She met his gaze. “You really care for her.”
“Of course I do. She’s my mate.”
She gave a wistful sight then walked to the box and clicked in a code for a moveable panel inside.
A booklet fell out along with a dozen sheets of paper. On the floor, he sat next to the petite woman and read the names on each page. He removed a booklet of cards holding different events and brackets.
“What is this, some kind of game?” The letterhead held the title Get Fit Club. He flipped over the index cards. Some had numerals on them, others held the word Wildcard. Ford got up and carried the cards to the medals, matching them up with the designs and numbers on the each medal. “Is this part of the fight club?”
Myanna bobbed her head. “The names on the list were students rich enough to attend.”
“They had to bring their ticket to the event to get inside.”
“Yes.”
He cut his eyes to her. “Was Caress the leader of this club?”
“No. The club’s been around since the school first opened.”
Her answer relieved him.
“Seniors send out secret audition slips to students they feel would make the cut, earn them big bucks. A team of broadcast students who are also part of the ring set up streamlined brackets for audience viewing. The main rule was no cuts or bruises to the face; no one wanted to get caught.”
He frowned. “On college property?”
“That’s what happens at human schools. They find a way to make fast cash. Selling drugs, usually, but this was just fighting. Boys against boys, girls against girls…until Caress started winning and there were no more girls for her to fight. Then she began fighting guys.” She shook her head. “At first, they loved the fact she kept winning, until enough people losing major cash intervened and threatened to harm her if she didn’t lose at least one.” She lifted her gaze to his. “But you know Caress. She refused to cheat or back down.”
His Wolf chuffed, impressed with his mate’s prowess. “How’d they get caught?”
“Someone ratted to the school, and then security busted them during a major fight with a forty-thousand-dollar purse. Ravage picked her up from the Dean’s office wearing a sports bra and booty shorts with her hands all taped up. That’s how she fought. No boxing gloves, just wraps covering her hands and knuckles.”
He glanced at the photo again. “Continue.”
“She wouldn’t give names of other students or who all was involved in setting up the fights. The streaming videos were pretty dark, and the videographer pixilated the faces on purpose. She got suspended, but when they discovered how big the ring was and learned about the criminals who’d bet and lost who wanted her blood, they expelled her.” She shrugged. “It could’ve been worse. She could’ve been in like…a prostitution ring. Right?”
The idea of his mate with other men made his Wolf growl. He shook the images off. “Listen, do her a favor and don’t tell her about any of this. Okay? She’s got a lot going on right now, and this would most likely make things harder for her.”
“I understand.” She hugged herself. “And you’re probably right.”
He nodded. “Thanks, Myanna.”
The woman scurried off while he put the room back to rights.
“Fuck.” What had she been thinking? Her inhuman strength could’ve led to a major disaster.
Grabbing the two duffle bags stuffed with her belongings, he let himself out of the house and headed to his cabin. And his mate.
Chapter Five
When Caress woke, she found a bag filled with her belongings sitting at the foot of Ford’s bed. At last he’s come to his senses! Pleasure washed through her, but then a huge rush of anger squeezed her lungs in the same breath. If Ford had treated her like his equal, she’d be over the moon. He hadn’t. Sure, his Wolf needed to assume responsibility for her after “the incident.” However, that was no reason to tranquilize her. Damn, she wanted to nail his balls for that.
She threw herself down on the bed again, a tantalizing scent wafting over her as her head hit the pillow. Oh my God. This is his bedroom. She sat up, heart tripping with delight as she looked at her belongings again. Across the room, several dresser drawers hung partially open—an invitation for filling. Through the bathroom doorway, she spotted her makeup case sitting on the sink counter. He put my stuff in his bedroom. She grinned. After six months of waiting for him to see me, I finally get to sleep next to him…every night.
Betrayal nudged the back of her mind. Her brother had handed over the reins without talking to her. Had he done it because he believed it the right thing to do…or because he was angry at her and tired of putting up with all her crap?
