Private Wolf

by Tl Reeve

  “I like the way you think.” He grinned. “Let’s go.”

  Chapter Nine

  Brienne woke early the next morning curled in Shawn’s arms. Last night’s post-party activities still hummed through her veins. She stared up at her sleeping mate and studied his features. When had they both grown older? Some of his boyish good looks were still there, but a ruggedness she hadn’t expected enhanced his features.

  Could she really leave him after everything they’d experienced the last few days? Could she also ask him to leave his family behind? No, she couldn’t. So, what did she do from here on out? Drew told her she could go to school an hour from there, but would her school transfer everything for her? The only stupid question was one not voiced.

  For now, she untangled herself from Shawn’s arms and hurried to the bathroom. She made a promise to Kole. She’d go see Ginger. Then she’d find Tinks. The two people she wished she’d seen the night before didn’t show up, and though she understood Ginger’s issue, she didn’t understand Tinks.

  Ten years is a long time to keep running. She turned on the shower and let the water warm. If she got to the root of the matter, she’d been scared. Scared when she left. Scared when she’d been found. After last night she didn’t think she had anything to worry about, obviously Magnum died, and things were better…even if the town itself didn’t appear so.

  Brienne climbed into the tub and allowed the warm water to cascade down around her. She needed to think. Scrap her old plan and come up with a new one. She turned to face the wall and dipped her head to wet her hair. A day. She needed one day to make the calls necessary to find out if she’d be able to transfer schools.

  The click of the door opening surprised her. “What are you doing up so early?” Shawn’s gravelly voice slid down her spine and pooled low in her belly as he wrapped his arms around her middle.

  “I promised Kole I’d go see Ginger this morning.” She playfully shifted her hips.

  “And you weren’t going to tell me?” He pushed her hair from her shoulder then nibbled on the mark he’d left two nights ago.

  “I planned on telling you. After I showered and made some coffee for us. I have a feeling today is going to be a long day for the both of us.”

  “Yeah, I believe you’re right. Word got out about what I do. I have several requests for help.” He slid his palm up her belly and brushed the sensitive tip of her nipple with the pad of his thumb. “No pressure here, but I could get used to this.”

  “Showering with me in the morning?” She sighed, and pressed back against his chest.

  “No, the intimacy,” he replied, still teasing her with his fingertips. “A quiet conversation no one else can hear.”

  “This is more than a quiet conversation,” she whispered. Her eyes fluttered shut and her breath hitched when he rolled her nipple between his fingers.

  “Perhaps.” He rotated her to face him and cupped her cheek. “But, then again, all things begin with some sort of discussion.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “And, as much as I want to continue this, you have plans.”

  Brie frowned. “True.”

  “Run with me tonight?” He brushed his lips over hers.

  She nodded. “Okay.”

  Shawn kissed her. He pulled her body flush to his. The hard length of his erection pressed against her hip. “Finish your shower, little Brie. I’ll make us breakfast and coffee.” He patted her ass then stepped from the shower.

  “I really wanted you to scrub my back,” she mumbled at his retreating form. His rumbled laugh made her grin.

  Once she finished with her shower, and dressed, she joined him in the kitchen. The scent of bacon wafted in the air along with potatoes and onions. He wore only the jeans from last night, the top button open, allowing them to ride low on his lean hips. Her mouth watered. He tempted her without even trying. On the table sat a cup of coffee and a couple of pieces of toast.

  “Do you remember how to get to Tinks’s house?” he asked, plating up their breakfast. “Would you like to use my truck?”

  “Yes, I remember, and I’d love to, but how will you get around?” She took a bite of toast then a sip of coffee.

  “Let me worry about getting around.” He walked to the table. “I have my ways.”

  She eyed him speculatively. “Fine, I’ll use your truck.” She took a bite of her breakfast and moaned. “It’s really good. How about I drive you where you need to be first then I’ll go see Ginger?”

  “Sure. Finish eating, and I’ll get ready to go.”

