by Bonnie Vanak
Bart’s ranch manager looked at Lexie in a different way, as if she were dessert and he was starving. Once at a local rodeo, Jackson had overheard Ambrose joke that “big girls like Lexie like to ride, and like being ridden.”
Over my dead Lupine body, Jackson thought, anger beginning to surface as he watched Ambrose approach. The man immediately noticed Lexie and stared, licking his pudgy lips as if anticipating a tasty meal.
A low growl rumbled from Jackson’s throat. Testosterone flooded his body, preparing him to fuck or fight. He fought back the urge to send a hard fist smashing into Ambrose’s pudgy face. The hell with the fact the man’s boss had money that helped Jackson purchase Diamond, and Diamond was going to help him get Lexie, the only Lupine he desired.
Lexie hugged her ample chest. Jackson removed his jacket and draped it around Lexie’s slender shoulders, covering her breasts.
Ambrose leaned against the rails, looking at Lexie as if envisioning her naked. Bart swaggered to the fence. He grinned at Lexie, but something nasty and dark layered that smile, like worms wriggling underneath cake frosting. “Hello there, Lexie. We get to meet formally at last. The famous CC rider, queen of the rodeo circuit.”
A tremulous smile touched Lexie’s full mouth. “Hi.”
“CC Rider. Chunky Cowgirl Rider. Best barrel racer in the west. Hell of a big rider. Big rider, get it?” Bart laughed.
Red suffused Lexie’s cheeks. She tugged his jacket closer. Anger simmered in Jackson. His wolf snarled, urging him into action. He barely bit back the Lupine growl rumbling deep in his throat and clenched his fists, ready to send them sailing first into Bart’s face, then give Ambrose a black eye or two.
The hell with fists. Fangs were better, he’d shift, show them the business end of his canines… Jackson felt his wolf surge to the surface, the instinct to shift nearly too much to overcome.
A soft hand slid over his fist and squeezed gently. His wolf instantly calmed.
“Jackson, it’s okay,” she said in a low, soothing voice. “I can handle him.”
He gave a rough nod. Hell, he couldn’t afford to punch these Skins and put himself out of his pack for good, let alone shift in front of Skins, the worst mistake a Lupine could ever make. Lexie always could control his wolf, turn his thermostat down a few notches.
What if he lost her? What would happen to him? No pack wanted a bad-tempered Lupine who lacked control.
As Bart tipped his hat, Lexie gave a cool smile.
“Hi there, BB.” She gave a pointed look to the ranch owner’s stomach oozing over his hand-tooled leather belt. “Isn’t that funny? BB. Does it stand for Bart Baker - or Big Belly? Don’t you love nicknames?”
Bart’s expression turned sullen. Lexie turned to the still-staring Ambrose. “You can put your eyeballs back in your head now and quit staring at me like a lovesick cow.”
Ambrose scowled and Bart fell silent. Pride filled Jackson. Lexie could dish it out as good as she got it. Atta girl.
He vaulted over the fence, watching Bart’s sullen look turn to envy. The Skin ranch owner might have more money than Montana had grass blades, but he was slow and clumsy on his feet. Bart could no more leap fences than he could turn into a werewolf.
Yeah, and a fully grown Lupine can do more than leap fences, dickwad. I could take you down and bite your ass for insulting my Lexie.
Jackson folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the gate.
Bart pointed to Diamond. “That mare yours?”
Both belong to me and you’ll never get your hands on either. “Yup.”
“Nice lines. Can I go inside and have a look?”
Jackson shook his head. “Nope.”
The man stared. “I pay you good money to give my daughter barrel racing lessons and you won’t even let me inspect your horse?”
Tipping his hat back, Jackson locked hard gazes with the man. “I don’t want her spooked. I have big plans for her.”
A sly smile curved the ranch owner’s mouth. “You plan to breed her?”
Glancing over his shoulder, he nodded. Both of them.
“I’ve got just the right stud to service her.”
“So do I,” he murmured.
A white Ford pickup drove toward them. Recognizing Darius, the pack beta and ranch manager, Jackson signaled for him to hurry. Darius parked the truck and climbed out with a smile that could seduce a legion of ladies and turn a loudmouth braggart like Bart into putty.
