“Stop calling me that.” She scowled and glared, but the hurt was there, too, in the slight shimmer of her chocolate eyes.
“I’m with you because I want to be with you. No other reason.”
“You’re not just biding time until your crew leaves? A little fling before you return to your true mate?”
He sucked in his breath. Jillian had no right to mention mating, much less imply that’s what the two of them were. Life would have been easier if fate decreed Jillian his mate—but Tallulah it was.
“Seems I’ve hit a nerve,” she said shrewdly.
“Jillian is not my mate. End of discussion.” It wouldn’t be fair to tell Tallulah the truth. Not unless he intended to stick around Bayou La Siryna after the pack moved on. For the past few weeks, they’d danced around the issue, never directly confronting the end of this timber job assignment.
He was in an untenable position. Leaving the bayou meant forsaking his true mate. No other female would ever be wholly satisfactory to him. Staying in the bayou meant breaking with his pack, his only family, his blood brothers that shared his wolf bond.
Tallulah crossed her arms. “Hell no, we’re not done talking about this. Who do you think—”
“Hey, Chulah,” he yelled across the noisy room. “I’m going to get the keys and take the Harley for a spin.”
“You can’t up and leave while I’m talking—” Tallulah sputtered.
Chulah nodded and gave him a thumbs-up. “There’s extra helmets in the office. Help yourself.”
He went to the office and grabbed two helmets, ignoring Tallulah’s stream of complaints as she followed him.
“Why are you getting two of them?” she asked.
He exited the office and grinned at Tallulah as if they weren’t in the midst of yet another argument. “C’mon. Let’s get some fresh air.”
She planted her feet. “I’m not going anywhere until you finish answering—wh-what do you think you’re doing?”
She gasped and slapped at his chest as he lifted her in his arms.
“You’re my girl,” he said firmly. “Forget Jillian. We’re going to ride and you’re going to love it.” He kissed her soundly on the mouth.
Loud applause and whistles erupted, and he looked up to see Chulah and his employees grinning and cheering.
“You’re making a spectacle of us,” Tallulah mumbled, but her voice had lost its sharp edge and her lips curved in a soft, feminine smile.
“Who gives a damn? Let’s go have some fun.”
* * *
Payton had forgotten how much he loved the feel of the wind on his face, the rumbling vibration of the road underneath his body. Tallulah’s arms wrapped around his waist was a bonus. Her breasts pressed against his back, and her thighs hugged the outside of his legs. His sexy baby.
His mate.
She squeezed him, a gentle press of her arms on his abs. She was enjoying this as much as he was. He wanted to ride forever, the two of them wild and carefree with no worries of the future. Every day that the job progressed toward completion, a weight pressed down on his heart and chest, until some nights he woke from dreams, restless and full of worry.
Not today.
They drove down a lonely county road. It wasn’t the mountainous, sparse environment out west with its stunning vista. But it had a unique, green lushness at the edge of the calm gulf waters. It was a magical, mysterious place that was ancient and wise.
He rode until the heat of the afternoon released most of its humidity and a hint of lengthening shadows crept into view. Payton pulled over to the side of the road. “Want to break and have a drink?”
“Yep.” Tallulah slid off the motorcycle and stretched her arms over her head.
Payton hopped off the bike and opened one of the leather bags, where he’d packed a blanket and a couple of water bottles. Thank the gods that Chulah kept everything at the ready in his office for impromptu rides.
“We need shade.” He grabbed the blanket and tossed her a water bottle.
They followed a small trail that led to a creek with a sandy embankment.
“Perfect.” Payton spread out the blanket, took a long swallow of water and stretched out on the colorful woven rug.
Tallulah kicked off her shoes and also laid down, her head by his feet. Idly, he grabbed one of her feet and rubbed a delicate arch.
“Mmm,” she mumbled appreciatively. “That feels amazing.”
He hid a smug smile. This was so much better than arguing in Chulah’s bike shop. The idea to take a ride had been an inspired one. He kneaded her heels and grinned at the pink polish on her toenails. Pedicures appeared to be her one feminine vanity.
Thoughtfully, he observed the wooded area. It was deserted, well-hidden from view if anyone should pass by on the county road. Which gave him an idea. He patted the blanket by his side. “Face this way and I’ll rub your shoulders.”
Tallulah obediently shifted her position and lay alongside him. He massaged down her slender shoulder blades. She arched into his hands, craving his touch as much as he loved the feel of her body.
“Why don’t you take off your shirt?” he asked, voice husky.
Tallulah rolled onto her side and stared at him, her brown eyes darkening to black with desire. Wordlessly, she sat up and peeled the T-shirt over her head, exposing her golden, glowing skin, which was enhanced by the simple, white cotton bra she wore. Tallulah laid back down and he kissed her neck. Chill bumps flooded her skin.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered in her ear as he rubbed her neck and shoulders again. Being out in the woods, exposed to the elements, made his inner wolf howl with need—as if his human side didn’t already crave her fiercely. His hands knowingly traveled up and down her spine, stopping near the bottom. Tallulah especially enjoyed being rubbed low in her back, just above the flare of her hips.
