by Black, C. E.
“I know what you are doing.” She hissed. I didn’t say anything.
“You’re trying to push me away, but it is going to take more than that to get me to leave.”
My shoulders pulled back at her challenging tone. “You will leave when I tell you to leave.”
“Oh, cut the bullshit, Jordan. You think I will cower down, or worse run, because your job isn’t pleasant? Or do you just want me to be afraid of you, to think of you as a monster?
My eyes widen in surprise of her using my own thoughts.
“Yes, I know that’s what you are thinking. If you tell me the nasty bits, I’ll know how horrible you are. You obviously don’t know me well if you think I will scare away so easily. I am not as weak as you believe me to be.”
“You didn’t show much strength when Alex was shifting.” I snapped, angry she could read me so well. I didn’t think she was weak, but I would imply that she was if it got her to go away.
Sam snorted and shook her head. “I admit having a very large jaguar suddenly staring at me was hard to take, but I got over it quickly. It wasn’t his shifting that had me scared. It was the engrained notion in all humans that says we should run when a predator is in our sights.”
“Jordan, I can’t say I completely understand your race, but even our own military has to kill in order save others. They protect us. It’s what gives us our freedom. You do the same. I may not agree with all of your rules, but they are there to protect the ones that cannot defend themselves.”
“As far as what you have to do in order to gain information, well, I think you told me that to hurt me. And it did hurt, painfully.” Sam’s shoulders slumped tiredly, her lashes lowered. “But you have to do whatever brings you back home to me safely.”
My mouth opened, but I couldn’t find words. This woman surprised me, yet again. Would I ever stop underestimating her? She had a strength any shifter would covet.
“Just a few hours ago you were confessing your love for me. You said you didn’t want to lose me. Well Jordan, continue being an ass and maybe you will.”
Sam began turning around to leave. She wobbled on her crutches as she tried to find her balance. She was tired and had stood too long on those damn sticks. I reached out with shaky hands and pulled her to me. I threw the crutches to the floor and held her in my lap once again.
Placing a kiss to her forehead, I gently urged her head to rest on my shoulder. She did with a sigh that had my bones melting. I loved this woman and I had decided that whether I deserved her or not, I would never let her go, I just couldn’t.
“I know,” she whispered, her warm breath caressed my neck, sending goose bumps down my arms. “I love you too.”
~ 22 ~
Alex
Sam shoveled food into her mouth so fast I was concerned she might choke. I couldn’t help but chuckle as she closed her eyes and moaned after taking a bite of her barbecued pork. It reminded me of the little noises she made while I nibbled on certain body parts of hers. The thought had me shifting in my seat as my jeans became a bit tight.
I glanced over at Jordan. If his hooded eyes were any indication, he was thinking the same thing.
After Jordan and Sam’s heart-to-heart, Sam announced she was hungry and we rushed to the kitchen to fix her something. She had stopped us and quietly asked if we could get take out. So there we were, sitting around the small glass dining room table, having a feast of southern comfort food.
“What?” Sam asked as she looked between the two of us. I smiled as she forked in another mouthful while waiting for us to speak.
Jordan frowned. “We must not be feeding you enough.”
“Oh, believe me, I am eating enough.” Sam snorted. “Besides, I know where the kitchen is. If I’m hungry I know where to find food. Or I can yell for one of you.” She smiled brightly at us.
“Well then, slow down before you choke.” I laughed.
Sam stuck her tongue out at me and her cheeks flushed. It took some strong will power not to lean over the dining room table and suck that tongue into my mouth. I shifted again, as my zipper dug into my arousal.
“I can’t help it. I have been craving barbeque with all the fixings since I found out I was pregnant.”
Sam continued eating as she spoke and I shook my head. She usually had more manners than that, but I wasn’t complaining. She looked happy. That was all I was concerned about.
“Why haven’t you said anything before? I would have gladly gotten you some.”
Sam shrugged and looked down at her plate. “I didn’t want to inconvenience you.”
I frowned as I reached over to grab her hand. Her fingers were cold as I pulled them away from around her iced tea.
“Never think that you are in any way an inconvenience. I would happily drive hours to get anything you want, as long as it makes you happy.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. “Well, barbeque will always make me happy. At least until the baby is born.”
Jordan cleared his throat. “When is the baby due?”
I had forgotten that he didn’t know. He was in for a shock, I grinned.
“June the first.” Sam replied.
Jordan’s head jerked back. “Really? That soon? You don’t look...I mean, you are not that...” He trailed off as Sam began to chuckle.
“I know. I don’t look that big, though I feel gigantic. The doctor has reassured me that everything is fine and that little Ava is right on schedule.”
“Ava?” Jordan croaked.
Sam’s smile wilted along the edges. “Yes, I’m sorry. I forgot that you didn’t know. The baby is a girl.”
Jordan sucked in a breath and looked away from both Sam and me. I saw the muscles jumping in his jaw as he ground his teeth together.
Sam pulled her hand away from mine, reached over and placed it on his arm. “I am really sorry that I lied to you. If I could take it back, I would. Please...please forgive me?”
