Caress played it cool. She licked the creamy icing from her cake off the back of the fork. Her Wolf grinned as his shone through his eyes, and his nostrils flared. “I don’t know. You’re a man with needs. Why wouldn’t you have a bit of fun? We’re not mated yet, since I’m broken and all.” Sliding from her chair, she took her trash to the receptacle bin and placed her empty cup, saucer, and fork in the dish cart.
Her mate grabbed her arm, hauling her to him.
“Don’t touch me,” she spat. “Go find Amber and have fun with that. I can only imagine what other secrets you’re keeping from me.”
“Crazy woman,” he mumbled under his breath. His grip tightened on her arm as he pushed her out of the shop and into the road. “Now that we don’t have an audience, wanna take back the accusations, mate?”
“Mate?” she scoffed, and her Wolf whined begging her to lay off the sarcasm. Caress wrenched her arm free, whipped her fist back, and cracked him across the face.
Oh, shit! She tried to suck in a breath, but shock wouldn’t let her breathe as Ford’s wide-eyed stare narrowed to dark and menacing. Her Wolf pressed her to submit, doing so by pushing an image of her rolling to expose her belling into her mind.
Ford clenched his jaw. “That was pretty damn good. You should work on your stance, though. Use your legs and hip to pack a more powerful punch.”
“I’m the expert here. I know how to land a devastating punch. Maybe I was just going easy on you.” Her Wolf whimpered at her audacity. Mate! Caress flicked an annoyed gaze his way but still stood ready to fight if he pursued.
“This is the last and final time we will have this little misunderstanding. Amber is the past. There’s nothing going on with her or any other woman, period. Drop it.” His eyes glowed, underlining his seriousness.
Caress shrank back momentarily, awestruck by his unbelievable self-discipline. She drank in the way his powerful body stiffened, muscles tensing in an effort to remain calm and in control as energy rippled through him, igniting the air around them with static energy.
“Whatevs.” She stepped forward, placing her hand on his chest.
Her mate took one long look at her, and she swore his Wolf smirked at her. Before she could muster a word, she found herself against the bakery’s outer wall.
Ford’s body pressed flush against her parts. “You are my mate. And only you.”
His lips crushed on hers, devoured with single-minded intensity, the beast in him taking free rein. A groan left her as he thrust his tongue against hers, sucked on her lip, his hand gripping the meaty part of her ass, his cock straining against her core. She wanted the moment to never end.
“Get a room.” Luck coughed.
Enthralled by the heavy lust spiraling through her, she hadn’t heard her nephew-to-be approach or the other pack members making their way into the bakery, taking in the show with amusement.
Ford snarled and dropped Caress to stalk his nephew. She moved fast, placing herself between them. His Wolf rode high, which concerned her. “Ford. Stop.”
Okay, words didn’t help. What would I do in any other situation?
She peeled off her top and dropped her bra in front of her mate to grab his attention. His gaze swept to her bountiful breasts, and a dangerous lust filled his eyes, causing her heart to leap. “Ford.”
“Fuck, put your damn shirt on before I take you, here in plain view. God we want you so fucking bad, beautiful. I don’t know if I can hold my Wolf in. He wants out to sample you, taste you, feel you. Your scent does things to me…. Fuck babe, your arousal is calling me. Perfect, sexy. You smell like temptation and sin.” He gripped his head and howled, the sound echoing around them.
She hoped he’d take them somewhere private, But, instead, he took off, darting down the street away from her, shifting in the air before his paws touched down on the manicured lawn.
“That was…. Wow.”
“Shut up, Luck.” Caress slid her bra and top on. “Ford’s gone. How could he kiss me like that then just run away?”
“Run away?” Luck chuckled. “My uncle run away? Auntie bestie, you’ve just been granted a reprieve.”
Meara ambled toward them, carrying the sack of baked goods. “Luck, I’ll be giving this to you to deliver to the protectors on duty. Youngins.” She sighed and wiped her flour-dusted hands on her apron. “Caress, best you stay away from that one till he calms down. You takin’ him the goods would start an all-out fight with other dominants, what with how his Wolf was acting.”
“You saw all of that?”
“Darlin’, I think he kissed you stupid,” Meara teased. “We’re a small pack. I’m sure many saw. Don’t you worry about that, though. Let this handsome young Wolf walk you home then he can take the goods to the other dominants patrolling.”
The real torture was the wait for Ford’s return. Her body hummed with how possessive and aggressive he’d been—though, remembering the stark anger sparking his normally gorgeous gray orbs sent shivers down her spine. The Wolf showed his true colors.
Perusing the house did little to appease her growing need for his nearness. This new type of anxiousness had her checking her watch for the millionth time in the past four hours. Stir crazy set in, so she moved to the kitchen and brewed a cup of chamomile tea. With cup in hand, she walked out on the deck and took a seat on the padded porch swing, tucked her legs under her, and stared off into the woods.
Not a scent of her mate blew in the soft breeze. Why’d he have to show her what she wanted with that damned kiss then take off?
