Skin Walkers Conn Read online

  He smiled weakly, “No.” He walked to the door and pulled it open, “You can rest here Aries. No one will find us and if anyone did, they’d have to go through me to get to you.”

  He turned to leave and Aries couldn’t help but ask, “Why is that?”

  “Why is what?”

  “Why would you fight for me Conn? Why are you protecting me, as you said, against the wishes of Monroe and against the direct orders of Tyce?”

  “I’m asking myself the same thing.” He opened the door and exited the room without another word.

  ***

  Damn, he’d been prepared for the question from his men, but not from Aries herself. How could he explain to her why he was risking his rank and probably his life to protect her when he couldn’t even explain it to himself.

  Shoving an angry hand into his hair he stalked to the small kitchenette and jerked out two cans of soup, a tin of peanut butter and a sealed bag of hardtack. He kept his bunker well stocked in case of any emergency. He had enough food and water to last him six months, luckily he’d never had to hunker down that long.

  He glanced at the bedroom door and wondered whether Aries was trying to get some sleep. He’d meant what he’d said about protecting her and whether it was from the Megalya, Monroe StoneCrow, or even Tyce himself, Conn wouldn’t let anyone near her without defending her with his life.

  He snatched the p-38 from where it hung by a magnet on the fridge and began widdling it back and forth to open the first can of soup. After circling the lid he peeled it back and dumped the contents of the can into the sauce pan on the hotplate. He hadn’t checked the label but it appeared to be some form of bean and bacon soup.

  Picking up the second can he frowned at it before returning it to the cupboard. Who am I kidding? He was still unable to keep any food down, and while he was ravished, his body refused the nourishment. He’d have to do something about that soon. He could feel his body becoming sluggish and whether it was the lack of nutrition or lack of sleep, he knew he wouldn’t be able to protect himself, let alone Aries in the state he was in.

  The rut! He snorted as he stirred the soup and ripped open the package of hardtack before popping open the tin of peanut butter to spread it liberally on the large hard cracker. He eyed it momentarily before lifting it to his nose and sniffing. It smelled good. He took a bite and chewed vigorously, but it seemed his mouth was void of any saliva. Soon his mouth was nearly immobile from the peanut buttery pasty substance that was dried to his tongue and the roof of his mouth. He tried to swallow but only succeeded in choking. He coughed up the cracker and used a napkin to wipe the remnants from his tongue.

  Worry marred his brow. He knew he’d have to think of something soon or he’d no longer be able to function from the need for sustenance.

  Pouring the bean soup into a bowl he placed the bowl on a serving tray along with the buttered hardtack. He snagged a napkin, some silverware, and a cold soda from the fridge before carrying the meal to the bedroom.

  He didn’t knock, but entered quietly. He was surprised to find Aries sitting on the edge of the bed with her knees pulled tight under her chin. “You okay?”

  Her response was thin, “I’m fine.”

  He set the tray on the bedside table. “You need to eat.”

  Aries eyed the tray, “Aren’t you eating?”

  “Still haven’t been able to keep anything down.”

  “Conn!” Alarm drew her fine brows together as she stood and approached him, “It’s been…” she was trying to do the math in her head.

  “Days,” he supplied wearily running a hand over his face.

  “Days? It’s been almost a week,” her tone was accusatory.

  He didn’t argue, didn’t have the energy to. Instead he crossed to take up the seat she’d just vacated on the edge of the bed. He’d been doing that a lot lately, sitting. It was out of character and a true indication that he was slowly wearing down.

  “Conn!” Aries implored, “What’s going on? You’re no good to either of us if you can’t even stand!”

  He let his head fall forward to rest in his hands, funny how her words mirrored his own thoughts. “I’m fine Aries. Eat,” he commanded.

  He watched her small bare feet slip from view only to return moments later.

  “Open up,” she demanded.

  Lifting his weary head he found Aries standing over him with her bowl of soup in hand, the full spoon extended out toward him. He shook his head, “I can’t. I already tried.” He smiled guiltily as he eyed her hardtack that had a bite missing.

