The Crane Curse Series Complete Boxed Set (Shape Shifter Romance) Page 6

  Eliza pulled an old photograph out of her pocket and handed it to Hannah. It was the first time she ever saw her father before. Knox had sandy colored hair and a warm smile. His body was built similar to Caleb's, strong and muscular like most grey wolves. Looking at her mother beside him, so young and cheerful, Hannah's eyes misted over when she realized she had never seen her mother so happy before.

  "You can ask Caleb tonight," Hannah said. "Maybe he can help. He's the Alpha for Rowan so I'm sure he knows a lot of wolves."

  "Thank you, hon, I will. Now go get some sleep. You've never been on a date until a wolf takes you on one," Eliza said, grinning.

  Hannah could tell her mother was lost in a memory about her love from long ago, Hannah's father. She kissed her cheek and left her alone with the picture and her memories.

  Chapter Ten

  Dressed in a black, hip-hugging pencil skirt and a dark purple wool v-neck sweater, Hannah was early for the first time in her life. She looked out the small oval window that faced the street and wondered where Caleb was.

  He wasn't late, she just wanted to make sure he didn't have any time alone with her mother. The last thing she wanted was for them to bond over naked baby photos of her.

  Eliza was busy in the kitchen baking chocolate chip cookies, her usual treat for guests. With her mom in a pair of worn jeans and a sweatshirt, Hannah was glad to not have one of those mothers who competed with her for a man's attention. She'd heard horror stories about that from other friends at school.

  The loud growl of a motorcycle filled the air, and Hannah ran over to the mirror to make sure she looked all right before looking out the window again. Parked in front of the house was a silver Harley Davidson. Caleb got off the bike, removed his helmet, and ran his fingers through his dirty blond hair.

  Unable to take her eyes off him, Hannah watched him strut up the sidewalk in a pair of tight black jeans, with his worn motorcycle boots peeking out from underneath, a grey button shirt with buttons that strained against his muscular chest, and a thin black leather jacket.

  She didn't realize her mother had come up behind her and was watching too until her mother let out a low whistle.

  "Damn, he reminds me of your father. I swear when I close my eyes, it’s like Knox is right here beside me," Eliza said.

  Hannah turned and hugged her mother tightly. "Don't worry, Mom, we'll find him. I'm sure of it."

  As Caleb entered the house, Hannah reached up and gave him a kiss before leading him into the kitchen where Eliza removed cookies from the cooling rack and put them on a plate. She set the plate down on the table and extended her hand out to him.

  "I'm Eliza, Hannah's mom. It's nice to meet you."

  Caleb shook her hand and smiled, then took the seat Eliza motioned for him to sit down on.

  "I have to admit, I didn't think you'd want to meet me," he said.

  Hannah sat beside him, took a cookie, and split it in half. "A lot has changed since you left this morning. I have so much to tell you," she said before nibbling on one of the halves.

  "What's going on?" he asked.

  "My mom told me my father is a wolf shifter named Knox. Long story short, Pea kept them apart and Mom had no idea until after she died. She's been trying to find him ever since."

  "So you do have shifter blood. That explains so much," he said.

  Eliza put the old photograph of her and Knox on the table in front of Caleb. "We were hoping you could help us. I've been talking to shifters around town and no one seems to know him more than saying they think he's familiar but from a long time ago," she said.

  Caleb picked up the picture. With his brow furrowed, he examined it before shaking his head and putting it down. "Unfortunately, he's not familiar to me either. If he’s been in the area since I've been Alpha, I would know him. Can I take the photo with me? I've declared an emergency Council meeting for tomorrow night, and it's possible one of the other Alphas might recognize him."

  "Yes, please take it," Eliza said. "Let me know what you find out."

  "I will. You have my word," Caleb said before standing. "Now if we have your blessing, I'd like to take your daughter on a date."

  Eliza grinned at his formalness. "Of course you have my blessing. Take care of her for me, she's my baby, you know."

