Iron Will (Grizzly Encounters Book 1)

by Kris Norris

  “I’ll just be happy if she doesn’t aim one my way. Not exactly how I envision revealing the other side of me.”

  “Not sure there’s a good way to do that.”

  “We’d best find one if we ever want her to be our mate.”

  “And just when I thought you were going to be the positive one in this undertakin’.”

  Cullen sighed. He wanted to be positive. To tell Lucas it was only a matter of time before Hollis succumbed to their charms. But damn if a part of him wasn’t worried that they’d done irreparable damage yesterday. That their cavalier attitude had ruined any chance of ever gaining her love.

  Love.

  He’d settle for her not thinking they were jackasses.

  He gave Lucas a pat on the shoulder as he moved to the doorway. The handle turned easily within his grip as he slowly opened the door, revealing the clinic in a wedge of dull light. A single oil lamp flickered at the rear of the room, dancing shadows across the floor. Cullen scanned the area, stopping on the silhouette slouched over in a chair. Her hair hung in a cascade of brown around her shoulders, the gentle waves softening the firm line of her jaw. Long lashes rested against pale skin, her full, pink lips pursed into a small smile.

  He took an involuntary step forward before he caught himself. The last thing he needed was to startle her awake and give her another reason not to trust them. Even if his motivations were simply to assure himself she was okay, he doubted it would seem that way. Hell, who was he kidding? Honor wasn’t the reason he was there. Raw, burning need had brought him through the door. And if the tumbling sensation in his gut was any indication, that feeling wasn’t going to change any time soon. A hand landed on his shoulder, and he glanced back at Lucas. Heat burned in the man’s eyes, the fine lines around his mouth deepening.

  Lucas sighed, leaning in close. “Woman doesn’t know when to quit.”

  The words barely reached Cullen, but there was no mistaking the intensity behind them.

  Cullen quirked his mouth, keeping his voice low. “Part of her charm.” He nodded at the door. “Reckon we should let her get whatever rest she can, seeing as she seems determined to put Jack’s health above her own.”

  He headed out again, taking one last glance at her before closing the door. His bear growled, clawing at his control. It didn’t like leaving its mate, not when their future was uncertain. When there was still a chance she’d reject them.

  He cursed. Hadn’t she already done that?

  Lucas gave him a gentle shove. “Stop overthinkin’ everything. We just met the girl. Surely, we can get through a few days without our damn bears going rogue. Besides, we still have a spur to finish. Weren’t you on your way north? Surveying that bridge site?”

  “After what happened, I thought it might be best to ride out with you today.”

  Lucas grinned. “You know I can handle a few wayward outlaws.”

  “Of course you can. But the last thing we need is you going all claws and fur if more of those outlaws show up.” He tsked at Lucas’ glare. “You think I don’t feel how restless you are? Means your other half is far worse. And now that we’ve found…” He motioned at the door. “I know you’re just as antsy as I am. One wrong word, a stray punch or bullet—let’s just say this town will develop a sudden and severe grizzly problem. And the last thing we need are men like Frank forming a bear-huntin’ posse.”

  Lucas pursed his mouth then sighed. “And you cursed me for always being right. You’re no better.” His mate closed his eyes, taking what looked like a fortifying breath before nodding. “In view of the current circumstances, it probably is best if we stay together for a bit.” He stared at Cullen, his eyes darkening. “If anything were to happen to you out there while I was babysittin’ a crew thirty miles off…”

  Cullen took a quick glance around the deserted street before grabbing Lucas and shoving him against the wall, hiding them in one of the long shadows gathered across the clinic’s walkway. He stepped into the man, trapping him against the rough wood. The scent of leather and gun oil filled his senses, a hint of sweetness from beyond the closed door weaving through the other aromas.

  He leaned in, forcing Lucas to palm his chest to prevent Cullen from crushing his weight against him. “Nothing is going to happen. To any of us. Period. I won’t let it, not when I’ve waited this damn long to find her. To finally taste you.” His gaze dropped to the other man’s mouth. “Mine.”

