PeaceslitheredovermelikeaphysicalcaressasIwalkedthroughtheherdofhorsesthatcalledAspenSpringsRanchtheir home.Ilovedeachofthefiftyhorsesliketheyweremyown,memorizingquirksofpersonalitywiththesamedevotionIgave to the physical markings that made themindividuals I also loved themas a collective They were family to each other, a glorioussummadeofmanysouls.Eventhecrankiestmareandmellowestgeldinghadaplaceintheirranks.Tomyever-lasting gratitude,theyalsowelcomedmeamongthemasafriend
PausingbesidePride,theagedblackandwhitepainthorsewhohadcometoAspenSpringsaroundthesametimeIhad,I stroked a workwornhand alonghis glossyshoulder Bothofus had carried a heavyload ofbaggage whenwe arrived His struggleshadshownoutwardly,withdulleyesandafadedcoatonatoothinframe.Myhearthadbeennearlyasgaunt.Now, webothhadpurpose,andwerefullineverywaythatmattered.
Imovedon,checkingoverothermembersoftheherdastheychewedcontentedlyattheirbreakfast Thegreen-goldscentof richhaybeinggroundbetweensomanyteethmadeabetterperfumethananythingsoldatadepartmentstorecounter,andwas worth far more to me Combined with the always present earthiness of manure and dust, it lulled me into a small grin of happinessasIheadedforthetackroom.Nowthateveryonewassettled,itwastimetosaddleup.We’dneedeveryhorseinthe stringtoday.
Hesmiledback,anunexpectedflashofwhiteteeth.Delightdancedinhisambereyes.Inthesunlight,theyremindedmeof whiskey and honey, heated yet sweet. “Callie. You ready to get started? Caleb’s on his way up to the lodge to grab our breakfastsowecaneatonthego.Otherwise,we’llnevergetdoneintime.”
Pokinghimgentlyinthe ribs, Iclucked mytongue indisagreement. “As if. We’re a good teamand we’ve had more than enoughpractice Wecouldbedoneinplentyoftimeforbreakfast”
“Sure,thatwouldbegreat!”ThefalsecheerinmytonehadOrensmotheringalaughagainstmyneck. Shut up, I’m buying us a minute, Isenthimthroughour mate bond, a twinge offrustrationcoloringthe mental words While I’d fullysealed the matebondwithbothCaleb,mywolf,andTad,mybear,OrenandIhadnothadachanceyet.Withtheovernighttripsonour immediatehorizon,Ihadnoideahowmuchlongerwe’dhavetowait
Sympathyandremorse came throughthe kiss he lovinglyplacedonthe columnofmyneck.Evenmypulse throbbedwith longingagainst that warmpoint ofcontact before he pulled awayso Icould see his face. We’ll make time, he sent back, I swear
Theranchhadchangedallofthat Oneleapoffaith,threeveryexpensivetanksofgas,andovertwothousandmileslater, I’drolledthroughthegatewithatingleinmymiddlethatfeltlikemagictomystarvedheart.Ifoundapurpose.Bosses that valued me, co-workers that respected me even as I struggled with my attraction to them, and blessed belonging A heady draughtindeedtoacowgirlindesperateneedofallthree.
Aboutthetimewehadthefirstdozenhorsessaddled,Calebstrodeinwithaninsulatedtoteandacockysmirkthatwidened whenmystomachgrowledloudenoughforJilliantohearit Thegirl’slaughteratmyexpensewasjustsharpenoughtomake one ofhis eyes twitchatthe corner. Atinytell inthe greater scheme, butthe more Ilearned aboutthe shifter natures ofmy mates,themoreIsawthesigns Allthreeweresensitivetoscentsandsounds,butCaleb’swolfmostofall Didn’tstop himfromgivingher the firstfoil wrapped packet, though. Mydear alpha had the innate need to take care of anyone he considered pack, starting with the most vulnerable among us He’d taken Jillian into that number with startling immediacy.Whatawonderfulfatherhe’dmake.
Athoughtthathadmybraincrawlingthroughquicksandattheunexpectedpangofemotionsthatcamewithit.Thequestion slantinghisworriedmouthashepressedthenextfoilbundleintomynumbhandsonlyslowedmedownmore Whilemostfolk tended to spinwhenconfronted withunexpected feelings, Ihad ages ofpractice wrestlingwithmyemotions thatled to the oppositeproblem Sometimes,I’dgettoohunguponathing “Youalright,MissCallie?”
Thesheer,reliablenormalcyofthequestionyankedmebackontrack.ApleasedhumleftmylipsasIpeeledopenthefoil to reveal a burrito large enoughto feed two people. Ifthere were two things Icould relyon, itwas Caleb maintaininghis professionalisminfrontoftheguestsandTad’scompulsiveneedtooverfeedanyonehecaredabout.“I’mgreatnow.Thanks.”
Allofuswerereducedtochewingandmakingappreciativenoisesforagoodfifteenminutesasweleanedagainstvarious surfaces inthe barnaisle and consumed our food. To mysurprise, Ipolished offthe whole thingdownto the lastbite, even lickingtheremnants offmyfingers withenjoyment WhileIhadn’thadmuchexperiencewithgreenchileontheeastcoast,I wasbecomingafastfanofTad’susageofthestuff.Youcouldprobablypouritonanoldbootandmakeittastegood.
Wasn’tuntilIlookedupintothesilenceofthetackroomandnoticedJillian’seyesdartingbetweenmeandtheguysthatI realizedIhadanaudience.Bothcowboyshadstoppedeating,preferringtowatchmeinstead.Almostasiftheywanted me for breakfast.
Dangnearbouncingwithdelight,shedidn’tbotheranswering,justgrabbedabrushboxandheadedoutthedoor.Ifollowed behind, endeavoringto scrape up the pleasure her enthusiasmdeserved She’d struckup a bond withthe guarded buckskin gelding a couple days ago, sneaking himpotato chips when she thought I wasn’t looking. I’d been so stunned to see him expressinganinterestinanything,Ihadn’tbotheredtostopher Now,aftertakinghimforatestrideyesterday,Iwasverymuch lookingforwardtoseeingiftheirbondcouldextendbeyondillicitjunkfoodconsumption.
Instead, I was thinking about how uncomfortable we must be making her Achoti expressed her displeasure with my inattentionbyshiftingawayfrommeasIturnedtowardherwithabrushinhand. Ah, yes, that’s right Callie, you know better. Be in the moment and quit overthinking everything.
With a purposefully deep breath, I quieted the restlessness in my middle and exhaled my worry Rooting myself in the energyoftheearth,IabsorbedthesteadinessthatcamefrommytruepurposeinbeingatAspenSprings.Thespiritsoftheland hadcalledme Tobetheiradvocate,toguardthesanctityoftheirhome,andtocareforallwhoenjoyeditsblessings Eventhe guests.IncludingJillian.This,Icoulddo.
