Impeached

by Brenda Trim

  “I would let you back there, but the doctors need room to assess her without interruption. And, you look like you need medical attention yourself,” Rusty declared as she stared at their beaten group.

  “You don’t treat my kind, remember?” Lawson snarled.

  “Well, I’m kinda known as a rule-breaker,” she said with a smirk. “I’ll grab a first aid kit.”

  “Thank you. Why don’t I fill those out,” Bart said and took the clipboard from Rusty.

  “I’ll be right back. I promise the doctor will be with you momentarily,” she reassured Lawson and walked back to her station.

  Lawson blew out a breath and paced impatiently in front of the doors. “If anything happens to her or the baby…”

  “Don’t think like that,” Erika interjected. “Liv and the baby are going to be fine. Can I get you anything?” she asked as she accepted a first aid kit from Rusty and handed it to Cassie.

  “All I need is Liv. I should’ve insisted she stay home today,” Lawson muttered as Bart filled out the paperwork. Thankfully, Cassie knew most of Liv’s medical history because Lawson was in no shape to answer any questions.

  “There’s no way Liv would’ve stayed home, and you know it,” Cassie interrupted.

  “What’s taking so long?” Lawson asked as he looked through the small window on the door Liv was taken through.

  “It’s only been ten minutes,” Cassie countered as she tended to Ryan’s cuts.

  Bart returned the clipboard to Rusty and when he walked back to the group, Erika was holding the first aid kit. “You need some antiseptic cream,” she said as she reached out and touched his lower lip. Bart had forgotten about his injuries. Unfortunately, he couldn’t feel Erika’s touch due to the fact his entire mouth was numb from the swelling.

  “I’m fine,” he replied and took the small box from Erika’s hand. “You, however, are not. That cut above your eye may need stitches,” Bart informed her as he grabbed the peroxide and a cotton swab to clean her wound.

  He was relieved to see the laceration wasn’t as deep as he first thought and proceeded to clean it then apply antiseptic ointment. “I think you’ll live,” Bart muttered with a wink as he covered the cut with a butterfly bandage.

  “Cute. Thank you, doctor,” Erika replied with a smirk, and he stared into sky-blue eyes.

  When she looked at him with those hypnotic orbs, it took all his willpower to fight his primal urges. He so wanted to kiss her bruised and battered face. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on, despite the marks to her body.

  “You’re cute,” he chuckled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

  “What now, Bart? I still can’t believe what happened at the courthouse. First, the judge’s ruling then the riot outside,” Erika recalled with a shake of her head.

  “I know. I’m blown away by the whole thing. Truthfully, it scares the shit out of me,” Bart confessed as he considered the repercussions of his press conference announcing he would punish those abusing shifters. He had no idea he’d be met with such animosity. He thought he’d have the community’s support. Sure, he expected some to disagree, but never in a million years did he anticipate the reaction he’d witnessed.

  Erika stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Bart’s neck, hugging him. “Me, too,” she murmured as she clung to him. Her body trembled against his, and Bart knew Erika was just as frightened as he was.

  The intimate gesture was the last thing he expected from Erika. To say he was shocked was an understatement. Unsure of what to do, Bart placed his hands at her waist and held her tight. Her nearness calmed his frayed nerves. Was Erika feeling the same comfort from him? She seemed to relax in his arms. Why couldn’t she see they were made for one another?

  Suddenly, Bart felt eyes on them, and looked over to see Cassie staring his direction. Her brow raised as she regarded their display of affection. Bart released his hold and stepped away from Erika. Immediately, he missed her nearness but didn’t want to put Erika in an awkward position. Last time that happened, she put a wall between them, and he didn’t want that to happen again.

  “As soon as I get home, I’ll call Lloyd and schedule a meeting. I want you there when we devise our plan. I’m not giving up just because Elaine weaseled her way out of the charges,” he announced.

  The double-doors swung wide, and a physician stepped through the opening. Bart and Erika walked toward the group to hear the diagnosis.

  “Mr. Scott?” Dr. Clark asked and met Bart’s gaze.

