Impeached

by Brenda Trim

  When the judge disappeared into her chambers, Bart and Richard practically pounced on top of Patricia. “What in God’s name are you doing?” exclaimed Bart.

  “It dawned on me as I was on my way to pick flowers from the garden this morning,” she said in a rush.

  “What dawned on you?” Bart asked.

  “Remember when I told you I set my own trap to catch the bunny culprit?” she started and Bart saw sheer elation in her emerald-green orbs.

  “Yeah. So?”

  “I placed a camera in the garden. It’s not state of the art like the surveillance equipment used on the rest of the property, but it captured everything. You can clearly see the two men, their weapons, and how they attacked first. We’ve got them!” she squealed then her gaze cut to Erika. “And, by the way, I know your wolf was eating my bunnies,” she offered with a smirk.

  “Pat, you’re the best,” Bart blurted and grabbed her roughly, hugging her.

  “Well, you’re right about that,” she teased. “Hopefully, the judge agrees.”

  “She’s right,” Richard added. “It’s up to Judge Wilkes now. She can allow it into evidence, or not.”

  That wasn’t what Bart wanted to hear. He was on a high and didn’t want to consider another option. Ashley Wilkes had to insist the jury view the video.

  Bart turned to Erika and grabbed her hand. “This is a game changer, baby. Stay positive,” he professed, and gave her palm a squeeze.

  She nodded and smiled. “Thank you for everything. All of you,” Erika voiced and looked at her team of supporters.

  Lawson, Liv, and the entire Hollow Rock pack was present. Bart knew by Erika’s expression what she was thinking. This was where she belonged. They were her family.

  Several minutes passed then the judge stepped back into the courtroom, and took a seat behind the bench. “After viewing the video, I feel it is in the best interest to allow it into evidence,” Judge Wilkes declared.

  Bart exhaled then sent a silent prayer of thanks. One hurdle down. Now, for the jury to see the video, and rule in Erika’s favor.

  The tape was played, and Bart watched shocked expressions fill the courtroom as the jury viewed Clarence holding a bat, and the other man wielding a chain at Bart. When the wolf charged onto the scene, several shifters cheered aloud which led to their removal from the courtroom. Ultimately, the video clearly showed that Erika was defending Bart.

  When the tape ended, the judge dismissed the jurors. They deliberated for a total of twenty minutes then returned to the courtroom.

  “Have you reached a verdict?” the judge asked the foreman.

  “Yes, your honor,” the man replied.

  “And, what is your verdict on the charges against Erika Pittman?”

  “We find the defendant, Erika Pittman, not guilty of manslaughter,” he announced.

  Cheers erupted as the shifters jumped to their feet, whooping and hollering. Even Zane was ecstatic, if the way he grabbed Brenlee in a bear hug was any indication.

  “Order in the court!” the judge demanded and pounded the wooden surface with her mallet.

  The room fell silent and waited for the judge’s next words. This was the moment Bart was waiting for. “Miss Pittman, you are free to go,” she said and her gavel struck once again.

  Richard jumped from his seat. “Your honor, in lieu of the evidence submitted, I’d like charges brought against Clarence Porter for the attempted murder of Governor Smith,” he requested.

  “Bailiff, take Mr. Porter into custody where he’ll remain pending charges,” the judge ordered then took her leave of the bench.

  Bart grabbed Erika and pulled her into an embrace. “I told you, baby! Justice finally prevailed,” he called out before he claimed her lips.

  The world melted away as her vanilla and lavender scent washed over him. Bart heard Lawson and Liv congratulating them and thanking Richard, but he wasn’t concerned about them. He had the woman he loved in his arms, and he wasn’t ever letting her go.

  Erika snuggled close to Bart as they rode in the back of the vehicle. She couldn’t believe she was freed of murder charges. She continued to pinch herself, so she’d know it wasn’t a dream.

  She glanced over at Patricia and smiled. She was indebted to the female. If she hadn’t shown up when she did, there was no telling the outcome of her case. In fact, she didn’t want to consider where she’d be right now. Probably facing execution, or, worse, fighting off the perverted guard for years to come.

