by Kris Norris
Lucas tucked some of her hair behind her ear then drew her into his embrace. “You’re the one who’s incredible. Your courage. Your strength. Especially after all you’ve endured. But why does it still sound as if you think we don’t need the doctor side of you?”
“Maybe because you don’t.”
“Hollis. Darlin’.” He spun her to face him. “Why do you think his bear held off this long? If you hadn’t come into our lives, if it didn’t trust you with its life, it would have seized control, risks or not. Left Cullen with a screwed up shoulder and lifelong worries. Our bears act on instinct, and his went against every one. To chance dyin’ because it believed you’d ultimately save them both.”
She glanced at Cullen, more tears spilling free. “How am I supposed to stay mad at you two for putting your lives in danger when you know exactly what to say to make me love you even more?”
His bear huffed, once again rubbing his head against her. She laughed, tsking as she removed the bandage hanging loose around his shoulder before moving over to the bed. Lucas motioned to the mattress, but she shook her head, sitting on the floor with her back braced against the frame. She beckoned Lucas to her with a crook of her finger, snuggling against his shoulder as he draped one arm around her, his palm resting on her waist.
Cullen padded over, his bear uncharacteristically gentle as he nuzzled them. Seemed the man’s Kodiak had more than a soft spot for their feisty mate. Calm spread through Lucas’ chest, their twin heartbeats echoing inside his head. Cullen pawed at the floor then eased down, resting his head on their laps, his injured side up. Hollis stroked his neck then settled her hand behind his front leg. She drew easy patterns through his fur as her eyes drifted shut. Lucas gave his mate an arch of his brow, mentally telling him to sleep. Cullen glanced at Hollis.
“She’s fine, Cullen. I’m fine. She loves you. I love you. Sleep, so we can move on to other, far more pleasurable things than sitting on the floor. We both know our mate won’t truly rest until there’s not so much as a scar left on your shoulder.”
“I’m sitting right here.”
Lucas grinned when she peeked at him with one eye. “I know.”
Cullen snorted then relaxed his head on his mates, again. Lucas sighed. Though he talked a good game, he knew Cullen sensed his overwhelming relief. That he’d detected the hint of fear that had tainted Lucas’ scent since he’d lifted Cullen onto his horse and dragged his ass back to their small cabin. He’d been more than a little scared, though he’d never openly admit it.
Cullen placed his paw over Lucas’ leg, mentally telling him it wasn’t his fault. Lucas gave the animal a scratch, once again instructing him to sleep. If he was honest, he hadn’t been convinced Cullen would shift after Hollis’ confession. That he’d insist on letting their mate treat the wounds until they healed, naturally, just to prove their point. That they loved and needed every side of her, as well. And Lucas had no doubts that Hollis would have made herself sick watching Cullen around the clock.
Uncertainty weighed on Lucas’ mind as he stared at the wall, rerunning the attack. He should have sensed the men long before they’d crested the hill. But between the fatigue, the miles of nothing but empty forest, and the aching need from bonding—he’d been too preoccupied with Cullen. On all the ways he wanted to touch the other man. Love him. How they’d make sure Hollis was a part of every encounter. That she never questioned their devotion.
And he’d somehow missed the tremble of horse’s hooves. The faint echo of voices and the stench of sweat and liquor. He hadn’t drawn fast enough to prevent Cullen from being hit. After that—Lucas didn’t remember much, his actions clouded in the red haze of his bear.
He’d lost control. Emptied his guns then shifted, challenging the last few men still standing as his grizzly. And he hadn’t stopped until the threat had been eliminated. Until their blood had stained the mud, and he knew Cullen couldn’t sustain further injuries. That he wouldn’t put Hollis at risk by returning to the cabin.
Lucas ran his fingers through Cullen’s fur. Obviously, Cullen was equally worried, which was why his bear had shifted, now. Why it couldn’t risk proving their faith to Hollis in the one way they longed to do. Cullen couldn’t afford the week or two it would take to heal by his own means, even with Hollis’ salves and medicine. And after the attack, Lucas doubted Buford would stay distant for long—not with the number of casualties he and Cullen had left behind. They needed to be ready for when the gang decided it was worth the risk to raid the camp.