JillianandIgroomedonehorseatatime,her skinnyarmsworkingvigorouslytocurrylooseanydeadhair anddirtfrom Achoti’s goldencoat.Ifollowedbehind,brushingawaytheaccumulationuntil thecolor reflectedtheearlymorningsunlight, likegildingonanotherwiseflawlessworkofart.ThenwemovedontoDunny.Hetoohadchangedsomuchsincehisarrival.I wouldn’tbereadytohandhimofftoanyoldrideranytimesoon,butwithsupervisionandguidance,IthoughtJillianmightbe rightup his alley. There was a lotoftruthinthe sayingthateveryhorse deserved to be loved bya little girl atleastonce. Partneringwithahumanwhothoughtyouweremagicwasawfullygoodforyoursenseofself
Athoughthereinforced,generallyignoringmeinfavorofkeepinghisattentiononthegirl.Therewasstillaslightquestion, a hesitance inhis movements that told me he wasn’t sure he could trust. Sad to say, I knew firsthand how that felt. As we workedtoshineuphisreddishgoldcoat,Isenthimasliverofreassurance. Believe, buddy, believe. She needs you to believe as badly as you need it yourself.
He blew outa sigh, his jaw looseningwitha bigyawnto dispel the tensionhe’d beenharboringfor far too long. From experiencewithotherhorses,andmyownpersonallife,Iknewwe’dhavetorepeatthiskindofreleasequiteafewtimes.That firststepwasadoozythough,andmeaningfulinsomanyways Choosingtoletgowasapowerfulmagic
PausinginthemiddleofpullingAchoti’ssaddleofftherack,Ibracedtheweightagainstmyhiptogiveherwordsthesame consideration she’d given mine Damn, here I was not fifteen minutes ago thinking about someday babies, and now I was staringthe results ofsucha unionrightinthe face. Ifmycowboys and Ihad children, they’d face similar struggles. Beinga teenagerwashardenoughwithoutyourparents’lifestylegivingotherpeopleammunition.
She blushed evenharder, giggled withdelight, thendutifullyfollowed orders after diggingup one of the prettier saddle blankets fromthe pile. Abright blue that made his coat look even more stunning once she got everything on him. All her preparationspaledincomparisontothemomentIaskedifshewantedtoridehim.WhensheclimbedaboardandturnedDunny towardthearena,I’mfairlysuretheycouldhavespottedtheincandescentglowonsatelliteashorseandgirlcreatedtheirown magicwhilelearningtodancewitheachotherforthefirsttime.Fingerscrossed,itwouldn’tbethelast.
I’d be the first to admit that as a younger man, I’d watched mated couples interact with each other with a good deal of skepticism.They’dalways said“Someday,you’ll understandwhenithappenstoyou.”AndI’dalwaysnoddedtotheir faces butscoffedinthequietofmyownmind Sure,myparentshadbeenafineexampleofwell-suitedmates,wholovedeachother withafiercenessnoonecoulddeny.Now,Icouldarguesomejealousymighthavefueledmydeterminationtobeunaffected.In fact,Iprobablyowedmymomanddadaphonecalltoapologizeforbeingsuchaninsufferableshit
Becausethey’dallbeenright.Ihadn’thadaccesstothatpartofmyheartyet.Didn’tknowwhatitfeltliketohaveopened myselfup to someone and shared myblood withthem To feel a piece ofyourselftear away, notonlyto give thatpiece to someoneelsetocarryaroundfortherestofyourlife,buttoteardownwallsinyoursoultomakeroomforsomethingmore.
LovingCallie was simultaneouslythe easiestand hardesttaskI’d ever takenon. Easiest, because itwas more automatic thanthebeatofmypulse,thebreathsIdrew Fromtheoutside,somemightthinkthatsharingherwasthehardpart They’dbe wrong.Thehardpartwasholdingback.
Yeah, holdingbackfromtakingover the job oflickingher fingers cleanafter she finished her breakfastburrito so she’d makethoselittlenoisesofpleasureforme.Thenharderstill,holdingbackfromprotectingher.Spoilingher.Becauseapartof mywolfverymuchwantedtowrapherupandkeepherfromsomuchasbreakinganail.Evenasanotherpartofhimargued we’dbestnot.Welovedherpower,herdrive,andherskill.Wetookprideinourmate’steeth.
The words prodded Jillianinto motion, too quickhands droppingthe reins to fishinto her pockets. Dunnydidn’t make anythingofthesuddenfreedom,contenttokeepcompanywithCallie’smareashisriderfumbledthephoneinherexcitement I madeasmooth,quickstepforward,catchingthephoneoutoftheairasifitwerepinwheelinginslow motion.Shifterspeed andreflexeswereawfullyhandysometimes.SowashavingaherdofhorsesnowaccustomedtothewayImoved.TheyknewI posednothreattotheirwell-being,evenifIactedandsmelledevenmorelikeapredatorthanyouraveragehuman
DeliberatelyslowingmyselfsoIdidn’tstartletheyounggirl,nowthatIhadherattention,Imovedbackenoughtogetboth herandCallieintheframe ButIdidn’tsnapthephoto,noticingJillianchewingonherlipashereyesflickedtohermentor “Maybe we don’t need a picture?” The slump in her shoulders broke my heart. “I mean, I don’t look like much of a cowgirl”
“Yup. Because youtreat themlike theyare important. And that is what makes youa real cowgirl intheir eyes.” Callie leanedforwardinthesaddle,layingher armacrossthesaddlehornasshefixedthegirl withanintentstarethatbrookedno argument “Horsesdon’tcarewhatcostumewewear Theydidn’tcarewhenIwentthroughaphaseofdyeingmyhairdifferent colors,orwhenItriedmyhandatbeinganEnglishrider.It’sallwindowdressing.Whatreally,truly,mattersiswhattheysee whentheylookthroughthewindowintooursoul”
Blinkinghard to stave offanyofmyownswimmingemotions, ittookme a second to respond whenJillianconceded to havingher picture taken Awide, easysmile graced her face, a predictionofthe beautiful womanshe would mature into It matchedtheoneonCallie’sfacealmostexactly.Notinsizeorshape,butinhowgenuineitwas.Isnappedseveralpicturesto makesureIgotagoodonebeforesteppingbetweenthetwoladiestohandoffthephone.
“Thatwas beautiful,” Imurmured, spreadingmyfingers wide so Icould touchas muchofher as possible. Her muscles flexedundermycaress,bringingothermemoriestothesurface Onesdefinitelynotsafeforwork,butsovividinmymindthatI couldtasteherskinonmytongue,herarousalrichintheair.Ratherthanlettingmyselffalldownthatrabbithole,Istaredup intohereyes,hopingshecouldseeallthewordsIcouldn’tsayoutloudatthemoment.ThebestIcouldmanagewas,“You’re beautiful”
“So are you, my wild wolf,” she murmured back, the arousal I’d imagined suddenly very present as she shifted in the saddle “Outsideandin”
Any chance I had at returning the sentiment disappeared with the intrusion of voices growing closer, excited chatter a remindertherewasworktobedone.Regretfully,Isteppedback,lettinghergo,missinghertouch.Butshesmiledforthat,too. Because she loved thatInever made less ofher for beinga woman, never gave anyone a reasonto questionmytrustinher leadershiphereatthebarn.Irespectedherexactlyasshewas.