  Hannah sighed loudly as she got up and kissed her mother on the cheek. "Don't wait up," she whispered into her ear.

  "A mother doesn't want to hear that," Eliza replied, laughing.

  Caleb helped Hannah put on the extra helmet he brought with him before she hiked her skirt up to get on the bike. Wishing she wore pants, she held onto him as he took off down the street, the cool wind blowing her hair back. She realized she didn't know where they were going, but she really didn't care as long as she was with him.

  After a short ride, the air began to smell like the ocean and Caleb slowed down as he turned onto an old winding road. The seagulls squawked as they flew overhead and the landscape changed from pine trees to tall grass. Eventually, they reached an old pier on the Great Bay with several boats on the dock and a restaurant at the end of the pier.

  Caleb parked the bike next to the dock and then held her hand as they walked over to the restaurant on the worn grey boardwalk. The water in the bay was calm and other than the seagulls squawking, it was quiet. As they approached the restaurant, the sound of music and people talking wafted over to them.

  At the end of the pier, they were surrounded by the Great Bay with the sun glittering on the gentle waves as it set, large and orange into the sea. Without a word from Caleb, the host took them to a table facing the water, away from the other diners.

  After they sat down, Caleb reached across the table and took her hand and softly stroked his thumb over her fingers as he looked into her eyes.

  "I know this is technically our first date, but I feel like I've known you forever. I don't know if it's because you're my fated mate, or if it's just something special about you," he said. "Because you are special, you know."

  "Maybe I've just charmed you," Hannah teased.

  Caleb laughed heartily then leaned close and kissed her. His lips made currents run through and pulse within her. As his mouth left hers, his deep blue eyes plunged into her soul and her heart beat wildly. Still holding her hand and with his eyes still on hers, he gently kissed each of her fingers before turning her hand over and kissing her palm.

  Lowering her hand, his thumb rubbed deep into her palm. He looked ready to devour her. With the pressure of his touch on her hand, such an innocent place, she couldn't help but imagine his hands elsewhere on her body. She crossed her legs as her apex began to throb.

  "What can I get you tonight?" the waiter asked, but neither Caleb or Hannah could take their eyes off each other.

  "We'll start with the Caesar salad for two, then the lobster and filet special," Caleb said. "But bring it over to my place in about an hour."

  He got up, dropped a few hundred-dollar bills on the table, and pulled Hannah to her feet. They quickly left the restaurant, practically running as they made their way back up the pier. She didn't know where they were going and didn't care. Her entire body ached for him and if she didn't have him soon, she was afraid she might explode from the throbbing time bomb in her core that pulsed louder and louder.

  Reaching his motorcycle, she followed him onto the dock and to a houseboat she hadn't noticed before. It was at the edge of the dock, on the corner, with wood shingles and an offset contemporary roof. The deck surrounding it had a redwood stain, and there were several ornamental trees in pots lining it.

  "I have to have you now," he said.

  Caleb walked determinedly to the house. He pushed open the door, pulled her inside, and pushed her against the wall as his lips claimed hers.

  Pressed between his strong body and the wall, Hannah enjoyed his tongue hungrily exploring her mouth. Sliding her arms around his back, she pulled him closer, crushing her breasts against his muscular torso.

  Leaving her m
outh, his lips found a sensitive spot on her neck and she felt her legs go weak. As she ran her fingers through his hair, she lifted her leg around his hip, letting her skirt ride up. Through her thin panties, she felt the outline of his hard cock through his jeans.

  He continued to kiss her neck, making her want him even more. She couldn't take it and began shifting her hips, letting herself rub against his bulge until she unbuttoned his jeans and pushed them down past his hips, releasing his member.

  Wrapping her hand around him, she stroked his long, thick rod as his breaths came faster. He pulled her sweater off and tossed it aside. Burying his face in her chest, his lips and tongue slid over her skin as he lowered the straps of her bra, then unhooked it.

  "I want you so badly," she said breathlessly.

