Esmerelda: A Rogue Enforcers Novel by Darlene Tallman (phonics books TXT) 📕

stretch to work out the kinks, my mind works through the logistics of the plan that we formulated. Colton plans to reach out to some shifters in the area so they can get eyes on the location where not only Leigh and Ice are being held, but also some other shifters he’s been made aware of that were kidnapped. I’ve never worked with caimans, but Colton said they’re in the same family as crocodiles, just not as big. I’m worried about the heat there; I know that I don’t tolerate extremes in temperatures so I’m concerned that may be impacting Ice as well. I wonder if the kidnappers know what kind of shifters they have but doubt that would make any difference to them in the long run. Not based on the nefarious plans we know of thanks to Burt.

Thinking of Burt has me chuckling. He was definitely an odd little man; not very tall at all, he was a bit of a loner based on his actions while we were there. Yet, despite his reticence over our visit, he still displayed a sense of hospitality. “What has you laughing, sugar bear?” Esmerelda asks as she comes back into the bedroom. My mouth dries up seeing her move toward me; her black nightgown swirling around her calves has me wanting to rip it off her then bend her over. “Ah ah ah,” she chides, waving her index finger at me. “Not until you get the road grime off you, mister.”

“You could wave your finger,” I remind her, standing and stalking in her direction. “Cut out the middle so we can get to the good stuff.”

“Normally I would, Beast, but the water pressure in this shower will feel good on your back and shoulders. Plus, we both need to eat since gas station snacks only go so far.” My stomach rumbles at her words, which makes her giggle. “See what I mean? Let’s take care of one appetite before we enjoy the other.” Her wink as she takes her sandwich over to the small table has me salivating. How I got so fucking lucky is beyond me, but I definitely thank Fate that she brought Esmerelda to me. She puts up with my morning surliness, overbearing protective attitude and does it all with a smile.

I reach her side, lean in and kiss her head then whisper, “Love you, my sassy sorceress. I won’t be long.”

“Take as long as you need, Beast. I know we’re closer to home than we planned so it’s not as if we have to get on the road at the crack of dawn.”

“That was partially why I did that, Esme. I know once we get home, we’re going to be busy as hell getting ready to head back out. Even if we do a late check-out, we’ll still be home mid-afternoon,” I advise, grabbing my own toiletry bag as I head into the bathroom. She may have her fancy nightgown on, but I’ve always slept nude and don’t plan to stop at this stage of my life.

My mate was right about the fucking shower. Holy fuck, the water pressure worked the knots and kinks out of my upper back and shoulders which is surprising because typically, hotels aren’t known for their awesome showers. As I dry off, I decide to trim my beard so I don’t abrade her skin too much. Grinning, I tie the towel around my waist then quickly take care of my face. Once done, I stride back into the bedroom to see her propped against the pillows, the remote in her hand. She has my sandwich as well as a drink on the nightstand where my phone sits. “Your phone has been blowing up,” she says, smiling at me. “Come, sit down and eat while you figure out what the emergency is this late at night.”

I sit down on the bed, get comfortable then lean in and kiss her until we’re both breathless. “Okay, now I’ll eat,” I say when I pull back, grinning at her slightly dazed look. When I see what she’s watching, I groan. “This again?” I ask.

“It’s a good show,” she defends, lightly pushing on my shoulder. “I mean, it’s not like there are a lot of other choices.”

“Let me see,” I demand, holding my hand out for the remote. Once she gives it to me, I start scrolling. A lot of channels with shopping, which is a huge no from me, a fishing show, two game shows, some sappy chick movie. “Fine, we’ll watch fucking zombies,” I finally grumble, putting the remote on my nightstand. “This is so fake; they don’t move like that.”

“You know humans have no clue, honey. They’re using their imagination. It’s kind of like how they portray all witches as ugly, bent over crones.” I give her a side look and grin. My mate is as far from a crone as someone could possibly get. High, perky breasts that are just right for my hands, a trim waist that flares out into grippable hips, plus legs long enough to wrap around me when I’m pounding in and out of her. “I see you’re getting a different appetite now,” she teases, her hand reaching out to fondle my hardening dick.

“Mmhm,” I mumble around the last mouthful of my sandwich which I quickly chew then swallow, my mind on other pursuits. Without warning, I swing her so that she’s straddling me, her heated core resting on my dick. “Think it’s time for dessert,” I state, leaning down to nip the curve of her neck before I pepper her jaw and finally her lips with kisses. Before her, I didn’t much care for kissing. Now, though, I think it was because I was waiting for her. Her unique flavor, her touch, her essence. My hand goes into her hair, shifting the angle of her head so I can deepen the kiss. As our tongues duel, she begins undulating against my dick, which has pre-cum steadily