by Vivian Arend
Matt laughed even as Laurin struggled to understand. “It’s up to Laurin. Let’s ask her.”
They tugged her to her feet. Matt enfolded her in his arms and guided her to the bow of the ship. The sun was just beginning its slow descent toward the horizon, the afternoon gone and the evening stretching out with all kinds of possibilities. He stopped at the railing and motioned Kallen forward. The two of them stood before her, smiles and admiration written on their faces as they turned to face her.
Confusion hit. What were they asking? Did they think she was going to choose between them? She already had.
“Is Kallen completely healed?”
Matt frowned briefly before touching a hand to Kallen’s throat. There was the brush of his magic and he nodded. “And you don’t have to worry about anyone trying to use that curse again. I left a trace of it behind like an inoculation, tweaking so it will backfire on the caster.”
She gasped. “I didn’t know you could do that.”
He raised a brow. “I probably couldn’t, not by myself. But you were fairly spectacular back there, in more ways than one.”
Laurin flushed and tilted her chin up. “So what now?”
Kallen bowed slightly. “If you’d like, I would love to experience a few more of your ‘pictures’. And anything else you would like to share.”
“As would I…” The hunger Matt shared was real, and Laurin’s throat tightened. He sent her a wave of love, of acceptance. Of desire to see her pleasures exceeded as she’d experienced earlier. But it was up to her.
Did she want more? Now for play, and not for magical reasons? She glanced at Kallen. He was beautiful and strong, and she would love to fool around a little more. But Matt?
Her heart.
They both stood, waiting for her decision, giving her the final choice after making it clear what they wanted.
There was no denying it, and the words burst out as she forced herself to not make it sound like a plea. “Let’s do it.”
Kallen nodded once, then dove into the water.
“What? Where is he…?”
“Getting cleaned up. For the next round.” Matt grinned at her and to her complete surprise, snatched her up in his arms and kissed her. Her legs supported under the knees, one arm under her torso, she felt like a modern-day heroine.
Except for the naked business.
When he finally let her up for air, she licked her lips. “Hmm, I could get into more of that.”
“Of course, after you get cleaned up as well.”
He stepped to the rail and she clutched his neck.
“Matt! No, you’re not serious.” Her protests fell on deaf ears as he tossed her after Kallen. The air whistled past rapidly. She slammed her lips closed to stop the water from filling her mouth, hands slapping the surface as the sharp contrast of her heated skin and the icy water surrounded her.
Bastard. She broke the surface a second later, just in time for the wave from Matt’s cannonball entry to wash over her head and send her sputtering. Then he had her in his arms as he drew her struggling body against his.
Interest rose in spite of the frigid temperatures. He held her carefully, his smirking expression lit with pure shimmering gold as the sunlight hit.
“When you least expect it—that’s all I’m going to say, Mr. Shaman. When you least expect it…” She kissed him briefly, the salt on her lips mixing with his flavor and making her smile.
“Hmm, okay. But for now? You can totally expect a lot more of this.” He rocked his hips against her and she laughed.
“How can you be hard when the water is this cold?”
He tsked in dismay. “Are you cold? I guess we’ll have to warm you up.”
A second set of hands roamed her body, and every bit of displeasure fled.
“Anything you want, Laurin. We’re yours for the rest of the night.” Kallen’s voice had settled back into the firm tones she remembered, and the shiver along her spine had nothing to do with the temperature and everything to do with anticipation.
It looked like it was going to be a long, and interesting, evening.
Chapter Seven
The ship moved easily as the morning tide turned, and a small yawn escaped as she stood waiting to say goodbye. She was tired in places she didn’t think ever got tired, but wallowing in satisfaction made the lack of sleep all worthwhile.
Kallen leaned in and kissed her. Thoroughly. With enough heat to make her toes curl. At her back, Matt cleared his throat and she couldn’t stop from giggling. Kallen smiled against her lips, and suddenly the passion faded into good solid friendship—the main thing she felt for the man.
“He’s very possessive,” Kallen complained.
Laurin winked. “Sharing me is one thing the shaman doesn’t do easily. Didn’t you notice that? He totally steals the covers as well.”
“Hey, you two.” Matt surrounded her with his warm arm and Laurin sighed with contentment. Boxed between two men who cared for her—how could she feel anything but ready to take on the world?
Kallen leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “We would have been good together, but you and he are better than good. You are in balance.”
A shiver stroked her skin. Enough with the omens. She laid a hand on his cheek and gave him a final quick kiss. “I’ll miss you, Kallen. Be safe—and when we come east, we’ll stop and see if there is anything we can do to support you against your brother.”
The air shifter nodded, his eyes sparkling at her before he turned to face Matt fully. He bowed formally, then grasped hands like kin. “When you stand in need of me, I will return. Or…” his gaze darted back to roam over Laurin’s body and she blushed, “…if you ever wish to play some more, I’m available.”