  “How do we fix it?”

  “We don’t.” He stood, “Look, I already spoke to Dr. Arkinson. What’s happening is nothing for you to concern yourself with.”

  “Did she tell you what’s wrong? How to fix it?”

  Conn laughed without humor. “Apparently I’m in the rut.” He tried to walk away, but Aries caught his arm. The contact sent a shock through him.

  “Like deer?”

  He stared at her, “You know about the rut?”

  She dropped her hand, “I’m a Montana girl Conn.” She looked away then back, “Least I was a Montana girl. I know what the rut is.” She eyed him quizzically. “Does it hurt?”

  He shook his head, “First of all, I’m not certain I believe Dr. Arkinson’s assessment. Second, even if she is correct there’s little I can do about it, and to answer your question no it doesn’t hurt.”

  Aries’ eyes crinkled as she turned her head to look at him out of the corner of her eye. “Why would the Doctor lie?”

  Conn sighed wearily, “I don’t know. She probably wouldn’t, it just sounds so fucking ridiculous.”

  “So it’s never happened to you before?”

  He shook his head, “Apparently not.”

  “So what was the change? What triggered it?”

  You. He didn’t say it. “Look you should eat, your food is getting cold.” He turned and abruptly left the room.

  Chapter 19

  Aries stared at the closed door. The rut! She’d grown up in Montana, in prime hunting country and she loved the sport dearly, which meant she was familiar with the rut and how it affected deer. She wondered if it affected a man, a Walker, the same way.

  The rut for deer meant the mating season, a period when males would fight each other for possession of a herd of females in estrus. Females in estrus. She fingered the white strands of her hair as she eyed at the door. Am I fertile? She was computing the days on her fingers, trying to remember when she’d last bled. Her head fell back and her eyes closed as she dropped her arms to hang loosely at her sides. Oh God! It’s me!

  She turned to eye her tray of food. She was hungry, which meant that Conn was starving…literally. She sucked in a sharp breath and unbuttoned the shirt he’d given her to wear. She dropped it on the floor then peeled off the oversized sweats until she was once again wearing only her black slip. He is risking his life for me and I need him healthy.

  Her pep talk did little to settle her nerves. In fact, it only made her more trepidatious because she knew she was lying to herself. Deep down she knew she just wanted to finish what they’d started in the gymnasium at StoneCrow.

  Adrenaline coursed through her as she crossed to the door and pulled it open. What if he rejects me? She shoved the thought away, remembering his reaction to her in the gym. It was mutual, he wanted her too. Her womb clenched in anticipation and her mouth literally salivated at the memory of his black licorice taste. There was something about it that made her want more, she was craving him.

  She found him sitting at the small table with his head resting in his hands. “Conn?”

  He slowly lifted his head, “What do you need?”

  She bit her bottom lip before pulling the door open, “Can you come here?”

  “Aries, eat and get some rest.” His tone was impatient. He dropped his head back into his hands.

  “S-something’s wrong,” she lied. It got his attention.

  Co
nn stood and stalked toward her, his eyes leaving her face to search the empty room behind her. “What is it?” He entered the room and scanned it quickly looking for anything out of the ordinary.

  Aries closed the door behind him and Conn turned to frown at her when he heard her slide the lock into place. She pointed to the bed, “Lie down.”

  His brows drew together in a dark frown, “Damn it Aries, I thought something was wrong.”

  “Something is wrong.” She approached and placed palms on his chest. “I…need you.”

  Conn’s frown faltered. He grabbed her wrists, “What are you doing?”

  “Being smart,” she supplied and stepped closer to him.

  He backed up a step, the back of his knees hit the bed. “Aries you…” His words were cut off when Aries stepped closer still and used the mattress at the back of his knees and her own weight to shove him off balance until he fell back on the bed. He hadn’t let go of her wrists before he fell, so Aries landed on top of him.

  Sitting up quickly, Aries kept her legs straddled over Conn’s hips and she pressed her hands into his shoulders when he tried to sit up. “Stop!”

  “What are you doing?” he demanded a second time.

