by Kris Norris
Hollis arched, her head tilting back as Cullen maintained his hold in her hair. Her body shimmied with each forceful stroke, Cullen’s pace obviously driving her to the edge. Lucas eased his fingers free, smiling at her anguished cry. He poured more of the oil along his shaft, waiting until Cullen finally paused before palming her skin. Hollis inhaled, glancing at him as he pressed against her ass, careful not to push forward until the tight ring of muscles gave beneath the pressure, and he slipped inside. Her head bowed toward her chest, a shiver working down her spine.
Lucas curled over her, nuzzling her neck. “Breathe, darlin’. We’ll wait until you’re accustomed to having us both inside you. But once you’re ready…” He nipped at her skin. “Going to make you see stars.”
She drew in a series of gasping pants, finally moaning in seeming need. “By all that’s holy, move. Lucas. Cullen. I need…”
“We’ll give you all of that and more.”
Lucas dropped a kiss on her sweat-damp flesh then eased back, slowly withdrawing until only the head stayed locked inside her. He paused, giving her ass a light smack before thrusting back in, reclaiming the lost inches. Cullen countered his movement, pulling out once Lucas’ sac had slapped against his then pressing in, again. They kept their pace slow, wanting to build her up gently. Keep her poised on the edge until she had no choice but to fall.
“Now.” Her voice rasped around them, the gravelly tone calling to his bear. “Harder. Just…give me more.”
Lucas lowered his head at her plea, his bear rising closer to the surface. It roared its agreement, filling his head with images of her climaxing around them. He gritted his teeth, managing one more slow drag of his cock before he relinquished control.
“Yes!”
The single word hissed free as she pushed onto her hands, her nails biting into Cullen’s shoulders. He palmed her ribs, holding her steady, still thrusting into her from below. Hollis chanted their names, rolling her head from side to side until her breath stalled and she arched. Lucas froze, on the verge of spilling into her, when she shouted her release, the steady contractions along his cock sending him over.
He lowered his head, thrusting into her quivering channel until the world dimmed around him, and he came, emptying hot and wet inside her. He felt Cullen push into her several more times before his mate shouted her name, levering up until she was trapped between them. He mouthed one side, mentally telling Lucas to mark the other. Twin heartbeats pulsed in his head as he settled his lips against her skin, tasting her flesh as he sank into her shoulder.
His grizzly snorted, pacing a few times then easing, finally content both its mates were just as committed. Lucas mentally told the animal he’d known that already, but it merely grunted, allowing him to focus on Hollis and Cullen. Cullen had his arms wrapped around both of them, his chin resting on Hollis’ shoulder. She felt boneless between them, the steady rustle of breath suggesting she’d passed out.
Lucas managed to raise his head, despite the desire to simply fall onto the bed, still entwined. “Cullen.”
The man scrunched his nose, finally peering at Lucas through one eye. “I know, but…stay here. With us. Just for a while longer. Then, we’ll clean up our girl and tuck her into bed for an hour. After that, we’ll insist she eat something before we survey the last of the line. But for the next five minutes, don’t move. Don’t think. Just hold us and breathe.”
Lucas smiled, once again relaxing against Hollis. Hell, he’d give them as much time as they needed—stay wrapped in their embrace for hours. Then, he’d watch Cullen’s back before seeing them all safely home to Devil’s Gate. But Lucas wasn’t going to stay for long. He was done waiting for Buford to make a move. Once this trip was over, Lucas was taking the battle to him. It was time the bastard met Lucas’ other half. And his grizzly wasn’t in the mood for talking.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TW0
“You’re back.”
Hollis jumped, placing her hand on her chest as she glanced up from capping the last of her salves, looking at the man standing in the doorway. Her heart thrashed against her palm, and she had to crush the curse threatening to burst free. “Joseph.”
The reverend stared at her, hat clenched in his hands, eyes dark. He took a single step inside the clinic, the door still open behind him. “I wasn’t sure if you’d stay out another night.”
