A Christmas to Remember

by Trinity Blacio

  The door opened slowly, Bo stepped in behind her. “I’m sorry. I’ve never done that in my life. There is no excuse, but the thought of that madman even close to you…” Tears slid down his face. “You are my world, Little Wolf. Every day I rise and look at you, wondering how I was so lucky to find you.”

  “Bo, stop, you didn’t hurt me. I think inside you knew not to go past that point.” She turned and looked up at him. “I haven’t slept well and with all the stress we’ve been under it’s no wonder we both didn’t snap.” Shelly reached up and cupped his cheek. “I’m going to bed. Are you coming?” She stepped away from him and stopped to see Buck, Argo, and White Eagle at the door.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were still here.” She looked back at Bo, not knowing what was going on.

  Chapter Six

  Her tired and haunted eyes turned to him, questioning. Again he wanted to kick himself in the ass. He had seen the pictures in her mind and at once had been at the door. He scooped her up in his arms. “Let’s get you into bed.”

  At least she didn’t flinch when he picked her up. It had taken him weeks to work through the shell that man had left behind and in one move of anger, he brought back her nightmares.

  They stepped into the bedroom and she gasped. The room and bed were twice as big. Shelly looked up at him as Argo flipped back the covers of the bed and turned, holding out his arms.

  “Wait on those questions.” Bo said and placed her into Argo’s arms while he slid into bed and held out his hands. Taking hold of her, Bo tucked her small body against his.

  “Until these three meet their mates, they will be living with us, Shelly. Even then they will still live with us, but have separate rooms. They have a room now here with us and tomorrow they will bring their belongings here. It’s up to them if they want to sleep with us.” He pulled up the covers as the three of them stripped out of their clothes and joined them in the bed.

  “Um, okay. Can we talk tomorrow?” she mumbled and snuggled against him. Her eyes drooped as he stared down at her.

  Argo snorted next to him. “She’s out of it.”

  He rested his head on his pillow. “I screwed up tonight. She’ll have nightmares and I’ve set them off. I haven’t done anything this stupid in ages.”

  Next to him Argo lay on his side, staring at her sleeping form. “She’s been abused in the past. Who do we hunt?” A man of simple words. Argo reached over and ran his finger down her arm.

  “Her brothers took care of him before all of this started, but sometimes things trigger it. When I first saw her she was healing from what that thing did to her. Our Little Wolf might act tough, but under all that she’s scared and afraid to do anything wrong.” He turned his attention to Buck.

  “Tomorrow we’re going to the orphan house. There is a little girl who my woman has grown attached to and I need you to do the background on her. I don’t want us all to get attached and have someone yank this child from us if there is a chance her parents or someone is still around for her. You’ll accompany us and you can also deal with the other problem at the house.”

  His third nodded. “It will be done, but you know that Trent has opened the door for others. This isn’t going to stop until the last person challenges you.” Buck lay at the end of the bed, his hand caressing Shelly’s leg.

  “I’m well aware of this. It’s another reason I need you three. I wouldn’t have asked you to join our family otherwise. Over the last three weeks, each of you had time around Little Wolf and my cat tolerated it. Even now, he doesn’t want to tear you apart. You are part of my family. We will announce the Reticulon tomorrow at the den house during breakfast.” He closed his eyes.

  “White Eagle, when I make the announcement, you will be watching and taking note to see who might take the opportunity to challenge me in this week’s time, because that is when the challenges come. Once the circle is closed no one will be able to do anything.”

  “Another reason to have one of us with her at all times. They’ll be looking to take her out,” Argo snarled and Bo grinned.

  Already Argo had started to form that bond with his Little Wolf. He knew the two of them would be the closest. “Sleep now. We have a big day tomorrow.”

  * * * *

  Something wasn’t right. Bo sat up in bed and looked around. His Little Wolf was not in bed with them. Next to him, Argo sat up instantly, scanning the room for a threat.

