Iron Will (Grizzly Encounters Book 1)

by Kris Norris

  Cullen closed his eyes, knowing he couldn’t hold off any longer. Not with Lucas clamping around his cock while Hollis chanted their names, her sweet scent heavy in the air.

  Cullen clenched his jaw, shifting enough he could wrap one of Hollis’ legs around his hip. He needed to feel her skin against him. Feel her connection as he pounded into Lucas, all semblance of gentleness gone. Lucas grunted, meeting each punishing stroke while still thrusting into Hollis.

  The bed creaked, banging against the wall with every hard stroke. Cullen focused on the rhythm. On the slick glide of his shaft. On the breathy whimpers Hollis made as Lucas pushed her higher. Their combined scent flooded his senses, and he knew he wouldn’t last much longer.

  Hollis gasped, yanking Lucas down to her. She glanced at Cullen over the other man’s shoulder then licked the patch of skin near the base of Lucas’ neck. “Mine.”

  “Yes.”

  Lucas rasped the single word then levered against where her mouth clamped around his flesh. She held firm, maintaining her hold until she gasped in a rough breath, collapsing back on the mattress. Her entire body shook, the flush creeping up her neck marking her climax. Lucas moaned, his hips jerking erratically before he grunted, stiffening beneath Cullen’s hold. The man’s muscles clenched tight, the droop of his shoulders signaling his surrender.

  Cullen closed his eyes as his own release burned a path along his shaft. He didn’t want it to end. Despite the fact he knew it was just the beginning, he wanted it to last longer. Keep his mates wrapped in his arms, content that they were safe. But even as he tried to push the sensation away, it gathered strength, overriding his control and taking him headlong into release.

  He sighed in defeat, slipping one arm under Lucas’ chest and pulling him flush against his chest. He grinned at the fading marks Hollis had left, settling him mouth beside them. Lucas’ skin prickled beneath his lips a moment before Cullen exploded inside the other man, sinking his teeth into Lucas’ muscle as Cullen’s cock emptied in a series of spurts.

  The room dimmed, closing in until it was nothing more than the three of them entwined on the bed, their joint heartbeats echoing in Cullen’s head. He held on, savoring the moment, bleeding all he could out of it before finally easing back. He licked at the divots he’d left on his mate as his bear snorted then settled, any lingering doubts fading into the steady rasp of his mates as they breathed through the last remnants of their releases.

  Cullen’s muscles relaxed, and he found himself curled over Lucas, hoping they didn’t fall and squish Hollis into the bed. He thought about moving but decided to wrap his arms around them, instead, holding Lucas tight against him as Cullen wove his and Hollis’ fingers together.

  Their mate sighed, moving her other hand to Lucas’ shoulder, smoothing it where she’d branded him. “I wish these would last longer. That I could mark you both the way you mark me.”

  Cullen squeezed her hand, dropping a kiss on Lucas’ spine. “You’ve already marked us, sweetheart. In a way far more powerful than some scars on your shoulder. You’re ours. Period.”

  Tears pooled in her eyes, a few slipping down her cheek. Cullen reluctantly eased free, knowing Hollis needed more than her mates hovering above her. She needed to be held. Cherished. And damn if he didn’t want to give her all of that and more.

  Lucas glanced back at him, his gaze confirming he’d heard Cullen’s thoughts. He shifted to the left, allowing Cullen to curl in on the other side—once again wrap them both in his embrace.

  Cullen traced a finger along Hollis’ chin, humbled by the moisture clinging to her skin. “Not sure what we did to deserve you, but we’ll take it. Now, how about a bath?”

  She laughed. “There’s no tub. I checked. And even I wouldn’t chance that river at night.”

  “There’s a full rain barrel outside. It won’t be warm, but it’ll do in a pinch. And there’s nothing Lucas and I would like more than to spend the rest of the night warming you up.”

  “Why is it always my ass that has to freeze?”

  “We’ll take turns, just to be fair.” He smiled. “Besides, we have plans for that ass, and we all need to clean up if we’re going to make them a reality.”

  Her breathing caught as she glanced between them, the flush on her cheeks returning. “You keep talking like that, and no amount of rinsin’ will keep me clean.”