  He closed the distance, taking Lucas’ lips with a firm press of his mouth. He didn’t wait for Lucas to join in, twisting the other man’s lips open then delving inside. Cullen’s bear growled in agreement, surging forward enough to sink his claws into the wall as he devoured his mate, refusing to ease up until the incessant pounding in his head had lessened.

  Lucas snarled at him the moment their lips parted. Red flashed in the shifter’s eyes a second before he moved, somehow reversing their positions in the space of a heartbeat. Cullen slammed into the wall as Lucas crowded against his chest, sinking his fingers in Cullen’s hair as he slanted his mouth over Cullen’s.

  His mate’s taste wove deeper this time, curling around every nerve until it had infused Cullen’s own scent. Became a part of him. Lucas moaned, the throaty vibration spiking Cullen’s shaft against his pants. He snaked one arm around Lucas’ back, pulling him hard against his erection. A tremor worked through Lucas’ body before he finally eased away, nipping at Cullen’s lower lip then taking a healthy step back.

  He held up his palm when Cullen moved to grab him. “You touch me, again, and the only place we’ll be going is to your damn bed. And we won’t be leavin’ there for a week if my bear has anything to say about it.” His gaze slid to the door behind Cullen. Another tremor shook the man as he cursed and lowered his head “Christ. I need…”

  Cullen ignored the man’s warning, fisting his hand in the sheriff’s shirt then yanking him against him. “You’re not alone in this. Tasting you while scenting Hollis behind this fucking door…” He hissed out his next breath. “You’re right. I’ll back off…for now. But consider you and your bear on very short notice. I won’t let you stay distant for long.” He glanced at the door behind him. “Either of you.”

  “She’ll join us.” Lucas flashed him a cocky grin. “No way she can resist this much charm.”

  Cullen chuckled, appreciating the way his mate eased the tension with nothing more than a few words. Lucas was definitely more even-tempered than Cullen was, always finding a way to calm the situation.

  Cullen rolled his shoulders, finally releasing his hold on Lucas. “I’ll go pack some supplies then round up the men. We’ll head out after a quick breakfast. See how far we can get. Who knows, maybe we’ll make some actual headway.”

  “We’re still down a few men, but—with both of us keeping watch and the crew working instead of worrying about getting shot—that might not slow progress too much. Just remember what I said yesterday. You can’t keep your ass in one piece and worry about the line at the same time. If I think for one second you’re putting your life in jeopardy to do just that…” His smile was feral this time. “Let’s just say that ass won’t know what hit it.”

  “Careful, mate. We both know my grizzly is far less tame than yours.”

  “Really? Care to put that to the test…mate?”

  Cullen stilled. While Lucas had never denied their connection, Cullen hadn’t missed the way the other man had avoided using the term to directly address him. Hearing it roll off Lucas’ mouth in those gravelly undertones damn near took Cullen to his knees.

  He drew a few ragged breaths, desperately trying to gather even a hint of control, when the door opened and Hollis came bustling out. Cullen turned, catching her around the shoulders when she barreled into him, her gasp of surprise sounding loud in the early morning gray.

  She reacted, catching Cullen across the jaw as her foot swept behind his feet, tripping him down the stairs and effectively dumping him on his ass. Dirt and dust billowed into the air,
gathering in a cloud around them before dissipating with a gust of wind. The telltale click of hammers cocking into place lit the air, and Cullen looked up to find Hollis a few feet back, guns aimed at them, eyes more white than blue. Her beautiful hair sat in a tousled mess about her shoulders, streaks of gold visible amidst the brown.

  Her chest heaved, her raspy breathing drawing his attention. Her eyes widened as recognition dawned in the blue depths. “Jesus. You two scared me half to death. What on Earth are you doing out here?”

  Cullen huffed. “Making sure you’re okay.”

  “Well, you damn near got yourselves shot.” She furrowed her brow, glancing from Lucas back to him as she holstered her weapons, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. “And it’s only sunrise. Don’t you boys ever sleep?”

  “That’s rich coming from someone who spent all night in a chair beside Jack’s bed.”

