Richard Weston POV

Swimming off was not something I wanted to do, yet I could understand why Aria would want to handle the two lycans alone. So I just kinda hung out midway between her and the two that called themselves Jeff and Frank. What can I say, sound travels on the water...

I didn't care much for the way the other two lycans were looking at her either. Both sat on the lounge chairs hungry eyed, and all. Then wouldn't you know it, the whipped beta came out to the pool and soon dives in. But...what the hell does he want with Aria now? Oh, this can't be good... I watch as she and Roarke, the two of them, get out of the pool and start walking toward a room. I feel like my breathing has become restricted... Oh shit! I know I can be a bit overly protective, but what the hell is this! I might only be a human but damnit, Aria! These are...men. Hairy men when they transform, but still... Men!

I must be insane, I have no claim on her, and I highly doubt she'd want one on me...

I've no time to think as the two lycans that had been with Aria come floating over and splash me. "Hey man, are you and Aria having some kind of thing going on, or is that hot body of hers' up for grabs?" The one called Jeff splashed, but it was Frank that had gotten crude. Without giving it another thought, I took a swing at him, connecting with his left cheek swinging his head hard to the side.

"Talk about her like that again, and so help me God, I'll find a way to take your lycan ass down like a common dog!" Jeff jumped back and got out of the way while Frank brought his head back around with a wicked grin.

"For a plain human, you can pack a good punch. But you're still more pussy than she is, I'll bet." He was simply trying to bait me further. What an unmitigated ass. Before I could react though, I saw Aria coming down the walkway looking a bit shaken.

Pushing past the others, I got out of the pool, then went and met her bent over by the lounge chairs as she picked up her belongings. Don't even start thinking about that gorgeous ass of hers'. Oh God, too late... Laying my hand on her shoulder lightly she paused, "Aria what is it? Are you alright?" I asked as I tried to hide my arousal. I could hear the lycans laughing and snickering, calling me whipped, but I don't care.

Standing upright, Aria held her belongings closely to her body. "Can we talk back in the room Richard, please?" I looked into her big brown eyes and for the very first time, I saw fear. Raw fear.

Grabbing up my few things quickly, I found the room key card and walked with her back over to it. Swiping the lock, I turned the handle and stood back so she could enter first. "Aria, come on. Talk to me. What's going on?" Closing the door I turned around to face her?

"Follow me, I need to check something first." She walked ahead of me toward the bedroom and into the huge bathroom with a jacuzzi built for two and a glass stand-alone shower. She walked over to the double sink and stared at her reflection a moment before reaching down to flood the jacuzzi with water. "Roarke pointed something out to me that I had not noticed. He said that I smelled more human. If so, this transition to my shadow mist form might be hard." Steam rose from the jacuzzi as she added some bath oil.

"Aria, don't you think he was just playing with your mind a bit?" I looked down at her bent form, the smooth line of her bare back... Her spine... I looked away so I wouldn't end up with a tent in my swim trunks.

Aria raised herself and stared into my eyes. Uncertainty and fear shone there and it made me fear for her, though I couldn't show it. "He may not have been...I must find out for sure." Slowly she began to separate and spread out her molecules in the steamy room, her clothing dropping to the floor. Aria's features registered pain, her mouth opening wide in a silent scream. Then her features disappeared into the dark shadow mist that is her true form. From head to toe her shadowy form of a human-like outline that undulated, billowing with life that changed shades from dark, almost black, to filmy shades of grey that seemed almost transparent. Slowly she reached out to me in what looked like a hand yet it was cool where she touched me on my bare chest.

Gliding toward me,  I felt Aria as the molecules of her body began to blend in with mine. I wasn't afraid, far from it, since I knew she was making a copy of me onto her molecules. Safety-wise, it was a good idea. I stood still as she passed within my body. Never did I think there was something so extremely intimate as this. Aria pulled her body through mine and quickly took on the shape of Annie behind me.

"I hope you're not angry that I did that. I did it so I could protect you." She walked around me slowly, with pink on her cheeks since she was now nude. Quickly she ran to the jacuzzi and jumped into the water to cover herself, finally turning off the faucets.

I just stood there a bit in shock at having seen her naked. God, I want her so bad, despite the species difference. That part doesn't matter anymore. Lowering myself by the side of the tub, I lay down on my left side and asked her in soft, concerned tones. "Did you find out what you needed to? My God Aria, you looked like you were in excruciating pain." Reaching out I cupped her cheek with my palm as she nodded.

"From what I can tell, the longer I stay in these human forms, the more I become emotionally like you. But physically, I will always have a black hole in my chest. Does...well, would that matter to you?" Her last words were spoken in almost less than a whisper. Her insecurity over it all showing in the lift of her delicate brows, the brightness of her soft brown eyes, and in the way she bit her lower lip.

Leaning over the edge of the jacuzzi, I now took her face in both of my hands, dipping my head down at a slight angle to press a soft and sweet kiss upon her lips. Her mouth was soft and pliant giving in to mine. Submissive, and yet not. Pulling back, I gazed deeply into her eyes and asked with deep whiskey tones. "What do you think?" I smiled, and her eyes lit up with a smile that lightly crinkled their corners. She pushed back from the edge a bit, and I could see the oiled water dripping down between her beautiful breasts.

When my gaze lifted back up to hers' her smile was of the teasing type. "I want to know more...join me in this jacuzzi, and please show me?"

Rolling my eyes, I laughed and answered her in a voice thick with desire. "Aria, you just might be the death of me. But what a great way to go." Swiftly, I removed my swimming trunks and tossed them aside. Easing down into the jacuzzi I did one thing she had forgotten...turned on the jets. She squealed in delight as the water bubbled up in a frenzy around us.

Pulling her naked body up against mine, I kissed her deeply, my tongue lashing and sliding against hers. Her arms sliding up around my neck. Until she had to pull back from the kiss for air. "Teach me... Show me everything!" Her voice had lowered with desire and her eyes shone brightly as I pecked her lips gently.

"Not everything, but I will show you some. Are you sure you are ready for this?" The seriousness of my voice could not be missed.

Lifting herself up into my lap, straddling my legs, she whispered softly in my ear, making me shiver."Yes, Richard, I am ready for this. I have waited millions of years. The question is...are you ready?" Oh hell yes! With that being said, I opened my legs wide and grasping her by the waist I introduced her sweet body to the pounding of a jacuzzi jet.

"Oh, Richard!"