Her eyes were beginning to shine with unmistakable tears. I hated to see her cry, but this discussion was inevitable.
Jordan’s head snapped in Sam’s direction. She flinched, but did not take her eyes or hand off of him.
“I’m not upset with you, Sam. I wish to God you had not lied to us, but I only have myself to blame. What could you have done? I sure as hell wasn’t listening at the time and I could have said or done something to change your mind.”
He shook his head wearily. “But I didn’t. I let you walk away without a fight...without support. I am so sorry, Sam.”
I watched once again how Jordan and Sam had another heart-to-heart. They both looked at each other, guilt shining in their eyes and I had had enough.
“Alright, enough of this mushy stuff! Sam, do you forgive us for being the complete jerks that we are?”
Sam laughed, which was my intention. “Yes, of course.”
I turned to look at the brooding Jordan. “Do you forgive Sam for lying to us?”
“There is nothing to forgive,” he murmured.
“And I have put it past me as well. So, it has been said. We are all sorry. Can we move forward now?”
Sam’s sigh was one of relief and I was glad the air had been cleared. “I think that is a wonderful idea. I can’t wait to move forward...but...”
She looked down at her almost empty plate and I began to worry she was upset again. What could be wrong now?
“Do you guys think this is going to work?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
Glancing at Jordan, I noticed his wary expression.
Sam looked up. “The three of us? Isn’t one woman and two men a little out of the box? What will people say? Will it work between all of us?”
Jordan and I visibly relaxed. This we could deal with.
“Truthfully,” Jordan said “I don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks? Do you?”
Sam shook her head. “No, I don’t. Not really.”
I grabbed her hand again to gain her attention. Once her prett
y face looked up at me, I smiled at her. The bruises and cuts were almost gone and her smooth skin looked shiny and new.
“We love you, you love us. Jordan and I love each other. We’re best friends, always have been, always will be. Does that mean there will never be bumps in road? No, I promise there will be plenty, but together we will be rock solid, baby. Just trust in that.”
Sam blew out a breath she had been holding and nodded as she beamed at us. As I looked at her and back at Jordan, I reveled in our mutual joy. We would have one hell of future and I couldn’t wait to get started.
Sam yawned then cleared her throat. “So both of you will be leaving the day after tomorrow?”
We had explained to her that we had a mission and needed to leave. We couldn’t tell her any specifics and I was glad for that. It would have brought up many more questions and I wasn’t looking forward to telling her about my crazy father.
“Yes, we can spend tomorrow together, doing whatever you want and then Alex and I will need to leave early Friday morning. We should be back in a couple of days.” Jordan said.
“Okay, did you want to drop me at home tomorrow night?”
“No!” Jordan and I exclaimed at the same time.
“No,” Jordan said again. “I don’t think you should be alone right now.”
“But, Liz will not be back until next week. I can take care of myself.” She winked. “I’m getting around much better now.”
“I know,” he smiled kindly. “But I would feel better if someone stayed with you, just in case.”
Sam stared at Jordan a moment before looking at me. I didn’t know what Jordan had planned, but I agreed that she should have someone around to help her if she needed. I nodded to Sam and she sighed, showing her unenthusiastic acceptance.
“Okay.”
“Alex, I haven’t had a chance to talk to you about this, but I had an idea. I think Bear should stay with her.”
I thought about it for a moment. Bear was a good choice. He was a member of the Alpha Division and though his appearance was a little overwhelming, he was a good man. I trusted him almost as much as I did Jordan. He would take good care of Sam and I knew he would be respectful as well.
I nodded to Jordan. “I think that’s a good idea.”
Sam looked back and forth between us. “Who is Bear?”
I gave her my brightest smile. “Oh, you’ll like him, Sam. He’s as cuddly as a...well a bear, I suppose.” I laughed as her eyes widened.
Yes, he was exactly was she was thinking. Bear was a bear shifter. That was how he acquired his nickname. That and his human form had a uncanny resemblance to a grizzly.
“Just don’t let his looks put you off. He’s a really nice guy and he will be able to help you if you need it. You can trust him.”
She nodded and yawned again. She was obviously tired. The day had been long and eventful. I was getting tired myself and nothing sounded better than wrapping my arms around Sam and holding her close as we slept.
“Why don’t Jordan and I clean this mess up and then we can go to bed. I think we could all use a good night’s sleep.”
Jordan and Sam agreed and after the left over’s were put away and the dishes cleared Jordan carried Sam into my bedroom as I followed behind. He set her down and began stripping off her clothes. Sam had not protested. She was so tired her head lolled to the side and she could barely keep her eyes open.
Once she was completely bare for our viewing pleasure and her comfort of course, Jordan and I stripped down as well and joined her in the bed. I pulled her close, so that her head rested on my chest. Her arm was lying across my stomach, but with her cast, it looked uncomfortable. I grabbed an extra pillow and placed it under her hand so that it was elevated.
Jordan climbed in behind Sam and wrapped his arm around her middle. His hand rested on the swell of her stomach, which in turn was touching mine. It was not weird though. I was use to being close to Jordan. We couldn’t share Sam without that happening.