  “It’s me Conn.” She dropped her eyes guiltily. “You’re sick because of me.”

  “I’m not sick Aries,” he tried to sit up again but she pressed harder into his shoulders using all of her body weight to keep him down as her long hair fell over her shoulders and hung down to brush his cheeks.

  Conn stopped talking and frowned at her.

  Aries tried to control her breathing as she hovered over him. Her eyes traveled the length of the scar that bifurcated his face. The rough scar cut across his stern features from his hairline, over one eye and the bridge of his nose and slashed across his opposite cheek. She’d been wanting to do this to him since the moment she’d met him, and with him now silent under her she swallowed her fear and allowed herself the pleasure. Leaning down, she licked her lips. Conn’s eyes instantly dropped to her mouth then she leaned closer and licked the entire path of his scar from cheek to forehead. She felt him tense under her and the reaction was exhilarating. Knowing she’d evoked the response was heady.

  She pulled back a fraction and looked at him. His steely gray eyes had darkened considerably. He watched her like a predator watches prey and she felt powerful knowing that she could make him give in to her…only to her. She lowered her head and brushed her lips against his. He growled and she let her tongue dart out and lick his lips.

  “Aries don’t start this!” his voice was husky, rough with need. “I won’t be able to control myself.”

  “Then don’t,” she whispered against his mouth before sliding her tongue between his lips. He was already hard, she’d felt it the instant she’d fallen on top of him. He wanted her, but more importantly, he needed her just as she needed him.

  He was the only man who’d ever been willing to protect her so she’d give him what he needed, and while she told herself that it was out of gratitude and self-preservation she knew in her heart that there was more to it than that. She trusted him, and she’d never trusted anyone. The truth of it was frightening as hell. She’d spent the last three years as self-sufficient and cut-off from society as any one person could be. Convinced she’d succeeded in severing any need for companionship, she was now terrified to discover the truth. In the few short days she’d known him, she’d grown to rely on Conn, to need his protection, but more importantly she yearned for his touch.

  Conn growled as he released her wrists and grabbed her upper arms forcing her back. “We’re not doing this!”

  Rejection tore through her but when she saw his chest rapidly rising and falling and the strain on his features as he fought against his desire, Aries grew bold knowing he wasn’t only fighting her, he was fighting against his self-control.

  She jerked her arms out of his grip and frowned at him. “You don’t get to decide what I do.” She eyed him evenly, “We’re both adults and we both know what you need.”

  Her arms crossed over her hips as she grabbed the hem of her black slip. It was up and over her head in an instant before it was tossed to the floor. She watched Conn’s eyes dip to her swollen breasts and she swore she felt the erection that now ground against her sex grow harder. She grabbed his hands and lifted them to her chest. When his palms covered her breasts, she tilted her head back and moaned, “Conn.”

  She started grinding her hips against his and smiled when he growled deeply. She gasped and her eyes jerked open when his hand clamped firmly around her arm and jerked as he rolled pinning her underneath him. Her eyes locked on his and she was shocked at the enraged expression on his face. Her heart thundered in her chest as she wondered what he was going to do.

  ***

  Conn tried to control his ragged breathing. Aries was offering herself to him, and he knew he should refuse her. She was only making the offer because she needed him healthy and strong in order to properly protect her. He was trying to talk himself into getting off her when her expression changed. The shock that was there moments earlier slipped away and she bit her lip demurely as she smiled up at him. She reached up with one hand and smoothed it down the side of his face while her other hand closed over her breast.

  He was cradled between her thighs and she moaned as she began to grind against him again. His eyes shifted from her hand that was pinching her own nipple to the plump lip caught between her teeth. His teeth dented his own full lower lip as he struggled to keep from brushing her hands aside to fondle her himself. He looked down and inhaled deeply as his eyes locked on her saturated panties. When the scent of her desire hit him he lost all control. He sat back only long enough to rip off his shirt. Buttons flew everywhere, bouncing off the mattress and the floor.