Assherodeaway,headingtowardthebarnyardtogreettheguests,IstaredafterherwithalovesicksmileIdidn’tcareif thewholeworldsaw.Becausesure,IlikedCallie’swindowdressings.Thewranglersthathuggedhercurves.Thecowgirlhat that shaded her pretty face The long blond braid hanging down her back But that view was nothing compared to the perspectiveIhadthroughthatwindow intoher soul.Eventhebreathtakingpanoramaofmountainsarounduscouldn’tholda candletotheextraordinarymagicofmymate’swildandlovingheart.
Tad’s barked question didn’t bother me, no matter how abrupt the delivery. His voice was one I knew of old, and the militarysharptonefeltlikehome Beinggivenataskandtrustedtocompleteitsoothedtheroughedgesofmymind Noneof themicromanagingslavedrivingoftheBlutbadcrew,withtheirconstantneedlingandthreats.
“Done infive,” Ireplied as Itrimmed the excess skinand fatfromthe meatwitha deadlysharp knife NotthatIfeared cuttingmyself.Iwasbornwithrazorsonmytoesasacougar.Thiswasjustoneblade.Icouldhandleitwithease.
“Kirby,howaboutyou?”
Iflickedmyeyestothekidnexttome,makingsurehewasdoingokay Beingateam,whetheronthebattlefieldorinthe kitchen, meant looking out for the slowest of your number. Bringing themup to your level, helping themalong when they struggled Sometimes,thekidlagged Nothisfaulteither Justahuman,hedidn’thavetheextraedgelenttoshifters Butnot today.Hewasjustfinishingupthelastthreechickendrumsticks,havingcoatedthemallinageneroushelpingofrub.
“Rock on, Kirb,” Tad said as he strode back inside and inspected our work He already had a big pot of baked beans simmering on the stove, and the vat of potato salad was melding together in the walk-in cooler. Lunch had been a simple enoughaffair,justsandwichfixingsandasaladbar,owingtoalltheprepworkwe’dhadtodo Notjustfortonight’ssupper either.We’dhadtopackthedrygoodsforthisweek’stripouttoatentcampandstageallthecoolersaswell.Butwe’dbusted ourassesandgottenitalldoneingoodtime.“OncewegetthischickenonthegrillI’vegotsomecoldonesonicewithyour namesonthem.”
Myold brother inarms slapped the kid onthe backwithtempered enthusiasm. At full strength, Tad could have broken bones,andheknewit “Alright,gohangupyourapron,washyourhands,andI’llseeyououtside!”
Assoonaswewerealone,Tadfellinnexttome,takinguptheseasoningshakerthekidhadabandonedandstartinginon thethighsI’dalreadyfinished.Wemadeshortworkoftherestofthejobbeforepickingupthebinsofmeatandheadingforthe smoker Tookafewtogetallthemeatarrangedcorrectly,butworkingnexttoTadfeltperilouslyclosetosomethinglikehome I’d expected itwould take longer to find myplace here. Bothinthe kitchen, and atAspenSprings ingeneral. Butto my surprise, Ifell inlike the niche had beenmade to fit WhichIloved and hated inequal measure Seemed unfair findingany happinessatallwhenmylittlebrotherwasinthehandsofthebadguys.HowcouldIenjoymyselfwhenhewastheirprisoner?
TheonlywayIjustifiedallowinganykindofhappinesswasknowingIwasearningthetrustI’dneedtobetraymybrothers inarms. Eventhinkingaboutthe treacheryIneededto accomplishmade mybellyache. How was Isupposedto throw Oren under the bus after servingwithhim? He’dbeenkindtome ina wayonlysomeone withtroubles oftheir owncould.Caleb treatedmewithsomuchcaution,asifafraidImightbreakifhelookedatmefunny Afarcryfromtheguywhoputcatniptoys inmyduffelwhenwedeployedtoSouthAmerica,orwokemeupinthemorningbydanglingafeathertoyinmyface.Thebear triedhisdamnedesttoactlikeeverythingwasfine,butheworehisheartonhissleeve,andpitymuddiedhissmilesometimes ButnotOren.HetookmeexactlyasIwas,noexpectationthatIsomehowneededtogetbetter.
As I washed up at the huge sinkalongthe side of the lodge the lavender scent of the soap had me wincingawayfrom anothersourceofguilt.Callie.Matetomybrothersinarms.Shared,tomyeverlastingsurprise,betweenthethreeofthem.By clawandtooth,Ihatedhowthiswasgoingtohurther.Deeperstill,IhatedhowthisbetrayalwoulddestroyanychanceIhadof baskinginhergoodness
sureIwasalonebeforefishingitouttoreadthesingulartext. Status
Foracougar,hidingwashowwehunted.ButIhatedeverythingabouthidingwhatIwasdoingfrommybrothers.Givenhalf a chance, I’d tell themwhatwas happening I’d gettheir help to getJasper backfromthe fuckers atthe Sanctuary, and then we’dteartheplacedowntoitsfoundation.Buteventhinkingaboutsuchathingmadethemagecollararoundmynecktighten downjustenoughtoremindmeofwhatitwascapableof Growlingagainstthepressurescomingfromeverydirection,Ityped abriefreply. Progress slow, but measurable. After tomorrow, camping the next two days, out of cell range. Will update on return
HearingTad’sheavy,casualtread,IplasteredasmileonmyfaceasIshovedmyphonebackinmypocket Heroundedthe corner with a focus that made me freeze in place. Sure, we were both predators, but in a fight, he had me, man or beast. “What’sup,man?”
HisnosetwitchedwithuneasewhenIcalledhimmanagain IknewithurthimthatIdidn’tcallhimbrotheranymore Caleb evenmore,butTadletitshowratherthanhideit.Yeah,theguyworehisheartonhissleeve,buthehadanadvantageinthatno one would ever give him shit for his emotional reactions. Because even the humans instinctively recognized a dangerous animalintheirmidst.
Iwavedhimawaywithacasualflickofmyhandashedriedoffandturnedtofaceme “Noproblem,boss,easyduty Go dowhatneedsdoing.”
