Jamison, Jane - The Wolf Within [Men of Passion, Colorado 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Jane Jamison

  He shifted onto his side and stroked her cheek. “It is, babe.”

  If she could’ve stayed with him for the rest of the day, she would have. Maybe then the other men would have time to join them. But she knew they couldn’t. She sighed. “We’d better get dressed. I think we’re pushing our luck.”

  He groaned, got to his feet, pulled his jeans up from his ankles, and buttoned his shirt. Taking his hand, she came to her feet and gathered her clothes together. He helped her get dressed, tickling her with feathered kisses as he brushed the leaves and dirt off her clothes.

  She leaned against him, her body still humming with pleasure. “I feel guilty.”

  “What the hell for?”

  “Here I have three amazing men, and poor Stacy’s stuck in a horrible relationship with Doug. It’s not fair.”

  “Maybe not, but should you deny yourself because she won’t get away from him?”

  “I guess not. Still, I wish she would’ve stayed at the house last night.”

  A scream tore through the air, frightening the birds in the trees into flight. Tatum froze. “Is that Stacy?” She tugged on Adam’s hand and ran toward the cabins.

  Chapter Eight

  Adam rushed past Tatum toward Doug and Stacy’s cabin. She ran faster, but her shorter legs were no match for his long strides. Another scream confirmed the fact that it was Stacy. Tatum’s throat closed up, making it even harder to drag air into her lungs.

  “Adam, wait for me!”

  But Adam acted as though he hadn’t heard her. He skidded to a stop then threw his body at the door, breaking it open. Her mind registered the question of how one man could have enough strength to break down the thick wooden door, but she didn’t have time to think about the possible answer. Shouting mixed with another scream before she reached the cabin.

  “Adam? Stacy?”

  Tatum’s momentum flew her over the threshold, and she skidded to a stop halfway inside. Adam lay at her feet, blood trickling down from a wide cut in his forehead.

  “Adam.” She dropped to her knees next to him.

  “I told you people to leave us alone.”

  She looked up to find Doug, anger flaring his nostrils and a baseball bat in his hand. The furniture in the combined living room and kitchen area was thrown around the room with only the small kitchenette table and two chairs left untouched. “You shit! You hit him. We have to call for an ambulance. Now.”

  Doug snatched the half-empty bourbon bottle off the table and took a big drink. “Go fuck yourself. No, wait. How about I fuck you? How do you like it, bitch? In your cunt or in your ass?”

  “Please don’t hurt her, Doug.”

  Tatum turned to see the door open to the small adjacent bedroom. Stacy lay on top of the bed, blood caked at the corner of her mouth and bruises covering her chest and arms. She wore only the top of the pajamas Tatum had loaned her, and her hands were tied over her head, the rope wrapped around the top rung of the bed’s headboard.

  “Stacy.” Tatum leapt to her feet but didn’t get far. Only a few yards separated her from Stacy, but she couldn’t leave Adam. Getting past Doug would be almost impossible.

  Doug staggered in front of her and held out the bat as a barrier. “Uh-uh-uh. Not so fast.”

  She had to stay calm. Had to give herself time to think of a way out. Both Stacy and Adam needed her. “Doug, you’re drunk and you don’t know what you’re doing. If you let me call for help for Stacy and Adam, then we can sit down and discuss this.”

  His laugh was as mean as his expression. “Do you think I’m an idiot? You’ll call the cops and I’ll go to jail.”

  “Maybe not. You could claim diminished capacity. That you weren’t thinking clearly because you’d had too much to drink. With a good attorney, you’ll probably only get a slap on the wrist. But that can’t happen if you don’t let me get them help.”

  “Please. Listen to her. You know I won’t press charges.” Stacy yanked on the rope. “Please, Doug.”

  Doug swung the bat back and forth then took another drink. “Diminished capacity, huh? What are you? A fuckin’ lawyer?”

  What if she said she was? She’d heard the phrase “diminished capacity” on a television crime show, but he didn’t know that. “Yeah, I am. Or I’m going to be. I’m studying pre-law at college. Come on, Doug. I can’t represent you yet, but I can sure help the lawyer who will.”