We pulled the covers over us and settled in. It was nice and comforting to be wrapped together like a big puppy pile. More like a kitten pile, I snorted to myself.
“What can we do tomorrow?” Sam asked sleepily.
Her eyes closed and she was just on the cusp of sleep.
“Whatever you want, sweetheart.” Jordan murmured in her ear.
Sam smiled sweetly. “Can we go out? I’m so tired of sitting in this apartment.”
“I think that’s a great idea. We’ll talk about it tomorrow.” I kissed her forehead and closed my eyes. “Go to sleep.”
I listened to her breathing, waiting for it to become slow and deep. Only when I knew she was asleep did I draw in a lung full of her sweet scent and let myself drift off.
~ 23 ~
Sam
We had the perfect day. The three of us took a two-hour drive into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I had been so excited to leave the apartment and get some fresh air that the long drive had not bothered me. The three of us talked and joked, making the time fly.
Alex had asked how Liz was doing and I had to admit I wasn’t sure. Selfishly, I had so much on my mind with the two men that I had not spoken with her much.
We had talked a few times on the phone and she was having a great time, yet I could tell she was a little tense. When I asked her if everything was all right, she had said it was. She was just a little tired from all the work she had to do on top of wanting to see everything on her days off.
I had not believed her, but I let it be. I had not told her what was happening with Jordan and Alex either. When she got home, we would definitely be having a girl’s night.
I wasn’t sure what would happen once the men were done with their mysterious mission and Liz came home. Jordan and Alex had assured me that they wanted us to stay together, but I was worried about Liz.
We had just bought that house and the nursery was ready. I knew she didn’t need the rent I paid her every month. Her salary could more than cover it, but I also did not like the idea of leaving her in a crunch. I would not want to live in a big house all alone, so I assumed she might not want to either.
I sighed not knowing what I should do. Alex quickly reassured me that everything would work out and I sincerely hoped he was right.
Once we got to the city, we turned off onto a quiet road. I had been there before. It was where tourist came to see the scenery. I was pleasantly surprised to see that traffic was sparse and we were able to drive slow around the tight curves and look around.
A short time later, Jordan pulled over to park. There was a trail with a sign that read Grotto Falls. I smiled brightly. Waterfalls were one of my favorite things to see in the mountains.
Alex opened the back of the car and pulled out a picnic basket and two large blankets while Jordan helped me out. My feet never got to touch the ground. Jordan swept me up and carried me like a bride behind Alex as we started up the trail.
Both of them had picked me up or carried me multiple times and I had always thought they were just exceptionally strong. That was an understatement.
The trail was over a mile long, yet Jordan never broke a sweat as he hefted my pregnant body. Now I knew how they did it so easily. I was positive being a shifter came with extraordinary abilities, including strength. I thought it was sexy as hell.
Jordan grinned down at me with a questioning look. I blushed hotly at my thoughts and turned to take in the world around me. The sun peaked through the canopy of the diverse species of trees and plants. As it was already spring, the leaves were a bright green and the birds chirped loudly to their mates.
I looked in awe at what Mother Nature had to offer us, the sounds, the sights, and the fresh air. I breathed deep and closed my eyes, letting the wonder of it all enfold me. I smiled as Jordan kissed my forehead, but I didn’t open my eyes. Peace and contentment had coursed through me as I dank in the splendor of it all.
It had not been long before I began to hear the roaring sound of w
ater. I looked around as we came closer and I gasped. It was beautiful. The waterfall wasn’t huge, but it looked powerful as it plunged into the waiting pool. Rocks and greenery surrounded the area giving it a private feel. I saw a path that lead behind the falls and I could not wait to check it out.
Alex found a semi-dry spot and laid one of the large blankets on the ground. Jordan sat down with me between his legs and my back against his chest as Alex placed the other blanket across my lap. In the higher elevation, the air was cool and I was thankful for the extra warmth.
We ate lunch in full view of the waterfall. The food was not fancy, just ham sandwiches with fruit on the side and bottled water, but it was the best tasting meal I’d ever had. Who wouldn’t think so when you added the excellent company and beautiful scenery?
Once more people started filtering down the trail; we packed up and headed back to the car. It had been the best day of my life, but I was ready to go home and snuggle with my men. They were leaving the next day and even though they had reassured me that they would be back in only a couple of days, I felt like I already missed them.
I was a little nervous about the man who was supposed to watch over me. The name Bear had all kinds of thoughts running through my head, but if Jordan and Alex both trusted him then so would I.
I sighed in contentment as we drove the long drive back. Alex had climbed into the backseat of the Land Rover with me and I curled up against him. Wrapped in his love and warmth, I slept soundly the whole drive.
~ 24 ~
Sam
Of the two men who stood before me, the one on my right held the most of my attention. I had one word to describe him...Big.
The man towered over everyone, even Jordan. He had to be almost seven feet tall. I could not believe he actually fit through the door with how wide his shoulders were, but he did, with a grace I would have never thought of in such a large man. He was pure muscle from head to toe.