  Cullen growled, scooping his arms underneath her then lifting her off the bed.

  “Wait. Your shoulder.”

  “Is fine. Feels better than ever now that my bear is…less ornery. Which means we can spend the night lickin’ you if our little water venture doesn’t cool your desire. There’s nothing we’d rather do than watch you come over and over. But you definitely won’t get any rest with my release dryin’ on your skin and Lucas’ dripping down your thighs.”

  She winked at him. “It’s not the only thing dripping down my thighs, Cullen.”

  He grunted, tripping a step before catching his balance. “You’re determined to have us claim you, again, right now, aren’t you?” He shushed her when she went to answer. “We’ll be quick. Then, we’ll do whatever you need to keep you comfortable. Deal?”

  “I’ve discovered you two are hard to deny. Fine, freeze me—just as long as you hold true to your promise and warm me back up. And I have my own plans, so you’re both going in, too.”

  “Always a counter-offer. But you’ve got a deal, Doc.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Then, I’m yours.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  “Lucas.”

  Lucas groaned, blinking several times in an effort to clear his vision, before the wooden ceiling finally came into focus. Just a hint of light brightened the dull gray beyond the window, a chorus of birds breaking up the silence. He turned his head, smiling at Hollis as she stared at him, her weight braced on one elbow. Her hair sat in a tousled mess about her head, the light blush on her cheeks still evident from last night.

  He hummed, lifting one hand and trailing it along her shoulder. He circled the marks they’d left behind, faint but there. She’d done more than simply bring him and Cullen together. She’d made them whole. Given them a reason to get up in the morning besides laying down miles of iron rails. And he knew he’d never tire of seeing her like this—wrapped between them, an easy smile curving her lips. His bear snorted, reminding him they still needed to love her together before it would truly settle. Have no doubts that she was, and always would be, theirs.

  He mentally told the animal to bugger off. They had a lifetime of loving ahead of them, and he, for one, didn’t have any doubts. “Hey, darlin’. Everything okay?” He winked at her. “Hungry?”

  She swatted his chest in feigned annoyance, though he didn’t miss the way her eyes darkened, or her breathy inhale. “That’s a constant state where you two are concerned, and I’m not talking about food. But I need to use the outhouse. And after the way you boys reacted last time, I thought it might be best to wake you, first.” She arched a brow. “In case you think I need protectin’.”

  “Wench.”

  She batted her eyes at him. “Wouldn’t want your bears to think I’m ditchin’ you. In case they’re still…concerned.”

  He cursed under his breath. “Seems our connection is even stronger if you picked up on my bear’s thoughts.”

  She shrugged.

  He reached for her, thumbing her cheek as he cupped her jaw. “Remember what I said about them actin’ on instincts? I’m not sure why they need to love you that way before they’ll be completely satisfied, but I can assure you their other halves don’t harbor any doubts. Not after all you’ve done to prove your love. Thinkin’ we’re the ones who haven’t shown you enough what you mean to us.”

  Her expression softened. “Cullen was willin’ to die to prove your boys’ faith in me as a doctor. I don’t have any doubts, Lucas. Or regrets. And just in case your bears are listening, I’m yours. For always. Now…about that quick trip outside.”
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  “Your wish, darlin’.” He swung his legs over the edge then pushed to his feet, offering her his hand. “We could all use a trip.” He tugged her against his chest, smoothing his hand along her back. Soft skin caressed his palm before he dug his fingers into her ass. “Thank you.”

  Her lips quirked as she leaned against him, gently grazing his jaw. “For what?”

  He snorted. “Everything. For not runnin’ when you had the chance. For going against your natural instincts and wakin’ me up when you could have just scooted out. I know how hard it is for you to push aside those tendencies. And both sides of me appreciate your efforts. I promise we’ll work at being less paranoid.” He nuzzled her nose. “But mostly, for saying yes.”

  She dropped a kiss on his chin. “Then, you’re going to be thankin’ me, again, because I’m definitely saying yes to what your bear has in mind.”

  “Tease. That’s not helping me get you out the door.” He glanced over her shoulder. “Especially with Cullen lookin’ at us the way he is.”