“Hi, Mr. Baker, Ambrose. Mr. Baker, your daughter is at the lodge, getting settled. If you’ll come with me, we’ve prepared rooms for all of you. I hope you don’t mind, but I’d like to tackle the paperwork as quickly as possible because I have to leave. I apologize for not being around to personally escort you around the ranch, but I assure you, Aiden will make sure you will be accorded special treatment.”
As the pack beta escorted the Skins to his truck, he turned his head, mouthed the word “asshole” and winked at Lexie. But she only clutched the coat tighter, looking miserable.
Jackson’s heart ached. Lexie was so pretty and plump and fun, and he hated how Skins like Bart taunted her. But they respected her, too. Enough to flock to the arena when she rode, and cheer her on as if she were a rodeo rock star.
She was big and beautiful, but didn’t see herself that way. All her energy focused on barrel racing.
Lexie clearly remained loyal to her own pack and the life of barrel racing. How could she settle down and embrace life in his pack, let alone mating with him and breeding young?
How the hell can I hold onto her? After the week is up, how long before she runs from me?
Lexie craved the exciting life of traveling on the rodeo circuit, not the quiet, everyday world of life on the Mitchell ranch.
All he cared about was right before him, and Jackson grew tired of being on the range for long days. Every time he’d lost control and gotten into a fight with the pack males, Aiden sentenced him to herding cattle in the ranch’s furthest pastures, banning him from returning to the ranch at night. Learn discipline, learn to control your temper, the pack alpha warned.
And every night, the other cowboys rode back in their pickup trucks, horse trailers bumping along the dusty back road behind them. They were headed to the lodge, to good food, laughter and company, while he’d build a fire, heat up a chicken-fried steak and stare at the stars. Sometimes he grew so lonely he’d tip his head back and howl.
Aiden was fair. The pack leader did it in hopes that staying in Skin would calm his wolf down so Jackson could remain with the pack.
But Jackson knew his wolf would only calm down after mating, and only Lexie would suffice. Only then would his Skin self and his wolf find real peace, instead of caving into the urge to fight with other males.
His wolf needed to run wild and free, instead of growing restless while Jackson stayed in Skin, watching over the cattle.
His wolf craved Lexie, hungered to have her naked beneath him.
How could he make this work?
Chapter 7
Cora Baker knew how to ride.
But Lexie knew she was faster, and better.
Sitting on the railing of the corral where barrels were set in a standard cloverleaf pattern, Lexie watched her arch rival work her gelding through his paces. Jackson stood off to the side, giving advice and encouragement. With Aiden’s approval and the other cowboys pitching in, he’d set up the corral with the same barrel lengths she’d be racing.
Bart Baker had handed the Lupine a check to help his daughter win the Bordello Border Rodeo competition because “She’s a Baker and Bakers don’t lose.”
Resentment curled through Lexie. Cora didn’t need the $15,000 winning purse. The woman probably spent that much money on her riding outfits.
Lexie needed it to help Nikita save the ranch from foreclosure.
While Cora’s father and Ambrose were overseeing Big Boy’s stud duties, Lexie and Cora practiced riding in the arena. Cora’s rhinestone-covered shirt
and matching white pants glittered in the sharp sunshine. She sparkled like a jewel as she leaned Mark XI into his paces. Lexie glanced down at her rumpled chambray work shirt and faded jeans. Nikita had sent over her clothing, but her best clothing for rodeo days didn’t come close to what Cora wore to practice.
Even Lupines could have fashion envy.
Winning counted more than looks, and to win she needed speed and accuracy. Lexie narrowed her eyes and gauged her competition’s moves. Cora was fast between the barrels, but had a slight hesitation when racing Mark XI around them, cutting too wide a path.
She didn’t have the kind of trust with her horse Lexie and Diamond shared. And no amount of coaching from Jackson, one of the best riders in Montana, could help her.
Cora finished and Jackson clicked a watch. “Time: Twenty-five point eight seconds.”
Confidence filled Lexie. She could beat her.
