by Kris Norris
The reverend glanced at him then crossed his arms over his chest, smiling at Hollis. “I could have tended your injuries if you’d asked.”
“Never was much good at askin’, which is probably why Lucas brought me here in the first place. I tend to be quite stubborn at times. Though, I couldn’t be more grateful.” She took a single step forward. “As for the trip, I actually asked them if I could tag along.”
The man’s mouth gaped open for a moment before he cleared his throat. “You asked them? But why? We all know that Buford and his men will likely launch another attack against us. Or at the very least, the crew. With Sheriff Quinn gone, we’re vulnerable. What if one of the men gets shot or cut out on the line today?”
“This last attack used up most of the medicine I’d first ordered. I gave Cullen a list, but it could take up to a week before anything arrives. In the meantime, I can replace some of them with natural remedies, if I can acquire the correct ingredients. Thankfully, many of the plants grow around here. As you can imagine, neither Lucas nor Cullen were keen on me going on my own, so…I suggested I accompany them. I should be able to harvest what I need to make the salves without slowing them down. It’s only for a day or two. And this is better for the men in the long run.”
Miller pursed his lips into a thin line, absently kicking at the floor. “I see. Then, it seems only reasonable that I accompany you.”
The line of Hollis’ back stiffened. “While I appreciate the gesture, I was hoping you’d fill in for me while I was gone. You did a great job helping me the other night.”
The color drained from the man’s face. “I’m not a doctor.”
“But you don’t shy away from the sight of blood. And you learned how to put pressure on a wound. Clean one if necessary. That could be enough until I get back.”
“But…” He glanced at Lucas and Cullen. “I’m…concerned about you being alone with two men. It might cause a scandal.”
Her easy laughter filled the room. “You do recall I shot Caleb that first night, don’t you? I’m hardly worried about what the townsfolk say about me, when they’re already gossiping.”
“I’m talking about more than how skilled you are with a gun. I’m talking about your immortal soul.”
“Reverend Miller—”
“You can call me Joseph.”
The growl Cullen had suppressed resurfaced, echoing through the room. He took a measured step forward, stopping when Hollis shifted in front of him, pushing her back into his chest. Her hand landed briefly on his thigh, giving his leg a quick squeeze before letting go.
Joseph frowned, glancing around the room. “Did you hear that?”
“It was probably a dog outside. I’ve seen a few strays in town. Now, in terms of my soul—”
“I assume you would prefer not to go to Hell.”
“Wasn’t planning on it. But…” She held up her hand to prevent him from interrupting, again. “I hardly think travelin’ with Lucas and Cullen will result in that. I trust them. In fact, they have more honor than most men I’ve met.”
“This isn’t a question of honor. It’s about appearances.”
“Then, I have nothing to worry about. The people in this camp had their minds made up about me before I left the saloon to tend Jack’s injuries. Now, how about you head over to the clinic, and I’ll meet you there in a minute. Show you where the supplies are should you need to bandage a cut. I just want to go over a few details with the sheriff.”
Joseph glowered but nodded, tipping his hat to her before turning and marching to the door. The thing banged shut behind him, his footsteps quickly fading.
Hollis turned, palming her hips as she stared at them. “When, exactly, were you going to tell me about this trip?”
Lucas smiled, trailing his finger along her arm before allowing it to drop to his side. “I recall Cullen mentioning an adventure last night.”
“Which I thought meant going for a ride together, not leaving the camp unattended for days. And despite what I told Joseph, he’s right. I don’t think a day has gone by without at least one person droppin’ by my clinic. Which I realize is foreign to both of you since neither of you need doctors.”
Cullen growled, again, stepping into Hollis as he cupped her hip, tugging her tight against him. “Are we back to you thinkin’ we don’t need you because we can heal ourselves?”
“All I meant was that being a doctor means I get called to work at all hours. Especially in small rail towns like this one, where pride and alcohol seem to overrule rational thought.”