Heat, the kind not caused by the southern sun, licked his gut and his hands roamed up her back, stopping at her bra. Expertly, he unsnapped the hooks and tossed it aside. He’d never seen her topless in the sun—it only exposed more of her beauty in pristine detail. Her breasts were full with nice, dark rosy-colored nipples that were already tight and hard. He ran a hand over one, ever so slightly pinching the nipple between his index finger and thumb.
She moaned in pleasure. “Payton,” she whispered.
He rolled her over to face him, admiring the view, thrilled with the way she was so open with him. Everything physical with Tallulah was so natural.
He kissed her. Wild, needy kisses as her tongue met his. Payton fought the urge to lose all thought and succumb to an all-consuming lust. Instead, he concentrated on her moans, aching to fill her with pleasure.
Tallulah’s hands were on his erection, rubbing up and down its length through his jeans. She unzipped his pants, freeing his manhood. Her direct stare at the evidence of his desire turned him on even more. He ran a hand down her long, lean stomach muscles that disappeared into the waistband of her jeans.
Impatient, she undid the button and zippers and pulled off her pants. The sight of her entirely naked body in the sunlight made his mouth go dry. He splayed his hands across her flat abdomen and then reached one of them lower, massaging her core. She pressed against him and he slipped a finger into her soft folds. Her moans grew louder, more frequent. He quickened the tempo and depth until he felt the evidence of her need.
“Now,” she said in a ragged voice.
“Not yet.”
He slid down her warm, lean body, trailing kisses down her chest and stomach and lower still, until he kissed and tasted her intimate essence. She writhed underneath and her moans reached a fever pitch. Tallulah slipped out from his grasp.
“Your turn,” she said.
Her mouth slid over his erection, her long, black hair settling
around them like a veil. The things she did to him! No one could ever please him more. She was his destined mate, whether she knew it or not.
“Stop. I need to be inside you.”
Tallulah quickly straddled him and he watched as her body quivered and her breathing grew fast and labored. And when her core clenched against his manhood, Payton lost all control, allowing himself to climax along with her.
Afterward, drowsy and content, he stroked her hair.
When the time came to move on, how could he ever leave Tallulah?
Chapter 14
“We need to talk.”
Jillian smiled, then sobered as she read the serious expression on his face.
Payton leaned against the kitchen counter and folded his arms. “Heard you paid a recent visit to Tallulah.”
“I was curious about the Native American Cultural Center.” Jillian looked down and smoothed a hand over her apron. “She happened to be working there at the time.”
“That’s not the way I heard it.”
Jillian’s face hardened. “What did she tell you?”
“You told her we were mates. That I always returned to you after I had a fling.”
“It’s true. I’m always here and we’re always on the move.” She stepped toward him and touched his arm, doe-eyed and clingy. “So when you tire of the others, and you do, you come back to me in the end.”
“Jillian. Don’t. We’ve gone out a few times, but—”
She threw herself against his body and kissed him, pinning him with his back to the counter. The sudden assault took his breath away.
“Excuse me.”
Jillian jumped back and patted her hair. “What are you doing in here, Matt?”
He grinned and headed to the fridge. “Just getting a soda. Carry on.”
Damn, of all the people to walk in and misjudge the situation.
“This has to stop,” he told her sternly. “You and I are not an item. And if you confront Tallulah again, we won’t even be friends.”
Her green eyes narrowed. “What are you doing? We’ll be leaving this backwater bayou before long. You have no future with her or anyone else.”
Her words hit like sucker punches and by the smug look on her face, Jillian knew it.
“That may be true, but it doesn’t mean the two of us will get together.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but he shook his head. If he needed to be cruel to be clear, then he’d do it. “I don’t love you. I’m sorry. That’s not going to change no matter what.”
“But why? We’re perfect for each other. Our children will be perfect, too. And we’re in the same pack and know each other’s friends and lifestyles and—”
“None of that matters. Tallulah is my mate.”
Jillian paled and her lips trembled. “No.”
“Yes. I really am sorry. But you’re a beautiful woman, anyone in the pack would love to mate with you.” He paused. “Except for me.”
Jillian picked up a glass on the counter and threw it to the floor, shards exploding everywhere. He’d expected a scene, but a tearful one, not this show of temper.
He shoved off from the counter, brushing glass fragments off his jeans. “Have fun cleaning that up.” Payton got to the kitchen door and turned. “And don’t you ever speak hatefully to Tallulah again. I won’t have it.”
Jillian picked up a plate and he ducked out.
* * *
The full moon was barely visible under the cloud canopy. A stiff wind sent the tree limbs moaning, leaves slapping against bark.
Hell of a night for hunting. Tallulah sighed and stared into the bonfire that madly danced and flickered like a demon-possessed spirit.
“Something wrong?” Payton asked in a low voice.
“Not really. Just worried about the incoming storm.”
“Can’t you cancel the hunt? Just for this one night? We’ve been hunting several times without waiting on a full moon. I can enjoy getting in the woods and shape-shifting any night. I’m not dependent on the rise and fall of the moon.”
“But cancel the first night of our full-moon hunt?” she asked, voice rising. “That’s when the ancient shadow spirits are most active. No way!”