  Moving her hips close again, she pressed the bulbous head of his cock against the wet spot of her panties. His teeth closed around one of her stiff nipples and she gasped with pleasure. Sliding her panties aside, she rubbed his tip against her clit before moving it to her entrance.

  "Not yet," he said huskily.

  Sucking her nipple hard, his hands went down the curve of her body. He hooked his thumbs into her panties and pushed them down her round ass. His tongue moved to her other nipple, and he circled it before kissing it softly. His lips traveled down from her breasts as he slid her panties off her.

  Kneeling in front of her, he smiled up at her as he lifted her leg onto his shoulder. He nipped the hip of her opposite leg, then kissed her thigh as his fingers caressed her. His teeth closed around a sensitive area on her inner thigh, near her sex, and she jumped a little then giggled.

  With her breathing ragged, she looked down at him and he smiled, his eyes glued to hers as his fingers slowly entered her. Moaning, she closed her eyes, her head back against the wall. Her body buzzed with excitement and desire and she couldn't control her hips from rocking, forcing his fingers in and out of her wetness.

  When his firm tongue slid over her clit, she cried out and grabbed his hair, keeping him in place. The warmth of his tongue circled her nub and rubbed her as her body trembled. She didn't know if she could keep herself standing for much longer, but she didn't want him to stop.

  Clutching her ass with his hand, he helped support her as his lips surrounded her swollen clit and sucked gently before his tongue continued laving her.

  "Oh, Caleb, I'm so close...but I need you inside me."

  He rose to his feet, holding her leg up in his hand. He bit one of her nipples, making her jump. Her body shook more, making him smile.

  His tongue dipped into her mouth, meeting her tongue. Her body pulsed strongly from her core and she couldn't take much more.

  "Why are you torturing me?" she whispered.

  "You have no idea what torture just being near you is," he said as he rubbed his cheek against her shoulder.

  The feeling of his beard gently scratching her skin made her head swim. Every touch pushed her closer to the edge.

  "Then please..." she said, gasping as he entered her briefly.

  "I just want you to come. And I want it to be amazing for you."

  "Just fuck me already," she said, grinning as she grabbed his ass firmly.

  Kissing her lips, he entered her slowly, groaning. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him as he filled her with his length. Holding onto him tightly, she didn't think she could take him all in.

  A thin sheen of sweat covered them as he began to slowly thrust his hips. Feeling him inside her, every nerve tingled with excitement and pleasure. She shifted her hips and with each time he entered her, his cock rubbed along her clit.

  "Almost...so close," she breathed, amazed at how good everything felt.

  Moving her hips with him, he continued to stroke her nub before his rod moved deeper into her with each thrust. Her breathing grew ragged, and she clutched him hard. His breathing was fast.

  Suddenly the pressure inside her released and she cried out as her body shook and pulsed. She felt his warmth release within her, and he growled softly.

  Carrying her over to the black leather couch, she laid on top of him as they caught their breaths. He kissed the top of her head and then her lips when she looked up at him, exhausted.

  The doorbell rang and he groaned, realizing it was the restaurant. "I guess an hour wasn't enough time," he said. "I want more of you. I need it."

  She nodded, still unable to speak but wanting more of him too. Taking off his shirt, he gave it to her to put on while he pulled on his jeans to open the door.

  Setting the food down on the cocktail table, he kissed her quickly and smiled. "Let's eat. Then later I'm having you for dessert." He winked and began opening the cartons before lighting a couple of candles. Wondering how quickly she could eat, Hannah couldn't wait to be his final course.

  Chapter Eleven

  Hannah rushed out of the house in a pair of jeans, a heather grey off the shoulder sweater, and a pair of black ballet flats. She headed up the street to Pinky's. Excited to go to City Hall and see what she could find out about Rebekah Crane, Hannah knew if she didn't invite Pinky along, she'd never hear the end of it. Pinky never missed a chance to learn more about the history of Leeds Point, especially when it had anything to do with the supernatural.

