Iron Will (Grizzly Encounters Book 1)

by Kris Norris

  A hot lick across his flesh eased the sensation as Cullen drew back, nodding at his handiwork. “That was long overdue, mate. Which means I’ll have to mark you several more times before it comes close to mollifying my bear. But it’ll do, for now.”

  “Are you two sure you don’t need to love each other right now? Because I could stay awake for that.” Hollis tightened around Lucas’ cock. “Lord knows you ‘feel’ ready for another round.”

  Lucas snapped his attention to Hollis as she sagged in his embrace. He smiled at the deep flush of her skin. The hint of moisture coating her brow and how her hair sat in a tangled mess around her head and shoulders. Christ, she was beautiful.

  He pressed hard against her, rewarded with a flutter of her eyelids. “Naughty. And while I’d like nothing more than to pound into Cullen…we all need to get some sleep. My bear can hold off, for a bit. But make no mistake, when we do claim each other, you won’t be sitting idly by.”

  “Never said I only wanted to watch. Though I do—want to watch you two.” She stifled a yawn, blinking several times as if trying to keep her eyes open.

  “I’m sure we’ll find a way to satisfy both of your desires.”

  He withdrew, loving the small huffing sound she made, as if she didn’t want him to leave, then helped her snuggle against Cullen. The other man whispered in her ear, drawing a contented laugh as Lucas climbed off the bed. He grabbed a couple of cloths, dunking them both in the water before rinsing himself off. He turned, tossing one cloth to Cullen before returning to the bed. Hollis watched him as he eased her thighs apart then gently cleaned her groin, doing his best not to roar at the combined scent of their releases.

  A flash of red caught his attention. He unfolded the fabric, staring at the blood smeared across the surface. A knot formed in his stomach, and he glanced at Cullen before focusing on Hollis.

  Cullen frowned. “What?”

  Lucas swore under his breath, holding the cloth up.

  “Shit.” Cullen juggled Hollis in his arms until they were both upright, again. “You should have told us we were going too rough.”

  Hollis arched a brow. “You weren’t too rough.”

  Cullen’s lips pressed tight before he took the cloth from Lucas and held it out to her. “Then, why is there blood?”

  She sighed, barely giving the cloth a glance. “Because I’d never been with a man before, and neither of you are exactly small.” She shook her head as she grabbed the fabric then tossed it on the side table. “Cullen. It’s not unusual to have proof of that afterwards. Besides, that’s nothing. A few drops.”

  Lucas huffed. “That looked like more than a few drops.”

  “Trust me. Doctor, remember? I’m fine.” She yawned, again, gazing at them with half-lidded eyes. “Stop worryin’ and come to bed. If you’re determined to feel guilty over nothing, you can make it up to me by loving me, again, in the morning.”

  “You need to heal before we—”

  “What I need, is for you to hold me while I sleep. Then, make me scream, again, once I wake up.” She shushed them. “Now, whose chest am I using as a pillow?”

  Cullen snorted. “I’d almost forgotten how damn stubborn you are.” He smiled at her glare, dropping a kiss on her nose. “We just don’t want to be the reason you feel pain. We’ve already done that enough.”

  “All I seem to recall is an immense amount of pleasure. Promise. But either way, you’re forgiven.”

  “Fine.” He gathered her close, again. “I think Lucas is dyin’ to have you snuggle against him. Sleep. We’ll see how you feel in the morning. If you’re up for an adventure.”

  “An adventure?”

  “We’ll talk about that once you’re gotten some rest. See how your head’s feeling.”

  She gave them a stunning smile. “It feels fine as long as you’re both touching me.”

  “Still dangerous.” Cullen helped her settle against Lucas once he’d climbed under the blankets. Cullen leaned in close, dropping a lingering kiss on her lips. “Not sure we can thank you enough for giving us a chance. Now, rest. No more nightmares for you tonight.”

  Her eyelids fluttered as she burrowed against Lucas’ chest. Cullen smiled, shifting enough he could taste Lucas’ mouth one more time before relaxing behind Hollis, one arm draped over her hip, his hand resting on Lucas’ abdomen. Soothing warmth spread through Lucas’ body, the echoed beat of Hollis and Cullen’s hearts easing any remaining tension.

