by Tl Reeve
Brienne shuddered.
“Damn, little Brie. You’ve got the sweetest pussy.” He slammed into her. “Fuck.” He ran his tongue up the side of her throat and drew the lobe of her ear into his mouth. “Come,” he whispered, while adding pressure to her clit, rubbing in small circles.
She sucked in a breath. A howl of completion fell from her as her release rushed through her. Shawn’s pace became erratic. His grunts and growls only served to turn her on even more and pushed her headlong into another climax. The prick of pain at her neck added to the sensations rolling through her. Behind her, Shawn shoved into her one last time and stilled. His long low groan accompanied the feel of him pulsing within her.
Brie sagged.
Shawn tightened his hold of her, cradling her against him. “I should have made sure before we did this….”
“I’m okay.” She tried to catch her breath. “We’re good.”
“Oh, we’re better than good,” he chuckled. “God, Brie.”
“I know,” she answered. “I feel it, too.”
He pulled out then turned her so she faced him. “This will work out. I promise. I don’t care if I have to go with you to Minnesota until school is over.”
She nodded. “We’ll talk about it later.” She shivered. The cool air of the coming evening caused goose bumps to form on sweat-slicked skin. “I think we should get dressed before we freeze out here.”
Shawn gave her a sly smirk. “I’ve got a way to keep us warm.”
Brie snorted. “I’ve created a monster.”
“I think that’s my line.” He palmed her ass then pulled her closer. “I mean it. You’re mine. I go where you go, and vice versa.” He kissed her and lingered for a moment. Patting her ass, he took a step away. “Come on, we need to get this deer in the truck and get you home, too. Don’t need your aunt worrying about you.”
“Oh, I am sure she’s gathered exactly what I’m doing,” she murmured, grabbing her clothes off the seat of his truck.
Chapter Eight
After they dressed, they picked up the deer and slid it into the bed of the truck. He closed the tailgate while Brie climbed into the pickup. The afternoon went even better than he’d expected. Not only did he break down the walls surrounding his mate, he’d taken the final step of binding her to him. He meant every word. He’d follow her to Minnesota if need be. He’d contemplated it the night before. Drew would understand as well. Hell, the guy, in Shawn’s estimation, would follow Betty into the depths of hell, without question.
Plus, his job didn’t require a permanent address. Have phone will travel. Once Brie finished school, they’d return to the hills and go from there. She’d needed a little office for her therapy sessions, and he’d work out of the house he’d contemplated building a few months ago. However, it could all wait for now. “You’re awful quiet over there.”
She slid her gaze toward him. “I’m digesting it all, I think. Trying to fit all the pieces together so I…we can form a plan.”
“I understand. I’m doing the same. How about I pick you up for breakfast in the morning?”
“You’re not forcing me or—or making me stay with you?”
He chuckled at her confusion. “No. It’ll be part of what we talk about tomorrow. I want to take my time with you, Brie. Today’s been….” He blew out a breath. “Incredible. Special. More than I expected.”
“But?”
“No buts. I want this perfect. I want us both to work on a plan together and even if we fuck all night, I still only have five days to convince you to stay.”
“I thought you said you’d go with me.” She pulled her hand away and he gripped her wrist.
“I did and I would.”
“Okay,” she murmured.
Shawn snorted. “Do you really think us leaving together is the only shit we need to sort out?”
“Well.” She shrugged. “I thought we’re mates now so what one does the other does.”
“The idea is a little selfish, isn’t it?”
“I suppose.”
Shawn turned off the main road through town and headed for Claire’s house. “I’m not going anywhere, Brienne. I think you’re still wound tight about being here. I think you want to hurry everything up so you can blow this place.”
He eased the truck around the rear of Claire’s house and honked the horn. Joe appeared at the entryway of the house moments later. The soft light from the fireplace cast long shadows on the wall behind him. Shawn parked the vehicle then got out. If Brie didn’t think he craved having her next to him, she’d be dead wrong. He did. But, he didn’t want her to be there because he mated her. He needed her to be there with the pack, in every way. Mind, body, and soul. If there were any lingering doubts about her visit, or even about going home, she needed time to work through them—without his interfering.
