by DJ Bryce
“I know, I mean, technically, I know all that, but I’m just ready, you know?” she asked, and although I wasn’t sure I was ready, I did know what she meant.
Heidi was ready to settle down and start a family. She wanted to find her mate, that person who would know her better than anyone, and defend her to the death if need be. She was tired of being alone.
“Don’t worry, it’ll happen,” I assured her.
“You think so?” she asked, hopeful.
“I know so,” I replied with a grin.
We pulled up in front of the large, ranch-style house with a wraparound porch that made me jealous, and walked around to the trunk to grab a few dishes before heading up to knock on the front door.
As we were walking up the steps with our arms full of covered dishes, the screen door opened and an older man with silver hair at his temples and a wolfish grin opened the door.
“Well, what do we have here?” he asked, and something about his tone made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
“Hello, sir,” Heidi began with a friend smile. “Mateo asked us to bring some food by to welcome your pack to the area. We have these, and more in the car, so hopefully you all will find something you enjoy.”
“From Mateo, you say?” he asked, then turned his head and nodded at someone inside the house. “Well, that’s just wonderful, thank you so much. I’m so sorry, I’m Josiah, that Alpha of the Threehorn pack. Why don’t you bring those on it to the kitchen, and my men will get the rest out of the car.”
I was about to say we’d wait on the porch, but Heidi was already walking through the door, so I followed behind her. I hurriedly put my dish on the counter, then turned to tell Heidi we should go, when I noticed the gun in Josiah’s hand.
It was aimed right at me.
Chapter 7
Logan
I was sitting in Mateo’s backyard, having a cup of coffee, when I felt my mate’s fear.
Now, although I’d known upon seeing and touching Natasha that she was my mate, having never been mated before, I didn’t really know what that meant. Especially since not only had we not had the mating ceremony yet, but I hadn’t even claimed her, so I had no idea that we’d already be linked so acutely.
But I felt her fear as if I was experiencing it myself, and my animal immediately took over.
I barely registered the fact that the cup had hit the cement and shattered as I’d shifted in response to my mate’s peril.
My bear took over and tore out of Mateo’s yard and into the forest, toward Natasha and whatever danger she was in. I ran as fast as I could, not feeling the rough terrain under my paws, or feeling the pain of exertion; I was completely tuned into Natasha, and would stop at nothing to get to her.
Once I cleared the woods, I stopped to take in my surroundings. I saw a house, then realized that Mateo and Maximus were surrounded by wolves, but my focus was on the man standing in the center facing off against my friends.
He was the enemy.
I stood and roared my displeasure, then ran straight for the pack of snarling wolves that stood between me and the house, where I knew my mate was being held.
I could hear Mateo calling for me, but I didn’t stop until I was inches from the grey-haired man, and it registered that Mateo was saying the girls were about to be released. Still enraged, I roared in the man’s face, my bear on the edge of ripping him apart, when I heard the door open and saw movement on the porch.
Dropping to all fours, I kept my gaze rapt on Natasha as she descended the stairs, then moved toward her. Once I was close enough, I stood again and gathered her gently into my paws, cradling her so as not to frighten her, although I knew that she could instinctively tell that I would never harm her.
Then, without another glance at the pack, or our friends, I turned and ambled back into the woods, calmed by the feel of my mate in my arms. I focused on the beating of her heart and the heat of her body against mine.
Relief flooded me at the knowledge that she was safe, and I had her with me. But, the fact that she’d been in danger, and that the men who’d taken her were still breathing, had me changing course as I held her tightly to me.
Once her adrenaline left her, Natasha drifted off to sleep in my arms.
My bear wanted to roar with satisfaction that she felt safe in my arms, but I kept quiet so she could get some sleep and headed in the direction of my cabin.
Mateo and Max, and even Gilly, had met me at my cabin for fishing trips in the past, but often, it was the place I went to when I needed solitude. It was on the edge of my clan’s land… close enough to be there if my people needed me, but far enough away for me to enjoy the calm of the lake without any distractions.
It was the perfect place, not only to keep Natasha safe, but for me and my mate to spend some much-needed alone time together.
I just hoped she wouldn’t freak out when she woke up.
In bear form, I could cover a lot of ground quickly. Of course, it would have been faster on all fours, but still, with Natasha snuggled into my fir, we were able to make it to the cabin just as the sun was going down over the lake.
I gently eased her onto my lounger in the back, then shifted. Once I was sure Natasha was comfortable and still snoozing, I hurried into the cabin. I was a little overheated from the trip, so I took a quick shower, then threw on some cut off sweat pants, before grabbing a couple bottles of water and heading back outside.
I heard the difference in Natasha’s breathing as I approached and knew she was awake.
She was looking out over the lake, but turned her face toward me as I sat in the chair next to hers and held out a water.
Natasha took it and asked, “Where are we?”
“My cabin,” I replied, watching her for any signs of distress. “It’s on the outskirts of my land, about two hour’s drive from your pack.”
“Heidi?” she asked, and I wasn’t sure what she was talking about.
“Who?”
“My friend, Heidi, she was with me there, the Threehorn leader held us at gunpoint.”
