by Crissy Smith
“What are you saying, Trent?”
“Even though I don’t deserve you, I can’t let you go now I’ve had you again.”
“I don’t want you to,” she said. Melissa tucked her knees under her then climbed up and straddled his waist. He placed his hands on her hips to hold her steady.
“I’m still in love with you,” he confessed.
She gasped.
Finally, he raised his gaze to meet hers.
“I never stopped loving you,” she told him.
He yanked her forward and took her lips in a passionate, almost desperate, kiss. Complete elation filled him. Not only did Melissa still have feelings for him, she was willing to forgive him. It didn’t matter if it took the rest of his life, he was going to make up for his behavior.
Trent couldn’t help the need to touch her. He ran his hands up and down her back as she leaned against him. Her breasts pressed against his chest while she wiggled around.
“I want you again,” she whispered against his lips.
He cupped her ass. “I was rough last night. Your body is still healing.” If there was a way he could change her into a shifter so she’d benefit from their special DNA, he would. Sadly, there wasn’t a way to change humans into shifters. Only being born a shifter was possible.
“Please, Trent,” she said. “I’m fine and I need you.”
“I need you, too,” he confessed. He might be a bastard, but he couldn’t resist her.
She reached around to grasp his cock. He pushed up through her hand. “I’m going to ride you this time,” she said.
He groaned. That sounded good to him. Trent nodded before laying his head back on the pillow. This was her show, and he was going to enjoy.
Melissa beamed at him before stroking his cock again. It was hard to keep from thrusting, but he managed. She laughed before releasing him then arched her back, which pushed her chest out. Melissa cupped her full breasts while getting onto her knees. As she thumbed her nipples, Trent realized it was going to be a lot harder to allow Melissa to have her way and not touch. She raised an eyebrow, a clear challenge, and he was certain she knew he was struggling.
“You’re teasing me?”
She nodded. “I finally have you right where I want you,” she said. “So you’re going to lie back and let me be in control.”
Trent squeezed his eyes closed, calling on his control before he nodded. If she wanted to torture him, Trent would have to push her to give him what he wanted. He reopened his eyes and smiled. “I’m ready.”
Melissa pressed her lips together, showing her suspicion before leaning down to kiss him. She used her tongue and teeth, nibbling and biting. He had to clench his fists to stop himself from grabbing at the back of her neck. Instead, he allowed himself to melt. Her arousal was sweet and made his cock grow even harder. He lifted her hips so his erection was brushing against her.
She broke the kiss then leaned back. “Something you want?”
“You know what I need,” he responded.
“I do.” She bent over him, this time placing her nipple next to his mouth.
Trent kissed then sucked on the hard nub, enjoying the way she clutched at his shoulders. She always loved his mouth. Once it was time for him to be in control, he’d worship her with his tongue for hours.
She gasped and pulled away to peer down at him. “You play dirty.”
“I’ll show you dirty.” Fuck, he wanted to flip her onto her back and bury his cock deep.
Melissa laughed. “I hope you do.” She reached back and grasped his shaft again. “But first, I’m going to use you like I’ve been dreaming about for years.”
Trent clenched his teeth as Melissa positioned herself. She gazed at him while lowering down, taking his cock inside her tight pussy.
“Jesus Christ!” he shouted. Trent shook with the need to thrust up. She was torturing him with her slow pace.
Melissa dug her nails into his pecs. She threw her head back as she moaned in pleasure.
She was so beautiful. Trent watched her, refusing to take his gaze off her. She was like a goddess lost in the passion of their bodies coming together. Finally, she took him all the way in.
“Touch me,” she whispered.
Thank God. Trent leaned up so he could kiss along her collarbone to her soft neck. As he used his lips, he also ran his palms over her ass and lifted her. Trent pulled out slightly before pushing back up.
Melissa sighed, the soft sound barely leaving her lips.
He repeated the action, allowing her to enjoy the rocking movement. He kept his pace slow, enjoying the way her inner muscles tried to keep his cock buried.
“More,” she demanded. Melissa pushed on his chest until he was flat against the mattress again. She dug her knees into the bed and raised herself to ride him, hard and fast.
Trent’s body tingled like he’d been electrocuted. He grunted as his slick palms slid against her hips. Melissa’s pace sped up more. It wasn’t going to take long for him to completely lose it.
“Yes!” she cried out.
“Yes,” he repeated. Trent grabbed her thighs and began to plunge up. He met each stroke with an enthusiastic thrust.
They raced toward their own climaxes, urging each other on with words and sounds. The end was coming too fast. She bit at his shoulder just as she convulsed. Her pussy clamped down so hard he shouted as he continued to drive into her.
He held Melissa against his chest, chasing his own orgasm. He thrust, withdrew, striving to claim her.
Melissa turned her head, kissing him deeply.
Trent sucked on her tongue while he started to come. He filled her pussy. He knew even after she showered, she’d still smell like him.
The primal animal part of him wanted to howl.
He threw his head back and yelled as the final bursts of his seed claimed her. Trent let his hips fall back to the mattress and closed his eyes. He was tired again. But this time, it was a sated and happy, body exhausted and heart full, kind of tired.