Shawn motioned for the older man to meet him at the tailgate of the truck.
“This better be good, son.” Joe stopped next to Shawn.
“It is.” He lowered the tailgate on the truck and pointed to the deer. “Your niece had a little fun today. I thought we could get it hung so we could clean it.”
“Son of a b—” Joe peered over his shoulder at the house where Claire stood. “Brienne didn’t go get herself hurt, did she?”
“No.” Well, not in the sense Joe spoke about. “We’re fine. I killed him, she helped.”
“There’s enough meat to feed us for a while. He’s got to be upwards of two hundred and fifty pounds.” Joe lifted the head of the beast, turning it to and fro. “Rack is good…healthy.”
“Strong, too,” Shawn added. “I want the buckskin.”
“Figured you would.”
“Great. I’ll get Brie situated inside then help you unload this guy.”
Joe nodded as he stepped around the man and headed to the passenger side of the truck. Inside, Brie sat, staring at her hands. Way to ruin the day, asshole. Your mate wants you. Take what’s yours. Shawn growled, fisting his hands. He needed to get himself under control before he did something stupid.
He rapped his knuckles on the window. Brie glanced up then popped the door open. “Only tonight,” he whispered, brushing his lips over her temple. “Tomorrow, you’ll thank me.” He took her hand and guided her out of the truck then leaned in and breathed in her scent. “My mark looks good on you. I can’t wait to do it again.”
“Shawn,” she whimpered. “One night.”
“Yes. I expect you to have a plan in the morning.” He led her over to the porch where Claire waited for them. “Have a good night, little Brie.”
“You, too.”
“Oh, and don’t forget. We have a party to crash tomorrow.”
His little mate turned around. “Yes, we do. Who’s going to be at this party?”
“Everyone, dear,” Claire answered before he could, laying her hands on her niece’s shoulders. “It’ll be fun. Fern’s been working on this since she learned Shawn found you.”
“I suppose everyone includes Ryker?”
“Of course, sweetheart. He’s part of this pack, too.” Her aunt huffed out a breath. “It seems you and I need to continue our conversation from this morning.” She gave Brie a disapproving look. “March, young lady. You’re going to listen to me, this time. Good night, Shawn. Thank you for the meat. We appreciate it. In fact, we’ll use some of it tomorrow.”
“You’re welcome.” He waited for Claire and Brienne to walk into the house before joining Joe at the truck.
“So, you went and did it,” the elder wolf stated.
“Yeah, suppose I did.” He gripped the head of the deer while Joe grabbed the rear. “I didn’t plan on it happening this way, however I’m figuring out pretty quick, plans don’t always go right around here.”
“Nope,” Joe agreed as they lifted the beast. “Never do.”
“I’m going to do everything in my power to keep her here.” Shawn strode toward the rack
with Joe.
“I know you will,” he agreed.
“Why do I have the feeling you’re about to whoop my ass?”
Joe chuckled. “Guilty conscience?” They laid the deer under the cleaning rack then released the pulley, lowering the hind leg hooks.
“No.” Shawn hooked each leg then began to lift it into place. “I don’t regret a moment of today.” A little lie. He wished their conversation on the way to the house had gone a little better. “I hope everything goes well tomorrow.”
“It will.”
“You seem pretty sure of it.” He glanced over at the older wolf.
“The girl has been head over heels in love with you since you guys were kids. She’s a little skittish right now. Can’t say I blame her.”
No neither could Shawn. “You’re right.”
Joe grunted. “Grab my kit. It’s over by my butcher table. I’ll grab the burn can. We’re going to be here for a while.”
***
“I thought we were going to Fern’s house,” she said, as they pulled into Gee’s parking lot.