“This has nothing to do with him worryin’ about the men, or whether you’ll be around to treat a fistfight over a game of cards, and everything to do with the fact he wants you.”
Her smile made his chest tighten as she leaned against him, resting one small hand on his chest. “I hardly think the resident preacher wants to court a gun-toting doctor.”
“You weren’t in the room when he all but drooled at the mere mention of your name.”
Her expression softened as she lifted her other hand to trace the line of his jaw. “Are you jealous? Because I’d think after all we shared last night, you wouldn’t question my devotion. In fact, I’m certain both of you can sense exactly how I feel.”
Cullen cursed under his breath at the punch of emotion that rocked through him. While she might not have expressed her feelings in the way he realized he needed to hear—despite what he’d told her the previous night—she definitely cared for them.
“It’s not your devotion I’m antsy about. With everything so new, my bear’s feeling more than a bit territorial where you and Lucas are concerned. I’m just worried that if the man gets too friendly with you, he might end up facing an irate Kodiak.”
“Make that two grizzlies.” Lucas moved in behind her, trapping her between them. “Mine didn’t like the way his scent changed when you walked in. Cullen’s right. He wants you, darlin’.”
“Then, I suppose I’ll just have to disappoint him, seeing as I’ve already given my heart to two men. Now, about leaving…”
Cullen groaned. “I know. It probably goes against some oath, but…” He dropped his forehead to rest on hers. “We really do need some time alone. And it’s obvious we won’t get much of that here. Even if we toss propriety out the window and don’t hide that we’re all involved, there seems to be a steady stream of people in and out of all of our doors. Yours included.” He gave her a squeeze. “Just one night, then you can come back and deal with anything that might have cropped up. If it helps, the men are mostly cleanin’ up on the line today. Nothing risky.”
“Simply breathing seems to be risky in this town.” Hollis sighed, placing a soft kiss on his lips. “Though, I suppose the camp has survived without me for a few months. A couple of days shouldn’t hurt that much, not if your thoughts on Buford and his men are correct. And as I pointed out the other day, I’m out of most of my salves. Wouldn’t hurt to collect some of the plants along the way, if you boys don’t mind. At least, I’ll have something to treat any wounds while we wait for that shipment to arrive.”
“If it means you’ll spend the next couple of days with us, I’ll clear the entire forest for you.”
She laughed, the sound morphing into a moan when Lucas mouthed her neck, slowly working his way beneath the fabric and along her shoulder. “That won’t be necessary… Christ, Lucas. Do you know what that does to me?”
He answered with a growl as he wedged his hands between them in order to cup her breasts. “We have to give you a reason to come, or you might change your mind and let duty rule.”
She inhaled, allowing her head to fall back against him, and Cullen knew his mate was tweaking her nipples.
Cullen nuzzled the other side, moaning at the sweet taste of her skin against his tongue. “Damn, you’re addicting. Just one lick, and I want you to unravel against me. Have you grind your pussy on my face before you cream my tongue.”
“God, Cullen. I need…”
Hollis trailed off as he dragged his canines along her flesh, applying just enough pressure to ease the pounding inside his head without marking her.
She pushed up against him. “Stop teasing me, and bite me already.”
He paused over the spot, wanting nothing more than to sink his teeth into her muscle—leave a visible mark of his claim over her. But he’d never be able to stop from shoving her pants over her hips and shafting her while Lucas held her suspended between them. And he had a feeling Lucas would need to do the same, only while Cullen fucked the other man’s ass.
Lucas grunted then lowered his hand. His knuckles brushed against Cullen’s cock as his mate cupped Hollis’ mound, no doubt stroking it through her pants. “I swear, mate. You keep thinkin’ along those lines, and we won’t get anywhere today but back into bed.”