“Wow,” she whispered.
He chuckled. “We could stay here forever.”
“We’ll need to eat eventually.”
Trent grunted. At the moment, he didn’t care about anything but her. Melissa pulled up and his half-hard cock slipped from her body. Trent reached over and tugged her against his side.
She rested her head on his shoulder, just the way she’d lain when they’d woken up. He pressed a kiss to her forehead before he ran his fingers though her hair.
They needed to shower and get some food. Then find the others and call the sheriff. There was a full day ahead of them.
Someone pounded on his door.
Melissa started to laugh. “At least they waited until we finished.”
He groaned. These were shifters and could hear pretty much through the whole building, even with them taking extra steps and putting in soundproofing.
The pounding came again.
“What do you want, Calvin?” Trent yelled. He could smell the panther though the door.
“You have about twenty minutes before the sheriff and his deputies will be here. They need to talk to you both,” Calvin hollered.
Melissa stiffened. “Do you think something else happened?”
It had to have. After what he and Melissa had gone though that morning, the sheriff wouldn’t bother them unless it was something important.
“We’ll be out in a minute,” Trent shouted. He turned to Melissa. “We should hurry.”
“Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”
“I think so,” Trent admitted. He rolled off the mattress before offering her his hand. “If we shower together, we’ll save time.”
She snorted. “Really?”
“Okay,” Trent said. “I want to touch you again. This might be my last chance for a while.”
She frowned. “I hate this. These people have no reason to attack us.”
“Humans don’t need a reason.” He regretted the words as soon as he s
poke.
Melissa jerked back.
“Shit!” He grabbed her hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.”
She blew out a breath. “You did. But I can’t really argue with you. I haven’t seen the best of human nature lately.”
He’d fucked up. “I have.” Trent pulled her close. “You.”
“Me?” She laughed.
“You came here to help people you don’t even know,” he said. “You’ve proven you’ll stand for the shifters of this town. You showed me there are still humans out there who care.”
“I’ll always be human,” she said, her words quiet. “Will the people in this town ever accept me? How about you? In five years, are you still going to be okay with the fact that I’m human?”
“I have to be,” he told her. “I meant it when I said I was still in love with you. Whatever it takes, we’ll work this out. I’m going to screw up.” Trent chuckled. “Probably a lot, actually. But I trust you to call me on my bullshit.”
Melissa grinned. “I can guarantee it.”
“Good.” He kissed her cheek. “Let’s shower. We don’t want Annabelle coming to get us. She’d probably try to climb in the shower with us.”
* * * *
Melissa’s stomach was in knots as Trent led her into what he called the family dining room. This back part of the bar was newer and homier than where she’d previously been. Melissa had been picturing a rough version of an old house. Instead the wood floors gleamed, the décor was modern and classy and the entire place felt secure.
This was Trent’s home, so she should have known better. Still, she was surprised.
Trent held her hand as they stepped into the room where everyone else had already gathered. Even Magnus had arrived.
“Hey!” Annabelle was the first one to spot them. She jumped up and rushed over to Melissa’s side. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay,” Melissa was quick to assure her.
Annabelle narrowed her eyes. “Really?”
She nodded. “My arm’s a little sore, but it isn’t too bad.” Melissa looked over at Trent. “Trent’s been taking good care of me.”
Annabelle beamed. “I knew as soon as he got his head out of his ass he’d do the right thing.”
“Hey,” Trent complained. He released Melissa so he could push Annabelle toward Logan. “What did I tell you about her needing a leash?”
Logan tried to smile, but it was obvious it took effort.
Trent must have noticed, as well. “So, what’s going on?”
Mac gestured for them to sit at the table.
Trent ran his hand over her shoulder before placing his palm against her lower back, urging her forward. She sat next to Annabelle, leaving Trent to take the seat on her right.
Annabelle was pouring them cups of coffee as everyone else settled back down. “You need to eat,” Annabelle said. She motioned to another woman to bring over plates.
Melissa wanted to protest. The knowledge that something was wrong took her appetite.
“Don’t argue,” Annabelle warned. “You’re going to need your strength. We all are.” She sounded upset. It was Logan who reached for her, though.
“What?” Trent barked.
“About an hour ago, I stopped by Deputy Garcia’s house. I tried calling him and he’d not been answering. I decided to check on him. He was on call last night at the office, so he knew what was going on. I hoped he was merely sleeping after the long night shift,” Magnus said. His hands shook as badly as his voice.
“He wasn’t asleep,” Trent guessed.
“It appears he was ambushed as he walked in his front door. I smelt four humans,” Magnus said. “He never stood a chance.”
Melissa swallowed hard and put her hand over her mouth.
She might have been new to the town, but she’d worked with James Garcia. He’d told her on her first day he liked working the night shift because nothing ever happened and he could sit at the station by himself and play solitaire on his computer. He’d been the oldest of them, including Magnus. He’d also been out of shape with a beer gut and receding hairline. He’d liked apples and sunflower seeds.
Tears filled her eyes.