  “How…” She narrowed her eyes, studying them as if she could see through them. Uncover any secret they’d kept hidden inside. Mixed emotions crossed her features before she sighed, leaning against the door as if needing the support. “He was starting to burn up. With him being as weak as he was, I didn’t want it to get worse, so…I stayed up to keep him cool. Get him to drink some tea that helps lower fevers.”

  Lucas extended his hand to Cullen, his amused grin not helping matters any. He helped Cullen up, seemingly oblivious to the glare Cullen flashed him. “Did it work?”

  She nodded, not seeming to care when a few curls fell across her face. “His fever broke an hour ago. While he’s out of the woods, yet, it’s a good sign. I’m optimist he’ll make a full recovery. I was just off to see if I could get some coffee at the saloon. Something to help me stay awake. I keep driftin’ off.” She snorted. “If Caleb doesn’t shoot me on sight, that is.”

  “I’ve got the stove lit in my office. And a drip pot ready to go if you’d like. Won’t take long to make you some.”

  Her gaze swept between them, again. She glanced over his shoulder toward the main street before finally sighing. “I guess this is my fault. I did say it would take more than nice words to sway my opinion of you two. Thank you, Sheriff…Lucas. I’d appreciate the coffee, especially if I don’t have to dodge any bullets to get it. If you have the time,” she added.

  “Cullen and I were just finishin’ up our morning sweep of the town. It’ll be a good twenty minutes before the crew gets up. Another thirty before we head out for the day. I’d say we have plenty of time.”

  “Fine, then. I’ll just check Jack’s condition, again.” She turned then looked back at them across her shoulder. “I noticed a stream just south of the camp. I reckon I’ll clean up a bit before I make my way over. I won’t be long.”

  “Stream?” Cullen closed the distance between them. “Did you just say you were headin’ off to the stream? Alone? With dawn barely breakin’?”

  Amusement crinkled the fine lines around her eyes. “Is there a problem?”

  “You mean besides it being damn near freezing outside? And the water’s even colder. All the rivers up here are glacier fed. They never truly get warm.”

  “I won’t be in it long enough to freeze. Just need to wash off the grime.”

  “Regardless, it’s not safe to be alone outside of the camp. Hell, it’s barely safe enough inside the camp.”

  “I’d think the best time to sneak a dip in the water is before there are people around to watch. It’s not far. I’ll be fine.”

  “Damn straight you will because I’ll be accompanying you.”

  Her brow arched as defiance gleamed in her eyes. “I think I’ve proven that I’m more than capable of handlin’ myself, should something arise.”

  Cullen inched closer. He could be just as damn stubborn as Hollis. “Did you miss the part where Lucas said we were doing a sweep of the town? Or how on your first day here, you had to treat a gunshot wound, not to mention draw your own weapons? Or that two men died out on the rail yesterday from similar injuries?”

  “This isn’t my first rail camp, nor would it be the first time there’s been risks.” She smiled, and his damn stomach dropped into his boots then jumped up into his throat. “I plan on bathing nude—”

  “Which will make it insanely hard to draw your Colts should you get in trouble.” He quirked his lips. “Or do you take them into the water with you?”

  The muscle in her temple jumped as she clenched her jaw.

  He breathed out a calming sigh. “I can arrange for a bath for you in my quarters.”

  “I don’t need anything that fancy. Besides, it’d take too long, and you have other responsibilities. A quick dip in the river…” She held up her hand, stopping him from interrupting her. “Cold beats dirty, Cullen. I’m used to making do. I grew up on a small parcel of land outside of town. We didn’t have that much, so…”

  “Then, I’ll be sure to turn my back while you disrobe. But I’m going with you.”

  “Are all the men here this stubborn, or just the two of you?”

  He gave her a wide smile. “Wouldn’t have gotten to where we are if we accepted defeat easily. Now, gather what you need. Lucas can warm up the office and get that coffee made while you attempt to freeze yourself.”

  She laughed, the light, lilting tone wrapping around his cock then squeezing tight. If he wasn’t careful, she’d be the death of him long before he got a chance to get close.

