Jacob's Ladder (String of Fate) by Bianca D'Arc Page B

help himself. She was in his arms, warm, inviting and his . That was the kicker. She was his. She told him so in many subtle ways that made his heart skip a beat with wonder.
    And he was hers. He would prove that to her over and over. As many times as it took for her to believe him. To believe in him. He might be human, but he would be the best mate he could to his little kitty.
    She broke the kiss and moved back, giving his lips one last little lick with a flick of her tongue. Man, she turned him on. It wouldn’t take much to be inside her. They were both wearing robes and he had nothing under his. But she was wrapped in a rubber band of a lycra bathing suit that wouldn’t come off without a fight. Jake sighed as he set her aside and stood up.
    “We both need a shower. Our skin doesn’t thrive on salt water like the selkies.” He took her hand, helping her to stand with exaggerated politeness before ushering her into the attached bath.
    What followed was a quick, slippery session in the small shower where they both got rid of the salt on their skin while making each other crazy with wanting. What had started on the couch, moved to the shower and finished on the small vanity as Ria perched on the edge, accepting Jake’s powerful thrusts.
    As quickies went, it was spectacular. They were both breathless and feeling a lot mellower when he finally let her go. Jake supported her for a moment more because Ria’s legs seemed kind of wobbly and he had to grin, knowing he’d made her weak in the knees. She had done the same to him, but he was a little better at hiding it.
    She scooted back under the water in the shower for a quick rinse before joining him back in the cabin. He was already half-dressed when she came walking in, naked and beautiful. Jake stopped in his tracks, just watching her for a long moment. She noticed his fascination and smiled at him.
    “You’re going to have to get used to shifters being naked, Jake. We tend to strip a lot when we want to change shape. Or…” She walked closer, trailing her fingers up his arm while a teasing light filled her gorgeous eyes. “…when we want to play with our mates.”
    “I’m all for that,” he answered, pulling her into his arms, his hands at her waist. Then he thought of something that had happened earlier. “But I’ll have to object a bit when it seems you’re enjoying the view a little too much.”
    She seemed to think for a moment then laughed. “Oh, you mean Tom? I won’t deny, he’s a good looking guy, but my mate is the only man I’m interested in making love to, now that I’ve found him.” She reached up and tugged his head down for a quick kiss. “I’m never letting you go, Jake. I might appreciate the view from time to time—I’m a shifter, after all, and we’re very sensual creatures, if you didn’t realize that already—but I’ll always belong wholly, completely and forevermore, to you.” She kissed him again.
    Before their kisses could escalate into something more, the phone in their cabin rang. Jake let her go and she scampered away to find clothing while he picked up the phone.
    “Yeah, we’ll be right out,” he promised a laughing Tom on the other end of the line. Sure enough, the other shifter had figured they’d need a reminder to join the rest of the group for breakfast.
    Jake reached for his shirt, watching Ria dress with economical movements. She was probably the only woman he had ever known who could get ready as quickly as he could. That was something he had to admire. She wasn’t rushing, but she moved so gracefully—and quickly—and she looked like a million bucks no matter what. She was just beautiful, in every way.
    Her compassion for her people and her kind heart were unexpected, but very welcome. Her unconscious regal bearing was tempered by sparkling humor and a down-to-earth quality that enchanted him. He looked forward to getting to know every last little thing about her, which was something he had never