Cullen nudged him, and Lucas knew his mate had picked up on his thoughts. He gave Cullen a light shove, chuckling when Cullen mentally told him to follow his own damn advice and get some sleep. Lucas nodded, allowing himself to fade. Images played in his head, visions that felt familiar, yet he knew weren’t his. He watched as a girl ran across a dirt yard, a rifle clenched in her small hands as she headed for a figure lying in the middle of a wooden porch. She’d almost reached the short staircase when Hollis twitched within his arms, shaking him free of the dream.
He woke, watching Cullen roll onto all fours as Hollis jerked in Lucas’ grasp, opening her eyes as a harsh sob sounded in the silent room. She fought against his hold until recognition softened her expression, and she fell against him, trembling.
Cullen rubbed his snout against her shoulder, rewarded with a teary-eyed smile and a soft brush of her fingers along his jaw. But when she glanced at Lucas, there was no mistaking the urgency in her eyes, the worry still creasing her brow. She needed her mates—whole. Human.
Cullen’s bear whimpered a moment before he bowed his head. The air prickled Lucas’ flesh, again, then Cullen was crouched before them, skin gleaming in the dull lamplight. Hollis inhaled as her hand fell to Cullen’s chest when their mate straightened. She blinked a few times then focused on his shoulder, her beautiful mouth pursing.
She lifted her hand and skimmed it over his wound. “What are you doing? You’re not fully healed. Not like Lucas was.” She huffed then shook her head. “Christ, that means there was far more internal damage, doesn’t it.”
It wasn’t a question. Lucas glanced at Cullen’s shoulder, noting the red line on his skin surrounded by a scattering of bruises, the flesh puckered where the stitches held it closed. Not quite the flawless outcome it could have been if he’d stayed in his bear form for a few more hours, but so much better than when he’d gone to sleep.
Cullen smiled at her. “Hollis.”
“I can remove the stitches if they’re hamperin’ your bear, but what if I missed something? There could be shards deeper in the tissue. Or maybe you got hit a third time, and it ricocheted, so none of us noticed. I should—”
He silenced her with a finger over her lips. “Sweetheart. You did great. I feel fine. You didn’t miss anything.” He pressed a bit harder when it looked as if she was going to talk around him. “It’s nothing that won’t be fixed.”
“Then, why did you shift back? It’s barely midnight. You need to sleep. Heal for as long as you can. We’ll still be here in the morning.”
“Afraid my bear doesn’t agree. It thinks you need the man a bit more, right now. And I have to say, after seeing those images that just played in your head and sensing the mix of emotions still churning inside you, I have to agree.”
Her chin quivered as she glanced at Lucas then back to him. “It was just a dream, Cullen. Nothing in comparison to your well-being.”
“It’s far more. It’s what drives you. The reason you’ve always chosen to be alone, not that we’re upset we’re your first, and last. But…it’s our job to slay your demons. Show you there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
She furrowed her brow, looking at both of them before scrambling to her feet then pacing to the other side of the room. She took a few deep breaths then turned. “Thinkin’ I should be strong enough to put my own ghosts to rest. And you’re wrong. There’re lots of things to be afraid of, but the only one that counts is losin’ the two of you. That…” She
kicked at the floor. “That I wouldn’t come back from.”
Cullen stood, moving over to her left as Lucas went to her right. “Then, you really don’t have anything to fear because Lucas and I aren’t going anywhere.” He brushed his thumb over her chin then along her cheek. “Between our natural abilities and your skill with a scalpel, thinkin’ we’re in for a long life ahead of us.” He cupped her jaw. “And you’re more than strong enough, but we’d sure like it if you’d let us show off, just a bit. Soothe the bear side of us by battlin’ those ghosts for you. We’ll let you fight our fears, in return.”
Love gleamed in her eyes before she closed them against a wash of tears. She took a few more deep breaths then opened her eyes, smiling at them. “Are you two always going to say the right thing? Because it’s going to get mighty annoying.”