  She twisted, smiling when the man crawled across the bed, stepping out behind them. Lucas released her enough that she could spin as Cullen bent to capture her lips in his. Lucas moaned at the raspy hum that vibrated through her chest and into his—as if she couldn’t get enough of them.

  Hollis winked at him once they’d parted, then drew her fingers across Cullen’s shoulders. “The swelling’s gone down, and most of the bruising has faded. I should remove those stitches as soon as we get back so your bear can finish the job.”

  Cullen placed his hand over hers, holding it firm against his skin. “Thinkin’ you’re equally responsible for my healing, but I won’t say no to you removing them. They itch far more than I thought they would.”

  “Itching’s a good thing. It means you’re healing.” She glanced at Lucas. “Can I visit the outhouse, now, or are you boys going to need to do another perimeter check, first?”

  Lucas tsked her. “You can tease us all you want, because caring about your safety is worth it. Though, I’m sure we’ll be fine just standing watch.”

  She looked as if she was going to roll her eyes before shaking her head, instead. She accepted the shirt he gave her, slipping her arms through then buttoning it up. He smiled at the warm feeling burning in his chest as he quickly yanked on his pants then waved at the door. Hollis followed him through to the other room, stopping long enough to grab one of her pistols as he tossed Cullen his breeches.

  Cullen grinned, leaning in and whispering something that sounded like, “That’s my girl,” before strapping on his own weapons then handing Lucas his.

  Lucas nodded his thanks, listening at the door for a few moments before swinging it open. Though he didn’t expect to encounter any issues like they had last night, he wasn’t going to take any chances. The branches in the trees off to his left shook as a gathering of birds took flight, squawking all the way to another roosting site. He let his grizzly surge forward, hoping his increased senses would pick up on any unwanted visitors. His bear grunted, focusing on the sweet scent standing next to him, and the way his and Cullen’s essence wove through it.

  “Great, all my damn grizzly can sense is how good you both smell.” He glared at Cullen when his mate laughed. “I doubt your Kodiak is much better.”

  “It’s not. But I can’t really argue with how focused it is on the two of you.”

  Lucas chuckled, heading toward the small shack hidden amidst the trees. He waved Hollis in, venturing farther into the surrounding forest while Cullen stayed close. Though Lucas couldn’t quite pinpoint it, something felt off. He stopped to check a set of prints in the mud, jumping when a hand landed on his shoulder.

  He muttered under his breath, looking up at Cullen. “Must you scare another ten years off my life?”

  “Thought you heard that twig snap.” He nodded at the prints. “Everything okay? I sensed something was bothering you.”

  He stood then waved at the marks. “Wolves.”

  “They’re common around here.”

  “I know. But I can’t shake the feeling that we’re being watched.”

  “Probably because we are.”

  Cullen pointed toward a small clearing in the direction of the proposed line. Just a hint of yellow brightened the patch as the sun threatened to peek above the distant horizon.

  “I saw a couple take off. Bettin’ they can smell us, too.” He cupped Lucas’ shoulder. “I’m sure it’s leftover adrenaline from last night.”

  Lucas stared at where his mate had seen the animals. “Probably.”

  Cullen sighed, pulling Lucas’ back against his chest as he wrapped one arm around his waist. “Speakin’ of which… I’m not sure I thanked you for all you did. I know what it cost you to kill those men—”

  “No thanks required. No one hurts my mates. Period.”

  “Still.” Cullen dropped a kiss on his neck. “Thank you. Now, how about we get back to our mate. The girl has needs we should fulfill before we finish surveying that line. I’d like to make it back to town today. Just to be safe.”

  Lucas nodded, glancing one more time around the area. At least the prickly feeling between his shoulder blades was gone. He sighed. Cullen was right. Lucas was still on-edge from the ambush. But he’d eliminated the threat.

  His grizzly snorted its approval as he returned to the outhouse, quickly relieving himself before following his mates inside the cabin. They rinsed off their hands then tended to the fire, hoping to stave off the chill still hanging in the air. Hollis motioned to Cullen, making him sit still as she checked his wounds, gently cutting the stitches free. She mumbled something about having only just put them in last night, but it got lost to the pulse of need through Lucas’ core. Seeing the black thread reminded him of all he could have lost. How much they owed their mate.