  “Aren’t you going to eat?”

  “I have something better to eat later.” He winked then downed his coffee.

  ***

  “Hello,” Brie called out. The bells over the door jingled as she closed it behind her. “Ginger?”

  The cute little bookstore didn’t surprise her one bit. Between her friend and Kole, they’d come up with a way to include everyone. She drifted over to the children’s nook, taking in all the small details. Tinks had created the mural on the wall. Her flare for the mystical added to the whimsical feeling of the space. A fairy sat on a toadstool, a wolf to her right, and a butterfly to her left.

  “Sorry, I was in the storage room separating books.” Ginger placed a couple of books on the counter behind the register. “Can I help you?”

  Brienne turned around and grinned. “Hi.” Her friend’s eyes widened. “I didn’t see you last night at Gee’s, so I thought I’d stop by.”

  “Brie,” Ginger whispered. “Oh wow.” She took a step forward. “I didn’t....”

  “It’s okay. Big crowds aren’t my thing either. I love what you’ve done here.”

  “Kole and his mates have done the majority of it.” Ginger pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Want some tea? I could use a snack.”

  “Sure.” She grinned. “I can’t believe Kole mated with Max and Jasper. A human? I never thought….”

  “Yeah, neither did I. But they’re happy.”

  “What about you?”

  “Me?” Ginger shrugged. “Does it matter?”

  “Yeah, it does.”

  Ginger shook her head. “There are some things I can’t change. I’m not mating material and quite frankly, I don’t want one either.”

  “What? Why?” She glanced at her friend, confused by Ginger’s confession.

  “Look, it’s not in the grand plan for me. I’m happy for my brother. After everything we’ve been through, he deserves the happiness his mates are bringing him.” Ginger made her way down the hall then stepped into the back room.

  Brienne scrunched up her nose. “Why are you lying?”

  Ginger slammed the cupboard door. “I’m not lying. I really do want to be left alone.”

  “No you don’t,” Brie whispered. “You’re saying it so you believe it. But, you don’t mean it.”

  “Shut up, Brie.” Ginger wiped her eyes. “You have no idea what I want. No one does. So, how about you keep your opinions to yourself.”

  “What happened to you?” Brie came up behind her friend and laid her hand on Ginger’s shoulder.

  “Nothing happened to me.” She poured the hot water into two cups. “What makes you think anything happened to me?”

  “I don’t,” Brie stated sarcastically. “Maybe because of how defensive you got. The fact you’re crying and trying to hide it. What happened?”

  “Why do you care? You’re leaving, aren’t you?” her friend questioned. “It’s the latest rumor flying around.”

  She supposed Ginger was right. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do. A part of me wants to stay while the other part of me is still afraid of what will happen if I do.”

  Ginger snorted. “You left before the worst of everything started with Magnum. You have nothing to fear anymore.”

  “And you?”

  “I have everything to be afraid of.”

  “Then it looks like I have my work cut out for me. You h
ave nothing to be scared of anymore, Ginger Silver, and I’m going to prove it.” Determination filled Brie as she sat at the small table watching her friend move around the space. “Now, why don’t you start from the beginning and tell me why you feel unworthy of love.”

  Determination filled her when she walked out of the bookstore. The idea of leaving her life behind in Rosewood scared the shit out of her, but the conversation with Ginger still fresh in her mind cemented the need to stay with her pack. Because, her friend was right, she didn’t have anything to worry about. She hadn’t been abused or raped or whatever happened to the others. She hadn’t woken up day after day wondering if today would be the day she’d be harmed or tortured.

  No, Lance wouldn’t allow anyone in his pack to suffer. A part of her called herself selfish for having such an amazing place to hide. Getting into the truck, she used the vehicle’s GPS and plotted her way to Black Hills College. If she left now, she could return in time to meet Shawn for their date.

  Brienne grinned.

