Forbidden Hope: A Werewolf Wars Prequel Novella by Bethany Shaw Page A

boxers and jeans off while attempting to kick off his shoes. Emily giggled as he stumbled slightly, and he shot her a smile. He watched as she slipped her feet out of her sandals and pushed her panties and shorts down her tanned legs.
    Marcus gritted his teeth as he took in the full sight of her. She was so beautiful. He’d seen her this way many times, but it always amazed him at how truly gorgeous she was. Her beauty expanded beyond her physical appearance. Emily was the kindest, most caring person he’d ever met. She was everything he wanted.
    “You’re staring,” Emily teased.
    “And? So are you,” he said as her eyes slid up and down his body.
    “Stop talking! I want to feel you. It’s been too long,” she mumbled as he closed the distance between them. She jumped up, resuming their earlier position.
    His cock throbbed against her thigh—so close to where it wanted to be. Emily wiggled her hips, her hot center rubbing against him, causing a delicious friction. Balancing her with one hand and pressing her firmly against the tree, he slipped his free digits between them and slid one finger inside her tight, wet heat.
    Emily moaned loudly, bucking against him. Marcus growled, wanting to ensure she got as much pleasure as he did. He inserted another finger and started a slow, but steady pace.
    Emily tilted her head back with her eyes closed. Marcus leaned forward, placing a tender kiss to her pulse point. He trailed kisses down her neck and shoulder before dipping even lower to capture a taught nipple in his mouth.
    “Stop teasing,” she panted.
    “I thought you liked my teasing?” He bit her breast lightly, enjoying the way he made her come undone.
    “Not when it’s been so long since we’ve been together. I want to make love to you, Marcus.”
    Marcus hummed against her nipple, enjoying the small shiver that coursed through Emily. He understood her feelings all too well. It was maddening not being able to touch her—to claim her. Being in her presence wasn’t enough. The man and the wolf in him needed more.
    Marcus removed his fingers, and cupped her behind for support before positioning himself at her entrance. Emily opened her eyes and stared at him as he pushed into her. Her mouth parted in an ‘o’ shape as she mimicked his movements.
    Emily ground against Marcus, her breath coming in tiny pants. The world around her disappeared as she got lost in Marcus’ blue-grey eyes. She pushed her fingers into his thick black hair and pressed her forehead against his, never breaking eye contact.
    In this moment, it was just the two of them. Marcus was her soul mate. He was the reason she woke up in the morning. The reason she smiled before going to bed. Her reality was dark and dreary. Marcus was the one thing she had that made her happy and she didn’t want to lose him—lose this for anything.
    She bit her lip in an effort to keep quiet. Her vision blurred as her orgasm approached. Emily gripped onto Marcus tighter, pulling their slick bodies closer. She squeezed his waist harder, a tiny sob escaping her throat as her core exploded, sending warmth spreading throughout her body.
    Marcus increased his thrusts, drawing out her orgasm as he followed her over the edge with a grunt. They clung to each other, limbs entwined, neither willing to break the moment. His eyes searched hers, and she smiled at him.
    “I could stay like this all day,” she sighed contently. If only it were just the two of them here. She would give anything to stay in this clearing all day, to stay in his embrace for all eternity.
    “Me too.”
    “For the love of god, please don’t,” Vincent called from a distance.
    Emily gasped and quickly pulled away from Marcus. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I thought you were staying away,” she croaked as her brother emerged from the trees, his back turned to them. She prayed he hadn’t been there too long.
    Marcus gathered up their discarded clothes and handed her garments to