Matt pushed him on the shoulder, grinning good-naturedly. “Go on. Find your place, but know you are always welcome in our home.”
Kallen stripped off the shorts he’d borrowed, raising his brows briefly in Laurin’s direction before shifting and rising on silent wings into the air. She tucked under Matt’s arm and listened to the sounds of the ship, the noises of the ocean and wind making the ropes sing. Waves splashed against the Stormchild’s sides in a rhythmic pulse that matched the timing of Kallen’s wings in motion. Sunlight sheered off him, and they watched without speaking until his giant eagle form disappeared from sight.
Laurin was going to miss him. Strange how quickly they’d become friends. It wasn’t just the sex, as intimate and wild…and totally exhausting as it had been.
“Regrets?” Matt asked softly, his fingers caressing the back of her neck as he nestled her body against his.
She shook her head.
“You could have ruled the mountains with him.”
That wasn’t an appealing thought. “Too much like work. The air clans are all about power and hierarchy. You people of the sea know how to play more. And besides, he’s right—you and I—we bring balance.”
Matt turned her to face him. “You to me, and I to you. But I think it’s even bigger than just between us. Our people are going to benefit from the lessons we can share. It’s been too long since the air and the water shifters have worked together.”
Laurin laughed. “Some of the lessons are going to come as a shock.”
He grinned and nodded. “We’re still planning to go to visit your people in a few weeks, correct?”
“Of course. I think we should stop in at the Assiniboine tribe first though, and cast our support behind Kallen’s leadership.” It felt wonderful to be certain of at least a few things. “I’m not sure what we’ll find, but I now believe that whatever I am supposed to do there, you’re supposed to be a part of it.”
He stroked the back of his knuckles against her cheek. “I’ll go anywhere you need me to.”
Together.
She led him toward the wheelhouse. A sudden thought struck her. “Wait a minute. Kallen said he’d return when we stand in need of him? What was that about?”
His gaze heated. “Remem
ber your science, teacher.”
She shook her head. Nothing came to mind.
When he reached for her and cupped a breast in his hand, his lips descending to tease and nibble on her neck, she still wasn’t sure what he was talking about, and she was growing less interested in finding out. Laurin returned his advances, attempting to bring their mouths back in contact. He laughed at her, eluding her attempts.
“Still not sure? When we want to start a family, we have some twisted magic to perform—air and water combined. And Kallen can act as our third.”
Laurin froze. “You’re… Oh my God, you’re right. That’s true.”
She couldn’t get pregnant right now. Didn’t want to get pregnant yet. But someday… Wild images from the previous night poured through her mind. Bodies tangled, the dual possession. Four hands caressing, two mouths teasing her passions higher.
Matt groaned and clutched her close. “Hell, woman, you’re doing it again. Making me see all the dirty things I want to do to you.” He grabbed her hand and forced it against his groin, and she grinned at the obvious power she held.
“Not dirty. Passionate, and perhaps creative. Exactly what I need and want.”
He grabbed her by the butt and a gasp escaped her lips as he manhandled her against the door. His strong body forced her back, his arousal a clear and solid temptation as he ground against her. She countered by building a scenario in her mind. Her, naked on the bed. Rolling to her knees and reaching between her legs. She highlighted his entrance to the room and poured a healthy dose of what she felt for him. The lust and the desire, of course they were a part of it. But more importantly, the love, and unending need for his presence in her life.
She packaged it together and then let it free. Her magic flared around them, hitting him solidly. His head fell back slightly and he groaned, receiving her gift, her passion.
Accepting her.
As well as accepting all the crazy things that went along with being partnered together. His responsibilities to the People of the Sea would constantly change, as wild and far-reaching as the ocean itself. Of her future amidst the air shifters—she had no idea what to expect.
They’d face it together.
His hands shook as he stroked her body, dragging his hands up her torso until his fingers were buried in her hair. Matt tugged her face up to meet his gaze full on.
He spoke, the words inducing a shiver up her spine at the need in them, the dark hunger barely contained. “I love you. All of you. With all of me.”
Laurin drew from deep, deep inside her to confess the truth. “My life would be so much less if I hadn’t met you.”
His face lit up. “Through the storms and the peace, I’ll stay with you.”
She nodded rapidly, choked with emotion. She had to say it—had to let him know. “Matt—you bring me balance.”
The ship rocked under them, but his grasp on her body kept them upright. They both smiled, joy filling up to the top and overflowing. The wind picked up, singing through the high wires, rattling the lines and the sails. Laurin’s hair whipped around her face and she pulled it back.
Matt brushed his lips against her cheek then pushed her lightly toward the stern to start the chores that had become second nature to her with practice. She watched him for another second, admiring his smooth gait forward. His lingering glance over his shoulder in her direction heated the warm spot in her heart like a glowing ember.
