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Category: Erotica/Erotic Fantasy/Romance
Description: All Nia Reynolds has known is being seen and not heard. Being the only one in her family to not have magical ability is hard. On her thirtieth birthday, all Nia wants is to do something different. When she enters Sensual Were on a dare from Jacinda, she doesn't expect the instant attraction to sexy store manager Bishop Steward. Bishop has had his eye on the sweet and innocent Nia since he first came to Strange Hollow. After being publicly shunned by his pack and his mate, he came to Strange Hollow to recuperate and be among outcasts like himself. Now that his heart is mended, he wants to go after love again and has Nia in his sights. This wallflower doesn't stand a chance against his onslaught. So what if he insists of public displays of a sexual nature, can't stop whispering sweet, dirty nothings in her ear, and gives her a birthday to remember? It's only for a night, right? A sexy werewolf like him wouldn't want a shy girl like her? Right? Wrong--and he's got a lot of tricks up his sleeve to convince her she's just what he wants.
eBook Publisher: Atlantic Bridge/Liquid Silver Books, 2010
AllShortStories.com Release Date: July 2010

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Available eBook Formats [MultiFormat - What's this?]: eReader (PDB) [106 KB], ePub (EPUB) [133 KB], Rocket/REB1100 (RB) [61 KB], Portable Document Format (PDF) [373 KB], Palm Doc (PDB) [68 KB], Microsoft Reader (LIT) [139 KB], Franklin eBookMan (FUB) [127 KB], hiebook (KML) [201 KB], Sony Reader (LRF) [152 KB], iSilo (PDB) [56 KB], Mobipocket (PRC) [70 KB], Kindle Compatible (MOBI) [138 KB], OEBFF Format (IMP) [97 KB]
Words: 21514
Reading time: 61-86 min.
Microsoft Reader (LIT) Format: Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
Portable Document Format (PDF) Format:  Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
All Other formats: Printing DISABLED, Read-aloud DISABLED

Chapter One

Thirty. The big three-O. Another year older. Nia sighed heavily and contemplated the looming specter just a few days away. Birthdays weren't a bad thing per se, but when you lived such an unremarkable life, as she had, there wasn't really much to celebrate. She was an anomaly in her family, the only one lacking magical ability. Nia couldn't even perform the most basic of spells like warming water or levitating a feather.

Isolation became a constant companion when she mingled in magical circles. Everywhere she turned, her contemporaries were doing extraordinary things. All Nia could do was fade into the background like a wallflower. She got so used to being invisible that she automatically hid in a corner at social functions. She had lived her life in corners and it was starting to wear on her.

She'd broken out of that life nine years ago when she stumbled upon an Internet ad for Strange Hollow. The town was for outcasts and anomalies of the paranormal variety like her--people who just didn't fit in. So on her twenty-first birthday she packed up as many of her things as she could carry and left in the middle of the night, without even leaving a note to her parents. Now she had a life of her own. Nia owned her own teashop, Pot Luck, had a cottage that she loved and a few friends that accepted her. The one thing that was missing was someone to share her life with.

She sighed heavily, and had just begun to clean the counter when the bells over the door jangled. Nia glanced toward the entrance and smiled. Jacinda, the town's founder, strolled into the shop. The fairy's energy sent a soothing wave toward her, and she instantly felt at ease.

"Hello, darling, how're you doing? I'll have a green tea latte." Jacinda sat down on a stool at the counter and leaned forward, mischief sparkling in her eyes.

Nia immediately got to work, hoping Jacinda wouldn't bring up her upcoming birthday and anniversary. If the events weren't mentioned, she wouldn't have to admit she had no plans.

Unfortunately, that wasn't to be. "So, your birthday and anniversary are on Friday. Doing anything special?"

"Nothing." Nia stiffened.

"Not even ice cream and cake or a movie marathon of your favorite films? What about a small party with some friends? No? We can't let this momentous event pass without any acknowledgement. Let me think. What can we do?" Jacinda put her elbows on the countertop and rested her head in her hands.