Cullen glanced up, locking his gaze on Lucas’ as red flashed in his mate’s eyes. “Just say the word…”
Lucas clenched his jaw, closing his eyes before releasing an audible breath. He frowned then eased back, dragging Hollis with him until she was standing on her own. “As much as I want that… We really do need privacy for what I have in mind. And we’ll never get that here, so…” He drew another ragged breath. “We’ll put this on hold until we set up camp for the night. But once that happens…”
Cullen nodded, willing his cock to stand down, though he swore the damn thing had a mind and a pulse all its own. Even now, it throbbed in longing, pressing against his breaches until he thought it’d just burst free.
Hollis mumbled something under her breath before crossing her arms over her chest. “Don’t I get a say in any of this?”
Lucas moved in closer, again, then palmed her hips. “I can hear your thoughts, as I’m sure Cullen can. But I think you’ll agree that stickin’ to the plan will pay off in the long run.”
“So, I’m just supposed to spend the day like this? Wet? Wanting? My body constantly perched on the edge with no relief in sight?”
Lucas’ eyes closed, again, and Cullen felt the man fighting for control. “Hollis.”
She sighed, giving his hands a pat before stepping free of his hold. “Fine. I’ll wait. But don’t think I won’t have my revenge later tonight.” She straightened her clothes, smoothing her hands along her shirt as if she wasn’t sure what to do with them.
Cullen frowned, closing the distance. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
She snorted. “Other than feeling like my skin’s on fire, I’m fine.”
He glanced at Lucas, noting the concern in his eyes. “Mating can have a few side effects. Until we all adjust to being bonded, it’s best if we don’t stray too far from each other. Which is why this is so important.” He trailed his fingers through her hair. “If you’re in pain…”
She brushed his hand aside, drawing herself up. “Nothing I can’t handle. And at least my face doesn’t hurt as much. Even the bruising looks better.”
“Better would be if there wasn’t any, at all.”
“And I thought I was stubborn. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go show the good reverend where all the supplies are and grab my medical bag. Just in case.”
Cullen snagged her elbow before she could turn around. “Take Lucas with you.” He held up his other hand. “Humor me, please. We’re all strung tight, and one stray caress on the reverend’s part could push us over the edge.”
A wicked smile curved her lips before she stepped into him, cupping his shaft through his pants. “You mean like this?”
He growled in warning. “Dangerous, sweetheart.”
She laughed then moved back. “I know. But isn’t that part of the reason your bears are drawn to me? Speaking of which…you promised I could meet your other half. I intend to hold you to that.”
“You come along with us, and you can see whatever side of me you want. Lucas, too.”
“Sounds fair.” She motioned to Lucas. “All right, Sheriff. Let’s go pretend we don’t want to rip each other’s clothes off while I gather my supplies. Just…no growlin’. And you have to play nice with Reverend Miller.”
Lucas scowled. “You mean the man who wants you to call him Joseph?”
“It’s his name, Lucas.”
“Right. Which is why everyone calls him that.”
“I promise to keep my guns handy, just in case he crosses a line.”
“See that you do.” He nodded toward Cullen. “I’ll be right behind you.”
Hollis gave them a stunning smile then headed toward the door and out into the street.
Lucas turned to Cullen, eyeing him suspiciously. “You okay?”
“Fine, why?”
“Mated, Cullen. I know when you’re antsy, and this feels like more than just idle interest from the local preacher.”
Cullen huffed. “I knew this connection would end up bitin’ me in the ass.”
“It goes both ways, mate.” Lucas studied him. “You’re upset because she hasn’t said she loves us, yet.”
Cullen glanced at the door. “And you’re not?”
“Need I remind you that you were the one who told her not to declare her undyin’ love for us until her emotions weren’t a jumbled mess? And that happened just a few hours ago?”
Cullen frowned, kicking at the wooden floor.
Lucas palmed his shoulder. “She took some pretty huge leaps of faith for us last night. The bond’s already strengthening, and I know you feel it, too. She’s ours. Hell, she’s willing to come with us—I think that speaks louder than anything else. Besides, her body is still adjustin’ to being mates. If it’s this hard for us to get our feelings under control, imagine what it’s like for her. We have her trust and her heart, Cullen. Give her some time, and she’ll say the words.”