“Cullen wanted to inventory the bridge supplies. He thinks some of the trestlework might need to be reinforced.”
He nodded at the jars in front of her. “I assume your trip was a success.”
“Yes. I just finished making the last of the liniments. I should have enough to get through the winter, now. And most of my other supplies arrived on the train an hour ago. I’ve been busy putting everything away. Which reminds me, I didn’t have a chance to thank you for watching over the clinic for me.”
He shrugged one shoulder. “It was quiet. Caleb closed the saloon early, so the men didn’t get too violent. Guess he was worried Sheriff Quinn wouldn’t be pleased if you came back to a room full of patients.” His lips quirked. “Quinn seems to be very concerned about your…well-being. As does James.”
She didn’t miss the veiled undertone. “They’re simply worried about completing the spur before the snows set in. Fewer healthy men means the railroad might not get finished.”
Joseph snorted. “Right, it’s all about finishin’ the line.”
Hollis frowned. “Are you okay? You seem…upset.”
He flashed her a forced smile. “Perfectly well.” He backed up, shoving his hat into place. “I just wanted to make sure you were here before I headed up the line to gather a few of my own supplies.”
He nodded then left, his footfalls quickly fading. She stared at the closed door, wondering if she’d imagined the entire conversation, only to push the thoughts aside. It was mostly likely just fatigue—seeing a reaction when there hadn’t been one. All she needed to do was get more sleep.
She laughed at the thought. There was little chance of catching up on sleep before the railroad was finished. Not with the endless string of patients, and her seemingly endless desire to touch and taste her mates. Even now, her body ached for them, a few sporadic cramps tensing her abdomen.
Hollis groaned inwardly, raking her hand through her hair as she leaned against the counter. Now wasn’t the time to be thinking about loving Cullen and Lucas. Running her fingers and tongue all over their plated muscles—taking their shafts deep to the back of her throat. She needed to be ready if a patient walked through the door, not oblivious to everything except the heat slowly coiling in her abdomen.
As if on cue, the door opened, swirling cold air through the room. The temperature had dropped significantly after the storm, and it smelled as if the first snowfall was on its way. Hollis twisted, mentally preparing herself for whatever injury awaited her, only to inhale roughly when Lucas stepped into the clinic, closing the door firmly behind him.
She grinned, not giving him a chance to say anything before covering the short distance between them and taking his mouth with hers. He stiffened in surprise then chuckled into the kiss, instantly taking control as he smoothed one hand down to rest on her ass, tugging her even closer. She moved with him when he tilted her head back, deepening the kiss before easing away and nipping a line along her neck. Burning need followed each brush of his lips and teeth, simmering beneath the marks he’d left on her shoulder.
Lucas hummed, biting at the muscle through her shirt. “God, darlin’. I’m not sure what motivated you to launch into my arms, but I approve of your tactics. So much so, I’ll be expecting that kind of welcome every time I come through the door from now on.” He nuzzled her neck. “What I wouldn’t give to reassert my claim. Right here. Right now.”
She couldn’t quite crush the moan that rumbled through her chest as her nipples beaded into achingly hard points beneath her camisole. “Lucas.”
He chuckled, again. “I should probably be worried about how much power you have o
ver me with nothing more than my name. Cullen never affected me quite this much.”
“Thinkin’ that’s all changed now that you two have finally fully bonded.”
“Wench. Must you always be right?”
“I have to be when it’s two against one.”
“Just me here, darlin’. And I believe we already promised to take turns siding with you.” He smiled then frowned as he inhaled. His gaze swept down her body, then back up. “Hollis? Are you okay?”
Her muscles cramped, again, at his words. “Fine.”
He tsked, releasing one hand to tap his forehead. “Mated. And the connection has only grown stronger since this morning. That means I know when you’re lyin’ to me. You’re in pain, again, aren’t you?”
She sighed, trusting him to bridge her weight as she relaxed in his arms. “It’s not bad. Just the odd cramp.”