They moved silently, working as a team. Tightening straps, pulling in anything that could be lost if the storm raged too hard. Then they retreated below to the compact cabin. It was more than enough—the place filled with memories from the past months. Filled with hopes for the future. Laurin tilted her head toward the forward berth and Matt grinned as he crowded her into the tiny space. They stripped off each other’s clothing before their lips and bodies moved together in a perfect harmony. Outside the Stormchild the seas turned rough, rocking the ship. She was solid enough to withstand the challenge—well-enough built to face even an unexpected storm or two.
Laurin felt the connection, strong, wild. This time it was Matt’s magic that filled her, overwhelmed her. Brought her to the place that she knew she never wanted to leave. In the center of any storm, she’d found the place she belonged. With Matt—somewhere between both their peoples. One day, one adventure at a time.
About the Author
Vivian Arend has hiked, biked, skied and paddled her way around most of North America and parts of Europe. Throughout all the wandering in the wilderness, stories have been planted and they are bursting out in vivid colour. Paranormal, twisted fairytales, red-hot contemporaries—the genres are all over.
Between times of living with no running water, she home schools her teenaged children and tries to keep up with her husband—the instigator of most of the wilderness adventures.
She loves to hear from readers: [email protected]. You can also drop by www.vivianarend.com for more information on what is coming next.
Look for these titles by Vivian Arend
Now Available:
Granite Lake Wolves
Wolf Signs
Wolf Flight
Wolf Games
Wolf Tracks
Forces of Nature
Tidal Wave
Whirlpool
Turner Twins
Turn It On
Turn It Up
Pacific Passion
Stormchild
Stormy Seduction
Falling, Freestyle
Coming Soon:
Rising, Freestyle
Rocky Mountain Heat
These elements have no desire to be tamed…
Stormchild
© 2010 Vivian Arend
Pacific Passion, Book 1
As the new traveling doctor for the Pacific Inside Passage settlements, Matthew Jentry balances dual roles for his water-shifter people—caring for their health as a human-trained physician, and for their spiritual needs as a shaman.
Distractions of the female kind are not on his agenda, but his magical bloodline makes him a target for every marriage-minded woman within range. There’s something about the mysterious Laurin Marshall, though, that he finds far too enticing. It’s just as well that it’s time for him to move on.
Laurin thought she had perfected her guise as a mild-mannered teacher, but the sexual fireworks she and Matt touch off are threatening to blow her cover out of the water. Luckily it’s time for her to catch the boat to her next assignment.
When she discovers she’ll be sailing with Matt, she realizes there’s only one thing more dangerous than their unforgettable one-night stand—being trapped with him on a boat that gives “riding out the storm” a whole new meaning…
Warning: Contains strong sexual currents and powerful waves of desire that break down inhibitions. Recommended only for those able to navigate through extremely steamy situations, on land and at sea.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Stormchild:
She jerked herself upright. What the hell was up with her hormones?
Laurin enjoyed sex. Not in the “need it, gotta have it” daily kinda way like her caffeine or dark chocolate. But ever since she’d laid eyes on Matthew Jentry, she’d been like a homing pigeon trying to come back to roost. She imagined his capable hands on the wheel, guiding them through the dangerous passage. Better yet to imagine his hands on her body, smoothing up her torso to cup her breasts, his dark skin contrasting with her fairness. He’d roll his thumbs over her nipples while supporting the aching globes in his palms.
Laurin leaned back on the short countertop and closed her eyes. God, she could almost feel it, the tingling sensation from her tight nubs trailing through her body to fire her core. She rubbed her breasts in an attempt to stop the throbbing. The sensation felt so wonderful she trailed a hand down her belly, slipping under the elastic waistband of her shorts to press on her aching clit. Desire wrapped around her like a cloud on the mountaintop and she was powerless to stop it.
She stared at the second cup in frustration. She didn’t know how he liked his coffee and she was scared to death to go up the four steps to the wheelhouse and ask him. That would require actually looking at his face. Speaking to him.
Oh hell, she was screwed big-time.
The engine sound faded and she turned in a panic to face the door, her hands clutching her cup protectively in front of her like a shield. Solid footsteps paced away for a minute, a loud splash sounded, and then the steps returned. The door opened smoothly and his sandaled feet appeared as he took the stairs toward her two at a time. He stopped at the base, his chest heaving. His nostrils flared as he glared at her with his cobalt eyes.
He slowed his approach. One step. Two. The third put him toe to toe with her and she shrank back against the counter. He loosened her death grip on the cup, reaching past her to place it somewhere behind her. Their torsos touched and scalding heat flashed. Laurin realized she held her breath and she released it slowly, a puff at a time. He shifted and his firm chest brushed her already erect nipples. He caged her, one arm on either side of her body before deliberately pressing his hips into her. Oh hell, his erection felt huge against her belly. Moisture flooded her passage and she whimpered.