  “Where’s Shelly? It’s early!” White Eagle slipped out of the bed. He lifted his nose to the air. “She’s still in the house. Would you mind if I go to her?” he asked.

  “Go. I’ll hop in the shower since I know there will be no going back to sleep once she is up. Tread lightly. She’s still working on accepting all of this.” He stretched as soon as he got out of the bed. “I can hear her working it through her mind.” Bo sighed. “I’ll be out in a few. She thinks it’s cheating on me. She does not understand.”

  A quick shower was in order. The sooner his Little Wolf realized it wasn’t cheating, the better. He stepped into the shower and turned on the hot water. The soothing pounding of the water on his back had him closing his eyes, until he heard the curtain open and Shelly stepped in.

  “Can I join you?” Her voice was a mere whisper with uncertainty.

  “Little Wolf.” Bo slid his hands around her waist and pulled her to him, hugging her tight. “You need to stop this line of thinking. You have not failed me, baby.” He leaned back and lifted her chin up with his finger.

  “The Reticulon is just another part of our world. You are still my mate, my wife. Nothing or no one will ever change that. Argo, White Eagle, and Buck are now members of our family, that is all. They will love you and protect you. Look at Jaycee and the other women. They have other men, this is like this, but there is no mating. They are here because they want to be part of our lives and I want them in our lives for you and for me.”

  Her eyes filled with tears. “But did I—” He slapped her wet butt, stopping her words.

  “Enough, Little Wolf, you did nothing wrong, but you are making me very angry with all this self-doubt. I would tell you if something was wrong. I won’t hide anything from you. Do you trust me?”

  She nodded her head and hugged him tight. “With my life, Bo. I’m sorry I’m so insecure. I’ll try to work on it.”

  “Shelly, after what you’ve been through it’s normal, but you can’t let it take over your life, this self-doubt. Now, down on your knees, woman, and suck my cock. You left the bed before I could have my morning taste of you.” He grabbed a handful of her hair and jerked her head back.

  “Don’t do it again. When I wake up I want my woman next to me. You scared the shit out of all us.” He lowered his head and gave her a hard, quick kiss. “Now, down.”

  Her grin and the flash of heat in her eyes had him moaning, as she kissed a path down his body. “Hmm, my lollipop.” She licked from his balls to the tip of his cock before taking him into her mouth.

  “That’s it, my Little Wolf, suck me till I come in your mouth.” Bo knew it wouldn’t take him long in her hot mouth. That was the only reason he ordered her down. Bo knew her knees were very sensitive and Shelly could not handle being on them long without pain.

  “That’s it, baby, take it as far as you can,” he said, pumping in and out of her mouth. Her other hand cupped his balls, squeezing them. “I’m going to come!” he snarled and pumped twice more into her mouth before he released his seed down her throat.

  “God, Shelly, your little mouth is dangerous.” Bo caught his breath and helped her up. “I love you, baby. Never, never forget that,” he whispered before covering her mouth in a tender kiss. Bo would never get enough of her kisses, their tongues mating in a sensual game of touching and seeking.

  With regret, Bo lifted his head and smiled. “We need to clean up and get r
eady. We’re going to have breakfast with the pack. I want the announcement made this morning.” She stiffened, but nodded.

  He didn’t say any more while they quickly washed each other and stepped out of the shower. Argo was there with a large towel.

  “Come on, let’s get you dressed.” He laughed when she squealed.

  Wrapping the towel around her, Argo scooped her up over his shoulder and squeezed her ass cheek. “Bo was right. You have the cutest little ass.”

  “Damn it, Argo, put me down,” she cried and Bo heard the slap from the bathroom.

  “Hush, we’re going to help you get dressed,” Argo said and Bo had to watch this.

  Sure enough, White Eagle held her blouse. “You will wear no bra. As your mate has stated, he will want constant access to your beautiful body, as we will.” White Eagle leaned down and sucked on her nipple before standing up. “And no, we won’t sink our cocks into you until the Reticulon. Even after that, Shelly, Bo is your mate. We won’t take you unless he is okay with it. We will protect you with our lives, love you as if you were our own, and respect you as our queen. That is our promise.” The three of them recited to her the last part at the same time.

