Claimed By The Irish Wolf Shifter (Irish Wolf Shifters Book 2) Read online

  “No.” I shake my head. “That’s why I can move so fast, and why my teeth elongate the way you saw in the garden. I’m a werewolf. I have control over when and whether I change form or not, except on the night of a full moon. Then I stay a wolf whether I like it or not.”

  I hold my breath, half expecting Aisling to run screaming from the room, but instead she just looks concerned. “You don’t believe me.”

  “I believe that you believe it,” she says diplomatically, “but it’s quite a fantastic tale Aiden. Have you been getting enough sleep?”

  She thinks I’m mad. Great. Knowing there will be no other way to convince her, I stand up.

  “Watch,” I tell her.

  Then I shift. It takes a matter of seconds, if that, before I’m standing in front of her in my wolf form. With my senses heightened in my animal state the smell of her is overwhelming and intoxicating. And it smells like home. My wolf brain recognizes her as my mate instantly.

  Aisling however has frozen in horror. I walk slowly to her with my head down, trying to look as non-threatening as possible. She doesn’t pull away but I can sense her holding her breath as I nuzzle her hand and then gently lick her palm. Then I step away and shift back.

  I sit back down next to her, my eyes searching hers for signs of disgust or rejection. I realize how devastated I will be if she turns me down now, and it feels so alien for me to care about another person’s opinion of me like this.

  Instead, she nods towards my shirt, which is now hanging off me in tatters.

  “You’ve ruined your clothes.”

  “Yeah...that’s what happens when we don’t plan ahead. When I was younger and had less control, I went through t-shirts like nobody’s business.”

  Aisling reaches a hand to my face almost wonderingly, her fingertips tracing patterns across my cheeks. “This makes no sense,” she whispers. To my relief now that she knows I’m not simply psychotic she seems to have relaxed, or maybe that’s just shock. She’s just watched her new lover turn into a wolf in front of her and then turn right back again. That has to be a first for a first date right?

  “How did it happen? Were you bitten?”

  I shake my head, knowing this part of the story is going to sound even more insane.

  “No, it was a Druid curse.”

  She looks skeptical again. “A druid cursed you?”

  “Not me...an ancestor. The Killanney family have lived in the area around what is now Dublin for thousands of years. The firstborn male in each generation is a werewolf. It seems to have been that way since records began. Except because Cormac, Brendan and I are triplets...we are all shifters.”

  “All three of you?”

  “All three.”

  She looks more interested than shocked now. “Well that sounds as though it must be genetic. Where does the curse come in?”

  “I don’t know. That’s just the tale that’s been handed down for generations. One of our ancestors did something to piss off the leader of the clan...so his druid cursed him. Whether that was just an explanation someone dreamed up to explain it we don’t know...but a lot of people in Ireland still believe in the power of curses. There are groves of druids that meet even now.”

  “I don’t know what to say,” she says in a wondering voice.

  “Say it hasn’t put you off me. I would never, ever hurt you, you have to know that. Even on a full moon when I have to shift, I’m still always aware of what’s happening or what might happen. You’re in no danger from me.”

  Aisling smiles, but there’s a serious look in her eyes.

  “I’ve been in danger all my life really, with Dad being what he is. I can probably cope with the wolf stuff.”

  A wave of relief washes over me and I take her hand. “That’s how I knew you were the one for me Aisling,” I tell her. “Uncle Padraic – he was a werewolf too – always told us that we are truly wolves in one sense. We mate for life. That when we set eyes on our mate, we would know straight away that it was her...well, as soon as I saw you in your kitchen, I knew.”

  “You knew...”

  “That you’re my mate,” I clarify. I watch the emotions play across her face as she tries to absorb the news. She’s shocked and bemused and wary...but happy too, I’m sure of it.

  “What does that entail?” she asks cautiously.

  “It just means we’re together...for life. Like getting married I suppose, although it’s more primal than that.”

  “So do I have to move to Ireland?” I note she doesn’t sound entirely unhappy about the idea, but I shake my head.