“Last minute change of plans. Seems my aunt, even though I told her not to, got a little carried away.” Shawn shut off the truck and turned toward Brie. “Don’t worry. Everyone in there will be happy to see you.”
“Of course.” She took a shaky breath. “It’s not like we all haven’t come home a time or two, right?”
“Right? It’ll be fun.”
“Sure.” She didn’t believe him. At some point, someone—namely Ryker, would ask why she hadn’t seen Drew or Magnum or whoever, and she’d have to explain she wasn’t sure she’d stay. The conversation about Shawn following her to Rosewood played through her mind all night and made sleep near impossible.
Did she want Shawn giving up his family again for another six months so she could finish school? Didn’t it make her selfish to even consider his offer? As much as she liked it in the Hills, she didn’t want to give up her dream either. If only she had more time to reconcile her wants and needs. It’d make this whole situation easier to deal with.
Brie got out of the truck and followed Shawn to the entrance. “Remember, we’re here to have fun.” He slipped his hand into hers and gave it a squeeze.
“Right. Fun.” She took a deep, settling breath then stepped over the threshold of the bar. The noise level alone made her want to take a step outside and runaway. Music blared through the speakers as people talked and laughed, seemingly unconcerned by her entrance.
“You’re here!” Over the roar of music and chatter, Fern pushed through the throng of people and stopped in front of Brienne. “I was told you might not show up.” She gave Brie a disapproving look. “I knew I could count on my nephew, though.” Fern hugged her tight then led her over to the tables beyond the bar. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
Waiting? She thought the plan was to show up at seven. Wasn’t it what Shawn told her? She glared at the man beside her for being late then stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Ryker and Drew at the table. “Uh.”
“It’s about time you showed up. Drew eased out of his chair. “I thought I’d have to hunt you down just to speak with you.”
“Well, you see, I—”
“You’ve been detained,” Ryker grunted. “We know.”
Why did the enforcer rankle her nerves? Her hackles rose. Her body tensed. “I didn’t realize in a free pack, I’m required to report in,” she snarled. Beside her, Shawn gripped her wrist. “What?”
“Calm down. No one is going to hurt you here,” he whispered. “We’re here to have fun.”
Ryker cocked a brow at her while the dark-haired woman next to him grinned. “Still prideful.”
“You’re damn right! I’ll always be. So, if you think you’re going to beat it—”
“Damn, Shawn, didn’t you explain anything to her?” Drew’s voice cut through the din of music and the sound of her racing heart.
Shawn chuckled. “I did. She’s stubborn. I don’t think she believed a word I told her until she saw you. Ryker, on the other hand….”
“La muerte negro,” another woman farther down the table added. “I’m Gabby. This is Kru, my mate.”
Human. The woman beside Ryker was the same. Kole sat between two hulking men. Another human. Stunned, she blinked a few times and could’ve sworn Ryker smirked. But it didn’t make any sense since Ryker didn’t smirk.
“I think your mate is figuring it out,” Drew quipped as he sat down.
“I believe you’re right,” Shawn laughed.
Bewildered, Brie all but collapsed in the chair Shawn pulled out for her. She stared around the long table setup just for them. She wanted to pinch herself because all of this was nothing more than a dream. And if it’s not?
“So, Claire and Fern have told me you are in school,” Drew stated. “What are you studying?”
She licked her lips, trying to find her balance while sitting at a table filled with people she’d hoped to see again. “Psychology. Therapy, to be exact. I have six months left and I’ll obtain my master’s degree.”
“All while under Lance’s protection?” Drew questioned.
Brie went still. Her body became rigid with fear. Did Shawn tell them about Lance? “Yes.” She couldn’t lie.
“Relax,” Drew supplied. “This isn’t an interrogation. Shawn told us of the Rosewood alpha. I’ve talked to him as well. Sounds like Lucy is missing her best employee and Amber is missing her best friend. However, they’re happy you’re home.”
“Yeah, well.” She shrugged. “I couldn’t very well stay here before.”