Nia didn't want to know what Jacinda was thinking, it could mean trouble. There was a mischievous sparkle in those violet eyes that she didn't want to read too much into.

"Have you been to Sensual Were?"

Nia wasn't sure where Jacinda was going but she had an uneasy idea. "No," she said softly.

A wicked smile curved on Jacinda's lips. "Idea! I dare you to go to Sensual Were and pick up a sexy toy for yourself. Do something daring for once. Honey, you've lived in a corner for far too long, it's time to drag this wallflower into the light."

"But--" Nia started.

"Why but?" Jacinda gazed at her in question. "You've lived your whole life not interacting with people for fear of the disappointment and rejection your parents and others have handed you. Isn't it time you lived for you? Come on, Nia, when have you done something for yourself? I've seen the way you interact with others. You let them tell you what to do, how to do it. You don't do what you want to do. What's there to be afraid of? All I'm suggesting is to check out Sensual Were. Go in there and get something sexy for yourself. You deserve it. Look at you."

Nia knew what she looked like and she was nothing like the gorgeous Jacinda, with her luminescent skin, violet eyes, long dark hair and curvaceous figure. Last she checked, Nia was plain, with unremarkable dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, milk chocolate skin and an average figure. Her simple clothing did nothing to flatter her body. She also wore glasses, and in her book that screamed nerdy and unsexy. To hide her reaction, she said nothing and finished making Jacinda's drink.

"Have you ever felt sexy? What makes you feel good about yourself?"

Heat flushed her cheeks as she thought of her fantasies, which usually involved sexy men who were good with their hands and other things and wanted her unabashedly.

"Come on, sweetie, you can tell me. What makes you feel sexy?"

"Well, um, a sexy, gruff voice--"

Jacinda cut her off with a laugh. "No, no, no, babe, not what is sexy but what makes you feel that way."

The blush encompassed her face, and Nia found herself floundering for a response. "Um, well..."

"Lingerie, perhaps? Or maybe sensual music? How about an erotic story? This is about making you feel desirable and good about yourself. I'm not saying we give you a makeover, you're beautiful. I'm talking about doing something sexy for you and only you, no guy required."

Jacinda smiled, and Nia felt unsure. "I've never... That is to say, I don't know..."

"How about this? Friday you go to Sensual Were and poke around, see what you like, explore and find what intrigues you. Then we meet on Saturday for brunch and talk."

"Talk?" Nia put Jacinda's latte down before her.

"Yeah, we talk about what you thought of your little trip. Honey, you've been here for nine years and you haven't stepped out and explored this place. Including me, Tanya and Ryana are your only friends here." Jacinda took a sip of her drink.

Nia became very interested in her shoes.

"Ry is out of town and Tanya is visiting relatives. Neither woman will be back by Saturday, so it's up to me to coax you out of your shell for your birthday. So, here's the deal. Barring an emergency, I dare you to go to Sensual Were and pick out something sexy for yourself. Thanks for the latte, hon. I have to go welcome a new resident to Strange Hollow. I'll see you on Saturday." Jacinda stood and picked up her cup.

"Bye," Nia called out as Jacinda left with a backward wave. Once the door closed and quiet settled on the shop, questions and humiliating scenarios swirled around in her head. What if I break something? Her palms began to sweat at the thought of picking up a vibrator and have it start shaking and then shatter in her hands. She'd never been in an adult toy store before. What if it was filled with pictures of naked people? She didn't like looking at herself naked, much less see anyone else in the buff. Well, except for sexy men. Part of her wanted to take up Jacinda's dare and go to Sensual Were. On the other side of the coin, she was terrified of the unknown.

I know, I'll pass by the store and check it out. I won't go inside. Her heart hammered in her chest. A surge of excitement rushed through her. Yes, I'll go there tonight and check it out. It can't be that bad, right? People wouldn't go there if it was bad. Nia had always been cautious. The most adventurous thing she'd ever done was come to Strange Hollow and open her own teashop. She felt that if she could do those things, then she could handle checking out Sensual Were. She hoped.