His gratitude hit me like a lead weight, myshoulders achingwiththe imagined strainof carryingall myguilt. Thenhe slapped myback, onlyhe didn’t softenthe blow as muchas he had withKirby, broad hand landingwitha meatythump. I wincedunderthetouch.Notbecauseithurt,butbecauseevenwithdaysofbeingtreatedsokindly,mybodystillkeptexpecting atouchtoleadtopain
Atwar withmyself,because lettinghimcloser wouldonlymeanmore hurtwhenIlostmyfriendagain,Islappedhimin return.Atalmostequalhisheightandreach,Icaughthimacrosstheshouldersinawaysofamiliarthatalumpofhomesickness pushed at my throat. Much as I had missed Jasper and hated the bureaucracy and double talk of the military, leaving my brothersinarmsbehindhadleftahollowplaceinmysoulnothingelsecouldfill
ey, honey!” Tad’s voice rubbed over me like the feel of his thick fur, warm, welcoming, and so lush, even in its coarseness.Ashedroppedontothebenchacrossfromme,Ibridgedthedistanceunderthetabletorubmybootedtoealonghis calf Hisever-presentgrinwidenedevenmore “Nicetoseeyou,too How’dtheridesgotoday?”
Calebsubsided,thoughIstifledalaughasheslidhisplatefartherfromTadtopreventanotherinvasion “Idon’tblamehim,”Orensaidafter swallowingamouthful ofhis ownfood.“This is somedamngoodbarbeque,Biggs. Butnotlikeyourmama’s Whatdidyouchange?”
Preeninglike a rooster witha fine set of tail feathers, Tad turned to myother mate witha puffed-out chest. “Turns out Mariahhasagardenoutbackofherhouse,andshebroughtmesomechilestheothernightthatIaddedtothesauce.Hardtoget thefreshstufflikethatathomeinMinnesota.Madeabigdifference.”
This earned me three intense stares thathad me smilingaround mythumb as Ipopped itoutofmymouth HavingTad’s undividedattention,Iasked,“DoIdetectcinnamon,ohmasterofthekitchen?”
Whichturnedmyattentiontothemaninquestion,hisgazemeetingminewithaboldnessthatmadepromises Hedidn’thave tosayawordformetoknowwewereonthesamepage.Butheplayeditcool,owingtothecrowdedlodge.Sure,wecould love eachother safelyinthe companyofthese people who all had more thanone partner, but none ofus were goingto be anythingotherthancircumspect.Wewereadults,afterall.
Immediately,hiseyessmiledfor him,evenifhismouthgavenothingawayashereachedfor myhand “Aworthyerrand Youtakeyour time.It’ll givemeachancetopull somestufftogether beforeweheadtothepasture.”Pullingmyhandupfor whatwould looklike a gentlemanlykiss to anyone else, he snuckina flickofhis tongue across a bitofsauce I’d missed. “You’reworthwaitingfor,bossmare”
The heatpoolinginmybellywithhis quietseductionwas no less intense thanithad beenfor Caleb and Tad, butitwas different Likeallicecreamisdelicious,thesemenfulfilledahungerinmenothingelsecould Buttheydidn’ttastethesameto myemotions.Orenwasalusciousinevitability.AflavorIhadspentmywholelifecravingwithouteverknowingwhatIwas missing.Iwasgoingtoenjoytastingeverydelectableinchofhim,ourbodiesmeltingtogetherandbecomingsomethingentirely new.
himasIdidwithCaleb.ThewolfandIlovedtodancethrougheyecontact,butnotmymustang.Ifoureyesmet,itwassoftly. We could see into eachother’s souls justfine withoutscouringthrougheachother. “Now, letme finishMr. Biggs’excellent meal SomethingtellsmeI’mgonnaneedtheenergy”
After supper concluded, Arnie and Mariahmet me outside near the grove ofaspens that served as a buffer betweenthe lodge and the cabins. My soon-to-be mom radiated enough excited happiness that she gave off a pink aura even without softeningmyeyestoseeitclearly.Ormaybethatwasjustmyownhappinesscoloringeverything?
ThatisuntilIcaughtthetinypinpricksofbrightnessflashingintheduskylightofearlyevening,mimickingthefirefliesof my childhood memories. They hovered in the shivering leaves of the aspen, dropping down to swoop around Arnie and Mariah’sshoulders OneevenhadthecouragetotugatArnie’smustache Amusementfinallyoverrodemyanxietyasheglared aftertheoffender.
Asafewdartedtowardme,flickeringonandoffastheydancedaroundmyhead,Imanagedagenuinesmile.“Ithinkthey mightbehereformethistime.”Sinkingdownintotherootsthelandgaveme,Isteadiedmyenergyandspilledmyguts.Start howyoumeantogoon.Whichmeantwithfullhonesty.Ifitmadethemflinchaway,thenI’dbesavingmyselfheartbreakdown theline.“Iknow youbothmeanwell,andyou’redoingwhat’sbestfortheland.Makingsureofyourlegacy,ifyouwill.But I’mdealingwithsome fears Mightseemsillyinthe face ofeveryother fantastical thing Still true” As Mariah’s happiness dimmed considerably, Iflungouta hand and anamendment. “Notthatit’s anythingyou’ve done. Butmyhistorywithfamily is ”
Reassured byher willingness to see, Ipushed on “Youtwo have done nothingbutwelcome me in I’ve never feltmore accepted.Doesn’tstopmybrainfromsayingyoucouldchangeyourmind.Andyouaren’tjustadoptingme.I’mapackagedeal now, withthe guys” Wincingawayfromthe one truthIstill had to keep hiddenfromthem, Ihoped their acceptance ofmy magicwouldmakethemasopen-mindedaboutshifters,whenmycowboysfinallygotupthecouragetotelltheirsecret.
Caressinghis stubbled cheekwithmyfree hand, savoringthe wayhe leaned into the touch, Ipushed againsthis instincts eversoslightly.“Wedon’talwaysgetwhatwewant,Caleb.Lifedoesn’tworklikethat.Youarematedtoanempath.Feeling things,goodandbad,iswhatwedo.Ican’tliveinabubblejusttopleaseyou.”
His eyes snapped open, blue and silver swirlingina defiant storm For the briefest second, Ithought he might fight my declaration. Iwouldn’thave beenshocked, as readyfor actionas he had beenmere moments before. Thenhis lashes swept downonto his cheeks, closingthose eyes ina clear expressionoftrust Whentheyopened again, skyblue and confident, he answeredbackwithaplayfullystubborntonethatchallengedmetomakesomethingoutofit.“Stilldon’tlikeit.”
“Don’tthinkthat’llgetyoutoofar,bigbadwolf,”Iteased,curlingmynailsintohischest.Agrowlrumbledupagainstmy palmthatstirredmeupall over again,therollercoaster ofemotions makingmeswayonmyfeet “Butifyouwanttohelp,I surecoulduseahug.”