  “How can I ever repay you?” Erika asked Bart’s assistant.

  “Just take care of each other. This man means a great deal to me, and you make him very happy. I don’t know what happens from here, but it’s not going to be all rosy just because you were found not guilty.”

  As the car pulled onto the driveway leading to the governor’s mansion, a group of protestors charged the car. They pounded on the windshield and chanted, Not our governor! and Death to shifters!

  “My point exactly,” Patricia muttered as she shook her head in disgust. “What are you going to do?” she asked Bart.

  Suddenly, one of the males threw a rock at the side window. A loud pop followed by glass cracking had Erika ready to jump from the vehicle and introduce the humans to her wolf. She’d give them something to fear, alright.

  She was shocked the turmoil had escalated to this point. She hoped the two men that attacked Bart was a one-time occurrence because they were despicable beings. Now, it seemed Bart needed twenty-four-hour protection, in public and at home. It was heart-wrenching, and Erika wondered if it was her fault. Bart was romantically involved with a shifter, and that was unacceptable to the citizens of Chattanooga.

  “I honestly didn’t know until this very moment,” Bart promised and placed a kiss to Erika’s forehead. “This is out of control, and I don’t want any part of such violence. I’m going to call Senator Hartwell and give my resignation. I think it’s best for everyone.”

  “Are you sure?” Erika asked, stunned by his revelation. The last thing she ever wanted was for him to quit a job he loved.

  “It’s either that, or wait to be impeached. I’d rather leave on my own terms,” Bart explained as the car passed through the iron gate.

  “So, what next?” Patricia inquired with a raised brow. Erika glanced toward Bart, wondering the same thing.

  “I wish I knew. First, I need to figure out where I’ll be living,” he chuckled then added, “and, I have no idea why I find that so funny.”

  “You could come to Safe Haven with me,” Erika blurted. The words flew from her mouth before she could stop them.

  “Oh, yeah, I’m sure Lawson would love that. The hotel is a place for shifters, or mates of shifters, like Liv and Cassie,” he said and the car came to a stop near the guest house.

  “Or…roommates of shifters,” she offered with a crooked grin.

  “You want me to live with you?”

  “Sure, why not?” Erika replied with a shaky voice and her wolf howled in her mind. The proclamation was so loud she was certain Bart and Patricia heard her wolf. Damned animal was doing a happy dance that was borderline embarrassing.

  “This is a big step, Miss Pittman. But, if you’re serious, I’m in,” Bart replied with a sexy smile.

  “I say, let’s pack your shit and blow this popsicle stand,” she countered.

  Patricia beamed from ear to ear. “Well, as much as I hate to see Tennessee lose its best governor to date, this makes my heart sing. When you get settled and decide your next move, I expect a phone call.”

  “Oh, you can count on that, Pat. Remember, I’m lost without you. Do you want Steve to drive you to the main house?” Bart asked as he stepped from the vehicle then offered Erika his hand.

  “Sure. I’m going to pack my things and head home. The hubby will be thrilled to hear I’m unemployed. He’s been dying to go on a vacation,” Patricia admitted.

  “Really? I’ll call you tomorrow. I might have a suggestion or two,” Bart replie
d with a mysterious grin that had Erika curious about its meaning.

  Patricia was nodding with a smile on her face. “Will do, boss.” Within moments they said their goodbyes to Patricia and Steve then Erika wrapped her arms around Bart’s neck.

  “I can’t believe we’re moving in together,” Erika confessed as she ran her fingers through his tousled blond hair. “Should we call Lawson and let him know, or just show up and surprise everybody?”

  “I’ll let you in on a little secret,” he muttered and placed kisses along her neck. Damn scoundrel knew how to push her buttons, and her traitorous body responded instantly.

  “Huh? Secret?” Erika panted as she tried to rein in her desires before she attacked him in broad daylight.

  “I own Safe Haven, and its property,” he murmured in her ear, sending ripples of arousal through her body.

  Erika pulled away, shocked by his revelation. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes, but I’m not looking to change anything. Lawson is the pack leader, and it will remain that way. He’s made a home for shifters, and I’m not interested in changing it,” he explained.

