The Beta by Annie Nicholas

hands. “I’m willing to take that leap and place my faith in you. Just—answer my question honestly.”
    She placed her hands on his. “I’d never hurt you. Not on purpose, not even if you broke my heart.”
    She was going to become a werewolf. Her life would change, which meant no more slaying. She’d come to his aid when it was a three-to-one fight. Maybe he should trust her now.
    He tossed his doubts out of his heart and mind. Esther belonged to him and he to her. As she developed into a werewolf their bond would grow and he’d have a true mate. Something he never considered possible. He grinned as he drew her mouth to his.
    Dropping her towel, she draped her limbs around him.
    The sharp flavor of mint greeted his tongue as he slipped it between her lips. A thousand pounds of responsibilities, anxiety, and stress dissipated with her taste.
    With an aggression born of her nature, Esther tore at the buttons of his jeans.
    Groaning as his erection strained in their confines, he removed her hands, not wanting their first time having sex to be on the bathroom floor. In a few hours Eric would be home and nothing short of the end of the world would take Robert from Esther’s side.
    When he stood, she clung to his hips and ground her pussy to his hard, needy cock. It pulsed. Damn, he would so fuck her senseless.
    She squirmed in his arms while he hurried to the unmade bed, her soft, warm flesh inviting his hands to explore. With his knees, he hit the edge of the bed and he set her down.
    Lying back, she stretched along the mattress in all her glorious nudity.
    Robert stared. Words didn’t exist for the gratitude he felt toward the odd series of events that led them to this moment. He undressed, then crept over her body.
    Skin slid over skin. Her hard nipples traced along his chest, and she arched her back with a low moan.
    He loved the way she reacted to his touch. It nurtured his confidence and hell, boosted his ego. She’d climaxed for him last night and called out his name. Tonight he would make her beg for it to never stop. Although, with the way she stared at him at the moment, it was possible he might end up being the one on his knees begging.
    Cupping her breast in his palm, he brought her tight nub to his mouth and sucked in hard draws.
    She grasped his shoulders, digging her nails into him. Her breaths came quickly.
    The sharp pain aroused him more. It called to his beast who recognized the act as possessive. He growled his approval and worked her other firm mound. The scent of her arousal grew stronger. Dipping his hand between her thighs to her wet pussy, he slipped his fingers into her hot velvet.
    Her moans grew louder, more desperate, while he thrust his digits inside. With his thumb, he searched for that special spot, the elusive clitoris. Her sharp cry signaled his discovery and he massaged the spot, taking it for a test drive.
    Her hips rolled in an inviting manner. Rotating and grinding, she helped him stimulate her pleasure point.
    The beast and human side of Robert shared his body equally, both wanting Esther. Instinct became logic as her new scent carried the innate flavor of pack, and more importantly, she smelled like his. He nipped the bud he suckled with his teeth, experimenting with the fine edge of pain and pleasure.
    The muscles in her pussy clenched around his fingers, wetness soaking his hand. Her moans became higher in pitch as she achieved her climax. The first of many, he hoped.
    As if melting, Esther’s body molded to the mattress and pillows. Pride swelled his chest as a lazy smile graced her face.
    He finally understood why some wars were fought over women. Nothing would take her from him without a fight. His cock pressed against his abdomen, demanding attention.
    Esther spread her knees. Glistening and slick, her nether lips were flushed the same shade of pink as her cheeks. “Do you need a written invitation?”
    “Anxious?”
    She gave a deep laugh. “Damn right I am. I’ve