Hefoldedmein,theremnantsofthegrowldisappearingasItuckedmyfaceintothesideofhisneckanddrownedmyselfin the scentofmine. All ofus carried the saltcrusted tangofa hard day’s work, mostofus fromthe barnwiththe underlying sweetnessofTad’sworkinthekitchenasmyothertwomenjoinedtheembrace Solidlyshoredupfromeverydirection,Itook deepbreaths,drawingourmingledscentsinandstoringtheminmyheart.WhileIhadfaiththerewouldbemoremomentslike thistocherishinourfuture,Ilovedthisoneinandofitself.
“You’re sure youwant to go?” I asked againfrommyperchonthe edge of the bed, nerves eatingat me. She’d beenso contentbeingsurroundedbyallofus,andIhesitatedtopullherawayfromthesupportifitwaswhatsheneeded.
Herheadpokedoutofthebigwalk-incloset,ateasingsmilefirmlyinplaceassheleanedonthedoorframe “Yousure you wanttogo?That’sthethirdtimeyou’veasked,soifyou’regettingcoldfeet...”
“I mean, we do have a bed right there Pretty sure we could set it on fire if we tried hard enough” Her playful wink providedthelastbitofreassuranceIneededtoletgoofmyworries.“Iknowyou’vegotplans,butIdon’tneedanythingfancy. Ijustwanttobeyours.”
“Oh,Ithinkit’llbeworthyourwhiletowaitjustalittlelonger,”Ineedled,havingahardtimemaintainingmyresolveas her lips turnedintothe cutestfuckingpout.Callie didn’thave a manipulative bone inher body,unless she were tryingtodo something for someone else’s benefit Everything about this interaction was good-humored, a foreplay that promised our comingtogetherwouldbeallthesweeter.“Theguysshouldbeaboutdonegettingthingssetup,ifyou’reready?”
I wasn’t that guyanymore WithCallie’s love and some freshpurpose inmylife, I’d discovered I liked this guybetter, anyway. The cowboythat got to watchhis ladylove step tentativelyinto the bedroomwithher hands tangled inthe worn, oversizedhoodieshefavoredforcomfort,worryingherlipbetweenherteeth.
Her scent deepened, a mix of sharpening lust and softening affection, like someone blended cinnamon hard candy and lavender-washed,sun-driedflannel Isteppedcloserandhookedahandaroundherwaisttopullheragainstmychest,reveling inthecombination.
“Oh!Thatsoundsperfect!”
SmilingdownatherthewayIshouldhavethedayImether,Iagreed.Sodidmystallion,thevainpratcurvinghisneckand prancingatthedelightinhereyes “Figureyou’dappreciateachanceforarealridewhenwecouldjustenjoytheexperience” Ashiver moved over her skin, her cheeks flushingwithexcitement. “Absolutely. Iwantto enjoyyour power. We always movesowelltogether,seemsashametokeepthingstoawalkwhenyou’recapableofsomuchmore.”
Inmychest,thethuddingofhoofbeatsechoedmythunderingheartasmymustang,herGhost,rearedandspunincircles He wantedthissobadly.Itwastheonlyintimacyhecouldhavewithher,andIdidn’tbegrudgehimtheexperienceintheleast.“So muchmore,”Iagreed,mythroattightas desireandlovetangledintoaknot Icouldhaveswalloweditdown,butIdidn’t I wantedtosavorthetasteofitawhilelonger.“Let’sheadoutside,okay?”
Heranswerwastospinaway,snatchingmyhandtodragmealonginherwake Wemadeashit-tonofnoisetrompingdown thestairs,her enthusiasmamixofinnocentgleeandwomanlyawareness.Ihadher pauselongenoughtoslideintoapair of boots,theseonesnotashighintheshaftandeasiertogeton.Andoff,becausemybrainandmydickwereoverwhelminglyon boardwithanythingthatwouldgethernakedfaster,evenifmyheartwantedtoplaytheeveningoutmoreslowly
Shepausedforamoment,hereyesunfocusingalittle.I’dcometounderstandthatmeantshewasusingherpowers,though aside fromthe intensifying lavender, I couldn’t sense anything else Then her vision cleared, pale green gaze catching the moonlightasherhanddeliveredaslowcaressthatmademybloodhotagain.“ButI’vealreadygottenitonwithawolfanda bear,haven’tI?Ican’tfindanywronginthatlove,orinthisone AslongasI’mnothurtingGhost Iwon’tberesponsiblefor injuringaninnocentsoul.”
Seeminglysatisfied bymyanswer, her hands slid up under myshirt The muscles inmybacktightened under the touch, everynerveinmybodyfocusingonthepadsofher fingers,thefaintcallusonher palmsthatcamefromyearsofhardwork. “AndIcouldn’tbeproudertocallyoumine”
ThensheundressedmewiththesamereverenceIhadlavishedonherthenightwe’dalllovedherinourbed.Noneofus had come together with her, but I counted that as the first lovemaking between us, every touch fueled by devotion and commitment Whatwastocometonightwouldbeatreasure,tobesure Asealingofthebondthatmycockthrobbedforasshe kneeledtotugoffmysweats,hereyeslockedonminewithasuretythatsettledmysoul.
Icould have gone mywhole life withnothingmore thanthe tenderness inmyheart, ifthat’s whatshe needed ofme The greedy way she drank in the sight of my body, lingering on my erection, said she wanted much more. My nostrils flared, drawinginfullbreathsofhertellingscentasherhandsmovedupmythighs.
Pausingjustshyoftouchingmyshaft, she looked backup atme withanopencuriositythatmade myblood race all the faster. “Owingto myrelative inexperience withshifters, butknowledge ofanimals, is there anythingspecial Ineed to know aboutmatingwithyou?TadsaidCalebhasaknotbecausehe’sanalpha,thatitdoesn’talwaysmanifestforothershifters And I’mprettysureyou’reanalpha,evenifyoulethimhavethelead.Sowhatdoesthatmeanfor your physiology,asamustang shifter?”
She nodded, intent onmywords. The little parenthesis betweenher eyes deepened withmore questions though. “Okay. DoesthatmeanCalebwouldhavetobitemeagainornowthatwe’rebloodtied,it’llalwayshappen?”
BeforeIhadachancetoanswer,sheshookherheadandheldoutahandtostopme,justasshehadmerehoursago.“No, nevermind That’ssomethingIshouldbeaskinghim Tonightisaboutus Tellmewhattoexpectwhenwe cometogether” Partofmewantedtogiveheralltheanswers.Mostly,Iwasgratefulnottohavetothinkaboutanyonebutus.“Youknow how stallions are The flare ofthe headatthe end The thickeninginthe middle Iwon’thurtyou,though Things staypretty proportionaltothehumanbody.”
