The Snow Leopard's Christmas Surprise

by Emilia Hartley

  Crunch leaned to his side, reaching as far as he could to grab any part of Torque he could reach. But, Torque was quick enough to get out of the way. He laughed at Crunch’s attempts to capture him. He aimed the pistol right at Crunch’s head.

  “Looks like I get to live,” Torque said in jest, “I can’t wait to find that little bitch Cynthia again. I’m going to let he know what a real man feels like before I put a bullet in her little head.”

  Crunch had his teeth clenched. He was not so easily beaten. His legs were destroyed but that didn’t stop Crunch, not at all. He elbowed up to his knees, with every ounce of strength he could muster he pressed up to stand.

  “I’m not beaten yet you stupid sonovabitch,” Crunch growled. He took a step forward on his wobbly legs. Torque aimed the pistol again at Crunch’s head.

  “You better not come any closer,” he said, “I swear to god I’ll shoot you.”

  “You were always a little coward,” Crunch said, “If you threaten to do something then you better be damn sure you can follow through.” Crunch laughed. “If I could I would beat you until my knuckles were bloody and you wouldn’t have a face. But, since I can’t catch you that’s fine, I won’t,” Crunch said. “He will.” He gestured to Connor.

  Torque’s eyes went wide as Connor pounced on the distracted man. His jaws came down hard; the only sound that followed was the dying screams of a desperate man.

  CHAPTER 11

  “Grandma!” Cynthia shouted. She sprinted down the road towards her grandmother who was sitting in the back of a truck full of rescued hostages. “I thought you were dead!”

  “Oh posh,” the old woman replied, “Some ruffian just picked me up while I was out with the girls. Gave him a piece of my mind about it, too.” The pair embraced.

  The bear den, which was already crowded to begin with, was positively bursting at the seams, now. Bears and wolves intermingled making it hard to tell one from the other.

  Happy reunions led to tears, hugs, and liquor. Crunch was already well on his way with the liquor part. The remaining Molotov cocktails from the saddle bags on his motorcycle became a welcome friend to help dull his pain.

  “I’ll get the doctor,” Connor said, stepping from the cab of the truck.

  “I ain’t goin’ nowhere,” Crunch shouted with a slur.

  “Is it over?” Alex asked. He was already waiting for Connor when he got out. “Did you get Eli? Torque?”

  Connor didn’t know if he should tell him the good news or the bad news first.

  “Torque is dead,” he said, “We won’t have to worry about him coming around anymore.”

  “And, Eli?” he asked, “Did you get him?”

  Connor shook his head which brought a look of consternation to Alex’s still heavily bruised face.

  “We’ll get him. It’s just a matter of time,” he said, trying his best to reassure Connor.

  “Where’s Tess?” Connor asked. Alex scratched at the back of his neck and rolled his eyes off to the side.

  “She went for a walk, said you’d know where. I guess she couldn’t stay still knowing you were out there risking your life,” he said. “She’s pretty pissed off that you ran out again.”

  “Alex!” Crunch shouted from inside the truck, his jovial exuberance made his spill half his bottle around in the truck as he sloshed it about. “I got my old gang back!”

  “That’s great Crunch,” Alex said with a forced smile.

  “Shit, I forgot. Can you get the doctor for him? He got shot in both legs. I’m going to go find Tess!” Connor was already walking away as he spoke. He started jogging through the den, past the rows of thick trees.

  “Connor!” shouted Henry from the back of the truck. Connor turned to see him leaning one leg over the truck bed while holding the gunshot wound closed with the force of his hand. “We gotta talk.”

  Connor’s feet were burning. He needed to find Tess to talk to her quick before she got more upset. Still, this was the bear alpha talking to him, the man who could officially end all the fighting once and for all with but a word. He moved closer to listen to what Henry had to say.