  “You don’t have to do anything Aisling,” I say firmly, even as I know I could be consigning myself to a lifetime of pining for her. “It is what it is and I can’t change it...but I’m not going to force you to be with me. You have a choice. If you say no, I’ll just go home when I’ve finished my business with your father and that’s that. Although I’ll always be waiting.”

  She looks shocked. “You wouldn’t...mate...with someone else?”

  I grin at that. “It’s not exactly like marriage,” I say. “As wolves, we literally don’t get a choice. I’ll never want anyone else. You’re not the only one who has never had a relationship.”

  She gasps. “You’ve never had a girlfriend?”

  I shake my head. “No. A few one night stands...but it was just like scratching an itch. I’ve never had feelings for a woman before. Whatever you decide, for me this is for life.” As I speak the words I realize how vulnerable this makes me. And I don’t like feeling vulnerable...it’s not something I’ve experienced since I was a kid. I’m Aiden Killanney, a werewolf and a leader in the Irish Mafia...I’m never vulnerable. Yet this woman now literally holds my future happiness in her hands and there isn’t a damn thing that I can do about it.

  Aisling stares at me and a slow smile spreads across her face. My heart leaps as she says simply… “Yes Aiden. I will be your mate.”

  I can’t stop myself from grinning back. “I’m glad to hear it darlin’”

  Then she looks worried again. “How do we tell my father this? Or does he know?”

  “No. And we don’t, is the answer. No one outside the Killanney clan knows.”

  “I know.”

  “Well...that’s exceptional circumstances.” I think about how shocked everyone is going to be when I return home with Aisling.

  “So, is there like a ceremony or anything?”

  She looks disappointed when I shake my head and I know in that instant that someday I will make her my wife too. While the human ceremony means little to me, if she wants that then she can have it. I want her to be happy...and to be mine in every way.

  “No, not like you mean. There is a way of marking you as my mate...other shifters would scent it on you.” I feel a surge of desire go through me at the thought of marking her, but I don’t want to freak her out. But she looks intrigued rather than worried.

  “Marking me? What...like a tattoo?”

  “More like a love bite...except that it’s permanent. I’d do it on the back of your neck.” I pause before I tell her the next bit. “But it has to be done while I’m inside you.”

  “While we’re having sex?”

  I nod, waiting for her reaction. There’s no mistaking it...the thought turns her on.

  “Do it,” she whispers. “Mark me.”

  I feel my teeth thicken in my mouth and my cock stiffen in my pants.

  “Take off your clothes,” I tell her.

  Chapter Ten

  Aisling

  “You are so fucking sexy Aisling O’Connor,” he says, almost wonderingly.

  “You’re not so bad yourself,” I grin, and then suck in my breath as he trails his fingertips over the crotch of my panties. I’m desperate for his touch on me and I part my thighs.

  Part of me feels nervous about him biting me, but a bigger part of me is excited and so turned on my hands shake as I reach for his cock. I know instinctively that he wouldn’t hurt me, but I’m s
till trying to wrap my head around this new discovery. That my new man is a wolf...and he wants me to be his mate. For life. There’s something almost dominant about it, like he’s claiming me, and the thought turns me on.

  He runs his hand up and down my body, his fingertips awakening all my senses at once, leaving a burning trail across my skin. Then he brings it back down to my pussy, hooking his fingers behind the crotch of my panties and expertly stroking my already swollen clit. His eyes narrow with lust as I gasp and writhe against his hand, and my mouth goes dry as I see his gaze go to my neck. For a moment I wonder if I’ve really thought this through, but I know that deep down I’ve already made my decision. For once in my life I’m going to follow my heart and do what I want, not what Dad wants me to do or what I feel I should do.

  He kisses me and slips his tongue inside my mouth at the same time as he slips his fingers inside me. He moves them in a light fluttery motion that seems to send shockwaves through my entire lower body and I hear myself whimper. His lips smile against mine...I love the fact that he takes such pleasure in my arousal, that he so obviously wants to please me.