She swayed slightly on her feet, clenching her thighs together. “Bet it’s going to feel amazing. So amazing, in fact, I’m wonderingifIreallyneedthatrideonGhostfirst Whichissayingsomething”
Herinnocentstatementearnedmeaninternalkickinthekidneysasmymustangbuckedinobjection.Hissingoutabreath,I hunchedforwardovermykneesasthepainfromtheblowpassed Calliewasbymysideinaninstant,soothinghandsrunning downmybackas ifshe could heal the hurtwithher touch. Whichsortofworked, settlingthe fractious stallionmuchmore quicklythanIcouldhave
“I’mgood Butyour Ghostis definitelyagainstskippinghis portionofthe evening Afacthe drove home withbothhind feet.” Tryingto put a little humor inmywords, I straightened and gestured downat mynow decidedlyless erect member. “Guess I should be grateful for the help taking things down a notch It’ll make the shift easier on both of us if we’re not completelywrappedupinwantingyou.”
“I know,” she murmured half under her breath as I lifted her hand up to rest on my forehead. Her thumb caressed my hairline,makingmesighwithcontentmentasIfeltherpurposelyopenourmentalconnectionwide.“Cometome,myGhost.”
Withourmatebond,shefelteverything Theremodelingofmybody,thataftersomanyyearsofpracticenolongercaused painina meaningful way.No,onlythe ache ofahardworkoutthata shifter’s speedhealingsoonclearedandthe endorphin rushthat followed Alittle lightheaded at the wonder comingthroughour bond, I did mybest to remainstill as her thumb continuedtopaintaffectionacrossmynowmuchbroaderforehead.
Without language to reply, I sent my own emotions back. Sun warm gratitude, shooting stars of awe, the full belly of contentment,thesure-footedfeelingofcommitment,andeventhesharpbiteofdesire.Everythingthatwasminewashers. No, ours.
Tentatively,herarmslifted,wrappingaroundmyneck.Thecareshetooknottograbme,nottomakemefeeltrapped,only made me want her closer. I hooked my chin over her shoulder, pulling her against me fully in a way she couldn’t fail to understand. Her hands met inmymane, wrappingfingers throughthe heavyfall of hair as she tightened her grip just right. Enoughsothemaninmeknewshewantedtoholdonforeverassheburiedherfaceinthesideofmyneck,butstill,withthat carefulnessthattoldmymustangshe’dneverstealhisfreedom.
Ihuggedhertight,curlingmyheadagainstherbackforamomentbeforeimpatiencemademyhoovesshiftrestlesslyinthe dirt. Giggling, she let her arms drop and stepped to the side so I could see her fully. Colors didn’t register the same as a mustang,soIdidn’tgetthevividgoldofherhair,thepeachtanofherskininthelowlight.Butshewasnolesslovelyforit, themoonlightcaressinghercurvesthewayIintendedtoverysoon
Everypartofme,human,shifter,man,beast,soldier,son,brother,friend,andlover,saidyesinawayshewasparticularly suited to understand as Irocked myweight backonmyhocks, curved myspine and lifted straightinto a canter. Ashowoff move,sure,butworthitforherdelightedyipaswebeganadanceIhopedtorepeatmanytimesinourlonglifetogether
ChapterSix Callie
Threestrideshadourbodiesmatchingrhythmasourheartsalwaysdid.Myhipsrolledwithhispower,absorbingtherising motionofhis canter. Whennothinguntoward happened, he added loftto his strides, mymiddle softeningto accountfor the extrabounce Iftheproudarchinhisneckwereanyindication,hewasenjoyingthisgame
Hisears,soperfectlyshapedtocatcheverysyllable,remainedfixedonmeasiftomeasuremysurety Thenhepowered forward,hoovesnowdigginginearnestashecurvedtowardtheroad.Iinvestedeverycellofmybody,everyounceofmysoul into goingwithhim. United inharmony, acceptance and the beautythatcomes frombeingchosenbysomeone youlove, we strengthenedourbondinawayIcouldneversharewithCaleborTad.Thiswasoursalone.
As if the thought had summoned them, we were joined by those same spirits They kept their glow soft, like bits of moonlightmadeearthly,surroundingusinatapestryofsilveryvaporandstars.I’msureifanyonecaughtsightofusitwould havebeenenoughtospookthemostjadeddrunkintosobriety.
Athought that was reinforced as we circled around the backside of the barn, mywolf and mybear cominginto sight Literally.Theystoodlike shadowysentinels intheir shiftedforms,flankingthe opengate tothe pasture.EvenCaleb’s cattle dogmix,sweetOlive,wasthere,standingatCaleb’sside,guardingthewayforus.
Oren didn’t stop, though I felt the slowing of his stride, saw the way he dipped his head in acknowledgement of their presence.
“Thankyou!” I said, givingthemwords, and a caress of myspirit as we passed Wheninmylife had I ever beenthis supported?Thisactivelyloved?Notmorethanamonthago,themerethoughtwouldhavemadetearspushatmyeyes.Butnot tonight Inthismoment,asGhostslowedtoawalk,barelypuffingaftertherun,Ihadonlypink,warmjoyfillingmeup
He carried me down the pasture to the creek bank. I didn’t see the horses anywhere, but as the ground slopped away, causingmycoretorubpromisinglyagainstGhost’s withers,Idoublechecked.WhileIlovedthecompanyoftheherdatany othertime,IwantedOrenandItohavethisalone Andhewasabouttogetjumped,hisplansbedamned
Helickedsoothinglyoverthespotashishandsslidoffmineandmovedunderneathmyclothestorubdeliciouslyovermy skin. “Steadythere, mylady.” Pressure onmybellybroughtour bodies flush, lettingme feel his hardness againstmylower back,thethicknessofhisbasesettlingdeliciouslyalongthecleftofmyass Whimperingwithdesire,Igroundagainsthim He answeredwitharockofhishipsthatmatched,evenashisfingersslidconfidentlypasttheelasticwaistofmyyogapants.“I’m notstoppingyou,mate ButI’mhopingyou’llletmeundressyouthewayyoudidme Letmeunwrapthisgiftyou’reoffering”
Alreadypliantinhisembrace,Imeltedevenmoreashecuppedmywetpussy.Theheelofhishandappliedpressure,his fingers swirlingeasilythroughthe wetness saturatingmypubic hair. “Ifeltwhatthis did for youas yourode me. How your breathingchanged,yourheartraced,yourscentbloomed”
He froze, so still and unmovingthatIworried I’d said the wrongthing Putmore pressure onhimthanhe could handle SomethingIsworeI’dneverdoagain.BeforeIcouldchastisemyselftoomuch,heexhaledaharshbreath,awaveoffeeling accompanyingthe warmthagainst myskin. Salivatingwiththe hunger that joined mine, I whipped around witha strengthI hadn’tknownmywobblylimbs couldmanage andlockedgazes withhim Ineededhimtosee thatIdidnotfear this ThatI wantedtojoinmylifetohis,noreservations.