She reached for Lucas when she stopped suddenly, pain shaping her features a moment before she bent over, leaning against the wall as she grabbed her stomach.
He braced her shoulders, balancing her weight. “Darlin’? What’s wrong?” He cursed as he felt a shadowed stab of pain through his core. “Where does it hurt?”
She breathed out a few times, grimacing as she straightened a bit. “I’m fine. Just a cramp. It’ll pass.”
“That sounds as if you’ve had more of these.” He grunted at her guarded nod. “When did they start?”
“I’m fine, Lucas, really. Just give me a second.”
Cullen growled. “Answer Lucas. When. Did. They. Start?”
She sighed, groaning as her eyelids fluttered for a second. “Yesterday. After you two left. But they go away.”
The man cursed under his breath. “It’s a side effect of mating. We’ve neglected your needs.”
“What I need is for you to not have any gaping wounds on your shoulder. To not have your blood on my hands. This…” She waved at her stomach. “This is nothing but an annoyance.”
Lucas tsked. “Hollis. Mates have been known to die if they’re separated for too long before their bodies have adjusted to being bound. You being fully human… I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”
She chuckled. “So, you’re telling me I could die from lack of sex? Which is ironic, seeing as I hadn’t had any before last night.”
Lucas clenched his jaw as his bear paced back and forth in his head. Hearing her remind them that they’d be her only lovers made the animal acutely aware of her scent. Of how it mixed with Cullen’s. Of all the ways he still needed to mark his mates before he’d consider their bond truly sealed.
He took a deep breath, ignoring how his canines lengthened slightly, pressing against his upper lip. “While I’d gladly spend the next week naked with you two, discovering every inch of you and Cullen, it’s not about the sex. It’s about the connection. The intimacy. About showing you how much we love you. That our pleasure depends on yours.”
“See? Charming and annoying.” She focused on Cullen. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Cullen took one of her hands and placed it on his forehead. “Am I running a fever?”
She frowned. “No. It seems Lucas was right, and it was a byproduct of the chloroform hinderin’ your connection with your bear.”
He nodded then moved her hand to his shoulder. “Does my wound feel as if it isn’t healing?”
“It feels and looks good. Better than good, but Lucas didn’t have so much as a scratch—”
“That’s because I was able to shift almost immediately.” Lucas sighed. “Cullen waited, which means it’ll just take a bit longer. But he’s a far sight better off than you, right now. Those cramps… They’ll only get worse until you’ll pass out from the pain.”
She looked between them, her gaze falling to Cullen’s crotch then back before groaning as she bent over, again.
Cullen leaned over. “Sweetheart.”
“It’s not that I don’t want you two—I do. God, do I want you. It’s just…” She bit at her bottom lip, worrying it for a while before letting it slide free. “I don’t want to be the reason you don’t recover because you pushed yourself too far. Too fast.”
“Thinkin’ my shoulder can stand up to a round or two of loving my mates. Besides, you promised I wouldn’t be the only one naked once I woke up.”
She smiled. “I did promise, didn’t I? And I hate breakin’ a promise.”
Cullen smiled. “Then, let’s get you more comfortable.”
Lucas smoothed his hands along her hips, turning her until her back pressed tight to his chest. She moved with him, holding her breath as he drew gentle circles across her abdomen, easing the tight muscles. Cullen went to one knee, removing her boots and pants. It took a few minutes before she relaxed, letting her head fall into the crook of Lucas’ shoulder.
He nuzzled her neck, kissing the soft spot behind her ear. “Better?”
“I guess that depends on your definition. The pain’s gone, but the burning desire that took its place isn’t much better.”
He smiled against her skin, inhaling the sweet scent of her. “We’ll take care of that, too. Love you as many times as you need.”
She reached for Cullen, thumbing his jaw then sliding her hand around to the back of his neck, drawing him in close as she threaded her other fingers in Lucas’ hair. “I need a lifetime’s worth. So, don’t you boys ever scare me, again.”