  This was where he belonged. Where he needed to be. He glanced at Hollis. Her breathing had already deepened. Damn, she must be exhausted, especially after they’d pounced on her just when she was starting to get some quality rest.

  “We didn’t pounce. And she’ll sleep even better, now.”

  Lucas gazed over at Cullen. “I didn’t say it was a bad thing. In fact, I still can’t believe she didn’t run when she had the chance and have the townsfolk string us up.”

  Cullen chuckled. “Girl’s got too much grit for that. Though not shooting us was a pleasant surprise.”

  Lucas smiled, but it faded. “You convinced we weren’t too rough?”

  “I know you let your bear search her feelings as much as I did. I didn’t sense any deception. In fact, if she wasn’t so damn tired, she might have pounced on us, this time. Her desire is more than real.”

  “I just don’t want to cause her more pain. In all the excitement, I kind of pushed aside the fact her face is still ten shades of purple.”

  “Mating will hopefully help with that. If what I’ve heard is true, it’ll give her a bit of a kick in the healing department. Either way, she’s safe, now.”

  “Let’s just make sure she stays that way.”

  Cullen arched a brow. “We back to discussing those thoughts I picked up on earlier? Because my grizzly is more than up for the challenge. Especially since I haven’t been able to fully bond with you, yet.”

  Lucas sighed, relaxing his head into the pillow. “Nothing to discuss. You’re equally as determined to keep us safe, so…no sense wasting time puffing up our chests. And for the record, my bear wants you with the same burning need. Best we follow our own advice and get some sleep.” He glanced at Cullen, again. “Because I don’t see us getting much for the next couple of nights. Not if Hollis agrees to come with us.”

  “She will. I just hope she’s up to it.”

  “We’ll see that she doesn’t push herself too hard.”

  Cullen merely nodded, settling, again, as he closed his eyes. Lucas watched his mate fight against his exhaustion before finally drifting off. The room grew quiet, with only the occasional patter of rain sounding beyond the windows. The thunder had stopped while they were making love, and if Lucas’ senses were right, the worst of the storm had passed. Which hopefully meant they’d be able to avoid getting soaked on their journey tomorrow.

  The thought sent a mix of emotions coursing through him. While he longed for some alone time with his mates—without having to worry about anyone walking in or disturbing them—knowing they’d be possible targets for Buford’s gang along the way didn’t sit well with his other half. Not that his mates couldn’t handle themselves. He simply didn’t want to put any of them in the position they’d have to.

  He reran Hollis’ previous words. She was right. The West was a dangerous place, and all he could do was try to minimize the risks. And now that he and Cullen didn’t have to hide what they were from Hollis, they’d be able to use their other abilities to help keep her safe.

  Safe. That was hard to promise to keep with men like Buford roaming the hills. But Lucas meant what he’d thought earlier. He’d sacrifice anything to keep Hollis and Cullen safe. No hesitation. No regrets.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Cullen glanced at the gray clouds blanketing the sky, the thick layer obscuring the usually colorful sunrise, before turning up the collar on his jacket. He hadn’t wanted to venture out of the warm bed—leave his mates—but he needed to organize the men if he and Lucas were going t
o steal Hollis away for a couple of days to scout the last section of the line. While Cullen doubted any of his crew would argue over having their resident doctor leave for a while, he didn’t want Hollis to face any backlash from them in case he was wrong. Especially when she was still fighting to fit in. And he didn’t need anyone giving her a reason to decline their offer. To put her oath above their need to complete the mating. Not with their bond so new. Even now, his bear scratched at his hold, doing everything it could to make him turn around—step back inside the sheriff’s office and reassert his claim.

  The thought had him stepping off the landing and into the street. Mud splattered across the bottom of his pants as he made his way to the saloon. Marla provided breakfast for the crew, and he’d likely find everyone he needed to talk to in one place. The swinging doors creaked as he walked into the tavern, scanning the crowd before narrowing in on a group of men. He marched over to the table, leaning down so he could address them at the same time, before outlining their schedule for the next few days. A couple of the men frowned but nodded, pushing their chairs back then moving off to relay the news to the rest of the crew.