Bishop glanced up from the latest edition of Playboy to gaze out the window of Sensual Were. It was almost closing time over at the Pot Luck cafe. If he played his cards right, he'd spot Nia. That's if she wasn't working late. He put down the magazine and slipped off his stool. "I'm going to take a break," he called out.

"Stalking is more like it," Alex murmured.

"I'm not stalking, just taking a break."

"Whatever. Grab me some grub from the diner while you're out, okay?" Alex called back.

Bishop waved and left the shop. He turned toward the cafe and crashed into someone. Automatically, he reached out to steady the other person. His hands made contact with something soft and plush. He looked down and his world stopped. All thought left his head and he forgot how to breathe as he stared down into the brown eyes of his ideal woman. Nia blinked up at him. Her long, dark lashes fluttered above high, sculpted cheekbones.

Bishop resisted the urge to groan aloud. Desire roared to life, snaking through his veins. Nia licked her full, tempting lips and opened her mouth. Nothing came out. For a second he thought she wanted him to kiss her. That wish was crushed when Nia pushed him away.

"S-s-sorry," she stuttered.

"Nothing to apologize for, I crashed into you." Reluctantly he stepped back. His palms itching to touch her again.

"I... Um... I have to go." Before he could stop her to officially introduce himself, she darted around him and rushed off into the crowd. Bishop swore and hung his head. He ran a hand through his thick hair. It slid back down and covered his face. Maybe I scared her? A glance into the reflective front window of Sensual Were allowed him to scrutinize his appearance. Dark stubble covered his strong jaw and sharp cheekbones. His hair was a black, wavy, unruly mess. Running a hand through his tresses, Bishop tried to make it presentable. It didn't take long for it to return to a wild mess again. With a sigh he shook his head and went to the diner to pick up dinner.

When Bishop returned to the shop he found Alex restocking a few shelves. "Got dinner," Bishop called out.

"Thanks. I saw you run into Nia. What happened? You scare her with your hair?" Alex joked.

"Hey, it's not that bad. No, I think I just spooked her, period." After putting dinner in the back lounge, Bishop took his place behind the counter. "I wish I knew how to put her at ease, it would make talking to her a lot easier."

"Well, here's an idea. Why don't you just go up and talk to her? You know, communicate your interest instead of just following her around town. That would make you less of a stalker."

"She's a skittish kitten. I don't want to come on too strong. I might make a blunder."

Alex stopped what he was doing and stared at Bishop. "And you're doing such a good job now? You're scared of rejection, admit it."

Bishop held a magazine in front of his face and tried to concentrate on the centerfold's likes and dislikes. It wasn't working. "No. She's just so--" It took a moment to find the right words. "Nia is so pulled back. I don't want to come on too strong and drive her away and yet..."

"Look, just talk to her. Can't you do that?"

"I don't know."

Alex let out a grunt. "Next time you see her, just go up and say hi."

"I'll think about it."

Alex grunted. "Uh-huh."

Bishop arrived home and put his stuff away before going to the kitchen and getting a beer. His mind continued to replay Alex's words. He twisted the top off the beer bottle and took a pull. Nia. Her image rose so clearly in his mind. The way her tight earth-toned sweaters molded perfectly around her full breasts. The small V gave him a hint of cleavage that made him hunger to see more. If he had his way she would wear something black and lacy that wouldn't hide her nipples. The cups would stop just below her areolas.

Bishop groaned as a burst of fire started in his gut and spread. Before him, she stripped off her sweater and teased her nipples. His cock hardened and lengthened, pressing against his zipper. Undoing his fly, he shoved down his jeans and spat into his palm.

Nia held her breasts, giving them a good squeeze before taking her tightened peaks between her index fingers and thumbs and pinching them. "Tell me what to do, Bishop. Instruct me," she urged in her smoky voice.