Ravage, how could you roll over and allow Ford to uproot me from you and Raze? Their actions had her second-guessing herself. Was this last episode the breaking point? Damn, am I really too much to handle? She swallowed. Do you love me, or am I…unwanted?
Caress shook her head. Of course her brothers loved her. It was just the incident on the highway—it had thrown everything out of perspective. But, in her heart, she knew the truth. Ravage and Raze have always loved me. If they let Ford move my stuff here, then they believe this is what’s best for me. Not to mention what I’ve wanted for, well, forever.
She grinned again. I have a mate. Well, sort of. Speaking of which, where is he? She slipped from the room, in search of him, and discovered a note on the dining room table.
Caress,
On patrol. Home later. I emptied some drawers for your stuff.
-F
She set the note down. He emptied drawers!
Molasses had nothing on how slowly time ticked past. She’d taken a shower, unpacked, eaten a sandwich, and brushed her teeth—twice. She went out onto the porch to wait for her mate. Shadows lengthened as the sun headed toward the horizon, and a gentle breeze induced the itch to run.
Caress sniffed the air. Home.
Decision made, she brought her Wolf forth and shifted, her forepaws tagging the bottom step before she took off across the yard. Tail up, she bounded into the dense forest, her paws finding purchase on underbrush. A gust of wind rippled around her on the humid evening. Her Wolf smiled. She didn’t need anyone to tell her what she could or couldn’t do. With Ford out working, her Wolf begged her to stretch her legs and learn more about their new home.
She’d discovered a trail leading up to the nature reserve, and she needed a break from the thoughts playing out in her head. Her fur rubbed against rough bark on the tree as she squeezed through the thick branches to take a look over the ravine edge. Her lupine hearing caught the sound of a trickling brook far below.
As she perused the new haunt, she kept on the lookout for fresh herbs for her greenhouse. Rabbits and rodents scampered around her. Not in a hunting mood, she paid them no mind. She traipsed about, ducking here and there, enjoying running her snout against the moist earth.
She registered the growl in sync with sudden impact. A large feline body crashed into hers. Damn, that’s one big cat. I’m so fucked…and just when I met my mate.
The mountain lion’s scream echoed around them. She tangled with the flexible cat, damning the species for having a ridiculously bendy spinal cord. No way would she become its dinner.
As they fought to find purchase, the cat rolled over her, the forces of nature sent them both crashing through Ponderosa pine trees, bouncing off trunks, and sending smaller wildlife scurrying to better hiding spots. Claws dug into her fur. She nipped and bit back, managing to grab a good chunk of meat in her mouth, making the tawny predator hell bent on ending her life hiss in pain.
Ears alert, Caress waited. The clicking of retractable claws as the cat found footing to go on the offense gave her an inkling of the feline’s location, for the moment. She took a deep breath, ignoring the scent of the crimson dripping down her right side.
The cat swiped at her muzzle, managing to nick her. The injuries she’d received depleted h
er energy stores. Lancing pain rocked through her with every step away she took. She lost sight of the mountain lion but knew they could fucking leap high and far. The absence of birds and animal life in the area advised her she, too, should find a hiding place. If only she could—her leaking blood left a surefire trail for any and all predators to pursue.
Tilting her head to the sky, she let out a piercing howl, calling her brethren, her mate.
Her growl reverberated from her vocal cords to fill the air. Here, kitty, kitty. Come get me if you can.
Leaves rustled, and she dashed ten feet to the left, avoiding the cat’s huge body again. Crouching and ready to attack, she made her move, only to be flung aside. A larger beast bore down on the cat, scaring it away.
Darkness descended on her.
***
Thirsty. Caress opened her eyes. She tried to move, and each limb screamed bloody murder at her. Her queasy stomach hated her at the moment. Sudden movement created a jackhammering noise, threatening to steal her sanity. Her Wolf, struggling to stay beneath her skin, whined in response.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. She hadn’t scented any danger during her impromptu run.
“Where am I?” she spoke to herself, and looked around.