“What I sense is more than a cramp.” He glanced around the clinic, focusing on the adjoining bedroom. “Does that door lock?”
“I think so…”
Her voice trailed into a gasp as he lifted her up and quickly walked across the room, closing the bedroom door behind them. He reached for the bolt, sliding it over before turning and pressing her against the wall. He didn’t talk, capturing her lips in a brutal kiss as he removed her belt, laying it on a small table off to her right before working on the buttons of her pants. She moaned when they hit the floor, the cool air beading her flesh with goosebumps.
He growled, skimming his fingertips up her thighs, making small circles over her hips. “You need to come to us before the pain starts.”
She moistened her lips, still trying to play catch up. “Then, I’d never leave your bed because the ache returns the moment you both leave.”
Lucas pursed his lips, leaning in to rest his forehead on hers. “The burning need should eventually ease.”
“I thought this morning was supposed to speed that along.”
He paused, catching her gaze. Red flashed in his eyes then darkened into a deep blue. “Once wasn’t nearly enough.”
He nipped at her neck, unbuttoning her shirt enough to expose her shoulder. He latched onto her muscle, sucking at her skin as he dropped his pants, nudging her sex with his shaft. She rasped his name, moving her thigh to his hip when he palmed her flesh. The position sank the first inch of his cock inside her pussy. She squeezed her internal muscles, trying to draw him farther inside her, when he growled and punched his hips forward, burying himself balls deep.
Hollis latched onto his shoulder, muffling her cries as he pounded into her, no semblance of control evident in the way he knocked her against the rough wood with every stroke. Fire burned beneath her flesh, dimming her vision at the edges. She held on, doing her best to meet each punishing stroke as the urgent feeling in her stomach expanded, threatening to pull her under. She managed to hold her release at bay for a few more minutes before his next deep thrust shattered her defenses, and she broke, flooding his cock with her climax.
“Fuck, yes, Hollis.”
Lucas dropped his mouth to her shoulder, again, sinking his teeth into her muscle as he jerked against her, emptying in a series of spurts. She crested, again, barely crushing her scream against his clothing as the room dissolved, his harsh breathing the only sound registering around her. She tightened her hold, wanting to stay wrapped in his arms until Cullen returned and they could do it all over again, only together.
Lucas lifted his head, softly taking her lips in his. The gentle contact clenched her chest, and she knew she’d never be the same. Never see her life, her future, without them in it. That they’d somehow broken her down, and the only way to rebuild herself was with them.
Tears stung her eyes as she held Lucas close, content just to breathe him in. She’d never felt so raw. As if they’d striped her bare and exposed far more than just skin. That they’d revealed the heart she thought she’d buried with her mother. A riot of emotions roiled through her, all culminating into a singular thought…
Mine.
Lucas sighed, dropping a kiss on her forehead then easing back. He tilted his head down, waiting until she made eye contact before giving her a brilliant smile. “Always. And you’re ours. Until our dyin’ breath, though I have a feeling even that won’t be enough to drag us away. I’m afraid you’re good and rightly stuck with us.”
She tiptoed up, planting a soft peck on his nose. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” She thumbed his jaw. “You know I love you and Cullen, right? That nothing and no one could ever change how I feel. I realize I’m a bit late to the game compared to you two, but—”
He captured her mouth, swallowing her last few words. He traced every inch, delving in for another round before seemingly being satisfied. His breath caressed her jaw as he stayed dangerously close. “Despite the fact I feel your love for us inside my chest, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing you say the words. What it does to me…” He grinned. “And I can assure you, Cullen’s even more worked up over it.” He shrugged. “It’s his Kodiak. It tends to get dramatic.”
“Then, I’ll have to make a point of saying it more often.” She swatted his shoulder at his smug smile. “But don’t think I’ll be wallowin’ in this sappy stuff long.”
“I’m sure you’ll be back to threatening to shoot our asses quicker than we’d like. Though seeing you tied in knots is pretty damn intoxicating.”
