back to the main room.

He pulled on some sweats as she fixed a very simple microwaved breakfast and they ate in companionable silence. After the dishes were cleared, she took his hand and examined his claws before asking, "If some one were to cut your claws, just trim or file them, how long before they grow back?"

"Almost immediately." His eyes searched hers for answers but her expression gave away nothing as she moved to the couch to continue reading where she received another surprise: Victor liked to cuddle. It seemed strange of this large violent man, but he seemed to enjoy cuddling her as they sat on the couch reading. Of course, many people would not think the 'ice queen' liked to cuddle so the morning was a pleasant revelation for both of them.