  I wriggle out of my panties and reach for his cock, which is slick and wet at the tip. He groans and then pulls back and looks deeply into my eyes.

  “You’re absolutely certain that you want to do this? Once we’re mated it’s for life.”

  I don’t even hesitate, any reluctance gone. “Yes,” I say, meeting his gaze. His eyes burn into mine and they almost seem to change, his pupils becoming bigger and darker so that they take over his whole iris. The eyes of a wolf. A shudder goes through me.

  “I want to take you from behind,” he growls, and his voice sounds different too. More animal like. But I have no fear now, only anticipation. He puts his hands on my hips and turns me over so I’m kneeling on all fours in front of him. Then Aiden runs his hand over the cheeks of my ass, squeezing and kneading. His hand moves between my legs to stroke my pussy from behind, and the way that I’m completely exposed to him turns me on even more, my body rippling with desire. He slips his fingers inside me again and my pussy offers up no resistance. I’m wet and throbbing for him, urgently wanting to be filled with his cock.

  “You’re so lovely and wet,” he moans as he continues to explore my most intimate parts. “My cock is going to fit inside you perfectly.”

  He removes his hand and places it in my hip to steady me as he positions himself between my legs. “Lean forward more....push your ass up,” he commands and I do as he says, arching my back and bending my elbows. I feel the wet tip of his cock brush against my pussy lips and I hold my breath, waiting for him to enter me, but then let it out with a frustrated sigh as he only strokes me with the tip, rubbing it around my folds and my almost painfully aching clit.

  “Aiden...please, do it,” I gasp. He answers me by pushing himself inside me in one long movement. Just as I thought my pussy offers up no resistance whatsoever now and accepts him gladly. The feel of him buried deep inside my body, his thick cock stretching the walls of my pussy, makes me moan out loud. As he starts to move inside me, my breath comes in shallow pants. His hands grip my hips as he drives himself into me and I push back against him, my body wanting more...harder and deeper. When he pauses I gasp.

  “No,” I say in a breathy voice, “don’t stop.”

  “I’m not,” he reassures me. “Lie on your belly.”

  I lie flat on my belly and he comes with me, keeping his cock inside me. He takes some of his weight on his elbows, grabbing my hands with his so I’m pinned against him as he starts to move inside me again. His breath is raggedy too and he’s so deep inside me now I feel completely filled by him. He moves my hair away from the back of my neck and starts to kiss and nibble there, sending shivers of longing all down my spine.

  “Do you want it Aisling?” He whispers into my ear. “Are you ready to be my mate?”

  I can feel the tips of his teeth against my skin and know that they’ve elongated as I saw them out outside. I hesitate for only a second and then push my hips into his as he continues to slowly fuck me.

  “Yes,” I confirm. “Yes...I’m your mate.”

  He growls and then I feel the tips of his canines pierce my skin. There’s a stab of pain which is quickly swallowed by the exhilaration that fills my whole body, sweeping through me from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes. It almost feels like magic coursing through my veins. When he removes his mouth my skin seems to burn where he has bitten me.

  I muffle my screams into the pillow as he starts to fuck me harder now, driving my hips into the bed beneath us. His movements grind my mound and my clit against the mattress and my whole body seems to be pulsing as I approach the edge of my climax. It crashes over me in waves with such intensity it leaves me breathless and trembling as it subsides. He raises himself on his hands and I feel his cock twitch as his seed pumps into me and he lets out a long, drawn out groan before collapsing on the bed at my side. Sweat beads his forehead as he closes his eyes and catches his breath. I lie there watching him, feeling a warm, lazy feeling come over me that makes my limbs feel heavy and leaves a satisfied smile on my face.

  When he opens his eyes and looks at me his eyes are full of what I know can only be love, even though he hasn’t actually said the words yet. He runs a fingertip down my cheek and kisses my lower lip softly. I smile, too dozy to move. He reaches for the duvet and flings it over us and pulls me into him.

  “How’s your neck?” he asks. I touch it gingerly and the spot feels tender but surprisingly isn’t bleeding. As my fingers brush it I feel a rush go through me again and I realize his bite isn’t just a symbol, something special really has just happened.