Drew gave a solemn nod. “I agree. I’ve seen what happens when you leave and when you stay. I’m hoping you’ll stay, now, though, Brienne. The pack will and does need someone like you and your talents.” He took a sip of his beer. “There’s a college about an hour and a half north of here. Black Hills College, to be exact. I’m sure you could transfer in and not miss a beat.”
“What?” She didn’t believe she heard him correctly. Transfer schools?
“A little presumptuous of me,” Drew replied.
“I need something to drink,” she muttered. “This is a lot to take in.”
“My dear,” Fern began. “You left us all when you were a child. Your mind is still running when it should be slowing down and enjoying the view. There is no point in trying to get away any longer. You belong here with your family and your pack.”
Damn it. Why did everyone have to be so nice and understanding? Why did Ryker have to smirk at her? Why…why did she come home? Because it’s time and you wanted to. Brie sighed. She had the strength to do anything she put her mind to, but walking away from her family again, she couldn’t do it. “I’ll look into it tomorrow, Alpha.”
“Drew. Call me Drew.”
“Drew.” She inclined her head. She glanced over at Ryker. “Would you kindly stop smirking at me? You’re freaking me out.”
Ryker smiled as everyone at the table laughed. The smile did nothing to smooth out the rough planes of his face nor bring the intimidation factor down. Yep, the man, she figured, would always scare the shit out of her.
With the party in full swing, her pack mates greeted her with open arms. Ginger, one of the people she wished she could see, was nowhere to be found. Tinks, either. She asked a few people if they’d seen her friends, and they all shook their heads. Kole stood near Miss Fern and her aunt. His mates surrounded them and made an imposing duo. Most people ignored the dominant way they protected their mate, but she saw it right off the bat.
She strolled up behind them and cleared her throat. “Excuse me? I don’t mean to intrude, but have you seen Ginger anywhere around here?”
Kole frowned. “She’s keeping to herself lately.
“She’s being petulant,” Fern remarked.
Jasper or she thought his name was Jasper, shook his head. “She’s lonely and afraid, I think.”
“Why?” S
he was equal parts curious and concerned for her best friend.
“Well, it’s only gotten worse since Kole mated us.”
Next to him, Max snarled. The last time she saw him, she’d been a young girl and he’d been…a mountain. “She’s hiding. It’s as clear to me as the night is black.”
“Okay, so afraid and hiding.” Brie nodded. “She must not like the change going on in her own family. Or, maybe she does like the change and doesn’t find herself worthy to have the same?”
“Haven’t even set up a practice and you’re already at work.” Ero sauntered up next to her.
Brie laughed. “I’m worried is all.” She turned her attention to Kole. “The bookstore is yours, correct?” He nodded. “I’ll be there tomorrow to talk with Ginger.”
“Okay.” He smiled. “I think you’re right, Brie. She is afraid she’s not worthy. The things she endured. She’s punishing herself. Kind of like you’re doing, too.” Kole took his mates’ hands and walked over to the bar.
“Well, leave it to Kole to say something profound and walk away,” she murmured. “When did he become a talker?”
“Since he mated those two.” Ero pointed to Max and Jasper. “They’ve brought him out of his self-imposed solitude.”
“I’m glad.”
Shawn’s arms wrapped around her middle from behind, and all the nervous energy rushing through her, eased. “Ero.”
“Shawn.”
“Having fun, little Brie?” Her mate nuzzled her neck.
“I am. More than I thought I would.” She faced him. “Did you do this in hopes I’d stay?”
Shawn snorted. “I didn’t plan any of this. In fact,” he chuckled, “I tried to stop it before it got to this point, but my aunt would have none of it.”
“Good answer.” She grinned. “I think it’s time you took me home.”
“Is it now?” He brushed his lips over hers.
“Yes.”
“And miss the party?” He raised a brow.
“I thought we’d continue it on our own, mate.” She nipped his bottom lip.