He’d told old stupid jokes and never smiled. Melissa had really liked him.
Annabelle gasped out a sob before Logan pulled her against his chest.
Trent wrapped his arm around Melissa’s shoulder as everyone else sat in silence.
“They killed a deputy,” Mac said. “There is no turning back now. All their previous attempts had been unorganized and sloppy. But the attacks on Melissa and James were coordinated.”
“I’ve issued a curfew for the town. No one is to be out after dark. I’d prefer if everyone stayed inside during the day, as well. If they can’t leave town, they’re to check in with us,” Magnus announced.
“I have Fredrick downstairs working with Carter to track all our residents. I want to know everyone is safe,” Mac added.
Melissa looked up. Mac watched her.
“I already decided to tell her,” Trent said. “I just need your permission.”
“You have it,” Mac replied. “Get Melissa up to speed on what we can do here. I want to know everything there is to know about Garth Stevenson and anyone else who might be involved.”
Logan cleared his throat. “I called in a favor.”
Melissa peered over at him. He was stroking the back of Annabelle’s head as she still had her face buried into his chest. Anger shone in his eyes, making them practically glow gold.
“There is a group of guys who owe me one,” Logan said. “They were the first Coalition agents after we came out. These are some badass guys. They’ll be here in a couple of hours.”
“Coalition agents?” Trent asked.
“We need them,” Logan said. “We don’t have any idea how many people are behind this. Enough to attack you and Melissa while setting up to kill James. Right now, they’re targeting law enforcement. Trying to get rid of anyone who can stop them. The bar will be next. They’ve already targeted this place before.”
“What do you think they want?” There had to be a reason for Grant to attack the town.
“I believe they want to wipe out all the shifters here,” Logan stated.
“But…” Melissa didn’t know how to respond. It couldn’t even be possible. “Someone would notice.”
“Eventually,” Magnus said. “Having Logan and the other Coalition agents here complicates their plan. Someone is going to notice if Logan, Fabian and Fredrick go missing. But without them, we’re pretty much on our own. We don’t have much contact with other people.”
“Delivery drivers,” Trent said. “We get supplies for all the stores up here.”
Magnus shook his head. “You’re right. It doesn’t make sense to us, but this has to have been in the works for a long time. There are too many people involved for them not to have thought this through.”
“Think about it,” Annabelle said, lifting her head. “If they got rid of the shifters, they’d take over the town. Move in and carry on like nothing is wrong. The land is valuable, being so close to the state park. We’ve gotten offers for a decade, trying to buy up pieces of the town. We don’t sell because we want to keep it for shifters.”
“Christ,” Trent exclaimed. “There’s no telling who is really behind this. Grant could be working for someone else.”
“What was the name of the developer who came around a couple of years ago?” Mac asked.
Melissa didn’t know who they were talking about, but she could put the pieces together. If a developer wanted the land so much, he might have hired Grant to try to chase them away. Shooting at the shifters when they were out running would have the shifters feeling unsafe. But would they have moved on to murder if the first plan hadn’t worked?
“Damn it.” Trent pounded his fist on the table. “I can’t remember the asshole’s name.”
“Me, neither,” Mac admitted.
“I think I
threw his card away,” Magnus added.
“Carter will be able to find it,” Annabelle said. “He did a complete background check as soon as that man arrived.”
“That’s right,” Trent agreed.
“Okay,” Mac said. “We need to set up a plan.”
Magnus cleared his throat. “This is still a sheriff’s department operation.”
Mac grinned. It made the huge biker look years younger. Melissa didn’t think Mac did a whole lot of smiling. “Of course, Sheriff.”
Magnus rolled his eyes. “I mean it.”
“So, tell us what you want to do,” Trent responded.
“Have Carter find the file on the developer. In the meantime, the rest of us need to go out and help the residents. If they can leave, great, help them load up and get on the road. Anyone who stays needs to keep a phone with them. Have them report any suspicious activity or problems to Carter,” Magnus said.
“What about the station?” Melissa asked. It was normal for them to transfer the phones to the deputy on call. But that still left the station vulnerable.
“Fabian and Carl took the prisoner to the Coalition office. They’ll about be back in town. They don’t know about James yet.”
“Shit,” Trent spat. “Carl is going to take this hard.”
“So will everyone else in town,” Magnus said. “I’m keeping it quiet, but eventually someone is going to figure it out. I had doc take his body to the hospital.”
“Carter and Fredrick will monitor the residents and us. Trent and Melissa, go north and make sure all the residents know the plan and leave or stay inside. Logan and Annabelle, take the south. I sent Calvin and Duffy east already to check the entrance to town. That leaves the west for me,” Mac said.
“And me,” Magnus put in.
“You need to be seen around town,” Mac told him. “Kelly will stay and keep the bar locked down here. With Carter and Fredrick downstairs, she’ll be safe enough.”
“We’ll only have a few hours to get everything locked down tight,” Trent said.
“Meet back here by four, no matter what,” Magnus ordered. “Logan’s friends should be here by then and we’ll come up with a plan of attack. We’re not going to play defense. When they come, we’ll be ready.”