  All the anxiety about coming home and spending time with her family washed away. When she finished her errands, she’d call Lance and have her things sent to Rapid City. She didn’t have to leave.

  The drive would only take an hour or so. Already she began to make lists of things she needed to do and things she’d need for her practice. As it stood, she could get her therapy license, not like she needed it for the pack, but it would be nice to hang in her office and say she’d done it on her own. She also needed an office. Tomorrow you can figure it out. A smile tugged at her lips. Honey, I’m home.

  Chapter Ten

  They raced through the forest. A lightness Shawn hadn’t seen in his mate lit his soul. When Brie had picked him up a few hours ago from Gee’s, his blood sang through his veins. She teased him in the bar then placed a searing kiss upon his lips, tempting him even more. Curiosity filled him. He had questions for her, but every time he tried to voice them, he took one look at his mate, and they disappeared.

  Later, he’d ask her. After he got her to the clearing. After they made love.

  Shawn nipped at her hind legs before bounding over the downed log to take the lead, Brienne, right behind him, nudging him every so often. As they came to the clearing, he stopped. His mate bounced into him and, as he shifted to his human form, he laughed. Gathered in his arms to protect her, she shifted as well. She giggled, holding onto him while they came to a rolling stop.

  “What has gotten into you.” Shawn brushed a lock of her hair out of her face. “You’re feisty tonight.”

  Brie shrugged. “It was a good day.”

  “Oh?” He kissed her. He brushed his fingers down the column of her spine then teased the cleft of her ass.

  “Yes.” Her eyes fluttered shut, and she arched to him. “I made a few decisions today.”

  “Really? Are you going to tell me, mate?”

  “I suppose. Would you like to hear them now or later?” She fit her hand between them and fisted his cock.

  “Later.” He groaned. “Definitely later.” She stroked the length of his erection as he kissed a path across her jaw and down her neck.

  “I thought you might want to wait.”

  He kissed her again with a ferocious hunger he’d never experienced before. He didn’t sip from her lips, he feasted on her. Devoured her with each pump of his tongue. She whimpered then whispered his name, writhing against him. “Mine,” he growled.

  “Yours,” she laughed.

  He rolled them, so she lay under him and pinned her to the ground. “You are up to something.” He nuzzled her neck. “I can smell it,” he murmured before drawing the lobe of her ear into his mouth.

  “I’m not. I promise.”

  “Mmhmm.” He slid down her body and covered her nipple with his mouth. He rasped his tongue over the tight bead and reveled in the soft mewling sound she made in her throat. “I believe you’re lying to me now.” He moved over to the other nipple and applied the same attention.

  Her fingers raked through his hair. She panted softly, shaking her head. “Nope. I’ll tell you later.”

  “Where is the fun in that?” He shifted his weight then skimmed his hand over her hip. Cupping her sex, he slid his finger through her folds and was rewarded by her wetness.

  “I have other fun things I’d rather do right now,” she whined. “Later, I promised.”

  “I say you should tell me.” He buried a second finger inside her and wiggled the digits.

  “Oh my.” She arched to him.

  “Indeed.” He took her nipple into his mouth, then bit the peak. “Tell me. I love seeing you this excited, mate.”

  “After.” She moaned his name and arched to him. “Make love to me. Please, Shawn.”

  “I like it when you say please.” He rubbed at her sweet spot. Her hips bucked, and a cry of pleasure fell from her lips.

  “I’m saying please,” she whimpered. “Do it.”

  He chuckled. Even though his dick ached and balls were drawn up close to his body, he enjoyed turning her on. Making her squirm and blissed out of her mind. He kissed her side. “I will. When I’m ready.”

  Shawn opened her to his perusal then placed her legs over his shoulders. He took a deep breath and let out a ragged groan. Her spicy scent went straight to his groin, thickening his cock. Give me strength. He nuzzled her sex before running his tongue through her slit and gathering up her cream.

  “Shawn,” she sobbed.