  She glanced at Stacy and forced herself not to look at Adam. Doug was angry enough without reminding him that Adam had barged in. He appeared to be considering her offer when, all of a sudden, he raised the bat in the air. Tatum took a step back, putting her body in between Adam and the drunken man.

  “Sit down.”

  “What?” Did he want to talk? Had she gotten through to him with her ruse?

  “I told you to sit down.” Doug yanked out a chair and thrust the bat at the seat before putting the bottle on the table. “Sit.”

  Tatum slid onto the chair. “Great. We can have a quick drink and talk about how we’re going to handle your defense. But first, we need to get someone here to help them.”

  “Stay right there and don’t turn around.” Doug moved behind her, and she struggled to keep from craning around to see what he was doing. He came closer and tossed the bat onto the table.

  She swallowed. Was he going to sit down?

  He’d thrown the rope around her before she knew what was happening. “Doug, no. Listen to me.” She fought against the rough bindings, but he’d already managed to tighten the rope around her chest. Moving her arms as much as she could, she tried to get free, but it was no use. He wrapped the rope around her twice more.

  After checking that she couldn’t get free, Doug stalked a few paces into the bedroom and untied Stacy from the bed. Stacy cried out as he yanked her still-bound hands and dragged her over the end of the bed and into the room to stand close to Tatum. Stacy’s body shook as she hunched over, cringing next to Doug.

  “You wanted to stick your nose in my business, so now you’re going to get your chance.” He leaned over Stacy and slid his hand over her face then down her chest. Taking one breast in his hand, he squeezed it, eliciting another cry from her.

  Tatum choked back the tears. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. “Don’t touch her, damn you.”

  She saw the hand coming a moment before the pain ripped into her cheek. The world spun, showing her more than one image of Doug’s hate-filled face. Once her vision cleared, she shook her head and again fought to get free.

  Doug grabbed the front of Stacy’s shirt and ripped it down the middle to expose her breasts. The poor girl sobbed and hung her head.

  “Watch and learn, bitch. When I’m through with her, I’m going to give it to you.” He dragged her back to the bed and threw her on top. Leaning over her, he squeezed her breast again then yanked the pajama top up and shoved his hand between her legs. Stacy started crying, and he slapped her across the face.

  “Leave her alone!” Even if he wouldn’t do as she’d told him, she hoped someone else would hear her shout.

  Doug rubbed Stacy’s pussy, working his hand up and down. “Shit, girl, you’re as dry as the desert. Come on, you little slut, get some cunt juice on my hand.”

  “No, Doug. Stop.”

  “Don’t you give me orders, you whore.” Bringing back his hand, Doug swung hard, striking Stacy in the face. Her head jerked to the side. Doug snatched her hair to pull her head up then threw her off the bed. She landed on her back on the floor. “That figures. Out cold. Damn cunt never could take a hit.”

  “Try me.”

  She hadn’t thought before she’d spoken, but she didn’t care. She had to get him away from Stacy even if it meant bringing him to her.

  Doug shot her a confused look then stood up, letting Stacy alone. “Oh, so that’s the way it is.” He ran his hand over his mouth, stalked over to her, and grabbed the bottle for another drink. “I should’ve known. You’re jealous. You’ve wanted
me from the first day you saw me, didn’t you? That’s why you want Stacy away from me.”

  He bent lower and slid his tongue from her ear to the corner of her mouth. Bile rose to her throat, but she managed to keep it down.

  Think of Stacy and Adam.

  Doug took another swig and raked his gaze over her. “All right, bitch. I’ll give you what you want.”

  He bent low again, and she cringed, closing her eyes against his touch. When he started working on the knots behind the chair, she let out a breath and tried to force her mind to think of what to do next.

  He jerked her to her feet then bound her hands in front of her. Pushing her ahead of him, he slammed the door behind him. He tugged her past Stacy then turned her to face him. Gripping her chin, he held her face then forced his mouth against hers.