Grasping his shaft, he stroked himself faster. "Pull and tweak your nipples." Pinching, tweaking and rolling her tightened tips, she followed his instructions. "Yes, that's it. Tell me how it makes you feel. Do you like it? Love it?"

"Yessss, I love it." The fantasy moved toward him, her fingers holding the peaks as she approached. Fire blazed in eyes as dark as coffee--all that passion directed at him. He gripped his cock and stroked faster. With his free hand he pulled up his shirt. The fabric slid up his overheated skin like a cool caress. Cold air traced icy fingers over his chest, nipples and stomach. He reached up and pulled one of his nipple rings. The brief spark of pain sent pleasure sliding down his spine to hum in his balls.

Imaginary Nia straddled his lap and settled down. She leaned forward, pushing her breasts toward him. Her perfume, a heady mix of musky amber and soothing vanilla with an edge of arousal, drifted around him. Bishop wanted to taste her, lick and finger-fuck her until she came all over his mouth. He wanted her cream dripping down his chin and her scent stuffed in his nose until all he could breathe was her.

In front of him, the fantasy tweaked her nipples and leaned forward. "Want to taste?"

Bishop groaned. Boy, did he--very badly. In his mind he leaned forward, his tongue made contact and she tasted perfect--salty and sweet. The ghost of her fingers slipped through his hair, her fingernails scraping his scalp. The tiny pain of the scratches increased his arousal. Fire burned in his gut as his cock jerked in his hand. Delicious tremors of desire trembled up and down his spine as he stroked himself faster, pulling the nipple ring and pinching his nipple. Sweat slipped down his forehead, cutting a path over his cheeks to drip off his chin. Each drop to his chest sent ripples of arousal through him.

"Nia..." His body trembled with the effort to push back the oncoming wave of orgasm. The intense pressure tingled through his body, setting his nerve endings alight. His heartbeat pounded out of control. It became difficult taking in air. His teeth sunk into his bottom lip so hard he drew blood. The salty tang washed over his tastebuds, exciting him. Nia gyrated in his lap, rubbing her cloth-covered pussy against his legs. He could practically feel the heat.

Bishop wanted to be inside her so badly. He wanted to feel her tight wetness surrounding his shaft. His hips pumped in time with her movements. Closer and closer, he was pushed to the edge. Bishop paused to spit into his palm again, then took hold of his cock. He pumped his fist faster and faster, twisting his wrist just under the wide cockhead. His thumb smeared the evidence of his need for Nia, and trails of pre-cum slid over his hand. "Nia," he groaned again. "Need you."

"Come for me, Bishop," Nia's ghost urged. Her warm, humid breath brushed against his ear, which sent tingles down his spine. His balls ached for release. He tried to push back his orgasm and failed. The pressure popped like a bubble. A tidal wave of intense pleasure took him, his back bowing as jet after jet of cum shot into the air before landing on his groin. Panting hard, he lowered himself back onto the chair. His mind was a blank slate as synapses misfired and shorted out.

Once his body was under control, he groaned, and Nia's phantom wavered and disappeared. It had all been a fantasy born of need. He unclenched his fist around his flaccid cock and stood on shaky legs before walking into the bathroom and stripping off his clothes. He turned on the water and leaned against the sink counter. Frustration grew to a roar that clawed its way up his throat. A howl erupted. His wolf joined him from the cavern inside Bishop's body. Tears slipped down his cheeks, joining with the cooling sweat. A sense of yearning filled him.

"I'm so fucking tired of this. I shouldn't be jerking off to get my rocks off. I should be with her, fucking her, making love to her, coming with her, branding her."

He stepped into the shower almost angrily. With harsh swipes he cleaned off the evidence of his masturbation and sweat. After ruminating over the situation he came to one conclusion--he had to act and act fast. "I'm going to claim my mate. Come hell or high water, Nia Reynolds is going to be mine."