  “I know we got off on the wrong foot,” he said, “what with me thinkin’ you killed my wife; may she rest in peace. After knowin’ you for a while, I’ve come to realize that you’re alright.” He patted Connor on the shoulder, leaving a bloody hand print on his shirt. “I’m goin’ to get my leg patched up today then tomorrow we’re goin’ out and finding that hunter. If he really is the one that killed my Annie then he’s the one I need to sink my teeth into.”

  “We both do,” Connor said as he grasped his bloody hand.

  Connor felt something from the old man, recognition. It felt like all his animosity towards wolves was starting to disappear. Or it could have just been the alcohol that Crunch shared with him the entire drive. Connor wasn’t quite sure.

  “We’ve scrubbed all their dens,” Henry said, “Where do you think this bastard might be hiding?” He moved his leg slightly as the doctor came down with his bag. The physician went to work right away, cutting open the clothing that covered the wound.

  “Alex once told me that he tracked this guy. Maybe he has a few ideas we can use.” Connor suggested.

  “That kid?” Henry asked, “You really put that much faith in his tracking abilities?”

  “When you see him in action, you’ll know what I mean,” Connor replied.

  “Go,” Henry said while he patted Connor’s shoulder again, “I know you’re running off to your woman. Just make sure you keep that one close. Not all battles need to be fought; sometimes you have to lose to win. Don’t forget that.” The fire in his stare was haunting. It was the look of someone that knew loss. Connor could feel his pain.

  Henry’s words continued to echo in Connor’s ears as he walked quickly out of the camp. Not all battles need to be fought? Was he talking about Tess? Was he telling him not to argue with her? You have to lose to win? That made absolutely no sense at all. No, it was something else. Connor could just barely grasp at the meaning.

  There was only one place Tess would be, down by the fresh water stream that he’d taken her to picnic before. Looking over his shoulder, he was glad to see there were no more guards following his every move. He finally had a moment of freedom to meet with the girl he loved.

  Then he was tackled to the ground.

  “Man, for an alpha, you’re pretty weak,” Samantha said. She giggled as he struggled to get back to his feet on the slick mud.

  “What the hell was that for?” Connor asked.

  “You brought everyone back safe and sound,” she said, “I thought I’d thank you.”

  “Maybe you can do me a favor,” Connor said as he wiped the slick mud from his face, “Give me and Tess a few hours of privacy?” He winked, and then patted her on the head. The mud on his hand rubbed into her already messy hair.

  “You’re such a dick,” she replied, struggling with her hair. With a sigh she gave up. Only a shower would save it now. “Fine. I’ll even keep the rest of the bears out of this neck of the woods. Have a nice time.” Samantha winked as she started making her way back to the house.

  Finally.

  He could see her hair bobbing up and down just over the next crest of the hill. A single candle was lit near Tess. The light spilled to the trees, casting shadows at odd angles. If he didn’t know any better he would have said it was haunted. He shook his head and with a smirk, stepped over the edge of the hill to meet his mate.

  CHAPTER 12

  “Took you long enough,” she said. She was lying on the checkered picnic blanket they had before. A single lit candle was placed carefully beside a basket of food. Steam poured from the top of the basket and the scent of her cooking was intoxicating. It was begging to be devoured.

  The food wasn’t the only thing begging to be devoured. Seeing her man, illuminated by candlelight on this glorious evening was enough to make her drool.

  “Fashionably late,” he said. He
puffed up his chest as he made his way down the small hill to join her. Though he had dirt on his face he was unwounded, that was good. She’d spent so much time today worrying about him. When she worried too much, she liked distract herself by cooking.

  “I thought you might be hungry,” she continued, “So I made your favorite.” She let one of the shoulders of her dress fall. She had to borrow the dress from Samantha, so it was just a little too tight in the chest for her, and slightly short for her taste. But, the excited face Connor put on allowed her to rest the thought.

  He walked over to the water, cleaned off the mud from his face, pulled off his leather boots, and then sat next to her on the blanket. It was just like before. The nerves that had kept her so active before were finally starting to settle down. He had made it out okay. He was still there for her.