Whateverhesaweasedthetightnessinhismuscles TheywerestillfirmundermywanderinghandsasIcaressedtheback ofhisneck,theslopeofhisshoulder,butmorewithanticipationthanworry.ThoughIcouldnotseetheambercolor,hiseyes were moltensweetness onmine.“This is goingtobe different.Idon’thave sharpteethtomarkyouwith.Before we goany further,Ineedtoexplainhowthingsworkformustangs.”
Myhands clenched onemptyair as he turned away Anycomplaint I might have made was silenced bythe sight of his muscledbackand ass as he crouchedto retrieve somethingfromthe blankets.Manor mustang,his bodywas art. Youcould haveputhimonapedestal andpeoplewouldpaytoview theperfectionofhismuscles,theplayoftendonandligament,the ideallengthoflimbsandtorso.Renaissanceartistswouldhavewepttousehimasamodel.Selfishly,Iwasgladthisviewwas minealone.
“Soon,”hepromised,thoughthestrengthofhiswordswasbeliedbythetrembleinhishandasheheldoutanopenpalm Restingtherewasaslimknife,thebladebarelythelengthofhisfingers,itsedgesglintingsharplyinthemoonlight.Wrapped multipletimes aroundthehiltwas awovenhorsehair band.Ididn’tevenhave toaskifthe hairs were fromGhost.Ifeltthe answer, every second I held open the bond between us allowing us deeper into each other’s minds “In mustang culture, stallionsofferourmatesaknifemadebyourownhands.Toopenthebloodbondandalsoasasignoftrustandfidelity.The damsofourherdlikedtoremindusyoungstudsthatthebladethatmadeourbondcouldbeusedtoseveritjustaseasily”Then heswallowedhardandwinced,hisdiscomfortmakingmybellytight.“Alongwithtenderbodypartsiftheneedarose.”
Ihadtobitemylipsclosedtoholdinagiggle Oneshouldnoteverlaughaboutemasculation Atleastnotinfrontofaman youwere hopingto ride inthe immediate future. ButIwas still grateful to those wise mares for raisingthe respectful man before me, for makingsure he understood that womenwere not helpless. He raised a sardonic eyebrow, remindingme our connectiongavemyamusementawayregardless Shrugging,Iallowedmyselfatinysmile “I’mwithyousofar AnythingelseI needtoknow?”
Much as I endeavored to keep my predator tendencies under control around him, I couldn’t have stopped the low, animalisticgrowlthatrippedoutofmythroat.“Irequiresex.”
As bothhis brows shotup, nostrils flaring, shoulders tensing, mybrainreengaged. Coveringmymouthwithone hand to keep anythingelse stupid fromspillingout, Istepped backward, curlingmyshoulder, and avertingmyeyes Iwasn’tone to makeanyonedoanythingtheyweren’tcomfortablewith.Justbecausehedesiredmedidn’tmeanIhadarighttodemand.To assume Preyorpredator,choicewaseverything
Theurgencyfadedslightlyashetossedthelastofmyclothesontothepileatthecornerofourlittlenest,thetwoofusnow lyingfacetofacewithnothingbetweenusbutathinmarginofair Heatradiatingoffhisbodyworkedlikeafeatheringcaress againstmynipples,evenasthecoolereveningtightenedtheskinalongmyback.Hiseyesfoundmineinthepeaceful darkas the nearbycreekharmonized withour slowingbreaths. Everyheartbeat carried the weight ofinevitability, allowinga little calmbeforewhatIknewwouldbeastormofepicproportions
His strong hands came up to cradle my face, and I let him have the weight of it, showing him I trusted his touch so completely Asshifters,anyofmymencouldhaveharmedmewithease,butIhadneverfeltsaferinmylifethanwiththem Knowinghispowermadethetrembleinhistouchallthemorethrilling,mademefeelpowerful,too.
Hemovedsofastmyheadswamwiththespeed,takingmewithhimasherolledontohisbackandshiftedhishandstomy thighs atthe same time. I’mnotsure ifhe lifted me up or pulled himselfdown, butsuddenly, Iwas barelybalanced onmy knees,musclestremblingwiththeefforttoremainupright.Lookingdownmybody,Iletmyweightsinkbackenoughtocatch hispleasedgrin.Noteventwosecondsin,andIwasalreadybreathless.
Oren,blesshim,workedmethroughit,hisinsistenttonguedelvingmoregentlyasIshook.Everyhungrynoisehemadekept thepleasurealive,thelittlevibrationsincrediblystimulatingagainstthenowswollenandsensitivetissues “Gently,” Iwhispered hoarsely, droppingmyhands onto his arms so Icould steadymyselfas another shudder made me sway “That’s ”Abreathhissedbetweenmyteethashehummedanotherappreciativenoise “Alot”
Whilehedidn’tmakeasound,Ifeltpowercoilinginhisbody Inthenextbreath,he’drolledus,onehandcradlingmyhead until itcame torestinthe pillows as his hips settledbetweenmythighs.The weightofhis cockagainstmybellyfeltlike a taunt,buthedidn’tstaystill longenoughtomakeitunbearable,rearinguponhiskneessothemoonlightcouldplayoverthe anglesandedgesofhismuscles.
“Youwantthis, mate?” The unexpected gravel inhis voice raked over me, lightingup mynerves once more as one hand cuppedthebaseofhiserectionandmadeitstandoutawayfromhisbody.Aglintofpre-cumonthetipcaughtthelight,making melickmylipswiththeurgetotaste,tohavehiminmeonewayoranother.
“Yes,” Ianswered, never more certainofanythinginmylife as Idropped myknees out to the sides inclear invitation Gratifyingly,hiseyesflickeddowntostareatmyexposedsexwithahungerthatechoedmyown.“Rightnow.”
Forthefirsttime,oneofmymatesusedtheirshifterstrengthagainstme Holdingmeinplaceashedrovemewild Itried everythingIcouldthinkof,tighteningmyselfaroundhiscock,flutteringthemuscles,pullingathishandtogethimtoletmego soIcouldmovewithhim,hookingmyhandsonhisshoulderstopullhimdownovermybody,butnoneofitworked.Allitdid was drive me inexorably toward another release as he raked back and forth over the nerves still sensitive from my first orgasm.Beforelong,myhandswerebusyclutchingthebedding,mybackarchingasmuchasitcouldunderthefixedweightof hishand
Butthen,heslidallthewayhome,jerkingmeupshortmid-orgasm Agratifiedgroantoreoutofbothofusashebottomed out, myarms wrappingaround himtightas he finallygave me the weightofhis body. Our mouths came together inthe next instant,tonguestradingeagerexplorationsaswelearnedtobreathearoundallthesensationswampingusasIfelthimopenthe matebondwide.