Heads turned in their direction.
“He doesn’t understand our traditions,” she explained hastily to the gaping men. Over a dozen shadow hunters had turned out for the first night of the full-moon hunt. They’d already performed their traditional song and dance rituals and now it was time for a short prayer and reflection before entering the woods.
Chulah slapped Payton on the shoulder. “A little rain’s not going to hurt anyone. We’re used to temperamental weather on the gulf.”
“Won’t be a problem for me, either,” Payton said with a shrug.
If that wasn’t an understatement. Tallulah stifled a grin. When Payton shifted to wolf, his thick fur kept him much more insulated from the elements than she was. Not that she could tell the others that, not even Tombi. Payton’s secret was safe with her. During full-moon hunts, they kept well away from the other shadow hunters’ territories. It was one of the few times Payton indulged freeing his inner wolf into physical form. His concern tonight was only for her; he’d be terribly disappointed if the hunt was canceled.
Tallulah smiled at the camaraderie Payton enjoyed with her friends. He’d easily won their acceptance, especially since her share of the wisp and Ishkitini kills had more than doubled since Payton fought by her side. They didn’t understand how Payton helped, but the results were undeniable.
A car pulled into Tombi’s driveway and they glanced at one another in surprise. Anyone who knew Tombi and Annie wouldn’t interrupt their ritual. Vehicle doors slammed and a trio walked to the bonfire. Tallulah recognized them immediately: Koi and Shikalla Chase and their teenage daughter, Nita. Koi and his wife had tried to have a child for years and when they were finally blessed with a baby girl, they named her Kwanita, which in Choctaw meant “God is gracious.”
Nita was a striking girl. Petite and animated. Whereas most of her peers kept their black hair long and straight, Nita opted for a layered bob that she often spiked with purple streaks. Her parents’ unwavering devotion could have turned her into a spoiled, entitled brat, but Nita appeared sensible and sweet, if a bit headstrong at times.
Tonight, evidently, was one of those times.
Nita’s face was set and she strode several feet in front of her parents, coming to a halt in front of Tombi.
“I want to join your group,” she announced, lifting her chin. “I want to be a shadow hunter.”
Nobody snickered, but Tallulah caught the amused grins and sly glances of the other hunters. Her heart went out to the girl. How well she remembered being that age and longing to became part of the hunters, a group that easily accepted her twin brother, but not her at first. Not until Hurricane Katrina hit and the situation became dire. The hurricane had kicked up something evil, had stirred the ancient spirits with new vitality. Even then, desperate for shadow hunters to combat the spirits, the group only accepted her because of Tombi’s insistence. As their leader, the rest of the hunters eventually acquiesced to his wishes.
Koi apologetically shook his head at Tombi. “Sorry to bother you, but Nita was more insistent than usual.”
“Our daughter feels called to serve,” Shikalla explained.
Tombi crossed his arms and frowned at Nita. “What makes you think you’re called?”
Nita stood her ground. “I can see in the dark. It started a year ago and just gets better and better. Plus, I can see and smell really good.”
“You’re too young. It’s dangerous work.” Tombi nodded at Koi. “Maybe when she’s older, if she’s still interested, then—”
“I want to hunt now.”
The hunters frowned. Chulah spoke up. “The first thing a hunter must do is learn discipline and respect. Tombi is our leader. You don’t interrupt when he speaks.”
Nita’s mother hung her head and Koi put a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “We’ll go now,” he said.
Nita’s lips trembled and frustrated tears shimmered in her eyes.
“Wait,” Tallulah called out. “I wasn’t much older than Nita when I discovered my abilities. I think we should give her a chance.”
Amidst the disapproving glances, Tombi’s surprised face and Nita’s eyes flashing with sudden hope, Tallulah felt Payton’s hand in hers. A warm, soft glow lit deep within her soul.
“A very wise man that I respect urged me to follow my own instincts.” She squeezed Payton’s hand. “And that’s what I’m doing. I feel Nita deserves a chance to show that she can serve along with us.”
Nita clasped her hands. “I can prove it to you. Please!”
Tombi shot her an exasperated look. “Since when did you start championing kids?”
Chulah nudged Payton with his elbow. “Somebody’s changing Lulu into a kinder, gentler person.”
“Only Payton can call me by that ridiculous nickname,” she whispered fiercely.
Chulah snorted. “On second thought, maybe you haven’t changed that much.”
“Back to the matter at hand,” Tombi said, admonishing them. “I can give you a couple of easy tests.”
Tallulah guessed from his tone that he didn’t believe Nita would pass.
“Let’s go farther out, away from the fire’s light, and we’ll test this sight of yours.”
“Thank you.” Nita was nothing if not confident.
Tallulah hoped that confidence was well-founded. Should Nita fail, she’d have stuck her neck out only to end up looking foolish. And if there was one thing she hated, it was losing face in her community. She’d never gone to bat for a new hunter before.
Tombi led Nita and her parents to the edge of the woods. All of the hunters followed, curious to see if Nita was capable enough for the job.
Payton bent down and whispered in her ear. “No matter what happens, you did the right thing.”
Bayou Wolf Page 17