God, Ford’s scent covered everything. That’s right, he’d brought her to his home. On the table sat a bottle of water. She gulped the water down and pills. Attempting to move caused her stomach to roil. Warring with her Wolf took its toll. Ralphing on such a pretty bedspread or the cherrywood floor would be a crime of great proportion.
I’m fucking dying.
Caress untangled herself from the blanket and swung her feet over the edge of the king-size platform sleigh bed. Every inch of her body ached, and a migraine caused dizziness to overtake her. Touching her side, she ghosted her fingers over the healing slashes marring her ribcage. Bruises peppered her body. She curled into a ball on the floor to catch her breath. For the love of lupines, she prayed no one witnessed her crawling on hands and knees to the master bath.
Two feet from the bathroom, she laid her head on the cool wood floor and waited for the pounding to abate. Footsteps coming up the stairs forced her into motion. Sucking in a deep breath, she belly crawled a few more inches.
“Luck.” His spice scent wafted over her. “Go away.”
“And miss this opportunity? You look like shit. ” Her friend knelt by her head, wearing the same smirk his uncle had patented.
Gods, she hated how much she loved that damn smirk. “S’not funny. I’m in agony here. Dying.”
“Bet you’re glad I’m not my uncle.” He lifted her from the floor, helping her the final paces into the bathroom. “I’ll, uh, let you get cleaned up alone. Holler if there’s an emergency, and I’ll brave Ford’s wrath. You may want to shower. He barely stood my scent on you in Wolf form.”
If breathing didn’t hurt so damn bad, she’d laugh. “I think I’ll be okay. Thanks, and I’d appreciate it if you kept finding me sucking face with the floor between us.”
Luck grinned. “You wish. Carter, Seth, and Myanna are going to love this story and the picture I snapped.”
“Don’t make me kick your ass. You know I can. Remember how bad Carter got it? Won’t be nothing like my peeling the skin from your body if you show the pic.”
“Best-friend-Auntie…you can’t stand and you’re looking all pukey green like a living-dead girl. So not worried. Only you would choose to go up against a killer on the mountain. Really thought you could take down a mountain lion on your own? Look at you, all tiny. How the fuck did you think you’d win that battle?”
“Ask my whiny Wolf who didn’t see any danger around us.” She slammed the bathroom door in his face, turned on the light, and then flicked the switch off, settling to shower in the dark.
Uncapping the toothpaste took complete concentration. After fumbling, she got the cap off, squeezed some on Ford’s toothbrush, wet it under the faucet, and hoped he didn’t mind her copping it. The minty flavor took away the disgusting morning breath.
The shower beckoned her. She stripped off Ford’s T-shirt and her panties, and turned on the hot water. Cold slush sprayed out, causing her to scream. She jumped out of the trajectory, teeth chattering, and sacrificed one arm to turn the other faucet on, hoping to find a happy medium. Why couldn’t he have a normal showerhead and taps?
A low chuckle came from behind her. Peeking out the shower door, she spied a very naked Ford.
“Sorry, the shower’s a bit tricky. Luck put the taps on backward. Let me help you.” He reached past her and adjusted the water temperature, creating a steamy cocoon.
“What are you doing in here?” Headache forgotten, teeth still chattering, she faced off with him, covering her boobs with her arms.
“You can barely stand, and I am sweaty from mowing ten acres. Figured we’d conserve water.”
“But, you’re naked, and we’re not, we haven’t….”
“Shh. Let’s shower. Lunch is waiting downstairs, and I’m starving.” Ford reached over her for the bar of soap and washcloth, rubbing the bar over the fabric, creating a spice-scented lather.
When his hands touched her bare skin, she jumped. Ford smoothed her tight muscles and rubbed feeling into her numb joints, his talented fingers pressed soft against her sore spots.
Caress nestled herself against his body, allowing him free rein. His cock throbbed against her ass, causing her to ache for something he wouldn’t give her. Sure enough, he didn’t make a move. The sheer agony ripping through her battered body said fuck no to any sensual play, not that he’d allow her to seduce him. Ford’s plan to kill her slowly worked—having him close and yet so distant played havoc on her nerves and confused her. She sensed his Wolf wanting to claim, yet the man kept her close but his walls up. Lingering soft touches turned her to mush.