Rage filled me, but I tapped it down and answered calmly, “She was with Mateo and Max… safe.”
Natasha nodded, but didn’t react in any other way, which I had to admit, confused me.
I’d half expected her to freak out, get pissed, or at the very least, be wary, but she seemed to be taking this turn of events in stride.
“I thought you’d be safer here with me, at least until Mateo and his pack figure out how to handle the Threehorn pack.”
When she only nodded in response, then looked back out at the water, I became a little worried. She almost seemed numb. Was she in shock? Was there something else I should be doing for her?
“Are you hungry? Or want something stronger than water?” I asked, leaning closer so that my elbows rested on my knees, close enough to feel the heat from her body. “Or maybe a shower, would that make you feel better?”
“No, I don’t think so,” Natasha replied tentatively, then opened her bottle and took a sip. “This is good.”
“If you really want to go back, I’ll take you, you’re not a prisoner here,” I began, thinking maybe she was having issue with me taking her without giving her a choice. “I want you to be safe, but I’ll find a way to protect you there, if that’s where you need to be.”
“No,” she said softly, “This is nice.”
I waited, but when she didn’t say anything else, I sat back in my chair and joined her in looking out quietly at the water. Then, going on instinct, I reached over and took her hand in mine, then held it as I let calm wash over me.
Chapter 8
Natasha
I didn’t know for sure what was going on with me, but I felt weird.
All kinds of weird…
First, I’d had a gun pointed at me for the first time in my life, and I have to say, I didn’t enjoy it.
Heidi had been hysterical. I mean, screaming, sobbing, a little nutso, hysterical. She’d almost freaked me out more
than the gun had. Going on about dying without really living, dying without finding love, and, the icing on the cake, dying a virgin.
I hadn’t known Heidi was a virgin, probably never needed to know, but after hearing that, I could understand why she was upset.
I wouldn’t want to die a virgin either.
So, there’d been that, then once Mateo and Max had come, Josiah had told us to stay inside, and when I’d heard the roar come from outside… the roar of rage, loud enough to shake the windows, I’d know Logan had come… for me.
I’d felt it in my bones, in my heart, and I’d known then that I was safe. He’d kill before letting anyone harm me, and I’d gotten completely calm.
Heidi had stopped crying long enough to walk outside, then, when she’d seen our pack, she’d collapsed in tears once again. I hadn’t been able to keep my eyes off of the bear who seemed seconds away from tearing Josiah’s head off.
I’d walked to him as if stuck in a trance, pulled to him inexplicably, and had gone into his arms willingly.
Never having been around a bear at all, let alone a grizzly, if someone had told me I’d snuggle against one and be cradled gently, I would have called bullshit, but that’s exactly what happened.
Logan’s bear was intimidating to say the least, but his eyes were the same, and his strength had taken my breath away. I’d felt all the adrenaline from the day slip away, and wilting moments had fallen asleep.
I’d woke as soon as he’d laid me in the chair, but I’d been around shifters enough to know how things worked, and had decided to feign sleep until Logan had been able to shift and go find clothes. I had no doubt that this would not always be the case, but since Logan and I had barely spoken a word to each other in the short amount of time we’d known each other, I hadn’t felt comfortable ogling his naked form, although I was sure it was spectacular.
I could tell he was waiting for me to succumb to hysterics, like Heidi had, and I was sure if I’d been with anyone else, in any other situation, I would have done just that.
But, after having a gun shoved in my face, and listening to Heidi’s fears, I’d come to a realization… I was lucky. Not to be alive, although that was definitely a positive, but I was lucky because I knew I’d found my mate.
Sure, Logan and I didn’t know each other yet, and yes, being with him would mean leaving the pack I’d grown up with… leaving my family, my friends, and my job, and starting over from scratch. But, it also meant I’d be starting a life with the person I was meant to be with. The man who would father my children. The bear who would protect us with his life.
The other half of me.
And that, was something to be grateful for.
Logan bringing me here meant we would have the time to get to know each other without distraction. Without the judgement of my parents, or the worry of Gilly. Without the weight of my packs stares and questions.
Just us, forming a bond and learning all we could about each other.
It also meant we were completely alone. And ever since I’d seen him at Mateo’s and he’d touched my skin, I’d yearned for Logan more than I’d ever known possible. I positively, burned for him. The need so great that it took every ounce of willpower I had not to fly off of the chair he’d so gently put me in, and attack him right here on the lake shore.
When he’d taken my hand in his, my heart had gone pitty-pat and my body had caught fire.
We sat there quietly, watching the occasional ripple, and as I concentrated on the heat of his hand in mine, my mind began to wander.
Dirty, filthy thoughts flitted through my head.
Me, riding him on the lounger, the breeze in our hair, the lake at my back.
Him, bending me over the lounger, my breasts heaving as he reached around and brought me to orgasm.
Us, laying on the lake shore, the cool sand under my back as the water lapped at us.
Logan must have noticed the difference in me, whether by the rapid increase in my heartbeat, or maybe the way I’d started to perspire a little, but I noticed him shift in his seat, then scent the air, before he squeezed my hand just a bit tighter and turned his head toward me.