“Wasn’t me who pinned me to the wall.”
He laughed. “Guilty as charged. And now that I’ve taken the edge off…” He signaled her to wait for a moment as he darted over to the pitcher and basin by her bed. He poured some water in the bowl, rinsing himself off then wetting a cloth for her. While she realized he was just trying to clean her, she couldn’t deny that every swirl of his hand over her flesh made the temperature rise around her.
Lucas tsked, tossing the cloth onto the small table. “Now, darlin’. You keep reacting like that, and I’ll have to clean you, again.”
She stuck her tongue out at him. “I’ve pretty much resigned myself to the fact I won’t be dry before you two finish this spur, but I suppose I can dream. Though simply lookin’ at you…”
Lucas groaned, once again trapping her against the wall. “Have mercy. Do you know how difficult it is to walk around when I’m so hard I can barely think straight?” He shook his head. “Besides, you need to rest.” He held up his finger, silencing her protest. “Even for just an hour or two while there’s nobody knocking on your door. You’ve barely slept since you got here. And Cullen and I have only added to you fatigue, even if it was for the best possible reasons.”
“I wouldn’t say having to stitch him up was all that great, but what came after was definitely worth losing sleep over.”
“Which is why you’re going to get some, now.” He nudged her. “Please.”
She glanced at the closed door.
He grabbed her hands, leading her to the bed. “I’ll personally stand guard, and I promise to wake you if you’re needed. But until then…” He kissed her forehead after he’d removed her boots and tucked her under a blanket. “With any luck, I’ll send Cullen in to get you. Perhaps you two can find a way to get dirty, again, before we draw you a proper bath.”
“And give up dunkin’ in a rain barrel in the middle of the night?”
“Wench. Sleep. I’ll be close. Promise.”
She nodded, half convinced she wouldn’t do more than stare at the ceiling, only to rouse a bit later as voices sounded in the other room. She listened for a moment, still sleep-dazed when she heard Cullen’s name. The room tilted a bit as she swung her legs over the edge, the cold floor chasing away some of her grogginess. It took a couple of tries to tug on her boots before she made her way to the door.
Fatigue burned along her muscles. She never should have agreed to nap. It had only made her feel worse—tease her body with a hint of what it needed. Though since getting several hours of sleep in a row seemed unlikely, she’d just have to adapt.
She sighed as she entered the main area, frowning as Lucas paced the length of the room, hands fisted at his sides. Reverend Miller stood near the entrance, hat clenched in his grasp. The man seemed more than a bit nervous, his gaze darting between Lucas and the slightly open door to his left. Lucas must have sensed her presence. He glanced over at her, stopping mid-stride. Love lit up his eyes, followed closely by concern.
Hollis joined them in the main room, nodding at Joseph. “What’s wrong?”
Lucas steeled his expression. “What makes you think something is wrong?”
She merely hitched out her hip as she arched a brow.
“The crew’s in trouble.” Joseph stomped forward. “But Quinn isn’t sure if he should ride out there or not.”
Hollis swung her gaze to Lucas.
He huffed out a rough breath. “Reverend Miller says he saw several men ride past him towards where Cullen is working, while he was gathering some wood to carve crosses out of. But he never actually saw them attack the crew or heard any gunfire.”
“I know Buford’s gang when I see them, Quinn. We both know they weren’t heading that way to talk.”
“All I’m saying is that I only have a fraction of information to go on.” He held up his hand. “And before anyone says anything, I’d like to point out that it’s not a simple dilemma.”
“If Cullen’s in danger…” She stepped closer to him. “There’s only one answer.”
“That’s not what I mean.” He raked a hand through his hair. “Set aside the fact I’m not sensing anything that suggests he’s in danger—”
“You’re not what?” Joseph arched a brow. “How would you know if he’s in danger when he’s miles away?”
“That’s not the point.” Lucas stared at her. “Cullen’s not the only one I feel the need to protect.”
Her chest tightened at the pained look in his face. “I’m fine.”