  “I’ve got you, little Brie,” he muttered. Her swollen clit pulsed with need. Drawing the hard nub into his mouth he lashed the bundle of nerves.

  Brienne screamed. She squeezed her legs, trapping him between them.

  “I love how responsive you are to my touch.” He licked her again before settling in.

  Fire raced through his veins. The way her body reacted to his touch went to his head, leaving him dizzy with need. He placed a kiss to her clit then climbed up her body. He couldn’t take the pressure building inside him any longer. “Hold on, Brie.” Shawn positioned himself at her entrance and pushed forward.

  The searing heat of her pussy along with her wetness threatened to destroy his control. He retreated and filled her again. Each thrust taking him deeper, her tight pussy fisting his dick. Brienne thrashed below him, her pleas were incoherent as he stilled and cupped her cheek. Her blue eyes sparkled with arousal and desire. He didn’t want to move. He wanted to etch this moment into his brain for all time.

  “I’m staying.” Her bottom lip trembled. “I don’t want to leave.”

  Her admission caught him off guard but spurred the lust coursing through him. “Fuck, what a thing to say, right now,” he chuckled. He shifted his hips. “I’m happy, babe. So fucking happy.” He lowered his face to her neck and buried it there as he picked up his pace. The intensity of his emotions surprised the fuck out of him.

  “I love you, Brie.” He thrust into her, needing to mate her and mark her for everyone to see.

  “I love you, too, Shawn,” she cried out, scoring her fingers across his shoulders, holding onto him for dear life.

  Shawn lifted her leg over his hip and he slid even farther into her. He saw stars. His breath left him on a whoosh as she clenched around him. She rippled around him, signaling her impending climax, and he grew more excited. “Let go, Brienne. I’ve got you.”

  Her body tightened around his, holding him close. She sucked in a breath, and as he reached between them to play with her clit, she shouted. Her pussy convulsed and pulsed around him while her body jerked. Her soft cries undid him. He filled her two more times before biting her mark.

  She climaxed again, this time harder. Her muscles tugged at his cock, milking him. He gave over to the sensation. He groaned while licking the mark on her neck, enjoying the way she went pliant below him.

  Holding her close, he closed his eyes and breathed in his mate’s scent. He was a lucky son of a bitch. Nothing would separate them again and
no one would ever come between them no matter what.

  Sometime later after returning to Shawn’s home, well, hers, too, now, Brie stared at her mate. The night before had been amazing. Exquisite. She never got around to explaining to her mate what she’d planned for herself. But she figured when he finally woke up, she’d be able to.

  “Hey.” He opened his eyes, and stretched before pulling her closer to his chest. His masculine scent wrapped around her in a blanket of protection.

  “Good morning.”

  “Did you sleep well?” He palmed her hip and squeezed.

  “I did, better than I have in a long time.” She shifted them so she could lay her head on his chest. The steady beat of his heart comforted her. “I have a plan.”

  “So you were saying last night.”

  “I’m going to school at Black Hills College. I start next week.”

  “Good. As much as I would follow you anywhere, mate, I didn’t want to leave our pack.” At least he’d been honest with her. Even though he’d been telling the truth when he told her he’d leave Los Lobos, it would cause him distress.

  “I realized yesterday while talking to Ginger, I couldn’t leave. The things that happened here….” She sighed and shook her head. “So much pain lingers within our pack. If I can help one person or three people, it’ll be worth it.”

  “The pack will be grateful you’re here.” He kissed the crown of her head and hugged her. “I have a job now, too. Or I should say I officially have a job.”

  “Oh?” She propped herself up on her elbow. “Do tell.”

  “I’m going to be working with Saja. She wants to bring more people home. I have the resources to help do so. It’s a win-win for the pack.” He trailed his fingers up and down her back. “It’s who I was talking to yesterday.”

  “Excellent!” she exclaimed. “I am sure there are several families here who can benefit from your help as well.”

  “I hope so.” He rolled her under him. “But, right now, I have something else I want to talk to you about.”