  Stinking breath mixed with the taste of alcohol swept into Tatum’s mouth, and she was sure she’d throw up. Bile rose into her throat as she struggled against him. He slid his tongue into her mouth then bit her lower lip, bringing blood. Pain seared into her but that was nothing compared to the thought that she’d let Adam and Stacy down. He laughed and rubbed his finger in her blood then tracked his finger along her cheek.

  “Has anyone ever told you that red’s your color?”

  Laughing, he pushed her onto the bed. She landed on her back, still fighting to keep from vomiting. Anger replaced fear as her newfound strength shot to the surface. She’d go down fighting for herself, for Stacy, and for Adam.

  “Time to show me what you’ve got, bitch.”

  “Yeah, it is.” Tatum kicked out, scoring a solid blow to his stomach. He fell backward and landed on the floor, giving her time to throw her body off the bed and bolt for the door.

  “Come back here, bitch!”

  Tatum’s heart caught in her throat as she tried to turn the knob. If she didn’t get it opened in the next minute, she’d have to turn around and fight.

  Come on. Open, damn it!

  Amazingly, the knob turned by itself and the door started to open.

  “You’re mine,” screamed Doug as he lunged for her.

  Tatum stepped back and stumbled just as Doug reached out for her. She landed on her buttocks, knocking the breath from her and jarring her teeth. A second later, she lifted her head to see Doug flying through the air to land next to Stacy. He groaned, lifted his head, and widened his eyes in horror. Half crawling, half running, he fled to the far corner and crouched with his back against the wall.

  Two large wolves leapt into the room as she used her heels to push away from them. Their fur stood on end and their amber eyes glowed. Fangs, longer and sharper than any fangs she’d ever seen, dripped saliva. The larger wolf, his dark hair fading to lighter gray toward his tail, hunkered down with his ears laid back. He slowly crept toward the terrified man.

  “Help! Someone help!” Doug’s screams for help dissolved into muttered cries as he covered his head and waited for the wolf to attack.

  The other wolf, his coloring matching the first one, tilted his head at her. Lowering his head, he padded toward her.

  Tatum stared at the wolf, curiosity taking hold. How had two wolves gotten into a cabin? Why would they come inside? She’d seen wolves around the countryside all her life, but these wolves were bigger than any wolves she’d seen.

  The wolf’s amber eyes fixed on her, chilling her to the bone. Doug’s screams quieted until all she heard was moans and whimpers, but she kept her attention glued to the wolf.

  Her breathing quickened, and yet she realized that she wasn’t afraid. There was something about the way he looked at her. Like he knew her, and, strangely, she felt as though she knew him, too.

  He came closer until he was right in front of her. She could feel his warm breath on her face, could smell the scent of animal combined with the wild aroma of the forest. Tentatively, not even understanding why she did it, she reached out her hand and stroked the end of his muzzle.

  Was he smiling at her? Had Doug hit her so hard that she was imagining things?

  “Tatum!”

  The wolf jerked his head up and whirled around. The other wolf bounded over to him. Together they lifted their heads and looked at the bedroom window. With a growl, the wolf she’d touched jumped, breaking through the glass. The second wolf tilted his head to look at her just as the other wolf had, then, crouching low, he followed the first wolf.

  “Tatum? Are you in there?”

  “Here, Dad! In here!”

  Her father burst into the room. Two ranch hands came after him, and, after taking in the scene, he ordered one of them to grab Doug and tie him up. The other he put in charge of tending to Stacy while her father bent next to her. Tears fell freely down her face as her father pulled her into his arms.

  * * * *

  “And then what happened?” Shaylyn’s awe carried through the phone.

  Tatum kept the receiver to her ear and gazed out her bedroom window. “Then my father took me home and I haven’t seen them since last night.”

  “Holy shit. But you’re going to see them soon, right?”

  “Yeah. Dad’s called a meeting with them today, probably to talk about Doug, Stacy, and everything that went down.”