  “I had no idea. I just assumed it belonged to the pack.” Obviously, there was a lot she didn’t know about Bart Smith, and she looked forward to learning about the skeletons in his closet. After all, she had a few of her own to share.

  “I’ve made some wise investments that paid off, and I’m grateful for my financial security. For me, it’s now about deciding my next career move,” he explained and pulled her closer. “Well, that, and worshipping your body for the rest of my life,” he said and placed his lips to hers.

  Ah, what the hell, Erika thought as she hooked her leg around his hip and ground against his hard length. Let the whole fucking world see them.

  Chapter 20

  Bart lifted Erika off the ground and walked toward the guest house, his mouth never leaving hers. Her weight threw him off balance, causing him to bump into several objects along the way, but he couldn’t stop the building fervor. His body was wound tight as a snare, and demanded release. Between Erika’s court case, the protestors outside his home, and Erika’s invitation to live with her, he was overdosing on adrenaline.

  He fumbled his way into the small home and trekked toward the back bedroom. Erika’s hands were everywhere. His tie hit the floor first, followed by his button-down then his undershirt. Bart tossed her to the mattress then quickly removed his shoes, socks, and pants.

  Erika eyed him hungrily, and her wicked smile had his cock jerking with need. “Take ‘em off,” she demanded.

  Bart slipped out of his boxer briefs then allowed Erika to look her fill. His cock hardened as she stared at his growing shaft. “You have on too many clothes,” he declared.

  “Not for long,” she replied then kicked off her heels.

  She slipped off her slacks and tossed them toward Bart, but he swatted them to the floor. Next, her blouse was added to the heap of clothes, revealing a matching bra and panties he could only describe as hideous.

  A chuckle escaped his throat. “Um, those are…interesting,” he admitted as he stared at the baggy material.

  “Yeah, jail doesn’t provide silk and lace. When I asked Liv to bring me clothes for my court hearing, I forgot to mention I needed undergarments. What? You don’t find this irresistible?” she laughed as she posed seductively.

  “You make even granny panties look sexy as fuck, but I’m thinking they need to go,” Bart declared as he prowled up the bed.

  Erika crawled to her knees and Bart wasted no time in removing the bra and baggy underwear. His hands roamed her silky flesh greedily, and his mouth crashed against hers with force. His tongue delved inside her hot cavern and Bart explored her mouth with frenzy. He sucked her lower lip then nibbled his way down her neck. Erika pulled him against her chest, and his cock jerked with need.

  He palmed her ass and tugged her body against his straining erection. He groaned as the friction soothed some of his ache then Bart’s mouth latched onto her nipple and sucked. Erika’s moans filled his ears, arousing him further. When he felt her molten core grind against his hip, his mouth watered. He had to taste her.

  Bart laid Erika on her back and spread her legs wide. “Captivating,” he husked. Her glistening folds beckoned and he happily obliged, positioning his mouth close to her center.

  Their gazes locked, and her beautiful blues made his heart skip a beat. He slowly lowered his mouth and tenderly kissed her mons, teasing the sensitive flesh. She mewled and lifted her hips, seeking more. The small thatch of hair between her legs tickled his mouth. Who was torturing who, he thought and swirled his nose through her soft folds.

  “Stop torturing me,” Erika gasped and grabbed his face, pulling him closer to her core.

  Bart chuckled but didn’t concede. Not quite yet. He wanted her begging. He lightly swiped his tongue across her engorged nub as his finger lingered near her entrance. Her juices coated the digit, telling Bart she was more than ready for him. He licked her sweet nectar and relished her writhing body. She was so responsive, and he craved more. When Erika’s arousal thickened, Bart lost the battle against his willpower, and attacked her flesh with abandon.

  Erika’s head went back, and she arched off the mattress as Bart sucked and licked her clit. He inserted one finger into her tight core, and she groaned and clenched the digit. Bart imagined it was his cock she was milking, and his shaft instinctively grinded against the mattress. He removed his finger then slid two inside her body as his tongue lapped her juices.

  “Bart, I need you inside me,” Erika panted and glanced between her thighs.