  Before his feet hit the blanket, his mouth was locked with hers. She could feel the passion he’d been holding on to for just this moment. It screamed how glad he was to still be alive, how excited he was to finally be able to spend some time with her, and it warmed her to her core. When he pulled away, she sat in stunned silence.

  “I guess you’re not hungry?” she joked.

  Connor shook his head while reaching for the zipper to her dress. Once he found it, he pulled down sharply to release the garment from her chest. Her nipples stood against the cold of the evening air. Her breath quickened as Connor leaned in to kiss at her neck. She tossed her head back in ecstasy, enjoying every little peck.

  Tess stroked her hand along his side. He recoiled for a moment when she found a bruise under his shirt. He stretched and straightened himself, then pulled off the long sleeve button up he wore. She balled it up and set it aside. She ran her hands along his tough skin. New scars, old scars, new pains, old pains, every one of them recorded on his chest. She circled around them with her finger, pressing up against his solid muscle. Her finger slid lower down his stomach, past his belly button, and into his tight pants.

  She felt his bulge pressing up against his jeans.

  “These must be uncomfortable,” she said, undoing the button to release him from his cotton prison. His cold hands had found their way down her back. They pressed against her spine and gripped her tightly. She exhaled puffs of cold night air that dissipated as the heat left.

  His hands ran from her back, down her side, then to her hips and thighs. The lower he got, the hotter she became. She quivered under her breath, she’d longed for his touch for days now. She marveled in his beauty as he explored her body with care. She finally had him all to herself. His hand massaged along her thigh then sunk down between her legs.

  With his fingertip he circled around her clit. The tiny movements sent little surges of pleasure through her body. Her already wet sex became more excited. Her pussy juice drizzled down the side of her leg, coating Connors hand in her lubricant.

  She couldn’t wait any longer, she wanted to please her champion. Her hands found his already erect cock waiting for her inside of his jeans. She grabbed at the hem and tugged, he lifted his lower body to allow them to slide off. She gasped aloud as his finger slid inside of her welcoming vagina. However unexpected it was, it was a welcome sensation. But, she wanted more.

  She lowered her head, taking his massive throbbing dick into her mouth. She loved the way he leaned his head back and moaned as she took him deeper.

  “Fuuuck,” he moaned out.

  Immediately she blushed as she watched pleasure wash over his face. She loved every second of it. Knowing that she could please her man like this aroused her even more. He continued to push his fingers into her, faster and faster.

  She ran her hand along his shaft as she flicked her tongue under the crown. She felt him tense with each slow lick and savored the pleasure she gave him.

  He continued to work his finger in and out of her while using the palm of his hand to press against her clit. The combination of rhythm and penetration sent her head spinning.

  She wanted him, right now. She didn’t want to wait any longer. She released his cock from her mouth and stood to her feet. His hand fell to his dick which he stroked in front of her as she removed the last remnants of her borrowed dress.

  Connor took in an eyeful as he gazed at her standing naked in the candlelight. His thick cock waited as she straddled over his waist, squatting low, and lining him up with the opening that yearned for him.

  With one push, she felt him enter her. It was warm, pulling her open further with each pressing inch. Slowly she lowered herself. Enjoying each little bit of him. Her heart was racing; she opened her mouth to let out a moan then a gasp. When she had taken all of him, she straddled against his pelvis, pressing him down onto the blanket.

  She bit her lip and tossed her hair back over her shoulder. Connor sat up, holding her by her back. She felt him press in a little bit deeper. His mouth found hers as he nibbled lightly on her lip. Another wave of pleasure poured over her body.

  With a hand on her thigh, he worked her along his shaft. Her juice poured over him while his dick pulsed inside her. She could already feel an orgasm beginning to build up deep in the pit of her stomach. She held on to it, not letting it go. But, she wouldn’t allow herself the pleasure, not yet.

  Connor lowered her back to the ground. The warm blanket waited for her. His perfect body towered over her. Their eyes met in the moment. Everything fell away. She saw Connor and everything he was. He had become more to her than just a man. He had become everything to her. He was her protector, friend, and lover. He was hers.