  “No, that would be me,” Lawson interjected, and the short, stocky man craned his neck to make eye contact with the tall shifter.

  “Oh, my apologies. The CT scan revealed your wife suffered a concussion, but she’s going to be fine,” the physician shared. Instantly, Bart felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Thank God she wasn’t severely injured.

  “What about our baby?” Lawson blurted.

  “Your baby is great. Very strong heartbeat on that one,” he said with a smile. “They’re both going to be fine. In fact, Liv is conscious now. She’s dizzy and confused but her memory appears intact. We’re moving her to a private room, then you can see her,” he explained and scribbled some notes on a chart.

  “I need to see her now,” Lawson demanded as he loomed over the doctor. Whether the man was frightened or understood Lawson’s frustration, Bart couldn’t tell, but the doctor nodded and motioned for them to follow.

  “When can she go home?” Lawson asked.

  “I’d like her stay overnight so we can monitor her. After that, she’ll need to make an appointment with her primary care physician if she experiences any symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. I’ll go over concerning side effects you’ll need to watch for,” Dr. Clark explained as he led them to Liv’s room.

  Bart said a prayer of thanks. Liv and the baby were fine. Now, to figure out what to do about the bigger issue. The building turmoil between humans and shifters.

  Erika glanced at the group of protestors standing outside the governor’s mansion as the limousine pulled up to the entrance. Nick, the security guard, activated the iron gate, and it swung wide then shut behind them after they pulled forward.

  “Seriously? They’re camping out here?” Erika asked Bart as she turned in her seat and stared out the rear window.

  “Looks that way,” he sighed and shook his head as the vehicle headed toward the guest house.

  Lawson, Cassie, and Ryan remained at the hospital with Liv, but Erika wanted to return with Bart so they could brainstorm about their next move. Her nerves were shot from the series of events, and Erika couldn’t sit in the hospital a minute longer. Plus, she could better help the pack by assisting Bart. The limo stopped in front of her place, and Bart exited the limo then helped her out of the car.

  “Get some rest, and we’ll start first thing tomorrow morning,” Bart informed her as he leaned on the open door.

  “I’m too wound up to sleep. Would you like to come in for a drink?” she asked. Part of her was shocked when he immediately nodded.

  “I’m glad I’m not the only one. I could use a drink, too. Steve, that’ll be all. I’ll walk to the main house in a bit. Thanks for everything.” Erika watched as Bart waved to the driver and shut the car door.

  Erika led the way to the front door and walked inside. She went straight to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of whiskey from the counter and two glasses. She didn’t normally drink the heavy stuff, but wine wasn’t going to cut it today. Bart grabbed a handful of ice from the freezer and Erika poured the alcohol. She handed Bart his drink then took a deep swig of hers.

  Although her eye didn’t need stitches, it stung like a bitch. Erika hoped the whiskey would numb the pain, so she took another deep drink.

  “Take it easy,” Bart teased as he watched her down the amber-colored liquid.

  “Not tonight,” she muttered and poured another. She exited the kitchen and walked to the living room. She kicked off her shoes then plo
pped onto the sofa and Bart followed, sitting next to her.

  She eyed his swollen lip and bloodied knuckles thinking about how Bart defended her against the two assholes at the courthouse. Once again, showing her that he wasn’t the arrogant, self-centered male she’d heard he was. Truth was, she wished Bart was that jerk because then she wouldn’t be so attracted to him.

  “Thanks again for coming to my rescue earlier. You seem to do that a lot,” she confessed and took another deep drink. The whiskey warmed her insides as it trailed through her system.

  His warm brown eyes met hers, and her stomach flipped. The way he stared at her made her heart race. The intensity was overwhelming but at the same time it aroused her in a way she’d never felt before. The alcohol hit her system, and the buzz soothed her anxiety, so Erika took another swig.

  “I got you. Always,” he husked, and she saw raw need in his eyes. Erika gulped and looked away from his heated gaze, but Bart grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked. “That jerk had his hands all over you. I can’t imagine how that felt for you,” he admitted. For the first time in her life she felt genuine concern from a human about her feelings. It was so foreign that it threatened to throw her off kilter.