“Everything okay?” he asked, his voice deep, husky.
God, that voice alone almost made me come on the spot.
I failed to bite back my groan in response, and that was all Logan needed to know.
One second I was sitting on the lounger, squeezing my thighs together as I tried to clear the madness from my mind, and the next I was being picked up and tossed over Logan’s shoulders. I lost the view of the lake, instead getting an eyeful of tight, we-rounded ass, as he strode away from the lake and into his cabin.
Chapter 9
Logan
Jesus Christ, my bear was about to lose its mind.
I could smell her arousal, hear the excited beat of her heart, and see the way her breathing had become shallow.
Natasha, my mate, was turned on… she wanted me.
Unable to pretend for another second that I wanted to sit there and watch the lake, rather than feel her beneath me, I’d acted on instinct.
That’s how she ended up over my shoulder.
Practically blind with desire, I moved into the cabin, through the living space and down the hall toward my bedroom, where a large wooden bed awaited. My senses were overwhelmed with all things Natasha, so as soon as I deposited her on the bed, I was there, ready for my first taste.
Natasha looked up at me, her grey eyes stormy with desire. Her short black hair was a little unruly, and her cheeks were flushed… she was the most beautiful creature I’d ever seen.
Carefully, slowly, enjoying the anticipation, I lowered myself, my large body totally engulfing hers. I braced myself on my forearms, not wanting to crush her, but hissed as skin touched skin.
I was like a livewire, ready to ignite, and when her eyes fluttered closed, my lips finally brushed against hers. Gently, repeatedly, I savored her full, luscious lips, until she opened for me, and I swept inside.
Kissing had always been something I’d enjoyed, but it was usually a prelude to something more satisfying. This kiss, however, was unlike anything I’d experienced.
It was the joining of two beings who were meant, the first little glimpse of the magic to come.
Intoxicating, arousing, and somehow, utterly fulfilling.
Natasha moaned, wiggling slightly beneath me as she tried to position herself the way she wanted. I shifted, giving her room, and that was all she needed. Her small legs wrapped around my waist, and her hand cupped the back of my head, urging me closer as she tilted her head to give me deeper access.
The feel of her heat against my stiff cock, secured only in my cutoff sweats, made my brain short circuit, and I went from savoring, to white hot need.
Natasha groaned as I rocked against her, my hand turning her head to the side so I could feel her pulse under my lips. I kissed the length of her neck, reveling in the taste of her there, and the proof of life running through her veins.
Needing more, I eased back, my hand going to the hem of her shirt to urge it off. Taking my cue, she sat up and divested herself of the material, then quickly took off her bra. Fast as lightening, I hopped off the bed, shucked off my sweats and helped Natasha get the rest of her clothes off.
Finally, we were both naked, panting with need, and taking each other in.
Delicate and gorgeous, Natasha was a vision before me… temptation and destiny, together in one, bite sized package.
She sat up, reaching out when I took too long looking at her, and placed her hands on me. Her touch like a brand as she read my body like braille. Cupping her face in my hand, I urged her to open back up for me, and she did eagerly, her mouth fusing to mine as we began to lose ourselves in the magic of mating.
Touching, tasting, licking, stroking… Natasha and I explored every inch of each other, in every way possible.
I memorized every dip, and slope. Every sigh and moan. Until I knew what brought her to
the peak and what pushed her over the edge.
My lips on her pussy, my tongue inside of her, those were a few of her favorite things…
Her teeth on my nipple, her mouth wrapped around my cock… those were a few of mine.
Finally, my bear could wait no longer, and the need to claim Natasha was almost more than I could bear, I urged her to flip over onto all fours, then moved her hands to grip the wooden frame of the bed.
Giving myself one more moment of torture, I took a good, long look at the woman who was to be mine forever.
Her biceps flexed as she clutched the headboard in anticipations. The long, lean lines of her back, down to the curve of her supple ass. Her legs wide as she waited for me. Enjoying myself, I placed my hands on her calves, then ran them up… over her thighs, then inside, my thumbs teasing her pussy as I went up, over her ass, one hand staying there to knead her left cheek, as the other caressed her back, up to her neck, then fisted in her short locks.
I bent over her, my lips to her ear and ordered, “Brace.”
Then I fisted my cock and teased her opening, ensuring she was ready for me, then plunged inside.
We both groaned loudly.
Being inside Natasha was pure bliss. More amazing than anything I’d ever felt. I allowed the two of us to savor the moment, then began to move. Back and forth, in and out, thrusting and grunting with pleasure.
My hands on her tits, teasing her clit, then holding onto her hips as I fucked her wildly.
Natasha reared back, her hand first going to pinch her nipple, before sliding lower to touch herself.
I could feel the pressure building, and new it was time, so I placed one hand on her shoulder to bring her back to my front, then placed it back on her thigh and held on as I moved harder, faster.
When I felt her walls begin to clench around me, and heard her pant, “Logan.” I bared my teeth and placed them at the base of her neck, biting down as I claimed her and catapulting us both into the most intense orgasm I’d ever experienced.