  Hollis disappeared into the clinic, reappearing a minute later. She nodded at Lucas when he headed for the office then walked over to Cullen. “I’m ready.”

  He turned, making his way between the buildings then down the small hill. Streaks of pale pink brightened the sky off in the distance, the first hint of the sun edging above the horizon. He moved slowly, reminding himself she couldn’t see as well as he did in the dark as he wove down the narrow trail to the stream. The constant rush of water against the banks broke the silence, the occasional flash of white shining in the dawning light.

  He stopped next to the river, spinning to face her. “Current’s not too bad close in. It gets pretty strong in the middle.”

  She laughed, again, this time making his chest squeeze tight. “Been swimmin’ since before I could walk. But I just need a quick dip to rinse off all those miles I traveled. I won’t venture into the rough section.”

  He nodded, watching as she placed a few items on the grass before shucking out of her jacket. She placed her holster on top, then flicked at the first few buttons before swinging her gaze over to him. She cleared her throat, making him jump.

  He took a few steps away, putting his back to her. “Sorry.”

  She murmured something under her breath before everything fell silent. He tried to busy himself by working through scenarios for the workday ahead, until the soft rustle of clothes falling onto the grass jarred him from his thoughts. Not that it’d been loud, but with his senses so acute…

  Footsteps padded the ground behind him, followed by a gasp as she waded into the water. Cullen fisted his hands, letting his claws scratch his palms to keep himself rooted to the spot, despite the clamoring of his other half. His Kodiak didn’t seem to care that gawking at her while she bathed would only earn him a slap on the face or a round from one of her revolvers. All it knew was its mate was close—not to mention naked—and Cullen wasn’t doing a damn thing to claim her.

  Water splashed behind him, each sound drawing a mental image of her progression. How she moved away from shore, paused for a while, then headed back. He knew the instant she’d gotten out of the water. A fresh, earthy musk wove through his senses, the warm womanly essence in it impossible to miss.

  He tilted his head slightly without looking at her. “You’re shiverin’.”

  The rustling behind him stopped. “How the Hell can you tell that?”

  “I can hear your teeth chattering from here. Bet your fingers are numb. Going to be mighty hard to button that shirt.”

  He heard the whoosh of air a moment before something hit hi
s shoulder. He glanced down, chuckling at the bar of soap. “Now, now, Doc. Temper.” He picked up the bar. “I bet you’re stickin’ your tongue out at me, too.”

  “Has anyone told you that you’re quite infuriating?”

  “All the time, sweetheart.”

  Her breath hitched at the endearment, and he did his best to just let it slide. He hadn’t meant to let something like that slip, but… Not turning around, striding over to her and kissing her until she melted against him was taking most of his restraint, so calling her sweetheart seemed fairly benign in comparison.

  He reined in his bear, again, promising the damn animal that he’d find a way to get closer to Hollis, when the faint crack of a stick prickled his senses. He froze, working out the location in his head when another limb snapped. Hollis must have heard it, as well, the slight rustle of her behind him stilling.

  Cullen reacted, spinning quickly then racing toward her. She barely had time to gasp before he’d wrapped his arms around her and taken her to the ground, covering her small body with his. He quieted his breathing, listening for more movement as Hollis squirmed beneath him.

  She swatted at his shoulders. “I know you heard something, but damn it, Cullen, I don’t need you to shield me. So, move.”

  Though she’d kept her voice low, he didn’t want to risk that it’d carried across the water.

  He glanced around, bending down until his mouth hovered above hers, every inch of their bodies touching. “I’ll move when I know you won’t get your head shot off and not a moment before.”

  Irritation creased her brow. “I’m armed. And I’m a pretty good shot.”

  “Your guns are still beside your boots, which are more than a few feet away.”

  “And whose fault is that? If you hadn’t bowled me to the ground.”

  He snorted, scanning the other side of the riverbank. “I hardly bowled you over.” He frowned when he realized she was still shivering. “Shit. You’re still naked and lying on the wet grass.”