  “I’m fine,” she replied and pulled away. She needed to put distance between them before she caved to her body’s demand. “I haven’t had the best experience with humans in the past. And, unfortunately, I’ve been through worse with my own kind,” she confessed and thought about the shifter that almost raped her.

  “That’s awful,” Bart replied. “I guess I assumed every pack was like Hollow Rock.”

  Erika ran her finger over the rim of her glass. “Hardly, but now you see why I want to prove myself to Lawson. I want it to work out this time. I feel safe and valued in this pack.”

  “Trust me. Lawson already knows your worth,” Bart muttered, and Erika met his gaze. Butterflies fluttered and her breathing increased as she felt herself losing the battle against her desires. He was gorgeous and she wanted him with a desperation she couldn’t explain.

  “You really think so?” she whispered. Bart was the most supportive friend she had, and she didn’t want to ruin it with sex. Then again, it might be better after sex, she mentally persuaded.

  Bart nodded then took her glass and set it, along with, his on the coffee table. “Question is, Erika, will you let me show you?” he asked and moved closer.

  “Bart…”

  “I know you’re worried about what Lawson and the others will think, but I can’t stay away from you. I’ve tried, believe me, but it’s pointless,” he murmured and caressed her cheek. “I know you feel the same pull. Stop fighting it. Let me love you,” he insisted and his voice cracked with emotion. “I’m begging you.”

  Whether it was because of the adrenaline pumping through her veins after the emotional day, the alcohol rushing through her bloodstream, or the fact she felt the same about Bart, Erika couldn’t say. But her last drop of resolve slipped away at hearing his plea. She’d fought the burning passion long as she could. Now, she wanted to explore the undeniable attraction between them. She placed her lips to his in sweet surrender, and her wolf howled in her mind, shouting About fucking time!

  Chapter 14

  When Erika placed her sweet lips to his, Bart didn’t hesitate. He grabbed her jaw and delved inside, taking control of the kiss. His tongue stroked against hers with purpose. The taste of whiskey only heightened his drunken state. But it wasn’t the alcohol that had Bart reeling. He was high on Erika and couldn’t wait to experience all of her.

  His hand trailed to her neck and gently squeezed. Apparently, Erika enjoyed his aggression because her breaths turned to pants and she pulled him closer. Her chest smashed against his, and Bart took advantage, cupping her breast. The large globe filled his palm, and he squeezed. Her thick sweater was soft, but in the way. There was an urgency to feel her silky flesh. Every inch of it.

  “Should we take this to the bedroom?” he murmured against her mouth.

  Not that he was worried about making love to her on the sofa, but the blinds were open, and he recalled her shyness when she removed her clothing for the pack run. She stood off to the side while the other shifters stripped unabashedly.

  Erika broke the kiss and stood up. She tugged the sweater over her head then slipped out of her dress slacks. She hovered above him, wearing a black lacy bra and panties. Without a doubt, the sexiest creature alive.

  “Bedrooms are so cliché, don’t you think?” she muttered with a sultry smile.

  “Absolutely,” Bart agreed as he nodded approvingly.

  This was a side of Erika he hadn’t seen, and damn if he didn’t like it. He reached for her waist and tugged her back to the sofa. If she wanted naughty, he’d give her filthy.

  He kicked off his shoes while his hands roamed the curves of her body. Erika was lean and toned but her womanly curves were soft and supple. Her rounded hips and lush bosom called to Bart’s primal need like nothing else. He couldn’t get enough of Erika. Her scent, her taste, her body. And, he hungered for more.

  “I’m going to make you scream my name,” he promised and claimed her lips again. The kiss was urgent and demanding, and their heavy pants rent the air.

  Erika broke the kiss and stared at Bart. Her hypnotic eyes displayed her unfulfilled desires, and he felt her wolf beneath the surface. His connection to her animal was stronger than ever, and he stared deeply, letting her wolf know his intent.

  “And, I’m going to make you cum harder than ever before,” she purred, and grabbed his shirt. She ripped the material, and buttons popped then scattered to the carpet.