  I’m his. Which means he’s mine, too. I lay my head on his chest and let out a contented sigh, feeling too content to speak. My eyes flutter, wanting to sleep, and I let go and drift off blissfully in Aiden’s arms.

  Chapter Eleven

  Aiden

  I’m holding Aisling’s hand as we walk into her house. After breakfast on the balcony, during which I could hardly take my eyes off her, we checked out and drove here. Tommy will be back this afternoon and I need time to figure out what to tell him that isn’t going to make him want to kill me ... or try and whisk Aisling off somewhere. I feel a pang of guilt, knowing that he will feel like I’ve let him down. Tommy is one of my oldest friends and I certainly don’t want to hurt him, but Aisling is my mate, and there can only ever be her now. I’m not walking away from that. I’m hoping Tommy will see sense...and that he’ll realize Aisling will be better off with me than anyone he could approve of. I would die before I let any harm come to her. Besides which, Aisling is old enough to make her own decisions. He can’t keep her in a bubble forever.

  I’m running through all this in my head and have nearly convinced myself that Tommy will in fact be over the moon at our news, when we walk into the lounge...and Tommy is sitting on the couch, staring straight at us.

  Aisling drops my hand. “Dad! We weren’t expecting you back yet!”

  “No, I can see that,” he replies, but his hard, cold gaze is fixed on me.

  “What the fuck are you playing at Killanney?” he says in a low, angry voice. I feel my hackles rise at his tone but tell myself to stay calm. Of course he’s going to be angry. I open my mouth to answer him but Tommy speaks again in a clipped voice that is barely concealing his rage.

  “You took my daughter to a hotel? The minute my back was turned? How fucking dare you?”

  He knows about the hotel. Of course he does, I think, shaking my head at my own stupidity. The moment Aisling used her dad’s name to ensure we weren’t thrown out of the hotel, I should have known it would get back to him sooner or later. This is his city...he will have eyes and ears everywhere, just like we do in Dublin.

  “Dad,” Aisling cuts in, and she sounds panicked. He’s scaring her. I fight the urge to bare my teeth at him. “It’s not like you think.”

  “No?” Tommy asks furiously, fi
nally turning to Aisling. He stands up and I can see his fists are clenched at the sides. “Then tell me how it is.”

  Aisling raises her chin and her eyes flash with defiance. I can’t help but feel proud of her for standing her ground. “We’re together, Dad. An item. And it’s staying that way regardless of whether you approve or not.”

  Tommy’s whole face goes beet red. “Speak to me like that again young lady and I’ll whoop your ass.”

  I’m not having that, father or no father. I step slightly in front of Aisling and glare at Tommy, folding my arms.

  “I love you dearly Tommy,” I tell him, my voice even, “But if you threaten her again then I swear by Mary, Jesus and Joseph I’ll break your fecking neck.”

  “Your accent comes out more when you’re angry,” Aisling murmurs behind me, sounding amused. I smile over my shoulder at her. Tommy’s eyes are nearly popping out of his head.

  “Did you just threaten me in my own home Killanney?”

  I nod and can’t help feeling sorry for him. Tommy is not a man used to being thwarted or stood up to, and he looks at a loss as to how he’s supposed to handle this.

  “I did. But it doesn’t have to come to that Tommy,” I say, trying to be reasonable. “I know this seems like a liberty but believe me, I would never have taken advantage of your hospitality if I wasn’t completely serious about this. I love your daughter. I’m going to marry her. And I would really like to have your blessing.”

  Tommy’s mouth drops open as I hear Aisling gasp behind me and remember I haven’t actually asked her yet. But that’s the human equivalent of mating isn’t it...marriage? It sounds like a great idea to me.

  Tommy clearly doesn’t agree.

  “Marry her? You’ve only just fucking met her!”

  I nod. “I have. But when you know you know.”

  Aisling steps forward to stand beside me.

  “You said you knew about Mom straight away,” she says and I see Tommy’s eyes soften at the mention of his wife.