  The other workers watched Cullen as he headed for the doors, again, their expressions clearly conveying their confusion. Not that he hadn’t ventured up the line before, but he’d only once taken Lucas with him, and never overnight. Though, Cullen realized the crew was probably more concerned with the possibility of the camp getting waylaid by bandits than why the three of them were leaving.

  Cullen shoved the twinge of guilt aside. There was still a day’s worth of cleanup on the line, if not two. Chances were, the men wouldn’t get more than a few hundred yards of track laid before he returned, not with all the mud and colder temperatures hampering their every move. And it wasn’t as if he was leaving them unprotected. Lucas had already arranged for half a dozen men to accompany the crew as guards, and even more to watch over the town during the night. Surely, Devil’s Gate could last long enough for Cullen to confirm the final stretch of tracks and have some quality time with his mates before the workers made the last push to finish the spur.

  He sighed. Regardless of the lingering doubt, it was a chance they’d have to take. He needed to see the grade one more time before they boxed themselves in inside the canyons, and whether he wanted to acknowledge it or not, he needed to quench the restless ache burning beneath his skin. While bonding with Lucas and Hollis had mollified his bear last night, the damn thing was far from satisfied. And if he didn’t get another taste of their skin soon, the animal might yet go rogue—an act which would put Hollis’ life in even more jeopardy than it already was by being part of the camp.

  His Kodiak snorted. Cold day in Hell before he’d let anyone threaten his mates, not after finally laying claim to them—even if it still felt incomplete where Lucas was concerned. His mate’s thoughts from the previous night played in his head. The man had harbored similar ideas, not that Cullen was surprised. Lucas had always been protective, even if he’d gone to great lengths to disguise it—pretend he hadn’t worried all the times Cullen had ridden off alone. But now that Hollis was part of the equation—there was no denying how far Lucas would go to keep both of them safe.

  The thought sobered Cullen, and he tried not to run down the street as he did a quick scan of the town then made his way back to the sheriff’s office. They’d done their notifying in shifts, not wanting to leave Hollis alone, not that they’d admit that to her. The girl was more than a little stubborn, and he had no doubts she’d get her hackles up if she thought they were babying her.

  He smiled at the idea, picturing her with her arms crossed, cheeks tinged red. She’d have a series of creases across the bridge of her nose as she glared at them, one foot tapping the floor—marking her agitation. While he wouldn’t go out of his way to anger her, there was no denying a part of him loved seeing the feisty side of her—the one that never backed down. That challenged anyone in her path, even if it was him and Lucas.

  A warm feeling spread through Cullen’s chest as he climbed the few steps to the building, coming to an abrupt halt as soon as the door had closed behind him. Lucas looked over to him from where he leaned against the desk, arms crossed over his chest, his shirt hanging open. Red tinged the man’s cheeks, as the muscle in his jaw repeatedly jumped. Another man stood in front of Cullen, feet braced apart, long jacket covering his clothes. The guy turned, revealing a furrowed brow and dark eyes from beneath the brim of his hat, the white square at his collar practically glowing in the dull light.

  Cullen cursed under his breath before nodding at the man. “Reverend Miller.”

  The preacher kicked at the floor, glancing between the two men. “Mr. James.”

  Cullen groaned inwardly at the harsh tone, guessing the man wasn’t here to wish them a safe journey, then crossed the room, standing off to the right in front of the bedroom door. “Don’t take this wrong, Reverend, but is there something we can help you with? We’ve got a line to scout, and I’d rather we get in as many miles as we can before more rain sets in.”

  The man’s mouth twitched at Cullen’s words, the flush in his cheeks deepening. He fisted his hands at his sides for a few moments before stuffing them in his pockets. “That’s exactly what I’ve been discussing with the sheriff.”