“I love your body, Caress. I love how your mind, even hazy from healing sleep, is overthinking. I am waiting for the day to claim you and make you mine. This is not the time. Relax, let me cleanse you and make you feel better. Take your pain away.” He slipped the cloth into her hand. “You can clean your breasts and pussy while I wash your hair.”
“What are you doing?”
“Caring for my mate. Damn, woman, not used to answering so many questions. The ceremony is just a ceremony. Our lupines know what the other needs. You need some care. Got it?”
“Yes.” Her soul melted into goo. He called me mate. He’d never come all out and let down his walls. The glimpse of connection, his imprinting on her pleased her and her Wolf. She relaxed as he poured a thick stream of shampoo onto her head and massaged it into her scalp, making sure to spend extended time on her temples, easing the throbbing splitting her head apart.
She’d prayed for him to change his mind, and now she hoped he didn’t revert to the aloof Ford she’d come to know. “I can’t wash with your magic hands working me over. Feels so good.”
“That’s what they all say.”
“Did Ford Giovanni just crack a joke?”
When he tugged on her hair, she moaned. His breath fanned her neck, causing goose bumps to pebble over her skin. A barely audible growl left his lips. Minutes passed before he resumed working the lather into her thick tresses while she washed her body.
He wouldn’t ease her need for him. He’d told her so. Her only recourse to force the arousal spearing through every cell and nerve ending away was to sing in her head.
“Rinse time?” He turned her around to face him and tilted her head into the stream, making sure to protect her face from the spray and eye-stinging suds.
She squinted through the haze of steam, while avoiding inhaling water through her nose. Damn, his roped body looked sexy close up. If she leaned forward enough, she could lick him.
“Uh-uh.” He clasped a hand over her roving one, stopping her just short of reaching his thick cock.
How he could bank the molten fire, the ardor in his eyes, she didn’t
know. Her man possessed a will of steel she wanted to touch—well, maybe a bit more than touch. The boys she’d seen, experienced first and second base with, held nothing in comparison to the hot-blooded Wolf in front of her. “Sorry.”
“Ah, babe, no pouting needed. We have a lifetime of touching in the near future.” He chucked her chin and poured conditioner in her hair then nudged her to the other side of the shower.
While waiting for her conditioner to set, she ogled him as he washed his body. “I coulda done that for you.” She sucked in her lip.
Ford quirked a brow. “I know.”
He winked and slid the cloth over his massive erection, washing away the tiny pearl drop nestled in the slit. Why couldn’t that cloth be my hand…or mouth? Her gaze traveled down as he washed his balls. She salivated over his body, loved the thin trail of hair. Good God, and he belonged to her…well, one day. The dizzying reality made her a bit breathless.
“Get my back?”
“Oh, sure.” She snapped to attention and added more soap to the cloth, running her hands against the planes of his torso. Damn, I could touch every inch of him forever without tiring.
He cast a glance over his shoulder when she tickled him accidentally, making him flex his broad shoulders. A giggle flew out of her mouth. She suppressed the rest and cleansed his skin, dragging the cloth with a deliberate slowness over his ass.
“Quit feelin’ me up, love.”
“Oh, blame the dirt.” She feigned innocence and dropped the cloth in his open hand. “All done.”
“Good, now turn around and let me rinse your hair again.”
“Whatever you say.” Caress stepped into the spray and lifted her hands to her hair, threading her fingers through the strands to smooth out the conditioner and sighed as the hot water cascaded over her head and neck. Ford’s strong fingers massaged alongside hers.
Could a woman climax over having conditioner wrung out of her hair? He worked her over so well, she’d combust into nothingness if he didn’t touch her. Her Wolf trembled under her skin. She scented his need, too, and sighed in vexation. This shower both relaxed and stressed her.
Promiscuous Wolf Page 5