  An odd silence ensued for a minute or two. Tatum couldn’t remember the last time Shaylyn had been at a loss for words.

  “Tee, you sound different.”

  “Yeah? How?” Yet a smile formed on her lips. She was different. A stronger part of her had awakened when she’d met the Shelton brothers. Maybe it would’ve come to the surface without them, but who knew?

  “I don’t know. You sound more confident, relaxed, like you finally know who you are.”

  “I think I really do. I even told off my mother last night. Not in a mean way, but I got her to understand that I’m going to live my life the way I want. I also warned her about jumping on my dad. She has to either accept the way it’s going to be from now on or I won’t have much, if anything, to do with her.”

  “Wow. Listen to you. All I can say is that it’s about time.”

  Hank, Adam, and Marc exited the barn and started walking toward the house. They walked like gods among mere mortals, as though they owned everything they touched.

  “Yeah, it is. Say, listen. Did you find a place to live out in sunny California?”

  Damn, but they’re hot. Even watching them walk makes me horny.

  “Naw. I think I’m going to come home.”

  “Really? Oh, Shaylyn, that’s great. Soon?”

  “Pretty soon. Passion is the only place that’s ever felt like home. Besides, I’ve got to check out these new men of yours and make sure they’re good enough for you.”

  “Trust me. They’re good. They’re very good.” She closed her blinds and turned toward the bedroom door. “I’ve got to go now. But check in again real soon, okay?”

  “Sure. And Tee?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I’m so damn happy for you.”

  The sincerity in her friend’s voice brought a knot to her throat. “Thanks, Shaylyn. Me, too.” Ending the call, she hurried downstairs to greet the Shelton brothers.

  * * * *

  “Are you sure you’re all right? You were out a long time. I still think you should see a doctor. You could have a concussion.” Tatum sat in the chair opposite the couch. Her living room had always felt large, but that was before the three Shelton brothers had entered.

  Adam leaned against the doorframe and gave her a big grin. “For the hundredth time, I’m fine.”

  Marc leaned back against the couch next to Hank. “Trust me. It’ll take more than a baseball bat to cause any dent in that hard head of his. We’re more worried about you.”

  Their gazes landed on her face, where a bruise covered her left cheek. She touched her fingers to her skin. “I’m okay. It looks worse than it is.”

  “I’d like to tear Harmon’s head off his neck for touching you.”

  Marc and Adam nodded, agreeing with Hank. The ang
er on their faces mixed with the love that shone there.

  “I’m fine, guys. I promise. I’m just glad it’s over.”

  They sat in silence for several minutes. She had the impression that they were thinking about the events that had taken place yesterday, just as she was.

  Hank craned around to check out the framed photos of Tatum and her father on the table behind the couch. “Why aren’t there any pictures of your mother? I mean, I know that she left, but—”

  “Shut up, man.” Marc snarled. “Leave it alone.”

  Her heart tightened as it usually did whenever someone asked about her mother. What was there to say? That her mother had left her and her father? That, like so many children of divorced parents, she’d felt abandoned by the parent that had gone away? Yet, unlike those other children, she knew she was right in that she was at least partly to blame for her mother taking off. Her mother had even told her exactly that after Tatum had backed her into a corner and demanded to know why she’d torn their family apart.

  She straightened up, once again sensing another side of her breaking through the pain and the hurt. If her mother didn’t approve of her, didn’t want her around except when she was ready to marry into a wealthy family, then that was fine with her. She’d had her fill and wouldn’t put up with that shit again.

  “Tatum’s mother isn’t the topic of the discussion.”

  Her father walked by Adam, who followed him into the room. Marc and Hank stood up as a sign of respect then took their seats again.

  “I called you here to discuss other matters.”

  “Like Doug Harmon?” Marc leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees.

  “Exactly.” Her father took his usual place in the huge leather recliner. “Mr. Harmon is in custody, where he belongs, and, thanks to a few contacts of mine, Stacy is recovering and doing well in a facility that will help her with her self-esteem issues and then get her on her feet with a job and a new home.”