  He moved in behind Hollis, curling his arms around her as he breathed in her scent. The usual aromas filled his senses, accompanied by a touch of wood smoke. She hummed, letting him bridge some of her weight—seemingly content to stay wrapped in his embrace.

  He kissed her neck, enjoying the shiver that wove through her. “You must be exhausted, darlin’. We’ve been negligent in that area, too.”

  “I can sleep later. Once I’ve gotten my fill of you two.”

  He chuckled. “Not sure that’s going to happen anytime soon.”

  “Then, I suppose I’ll just have to drink more coffee. Which you can make after you’ve silenced those doubts your bears have.”

  He smiled against her neck. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

  She glanced back at him, arching a brow. “If the slick feeling between my legs is any indication, I’m more than ready.”

  A dull roar sounded inside his head as his bear growled its approval. Cullen appeared in front of her, tangling his fingers in her hair and drawing her mouth to his. Lucas felt a ghosted caress against his lips, their joint pleasure burning beneath his flesh. He waited until Cullen eased back before scooping her up in his arms, loving the way she laughed then rested her head on his shoulder. He kissed her forehead, walking into the other room.

  Cullen darted in front, climbing onto the bed and scooting back, giving Lucas enough room to place Hollis on the edge. She smiled up at him, dragging him to her for another soul-searing kiss before turning to gaze at Cullen. She wet her lips, crawling toward him, licking and sucking at his cock as it bobbed against his stomach.

  Lucas retrieved the oil, again, watching Hollis’ ass sway as she devoured their mate, taking him quickly to the brink. Cullen reached for her, sinking his fingers in her hair. He gave her a few more passes along his shaft before guiding her up his chest, swallowing her protest with a firm kiss.

  Cullen cupped her jaw once he’d finally released her, helping her straddle him. “God, you’re beautiful.”

  She paused, glancing back at Lucas, her eyes glassy, her chin quivering, before she turned to Cullen, stealing another kiss then letting her forehead rest on his. She didn�
�t speak, just sat there, seemingly lost in the moment. Cullen rubbed his hands along her back, finally tangling his fingers in her hair, again. She moaned when he yanked her head to one side, baring her neck.

  “Ours, Hollis. For always.”

  He licked her flesh then closed his mouth over her muscle. Lucas felt the sudden rush of pleasure, the distinct increased clarity between them as his mate reasserted their claim.

  He loosened the top on the flask, moving onto the bed then drizzling some along her crease. Her muscles flexed at the sudden contact, a rash of goosebumps cascading along her skin. She glanced at him over her shoulder, Cullen’s fingers still locked around her hair, before closing her eyes on a hum as Lucas swirled his finger around her opening then slowly sank inside.

  “God, Hollis. So tight. And the way you clamp down on me…” He leaned forward, nipping at her flesh. “We’re going to make you come so hard.”

  He eased back, gathered more oil on his fingertip then pushed back in. Her muscles clenched around his intrusion, holding him tight before finally easing. He added a second finger, scissoring them apart as he moved faster—adding a bit of force to each plunge. Hollis lowered onto Cullen’s chest, using the position to tilt into every thrust, her rough gasps sounding around him. He kept stretching her, using his other hand to grasp Cullen’s shaft between her legs. His mate grunted, arching into Lucas’ hand as he fisted it down to the base then back up.

  Cullen glanced at him over Hollis’ shoulder, his canines showing beneath his upper lip. Lucas answered the man’s challenge, dipping under Hollis enough he could lick the slick fluid off of Cullen’s shaft before taking his mate deep to the back of his throat.

  “Damn, Lucas.” Cullen pushed out a few rough breaths. “I need more than your mouth.”

  Lucas took him deep, again, before nipping at the thick head then straightening. He swirled the tip around Hollis’ cleft, soaking Cullen’s skin with her arousal before positioning it at her sex. Cullen didn’t wait for Lucas to drag Hollis onto his cock, claiming her sheath with a firm thrust.