  “Cum for me,” he demanded as he removed his fingers then shoved three digits deep inside. He hooked his fingers inside her womb and located her sweet spot, sending her over the edge.

  Erika shouted her release as her body convulsed uncontrollably. Giving her pleasure was better than seeking his own climax. His cock and balls shouted their objection. They needed to sink into her heat and experience every ounce of Erika.

  “More, Bart,” she pleaded, and her hands went to her breasts, tugging her taut nipples. That was a green light to his frenzied body, and he couldn’t resist.

  Bart crawled to his knees and slid Erika’s hips onto his legs. It lifted her off the mattress and aligned her core with his aching shaft. “This might hurt a little,” he warned then shoved to the hilt.

  Erika grunted as Bart’s hard length invaded her body. He didn’t give her time to adjust, and she gasped as he stretched and filled her. He wasn’t kidding when he said it might hurt. He gripped her hips and thrust in and out, claiming every part of her body. And, she gave it freely. All she had and all she was belonged to this male.

  In the next breath, Bart flipped her over and slammed into her from behind. He was wild with need, pounding her flesh as he held her in place. Her wolf howled in her mind, seeking release, as well. Erika widened her stance and lifted her ass, allowing deeper penetration. The pleasure was all-consuming, and she felt her building orgasm.

  His fingers grasped her hair then pulled. It sent her arousal spiraling out of control and Erika clenched his shaft, milking his hard length as need consumed her body.

  “Ah, fuck!” he shouted, and she felt his hot seed spurt into her womb. He pumped several more times until his climax waned then she felt him collapse onto her back. His pants matched her own as she worked her hips against his body. She was desperate to climax again.

  His fingers found her clit and Bart strummed her nub like she was an electric guitar. Her sex grinded against his hand as he continued to thrust deep inside her womb. His free hand twisted and pulled her nipple and Erika was lost to the passion.

  “Yes! Don’t stop!” she urged as the pleasure built to an explosive level.

  “Take it all, Erika. I’m yours,” he groaned as he pinched her clit, and she detonated.

  She shouted his name as her climax erupted. Erika’s heart galloped in her chest as tingles raced through her b
loodstream. She couldn’t tell where she started or he ended, but every nerve ending was on fire. Bart held her tight as her body trembled and convulsed.

  “Holy fuck,” she panted as their sweaty bodies glided against one another.

  Their tempo went from urgent need to a slow steady rhythm. Bart’s hands roamed her backside and traveled underneath to caress her breasts. Ripples of arousal continued to assault her body, and she didn’t want him to stop touching her. Ever.

  “You’re incredible,” Bart moaned as she clenched down on his still-erect shaft.

  “Mmm, so are you,” she replied and lowered her body to the damp sheet. Every muscle relaxed and exhaustion took over. A nap sounded divine.

  Bart laid behind Erika, spooning her. “I’m going to miss the guest house,” he murmured. “Lots of memories here.”

  Erika rolled over to face him. “We’ll make memories wherever we are. So long as we’re together. That’s all that matters,” she reminded him and placed her palm to his cheek.

  He kissed the flesh. “You’re right. I’m excited about starting anew. So many possibilities,” he stated as his hands gently caressed her ass and breasts.

  “Absolutely. So, what’s first on your agenda?”

  “I was thinking about talking with Zane. Between his knowledge and my connections, I think we can still pursue rights for shifters. I don’t need a political platform,” Bart explained, and she could see the wheels spinning. He was genuinely excited about the prospect, and she smiled at his enthusiasm.

  “And, I can still reach out to the shifter community. But, we can’t forget about Elaine Jensen. She’s still out there, and I don’t think we’ve heard the last from her,” Erika informed him and her hand trailed to Bart’s chest.

  “I can guarantee that,” he replied, and buzzing sounded. “Oh, shit. Where’s my phone? That could be Richard,” he blurted as he scrambled to the pile of clothes on the floor.

  Erika watched him dig in his pants pockets and retrieve his cell phone. He glanced at the screen and smiled. “Hey, buddy. What’s up?” Erika heard a muffled voice but had no clue who Bart was talking to.