  A thin layer of sweat built up over his body as he thrusted into her harder and harder with each passing second. She wondered how he could keep up his pace. The orgasm inside her body screamed to be released but she still held it back.

  His hand slid under her lower back, holding her firm. His other hand held her by the back of the head as he pressed his lips to hers. She could hold out no longer. Her body ached from waiting. She gave herself over to the pleasure she’d held back. As she did, every muscle in her body tensed in the moment. Seizing up and releasing over and over again. She clenched her teeth with the waves of warmth that coursed through her body.

  Even Connor was unable to hold on any long. With one final thrust he pressed himself in as far as he could and released himself into her. She convulsed in his arms as he kissed her on her face and neck.

  As he lied down beside her, she still felt the rock of her nerves exploding all over her body. His arm rested over her shoulders. The warmth of his body kept the cold at bay. She breathed heavily to catch her breath.

  “Welcome back,” she said.

  “It’s good to be back,” he replied. He rolled to his back. Tess saw it as an invite, pulling herself up to lie upon it. The thumping of his heart made her giddy.

  “Do you think we should invite Samantha to the wedding?” Connor asked.

  “Who said there’s going to be a wedding? I’m just using you for your body,” Tess joked. Connor slapped her exposed butt lightly. She yelped as she laughed it off.

  “When this is all over,” he continued, “I think we should finally do it. I want you to be my wife.” She rolled her head to her chin so she could look into his face without sitting up.

  “Who says I’m not already,” she said, “I’m already all yours whenever you want me.”

  “I know,” he said with a huff, “it’s just-”

  “Connor, I want to marry you, too.” She said plainly.

  “Great!” he said.

  “Wait, you said ‘when this is all over’. What did you mean by that?” Tess was scared. If this wasn’t over, what was he waiting for? Didn’t they finish off the bikers just earlier today?

  “We still need to find Eli. Once he’s dead, there won’t be anything to worry about. We can raise our child in safety. He won’t have to worry about a single thing,” Connor said.

  “He?” she asked, “I’m hoping our baby is a girl. I want to teach her everything. How to bake, how to hunt, what typ
es of men to avoid …”

  “What was that?” Connor asked.

  “Nothing,” Tess replied quickly.

  “If we have a girl, then she won’t even get to know any boys. I don’t want to see her running off with some dummy like Billy. That kid is as dumb as a box of rocks. I feel for him, honestly, but I don’t think he’ll ever learn his lesson.”

  “Oh, leave him alone. He’s a simple pup. There’s a certain charm in that.”

  “That’s not what Cynthia says,” Connor retorted.

  Tess leaned elbowed back to a sit. If she were honest, the thought of Eli still being out there troubled her. But, the thought would have to wait, Connor was with her now and that’s all that mattered. She lifted the basket of food. Connor sniffed at the air and exhaled with a smile.

  “You really did make all my favorites,” he said, “No wonder I keep you around.” He kissed her on the forehead. A shock ran through her body.

  She slapped him playfully in the arm, while pulling away to set the basket in front of him. He grabbed at the prepared food. She’d managed to scrounge up a steak from the house. Whoever was saving it was going to be real mad when they found out it was gone. But, she didn’t care. The hero needed his meal.

  He tore into the food, hungrily. It seemed as though he hadn’t eaten in days. She stared at him silently as he finished his meal. With his mouth full he didn’t have much to say. Honestly, Tess was just enjoying the comfort of being close. There was a simple joy in being with someone you loved and that was fine with her.

  She let her head fall to his lap. His warmth was all she needed.

  CHAPTER 13

  The deafening sound of a shotgun split the night.

  Connor perked up. He’d fallen asleep on the blanket with Tess in his arms. She stirred but didn’t wake.

  Another blast echoed through the woods. Connor slid on his pants and boots in haste.

  “What’s going on?” Tess asked.