The Skin cantered over to the gate. She dismounted and handed the reins to a waiting Lupine acting as a groom, whose worshipful gaze tracked Cora’s every move. Peter, she remembered. His jaw bore a slight bruise, as if he’d run into something or someone punched him.
“Lexie!” Jackson whistled and waved a hand as Cora left. “Your turn.”
As Peter led Mark VI out, Cora climbed the fence to watch. Lexie mounted Diamond and gathered the reins in one hand.
Jackson patted the mare. “Remember, start with a gradual arc, then sit down and steer her close. Diamond’s a pro and so are you. I know you can beat her time. I have faith in you.”
“Don’t worry. I like it fast.”
He squeezed a hand around her calf and then tickled her behind the knee. “I want you to finish in less than twenty-five seconds.”
Lexie winked at him. “Something you’ll never hear me ask of you over the next few nights.”
The smart ass remark stunned her. Maybe deep down, she anticipated mating with Jackson.
He threw his head back and laughed, a deep, masculine sound that resonated down her spine.
In the saddle, she was a queen. And Diamond knew it as well.
Lexie took a deep breath and whispered to her mare, “Let’s do it, girl.”
They took off. Wind whipped at her hair and the familiar feeling of freedom rushed through Lexie. Riding her horse, taking her through the paces, this was what she was meant to do. In the saddle, she felt free as a Lupine in wolfskin, using her horse’s legs to run faster than her wolf ever could.
Adrenalin pumped through her veins, the exhilarating rush making her want to laugh with pure joy. Lexie could almost do this with her eyes closed. She guided Diamond, applying pressure with her knees, and tore through the cloverleaf pattern.
The stopwatch clicked. Jackson looked up and beamed. “Eighteen point two seconds! Knew it!”
She slid off Diamond and grinned. “Told you I liked it fast.”
“As long as you don’t mind it slow in other places,” he teased, and his warm gaze caressed her.
Still exhilarated, Lexie glanced at the fence and the pouting Cora, who stalked away, hands jammed into her pockets.
All of her daddy’s money couldn’t buy her a better time. Or the friendship Lexie shared with Diamond. They were a team.
Lexie patted Diamond. “Ready to try again, girl?”
They did several practice rounds, each one beating Cora’s best time. On the last round, she even beat her own record time, earning a loud whoop of approval from Jackson. Then she led Diamond out of the corral, tired but proud.
Jackson glanced at the sun sinking into the sharp blue sky. “Getting late. Aiden wants us all to eat with Bart and Cora tonight. Let’s stable Diamond. Brush her down and then go back to the cabin so we can wash up and then join them at the lodge.”
Back at the cabin, she stepped into the large granite-lined shower and hummed happily as the water poured over her. After drying off, she dressed in her best jeans, a soft green blouse that highlighted her eyes and brushed her long hair until it shone.
Lexie skipped down the hallway, feeling happy for the first time since Nikita told her she’d sold Diamond. She and her horse made a great team, but with Jackson’s encouragement and his confidence in her abilities, she’d beaten her own record time.
The thought made her stop halfway down the stairs. All this time she’d been thinking of herself as a solo player, but realized Jackson had played a key role in aiding her rodeo career.
It wasn’t Diamond and Lexie.
It was Diamond, Lexie and Jackson.
She pushed the thought of her head and went into the great room.
Scanning a newspaper, Jackson sat in the leather chair by the fireplace. His thick hair was damp and slicked back from his forehead. In neatly-pressed jeans and a royal-blue sweater that matched his eyes, he looked sexy and very tempting.
Lexie took a seat on the couch to avoid temptation. “What’s that you’re reading?”
“Gauging how much a champion barrel racing mare’s foal will fetch at auction.”
“You’re going to buy another horse?” she asked.
He set down the paper and braced his hands on his knees. “No. I’m breeding Diamond with Big Boy in the spring.”
Lexie’s jaw dropped. “You can’t do that! The best barrel racing horse in the west and you’re going to turn her into a brood mare?”
“Her foal will fetch a good price on the market with Big Boy as the sire. This is a working ranch. Every single member of the pack contributes to the whole and this is my contribution to keep the ranch’s operational budget in the black.”