Ratherthandiggingthroughthoseshadowsthatmyempathywantedsobadlytoeradicate,Ibaredmyownsecretsinreturn. Everyoldscar onmyheartfromthoseImademyselfvulnerableto,thatusedmeandcastmeasidewhenInolonger served them.Allofthemovershadowedbyahard-wonself-love,andadeterminationtomakemyselfapriority.Buteventhatstruggle
Instantly,hesentmeamentalpictureoftheknife,thenourhandsboundtogether Irelaxedenoughforhimtoreachforthe bundle,eventheslightshiftcreatingfrictionthathadmebitingdownonawhimperofpleasurejustthissideofpainfullygood. Sure, tomorrow’s ride to the camp was goingto be full ofachingreminders oftonight, butIwasn’tgoingto regreta single twinge.
Hemadeshortworkofflippingusover,andIshudderedasIsatup,takinghimintomeasdeeplyaspossible Mybreasts hungheavy,nipplespeakinginthechillyair.Everysensation,eventhesweatgoingcool alongmyspine,addedsomethingto the sanctityofthe momentas Orenopened mylefthand and laid the blade flatagainstmypalm Thenhe matched our hands together,pressureholdingthebladeinplaceashewoundthecordofhorsehairaroundourwristsinafigureeight.
Heatbloomedinmypalmandmycoreatalmostthesameinstant,tearsrunningdownmycheeksassensationarcedthrough me like electricity. I never could have imagined feelingso entirelyfull, bothphysicallyand emotionally. Somethinginour comingtogetherstretchedmewideopen,mypowersflexingintothenewspacelikethewingsofabutterflybreakingfreefrom achrysalis Withouttrying,Icouldseetheauraofeverythingaroundme,themysteriesofnightunmadeinawashofcolors I felttheheartbeatofeverylivingthingontheranch,asifforthebriefestsecond,wewereallonewhole.
ButIshiedawayfromthatlevelofconnection,wantingthismomenttobelongtomymatesandmealone Asiftheywere right beside us, I saw Caleb and Tad, eachsittingonopposite sides of our bed. Felt their acceptance of mymental touch, leaningintothecaressofmypower.
Slowly, his cocksoftened, draggingheavilythroughmywetfolds Iclosed myeyes and enjoyed the silkysensationina distantway,drawingindeepbreathsofourmingledscentsnowthatIcouldbreatheproperlyagain.Hestrokedthedamphair atthebaseofmyskull,acontentedhumcomingfromhischestthatmademewanttostayrightthereforever,eventhoughmy armwasstartingtoachefromthepositionwewerein
Andboy,didheever!Likesomesortofmindreadingmiracleworker,hepulledupadamprag,usingittogentlycleanthe bloodfrommypalm.Itookitinmyturntouseacleanportionoftheragtodothesametohim.Thencamethereallymessy part Slickheatrandownmythighas he pulled out, butbefore Icould reachfor mysweatshirtto mop up the mess, he had anothercleanraginhand.
Wemoppedeachotherup,perhapsnotwiththesamethoroughnesswecouldhavemanagedatthehouse,butcertainlywith thesamelovingcare.Oncefinished,hewaddedupthedirtyragsinthesheetwewerelayingonandtosseditintoabaghehad fishedoutofthedarkness.Messtakencareof,helaybackdownandpulledmeintohisarms.Iwenthappily,feelingasloved byhis care as Ihadbyour mating The thoughthe hadputintothe aftermathreassuredme more thana thousandIlove yous whisperedinthedarkeverwould.Mademebelievetheonehewhisperedagainstmylipsaswekissedonemoretimebefore sleepdraggedusintoitspeacefulembrace
ChapterSeven
TossingthelastofthebigicechestsontothetailgateofArnie’soldslat-sidedfarmtrucksoQuincouldstackitwiththerest,I heaveda sighofrelief.We were well aheadofschedule andhadeverythingwe wouldneedfor the nextseveral days atthe lake AlakeIhadveryfondmemoriesof,andafter lastnight,feelingCallie’sorgasmdragmeunder evenfromadistance,I couldn’twaittobethereagain.
Ifyou’daskedmeevenafewmonthsagoifI’dshareamatewithanyone,I’dhavescoffed Hell,themereideathatI’dfind amatewassofaroutsideofmyrealmofpossibilitiesthen.Bearshiftersrarelyfoundpermanentmates,myparentsonlyoneof fivethatIknewofinourratherlargecommunity.Athoughtthathadmereachingformycellphone.WhileI’dgivenmydadan update onthe situationwiththe Blutbad assholes, Ihadn’tcalled to give themthe good news Bestto do itnow, before we wereawayfromcellphonerangeforseveraldays.IfIhurried,ImightcatchPopbeforeheleftforwork.
She chuffed,a verybear like noise “Can’tsayas Icouldjuggle more thanone man,butyouthree are a bitofa package deal,Isuppose.Gottaadmireherfortakingyouallon.”
Inodded, eventhoughshe couldn’tsee me. “Callie is a veryspecial woman. She’s gother owngifts, and Ithinkevenif she’d have metus one ata time, she’d have pulled the restofus ineventually.” Athoughtthathad me castinga speculative glancetowardthetruck,whereQuinseemedtobefiddlingaroundonhisownphone.
Mommadraggedmebacktothemomentwithashortlaughofherown “Shemustbesweettohaveattractedall ofyou I knowOrenneedsasofthandaftereverything.”
Cravingatasteofhersweetnessmyself,Iquicklyredirectedtheconversationbeforemydickcouldcatchontomytrainof thought. “She’s gotplentyofspice to balance things out. Youshould see her tradingwords withCaleb. He always ends up chasinghistailandbitinghisownassintheprocess.”
Adeep bellylaughflooded the phone line, remindingme ofa lifetime sittingat the kitchentable withmyfamily Game nights,dinnertimes,evenhomeworkbeingpepperedwithlaughter.Now,Ihadmyownkitchen,anewerfamily,andIcouldn’t waittomakesimilarmemoriesuniquetooursituation Thetableitselfwasonitsway “Ican’twaittomeether,Taddy.Shesoundsdelightful.”
“Aslongas you loveit,myboy,”shesaid.“Amommaonlywantsherbabiestobehappyandwell.”
For a few minutes, Itold her all aboutthe weathered barnwood cabinets, the bigslab island, and the oversized stainless appliances.HowIwantedtoputdowncontactpaperinthepantry,theshelvescurrentlynaked.Icouldtellsomeonehadbuilt thathousewithlove,andIwantednothingbuttocontinuethatlegacy.
BeforeIcouldwaxtoolongaboutthehand-forgedpotrackthatnowheldmytwofavoritecastironskilletsandwouldsoon be joined byanassortmentofmore modernpans, Iheard the heavyfootsteps ofmyfather, whichreminded me ofa far less pleasanttopic OneIneededtodiscuss,howevermuchIdidn’twantto “Momma,doesPopshaveaminutetotalk?” “He came inhere for just that purpose, myboy. Before I hand youover, I want your promise that you’ll send me some photosofnotjustyourkitchen,butyourlovelymate.Infact,somethingwithallofyou,soIcanputituponthewallwiththe rest.”