  Aries giggled and it sounded like tinkling glass. It was arousing. He’d never heard her giggle before, hell she’d rarely even smiled since he’d met her. Calm down! He ordered himself, but when Aries dropped her hands to the belt at his waist, he lost any hope of control.

  Shoving her hands aside, he undid the buckle before ripping open the front of his jeans and standing long enough to get them and his briefs down around his knees, too aroused to bother taking them all the way off. He couldn’t control the rumble the emitted from deep in his chest as he watched Aries eyes slide appreciatively down his frame.

  She flicked her eyes back to his and got up on her elbows to scoot herself further up the bed. At first, he thought she was trying to get away from him and he had to fist his hands to keep from grabbing her to hold her in place, but then her thumbs looped in her panties and pushed them down over her slim hips before she tossed them onto the floor and stared at him expectantly.

  He bent and shoved his pants and briefs off before he crawled up the bed, fighting the urge to shift. His animal spirits were surging forth, hovering just under the surface in giddy anticipation of his claiming. He stopped when Aries was caged in his arms beneath him, “You don’t have to do this.”

  She smiled timidly, “And when you’re too weak to even move? Am I supposed to protect us from Tyce? I don’t know what to do without you Conn.”

  Rejection surged through him when he realized her offer was induced by self-preservation, but the feeling faded as he stared down at her. He couldn’t blame her, she was doing what Walkers have done for centuries, she was simply trying to survive. He couldn’t begrudge her for that or for offering herself to him simply because she needed his protection. He didn’t know how much longer he’d be able to sustain without food or sleep and he didn’t want to find out. Dr. Arkinson had claimed he was rutting and he knew enough about animals to know that there was only one solution to stemming the heat of a beast.

  He lowered himself over her and her hands wrapped around his neck then smoothed down his shoulders.

  “I’m not on anything,” she whispered and it took him a moment to understand her meaning.

  He didn’t have any protection e
ither. “Don’t worry, I’ll pull out in time.”

  She nodded then licked her lips and he couldn’t refrain from claiming her mouth any longer. His mouth descended on hers and he kissed her with a passion that threatened to overwhelm him. He didn’t waste time with foreplay, he knew he wouldn’t last. He angled to nudge himself against her sex, and tensed, surprised but mostly excited to find her so wet with need. He slid into her, breaching her before he expected to and his muscles bunched as he fought to keep from releasing in her too tight channel. She wiggled her hips and he growled, “Don’t move!”

  His breathing was labored as he held himself motionless trying to keep from filling her with his release. She was too warm, too wet, too tight. He was worse off than he thought.

  Moments passed before he was finally confident that he wouldn’t come from simply being inside her. Slowly he began working his hips. He felt Aries’ nails scratch lightly down his chest and when she pinched both his nipples simultaneously, his body spasmed and his warm release erupted deep inside her. Shit!

  “Conn, you…” Aries tried to pull away but he locked both hands on her lean hips to keep himself buried deep inside her.

  “Don’t move!” he growled again, his eyes closed tightly as he continued to fill her, his features strained, his entire body convulsing as he seed spilled forth pumping over and over again. He’d never come so soon or so long before and he knew it was a result of the affliction.

  When he finally opened his eyes Aries was staring up at him with a worried expression. He grew concerned as well when instead of growing flaccid his cock seemed to harden further. He needed her again.

  He dipped his head to claim her mouth as he started working inside her. Any protest she had was swallowed up as his mouth devoured hers.

  He didn’t care that he’d shot his release inside her and he cared even less that she’d seemed worried about it. The only thing he could think about was fucking her, claiming her as his, and filling her with his seed. It was all consuming.

  His hands gripped her hips roughly to hold her in place even as his mouth became savage against hers. To her credit, Aries didn’t fight him. In fact, she met the urgency in his kiss and began rocking her hips to meet his thrusts. The sound of their bodies slapping together filled the room and moments later, he felt her body tense. Her fingers clawed his shoulders and she screamed his name. Her vaginal walls tightened around him with her climax and the spasms only served to send him over the edge. Unable to resist the tightening of her sex, Conn exploded once again, his semen surging deep into her womb as her own body greedily milked every drop.