Cullen snorted, giving Lucas a good-natured shove. “Have I told you I hate it when you’re logical?”
“You just hate that I’m right.”
“That, too. Now, go get Hollis before something else crops up, and there’s not a chance in Hell we’ll be able to steal her away.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“Do I want to know why there’s a cabin in the middle of nowhere?” Hollis stood in the doorway, watching as Cullen and Lucas placed their supplies by a wood stove. “Doesn’t anyone live here?”
Cullen glanced at her over his shoulder as he opened the stove door, adding some wood to the grill. “Not anymore. When the railway decided to build the spur, they relocated anyone who already had homesteads along the intended line. But since it’s not directly in the path, they haven’t torn it down, yet.” He grinned. “Lucky for us. Beats spendin’ the night in a tent, which is what we’d planned. And I can scout the last bit of the line from here tomorrow.”
Lucas nudged him. “We’ll scout the last of the line. Don’t think I didn’t notice that band of riders a few hours ago. With this place being so remote, I’ll bet my ass they’re Buford’s men. Thankfully, they didn’t see us, but that means no one’s going anywhere alone.”
Cullen swept his gaze the length of the man. “You might not want to mention your ass until we have a fire going and some food in our bellies.” He motioned at the far wall. “Looks like there’s a pump at the sink, which means we probably don’t have to venture to the river to get water. We’ll warm some up so we can all freshen up a bit while we’re waitin’ on the soup to cook.”
Hollis nodded, placing the bags of roots and leaves she’d collected on a small counter. With the men’s help, she’d been able to gather enough material to make three different salves, each of which would come in handy. She just needed a few of the leaves to dry then she could grind up the ingredients, add some oil and flour to make it a paste, and she’d be set.
A set of hands settled around her hips, tugging her against a wall of male muscle. She inhaled, knowing it was Lucas by the hint of gun oil in his scent. She closed her eyes, humming as he kissed a path down her neck, lightly nipping at her skin. She pushed her shoulders back, helping him remove her jacket before he reclaimed
his previous position.
Lucas licked at the shell of her ear, sending a rash of goosebumps across her flesh. “You’ve been strangely quiet the last couple of hours. Everything okay?”
“Fine. I just didn’t want to distract either of you. I noticed the change in your demeanor the moment we spotted those men, and Cullen needed to double check that all the grading measurements were correct. It just seemed better if I let you do your jobs.”
“I didn’t mean to be distant. I just don’t know what I’d do if I lost either of you because I missed something.”
“You weren’t distant. You were focused. I’m sure I get the same way when I’m dealin’ with a patient. You wouldn’t be good at your job if you let your feelings dictate your actions. Though, now that we’ve arrived safely…”
He sighed. “Hold that thought, darlin’. I just want to do a quick perimeter check before we all get comfortable for the night. My bear isn’t quite satisfied that we’re safe, yet.”
Her breath caught, and she spun in his arms, watching as he took a few steps back. Even through his shirt, his muscles flexed against the fabric, giving her a ghosted image of the torso she knew hid behind the cotton. Though, she hadn’t had nearly enough time to thoroughly inspect his or Cullen’s body. Not the way she wanted to—to touch and lick every inch with more than wavering candlelight as her guide.
She glanced at Cullen, trying to imagine him as a bear. She wasn’t sure if it was the bond or curiosity, but she definitely wanted to watch them change, again, especially if they both got naked first.
Lucas chuckled. “I’m not sure whether to be excited or concerned that the thought of us shifting has you so damn excited I can smell your need from here.”
“Are you reading my mind, again?” She arched her brow at his smug smile. “Then, you won’t be surprised that I didn’t get to fully appreciate your other half that first time. And I haven’t even seen Cullen’s bear.”