  Her lip started to quiver and her gaze jumped to his. “I told you,” Bo said, waiting. The next move was hers.

  * * * *

  Not one for wanting attention drawn to her, Shelly stood in her bedroom with four pair of eyes on her. As the three of Bo’s men recited their pledge to her, she took in each man. There was no doubt that each one was turned on by her. Each one packed a hard on that was impressive, but what got to her heart was the intense emotions swarming her.

  There was no doubt these men would do all that they promised. Each one could easily be Alpha of their den, but they chose to stand behind her man. She kneeled and bowed her head. “You honor me and now I honor you.” She looked up and grinned. “But I can’t promise to be good all the time, as our Alpha can testify.”

  Her mate laughed and stepped up to her, his hand out. “Get up, Little Wolf. I know your knees are hurting.” She placed her hand into his and stood.

  “I’m very proud of you, Shelly. Gentlemen, get our woman dressed. We have a breakfast to attend.” He kissed the side of her cheek before stepping back into the bathroom where his clothes were.

  Three pair of hands touched and caressed her until she was burning up. “I can’t go into breakfast like this…” She pouted as they stepped away from her.

  She had on a skirt that slit up each side, a white see-through blouse, and no undergarments. Even her feet were bare and she looked down at her toes. “I need Bo.” She hated admitting it, but she knew he wanted her to ask for it.

  Bo knelt in front of her and tapped her leg. She placed her foot into his hand, where he slipped on a pair of satin slippers. “We’ll always take care of you, but for this to work the others need to see that Argo, White Eagle, and Buck are now yours also. Do you understand?”

  After slipping on the other slipper, Bo stood and wrapped his arm around her. “You want them to see how I respond to their touch, that I accepted them?” she asked.

  “Yes and I promise soon we’ll take care of you, but we have business to take care of first.” Argo walked in front of them, while Buck and White Eagle covered their flank as they made their way to the den house.

  The whole way there, Bo’s arm was around her waist, never leaving it. He had slipped his thumb under her shirt and was caressing her skin. She knew he did it to keep her sexually frustrated as just a small touch from him sent her blood boiling.

  “I’d like to have a little Christmas gathering on the twenty-fifth. I know we all agreed to wait till this thing was over, but I want to have a private dinner for us.” She looked over her shoulder at Buck and White Eagle. “All of us, our parents, and maybe Anna? I wanted to set up a dinner for your den, but…never mind.”

  In front of her Argo stopped and turned to them, making them stop. “Someone told you no, didn’t they?”

  “It’s nothing, Argo. I can do a smaller one with just family. I even have all the decorations. I had Remi bring them to me. Jaycee and I split them up.” She laughed. “I can’t wait to show you some of them. We can start our own personal tradition.”

  A flash of anger sparked in Bo’s eyes before he could hide it from her. “First, I think that would be a wonderful idea for the pack and you’ll have three days. We’ll have the Reticulon later that night after the little ones go to bed. As for a personal one, I like that idea too, but before you get your hopes up about the little girl, Anna, Buck is going to make sure she has no relatives alive.” He cupped her face. “I don’t want to bring her into our home and have her ripped away from you. It would be too much.” He looked at Buck. “How much time do you think you’ll need?”

  “I’ll take the file from the orphan home and go from there. I’ll talk with Nikola. He would be able to tell if there is any family here at least. I’d say a day?” Buck looked from Bo to Shelly. “Can you wait that long?”

  She nodded. “If it means I get my little girl I can wait, but I am worried about her protection. They already know I’m in love with her. What if they hurt her to get to me?”

  “We need someone in the home we trust and who can protect not just Anna, but all the children.” Bo looked at White Eagle. “Any thoughts?”