  It reminded Bart of his erotic dream, and Erika’s declaration drove him to his breaking point. His cock jerked painfully, needing to fill her, but his steel shaft would have to wait a bit longer. He had other plans right now.

  Bart removed his tattered shirt then proceeded to unhook Erika’s bra. Her breasts bounced free, and her bronzed flesh was highlighted by dark-cherry nipples that begged for attention. His mouth latched onto her taut tip and sucked. Erika moaned and fisted his hair, pulling him against her breast. His tongue swirled across the pebbled texture then sucked again, pulling the tip with his teeth.

  “Yes!” she panted as she clawed at his back, her sharp nails digging into his skin. If he wasn’t mistaken, those were claws raking through his flesh, but Bart didn’t care. It felt too fucking good.

  He laid Erika on her back then stretched beside her on the sofa. His hand trailed down her stomach then nestled between her thighs. He continued to suckle her breast, one then the other. He tugged the lacy panty, and the flimsy fabric gave way. Bart glanced up, relishing Erika’s mewls of need. His tongue gently stroked her nipple. It was damp from his attention and Bart blew across the surface. Her flesh pebbled further then her nipple puckered and elongated. So sexy.

  Erika looked down and smiled. “Such a tease,” she murmured.

  “Not a fucking chance. I’m just enjoying the view, baby,” Bart husked as he perused her body.

  “Don’t let me stop you,” she countered and lifted one leg, placing it along the back of the sofa.

  It gave him a better view of her core, and Bart’s mouth watered. Her glistening folds beckoned, and his fingers slid through heaven. Wetness greeted him and Erika writhed, seeking penetration.

  “Cum for me, Erika,” he urged as he swirled his thumb across her engorged nub.

  Her hips swiveled against his touch. Bart applied pressure and increased his speed. Erika’s eyes rolled back as she chased her climax. Bart couldn’t take his gaze off her. She was wanton and shameless in seeking release and he thought he might lose his seed just watching her. It was the sexiest sight he’d ever seen.

  He slid one finger in her tight channel, and Erika groaned as she lifted her hips. He added another finger and pushed deeper. “That’s it, baby. I want to watch you cum,” Bart confessed as he added
one more digit to her sheath.

  He played her like a fine-tuned instrument. Her moans and pants were music to Bart’s ears and the pleasure on her face was his muse. Making her feel this much pleasure had his chest puffing with satisfaction. This was his purpose. Giving Erika pleasure.

  Moments later, Erika shouted as her orgasm slammed home. She grabbed Bart’s face and her mouth crashed against his. She took what she needed without apology and Bart milked every spasm from her body.

  When her sensitive clit couldn’t take anymore, he kissed and caressed Erika’s luscious body until her climax waned. It was a musical masterpiece in his opinion. One that deserved an encore.

  “Feel better?” he murmured against her lips.

  “A little,” she said and giggled. “But…” she added and reached for the button on his pants, undoing them. Next came the slide of his zipper then Erika slipped her hand inside Bart’s underwear and gripped his cock. “I believe you need to relax, too.”

  She stroked his hard length several times, and Bart groaned. “Fuck, Erika. If you don’t stop it’s going to go off in your hand,” he warned as his hips rocked against her hold.

  “Fine by me,” she whispered as her mouth made its way to his earlobe. She nibbled the edge then slipped her tongue inside.

  He couldn’t take her sensual torture a moment longer. Bart’s pulsing cock demanded release, and he craved the feel of her tight sheath around his hard shaft.

  “I’ve got to get inside you,” he demanded and shoved his pants to his knees.

  “Hurry,” Erika panted and watched Bart shed his slacks in record time. He was by her side in the next blink, the hard line of his body pressing against hers.

  She was still reeling from the incredible orgasm. To say she was an amateur in the art of love-making was an understatement. In fact, the only sexual pleasure she’d experienced was by her own hand. Her two relationships involving intercourse centered around the males taking what they needed, which generally lasted about two minutes. Giving her pleasure wasn’t part of the equation, so she was grossly unsatisfied when it came to the Big O.