Cullen cupped her chin, brushing his thumb across her cheek. “We’ll do our best, sweetheart. Though, I’m not sure a lifetime will be enough for us. But it’s a good place to start.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Hollis leaned into Cullen, slowly sliding her lips over his, enjoying the way their mouths molded together before she sighed and opened for him. He growled, delving his tongue inside, tugging her closer to deepen the kiss. She moaned, scratching his scalp as she anchored her fingers in his hair, preventing him from easing away. Instead, he stepped into her, pushing her tight against Lucas, using his mate’s shoulder to tip her head back.
Hollis blinked open her eyes once Cullen finally released her, gazing up at him and Lucas. She still couldn’t believe this wasn’t a dream, though the longing clenching her abdomen seemed determined to prove it was all very real. She smiled then focused on Lucas, mentally telling Cullen to kiss the other man.
Cullen chuckled. “And you questioned whether you were truly our mate. Just over twenty-four hours and you’re already talking inside our heads.”
“Can’t let you boys have the upper hand. Not when I’m already outnumbered two to one.”
“I’ll gladly side with you where Lucas is concerned.”
Lucas cupped the back of Cullen’s head, pulling him forward until their lips were a breath apart. “I believe it’s my turn to help her pin you to the bed. Or maybe the wall. So, don’t get any ideas about being in control. Your ass is mine.”
He yanked Cullen the last inch separating them, taking his mouth in a brutal kiss. Cullen responded in kind, crushing their lips together when Lucas went to pull away. Heat prickled along Hollis’ skin as images of the men loving each other flickered through her mind—Cullen’s muscular form moving behind Lucas, his skin gleaming with a hint of sweat, Cullen’s mouth locked on Lucas’ shoulder.
Lucas hummed. “I like where your thoughts are driftin’, Cullen. But like I just said, after the effort I put in to drag your ass back here, thinkin’ it’s mine, first.”
Hollis huffed. “I’m the one who removed the bullets and stitched him up. Thinkin’ I should have some say in who gets to fuck who first.”
Cullen moaned at her words. “Damn, sweetheart.”
Lucas chuckled. “Language, darlin’. But you have a point. So, how about a compromise? I’ll help you bring our mate to the edge, then he can paint his release all over your skin while I empty inside him.”
Hollis pursed her lips as she pushed air slowly out through her nose. She forced herself to swallow as heat flamed up her neck and into her cheeks.
Cullen tsked, glancing at Lucas then back t
o her. “How about a new plan? We get you the rest of the way naked, and you grind your pussy on my face until you come, then Lucas and I can play. Because, sweetheart, you smell positively desperate.”
A shiver shook through her, and she had to clench her thighs together to stem the ache throbbing deep in her core.
Lucas nodded. “That’s a great counter-offer. And I know exactly how I want to help.”
She glanced down at Cullen’s groin, moistening her lips as she stared at his shaft. He didn’t make a move to hide how hard he was. Or how a line of fluid leaked from the tip as he shifted back, leaving a wet smear across his abdomen. Desire burned along her flesh, and she reached for him, drawing her fingers along the length of his erection.
She met his heated gaze. “Are you sure you don’t want me to help you out with that first? Be a shame to waste it.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll get a taste. But first…I want you to flood me with your release.”
She released a harsh breath. Christ, if they kept talking like that, none of them would get a chance to play. She’d climax simply standing there. “Not. Helping.”
“Then, let’s get you naked, and on top of me.”
“But your shoulder—”
Lucas silenced her with a light kiss. “The only ‘but’ here is yours and what we plan to do with it.” He leaned in. “Remember what it felt like to have my finger inside you? Have you wondered if it would make you come even harder?”
“You know I have. Ever since you touched me…” She locked her gaze on Cullen. “I can’t stop thinkin’ about all three of us. Together.”
“We’ll save that for round two. For now…” He tugged on her shirt. “This has got to go.”
Hollis lifted her arms, helping them remove her shirt and camisole. Then, she turned, tsking Lucas until he allowed her to undress him. She didn’t miss the way Cullen watched them interact, smiling as she ran her fingers over every inch of Lucas, tracing the bands along his chest and stomach until she fisted his cock. She stroked her closed hand down his shaft, humming when a drop of fluid beaded along the slit.