  Hannah heard the children's laughter coming from the backyard so she didn't bother going into the house. As she walked around to the back, she spotted Pinky in a Mickey Mouse t-shirt, with her royal blue hair pulled up into a messy bun. Towering over the children, Pinky laughed and blew bubbles for the kids to chase.

  Pinky's mother stepped onto the deck from the kitchen with a tray of vegetables, yogurt, and fruit, placed it on a table low enough for the children to sit at, then played a few notes on a triangle. She was the spitting image of Pinky but with a platinum blonde pixie cut. Hannah loved Pinky's mom and called her 'mom', as did a lot of children who grew up at their nursery school. As the kids ran onto the deck for their snack, Hannah smiled fondly as she thought back to when she was one of those children.

  "Long time no see," Pinky said as she elbowed Hannah playfully.

  "I know, I know, please don't give me grief about it. You have no idea all the stuff that's happened."

  "Hey, you know I'm just teasing you. You don't have to tell me I don't compare to some sexy werewolf," Pinky grinned and wiggled her eyebrows at Hannah. "So what's up?"

  Pinky jerked her head towards the swing set in the corner of the backyard and started heading towards it. Hannah waved to Pinky's mom before following. The swings were where she and Pinky always shared their secrets. It was also Pinky's way of telling her to not say anything until they got there.

  After climbing onto one of the swings, Hannah opened her mouth and then quickly shut it. Pinky gave her her patented WTF look, and Hannah laughed.

  "I have so much to tell you and I don't even know where to begin," she said as she walked the swing back, then lifted her feet off the ground and swung forward.

  "It's me, Hannah. Just say whatever comes to mind."

  Hannah nodded as she swung. It wasn't that she was afraid of telling Pinky anything, she just had so many huge things happen that she couldn't figure out which one she should start with. She chose the thing that was foremost on her mind.

  "I'm part werewolf. I'm beginning to change, too."

  "Get out!" Pinky said as her mouth dropped open. "How are you handling that? I mean you never embraced the whole witch thing until you were older."

  "I think I'm still in shock. I mean my eyes turn yellow! How crazy is that? Eventually I'll be able to turn into a completely different being. Really, it's pretty exciting. And it ends up it's all happening because my dad was a wolf."

  "Your dad?" Pinky looked even more surprised. "Seriously, with the number of shifters in Leeds Point, you finding out you're one too really doesn't surprise me that much. But the fact that you got Eliza Crane to talk about Knox–"

  "Wait," Hannah interrupted, "how do you know my dad's name?
I didn't know it until recently. That's why she was at Night Shift, she's been looking for him."

  Pinky sighed and twisted her swing so she could look directly at Hannah. "Please believe me, but I just found out. I overheard my dad on the phone. He said your mom has been looking for Knox and I put two and two together. He thinks he's been taken."

  "Taken? Did he say anything else? I don't understand it. How did he know about my mom?"

  "Seriously, Hannah. Have you not learned anything from living here? My dad knows everything. Like everything. I didn't hear anything else, but it did sound serious."

  "Where is he? I've got to talk to him," Hannah said as she got off the swing.

  "You can't, he's not here. He had to meet with the Shifter Council."

  "The Shifter Council? That's been coming up a lot lately."

  "They're like the police of the shifter world, so I'm sure they're trying to figure out who is behind the wolf murders," Pinky said.

  "Ok, but what's your dad got to do with them?"

  "I really don't know, but sometimes they come to us because they need historical records on people. I've asked my dad about it, but he says I'll find out everything when my time comes." She shrugged before continuing. "Whatever that means."

  Hearing the kids playing on the jungle gym, Hannah realized she had been at the Smythe's longer than she planned. "I'm going to City Hall this morning so I can look up Rebekah Crane. Do you want to come with me? She's buried in my backyard and I met her the other night. I really want to get there early in case there are a lot of records to look through."

  "Aww crap, I can't go! It's just me and my mom here today. I can't leave her alone with all these kids, she'll end up tied to some tree or something," Pinky said, laughing. "Seriously though, I wish I could go. Promise me you'll tell me everything you find out."