  “I have the perfect couple: the Whitefields. They lost their son and daughter. It would give them something to keep them busy and maybe heal the hurt. They are both very loyal to you and Shelly. He’s a former Marine also.”

  “Good! Call on them after breakfast. I want them there today. Order a few of our trusted men to help them move. They now have a new home if they accept.” Bo looked down at his wife. “Is that okay with you?”

  She smiled. “That is perfect. I love the Whitefields. She has gone out of her way to make feel welcome even in her grief. Thank you,White Eagle.”

  “You still haven’t answered my question.” Argo stepped close to them and looked down at her, waiting.

  “I can tell you are going to be a pain in my ass,” she snarled.

  “Damn right I am.” He wiggled his eyebrows as his hand slipped in the slit of her skirt and cupped her cheek. “Now, spill.”

  “The assembly said there wasn’t enough time and that I didn’t have any help setting it up, and they were right. I only know a few that would help if asked. So they were right.” Shelly waited for him to remove his hand, but instead he leaned down inches from her face.

  “We’ll see.” Argo slid his fingers down the crack of her ass to her pussy, where he plunged them inside her, causing her to grab onto Bo.

  “What are you doing?” She tried to get away, but Bo held her still.

  “Spread your legs, Little Wolf, and let him have a taste,” Bo whispered into her ear as Argo slid his fingers in and out of her, waiting.

  If it weren’t for Bo holding her up, she would have fallen flat on her face. Shelly did as he asked and Argo smiled. “Perfect.” He brushed his thumb against her clit, sending a shiver down her spine. “Please.”

  “Perfect. She’s flushed and ready,” Argo said as he pulled his fingers out and licked them.

  “Damn it, you can’t leave me hanging again…” That is when she noticed how close they were to the den house. There were even people watching.

  Her face heated and she glared at Argo. “Let’s go.”

  “There is no reason to be mad. These people are going to watch while we all take you, Little Wolf. I’ll be in that quivering pussy while each one of them will fuck that cute ass,” Bo whispered in her ear as he swatted her ass. “Now let’s go. You need to eat.”

  Once more Bo wrapped his arm around her and encouraged her forward. “I don’t want you to say anything when we get in there, unless we ask you a question. Argo, do not leave
her side if I’m pulled away. Once we inform the group, word is going to spread. White Eagle, you get to the Whitefields when we get in there and inform them of the situation, then get back to us. Buck, you will get Little Wolf a plate.”

  The doors opened and all heads turned to them as they stepped into the gym-cafeteria. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this,” she mumbled and at once Bo pulled her closer to his body and led her to the front table.

  On cue, White Eagle left them to find the couple and Buck went for the food line, while Argo and Bo moved her to the table. She stepped up onto the platform where their table was, but stopped when someone stepped in front of her, almost knocking her back.

  If it wasn’t for Bo’s arm around her she would have fallen back. Argo shoved the man back and snarled. “You touched the queen. Why shouldn’t I kill you where you stand?”

  The guy straightened and sneered. “She is no queen. She’s a mutt and does not deserve to be up here.”

  Chapter Seven

  At once, Argo shifted and was at the man’s throat. The large leopard snarled, holding the man down as Bo stepped forward. “I could have accepted a challenge, but an insult to my mate, I won’t tolerate.” Shelly looked up at Bo.

  “Can I make a suggestion?” Shelly asked, not knowing if it was her right to speak up or not. He turned his gaze on her the anger still in his eyes, but he smiled and nodded.

  “I’d like his help to set up the gathering in two days. Maybe working beside me will help? This way others can get to know me also?” She shrugged. “It’s up to you, though.”

  Leaning down, Bo kissed the top of her head. “An excellent idea. Argo, help the man up.” Bo turned as Argo shifted and helped the man up. “You are very lucky I’m in a good mood. For the next week, Carl, you will be working with my wife and one of us. I know you’ve been waiting for placement. From now on, if this week goes accordingly you will work with my mate. She has many duties and needs help with them. If you want, you can bring your wife along also. Be at our home this afternoon around four.”