“Then sell your cutting horse, damnit, do something else, but don’t do this to Diamond!”
“She can’t stay a maiden forever. It’s time,” he said gently.
“You have something against maidens, Jackson?”
“No. But I do think it’s wrong for a female to resist what comes naturally and deny her nature.” His intense gaze focused on her. “Let me guide you, Lex. Don’t fight me on this. Let me be your teacher and show you all the pleasures that await you in my bed.”
“I don’t have a choice, just like Diamond. You’ve got the upper hand and you’ll force us into doing whatever pleases you.” Bitterness raged through her. She turned on her heels and started stalking away, but he sprang up and clasped her wrist.
His dark brows drew together and he looked dangerous. For the first time, she was slightly afraid of this Lupine, afraid of his power. “Let go, Jackson.”
“No, not until I have your full attention and you listen to what I say.”
Caution filled her. She turned and looked him in the eye.
“Let’s get one thing straight. I’ve never forced a woman into having sex with me. I made this deal with you because I want you so much, Lex, but if you refuse then I’ll make you another deal. Give you a chance to back out, though I know you want me as much as I want you.”
Lexie studied his solemn expression. “Terms?”
“Tonight, after dinner and all the formalities are over, you move into the master bedroom and await me there in bed. I’ll be there at nine sharp. You’ll give me twenty minutes of doing as I please. My hands won’t touch you below the waist. And after, if you don’t want me, then all you have to do is say no. One simple word and I’ll obey.”
She suspected “everything” might be more than she could handle, but she had willpower. Well, except when it came to food. And Jackson… she could handle him.
I hope.
“That’s a big gamble you’re taking, cowboy.”
“I’m willing to bet on it.”
Never before had she seen him this serious. Lexie blew out a deep sigh. “That’s it? All I say is no? And I still get to race Diamond?”
He nodded, but a slow smile curved his lips. “Of course I’m going to do my damnedest to get to you to say yes. Everything is fair game. Even ice cream.”
“Ha.”
Jackson stuck out a palm. “Deal?”
She slid her hand
into his. But instead of shaking it, he gave her knuckles a long, slow lick, sending heat spiraling through her body.
His voice deepened into a husky drawl. “I’m going to teach you about passion, Lex, and all the desire you’ve been fighting for so long. You will surrender to me in bed.”
“Doubt it,” she choked out, yanking her hand away.
Jackson smiled. “Know this, Lex. I’m a gambling man. And I don’t ever lose.”
Lexie barely touched a bite during dinner. Upstairs in the master bedroom, she awaited Jackson in purple fuzzy socks and rumpled pink pajamas with little bunnies. Nothing to arouse his passion..
Footsteps sounded on the stairs. Jackson walked into the bedroom, carrying a silver champagne bucket in one hand and an alarm clock in the other. He wore jeans and the same blue sweater he’d worn to dinner, but was barefoot.
Lexie hadn’t gone barefoot since she was twelve. Since before her first shift into wolf…
“Oh wow. Rabbits. They really turn me on,” he murmured.
“These?”
“I’m a wolf, remember?”
Grinning at her, he set the ice bucket and the clock on the nightstand. Lexie peered inside the bucket. “Ice? Without the cream?”
Jackson winked at her. “The cream will come soon enough.”
“What do you want from me?”
“Nothing. I’ll do everything. Just lie back on the bed and relax.”
Relax. Right. Every muscle knotted, she rested against the pillows stacked against the leather headboard, watching him. He set the clock’s timer.
“Twenty minutes, as promised.” He held up his hands. “These will not touch you below the waist. As agreed.”
Jackson sat on the bed and stroked a finger across the collar of the buttoned pajama top. Heat flared where his fingertips brushed her bare skin. With the experience of a man who knew how to undress a woman, he unfastened the first two buttons and tugged open the lapels. Cool air from the opened window stroked over her exposed skin.
Ice crackled as he reached into the bucket and removed a single cube. He put it halfway into his mouth. He ran his tongue around the rim, each stroke slow and deliberate. “It’s cold in here now. But soon, it’s going to be very, very hot.”