  Cullen focused on Lucas, trying to ignore the swath of skin visible between the sides of his shirt. Christ, what he wanted to do to that flesh. Bathe it with his tongue, run his fingers across the muscular bands. If only the collar was open more, Cullen would be able to see exactly where he planned on marking his mate, again.

  Lucas cleared his throat, looking far too smug when Cullen finally dragged his gaze up to the man’s face. “It seems the good reverend is concerned about us taking Dr. Chambers along with us. He feels it’s inappropriate without a proper chaperone. And of course, he’s volunteered to join us so he can ensure her moral safety.”

  Heat burned along Cullen’s skin, and he had to physically restrain his bear from breaking his hold. It didn’t take his enhanced senses to detect the way the man’s eyes darkened at the mention of Hollis’ name. Or how his breathing kicked up as his gaze darted to the door behind Cullen for a few seconds before focusing on him, again.

  A hand landed on Cullen’s shoulder a moment before Lucas stepped in front of him, giving him a knowing smile that eased the tingling beneath his flesh. Damn, all the man had to do was look at him or touch him, and Cullen was lost.

  Lucas spun to face the pastor, keeping his back pressed lightly against Cullen’s chest. “I was just explaining how that wasn’t logistically possible and assuring the man that Hollis was more than safe with us—morally or otherwise.”

  Miller pinched his mouth tight before giving them both a grim smile. “With all due respect, Sheriff Quinn, while it’s your job to protect the lives of the folks who call this camp home, it’s mine to protect their souls. It’s bad enough she’s already spent the night here. God only knows what people are saying.”

  “I hardly think God is wasting His time worryin’ about where I slept last night.”

  Hollis’ voice had them spinning to face her, her lithe form backlit by the gray light from the windows in Lucas’ chambers. Her gaze ran the length of them before she moved forward, smiling when he and Lucas parted just enough she could squeeze through. Cullen frowned at the patchwork of bruises laced along her face, her one eye slightly swollen. While it was definitely better than it had been several hours ago, just knowing she was still in pain burned a hole in his gut. He never should have stopped Lucas. Never should have let her go into the clinic alone.

  Hollis paused for a moment, glancing at him with a furrowed brow, before sighing. She reached for him, brushing her hand along his chest, before stepping forward and stopping with her back just shy of touching them, and far closer than Cullen thought she would. Not if she wanted to keep their intimate relationship a secret. Though, if the reverend had been able to see her touch him, it was probably a moot point
.

  The preacher gasped, pointing at her cheek. “Dear Lord. Is that from the other day?”

  “Getting hit does tend to leave a mark. But, I’m fine. Is there a problem, Reverend?”

  Miller huffed, staring at their loose-knit triangle before nodding at Hollis. “In a manner of speakin’.” The man shuffled restlessly then straightened. “I was just explaining to Sheriff Quinn that having both of you accompany Mr. James on his scoutin’ mission is ill-conceived.”

  Cullen groaned inwardly. They hadn’t even had a chance to discuss the trip with Hollis—other than the suggestion of an adventure the previous night—though they’d hedged their bet and made arrangements on the hope that she needed to spend time with them as much as they did with her. But if the good reverend pleaded his case, he might sway her to stay.

  “Trip?” Hollis glanced at them, giving them an arch of her brow before facing Miller. “Right. Scoutin’ the line.”

  “The town’s already being put at risk by losing our sheriff for a few days. Taking our only doctor, as well, seems like a foolhardy decision.” The preacher gave Lucas and Cullen a pointed look. “The men need you here.”

  “The men in this camp barely tolerate me.” She touched her cheek, though Cullen didn’t think it was a conscious move. “If it weren’t for Lucas, I’d have passed out in the street. And he and Cullen were more than gracious on insisting to treat my wounds, especially when I’ve been less than kind towards them lately. I can’t imagine either man got much sleep last night.”

  Cullen managed to bite back the growl that rumbled through his chest. Just hearing her mention last night had his bear scratching at his control, again. Whether it was the fact another man was obviously interested in his mate or that her scent had woven around him, mixing with Lucas’ until the combined essence seemed infused in his head, he wasn’t sure. But he knew if Miller so much as tried to touch her, he might lose his internal battle.