Frustration welled. Her Wolf paced under her skin, wanting to run, yet she needed to stay home to wait for him. She’d run too much. Being outside didn’t help the gnawing need in her gut. Caress sighed as she headed back inside and placed her empty mug in the sink.
When she chanced a hopeful look out at the deck, Ford came into sight. Drenched to the bone, her mate stalked up the stairs, his eyes having returned to their normal color. On bated breath, she waited as he came inside. The animalistic prowl in his swagger sent her heart tripping as he moved with single-minded determination toward her.
“We missed you.” He drew his fingers down the side of her face, leaned in, and kissed her softly on the lips.
When she relaxed and let him have control, he let his tongue duel with hers for a moment then gave her bottom lip a final nip and let go.
“You took long enough to come home,” she said in a husky tone. “Thought I was the runner.”
Ford snorted. “Yeah, had some things to work out, babe. Figured I’d ask for some advice since I’ve made things worse for us.”
“Why the change?”
“My Wolf and I had a talk about my reluctance to bed you. It’s not fair to either of us for me to remain distant and ignore what’s brewing between us. This afternoon clarified many things for me.” He nuzzled the side of her neck, and she struggled to focus on his words. “One, that I’m an idiot, and two, driving us both insane is a waste of energy better used for other things.”
“I-is that an apology?”
“Yes.” He licked her earlobe. “I do know how to admit when I’m wrong.”
“Oh, um…can I ask where we’re going?”
Ford straightened and grinned. “Yeah, but I won’t tell you. I need a shower first, though. I’ll be down in a few. Go ahead and get in the truck, babe, so we can get going.” He dropped a perfunctory kiss on the top of her head and swept past her to jog up the stairs. The bathroom door opened, and the shower came on.
What is going on? Where is he taking me? In a pheromone haze, she left the house, opened the door to his truck, and climbed into the passenger seat. Guess I’ll have to wait until he gets down here.
Time ticked by slowly, but when she checked her watch, only ten minutes had passed. A fresh, clean, yummy Ford Giovanni exited the house and headed her way.
We can watch this man walk our way and drool every time. Her Wolf hit the nail on the head with that phrase.
She checked the passenger mirror tucked in the visor to ensure no drool ran down her chin. And when he offered her a rare dimpled smile, she melted on the spot.
“Buckle up, beauty.”
“You have got to stop with all the pet names.” She laughed.
Ford shrugged and started the truck. She noticed he didn’t buckle himself up, but she didn’t say anything. She, however, clicked her seatbelt to avoid argument.
Once they hit the entry to the main road to town, she eyed him cautiously. “I thought we were going for a longer drive. We could’ve walked.”
Her mate gave nothing away as he parked, unfolded his lean form from the driver’s seat, rounded the front of his truck, and opened her door for her. Chivalry still existed. Amazed, she got out.
She glanced up at the sign and then looked at him with curiosity. “What are we doing here?”
“It’s something we both need to move forward. Please trust me, okay?”
“No promises, but we’ll see.”
Chapter Seven
Ford chuckled at the squeaky hinges from the yellow sign sporting Liv Dunn, PsyD. He opened the door for Caress, led her inside the pink-furnished building, and rang the little bell at the front desk. A moment later, the good doctor opened to allow them entry.
“Why are we here?” Caress whispered to him.
Ford kissed her head and led her to two empty side-by-side seats. Nervous energy surged in his mate. He took her hand in his and rubbed his thumb over the center of her palm. “This is Dr. Dunn’s office. She’s Xan’s mate and also happens to be a psychologist.”
Caress sucked in a breath and moved to stand in a full-out panic attack. He tugged her down onto his lap.
“You need this.” He rubbed her back and ran comforting circles over her skin. “I will share, too. So you know I care and want what’s best for the woman I love.”
Surprise lit her eyes. “You just said you lo—”
“I’m Liv. Welcome to my office. I brought you a coffee and doughnut. You look like a more cream than a black coffee kinda girl.” The woman handed Caress a cup and doughnut. “Junk food makes everything better.”
“Thank you. I’m Caress, and you guessed right.” She sipped her java and nibbled on the blueberry cake doughnut.
Ford draped an arm around her waist, cinching her to him. His scent clung to her, calmed her, his warmth radiated a relaxing vibe.
“I met with Ford, a few days ago, when he stopped by to share his concern of your mental well-being. Ford, you can begin with sharing why you believed it imperative to seek me out.
“Caress and her friend found themselves in a bad situation. I blame myself for not being there to protect her, even though it’s not my fault. I can’t stomach seeing her in pain that I can’t take away. So, here we are. I put her in the truck and brought her. Knew she wouldn’t come on her own or seek out support for what she went through.” He nuzzled her neck, and she sighed.
“Caress, would you tell me from the beginning what occurred that night? I’d like to hear your account.” The good doctor took out a pink pen and pink pad of paper.
“My friend and I were heading home when two men ran us off the road. I made my friend stay put and chose to get out to handle the situation. One had a ball bat, the other a knife. Their intentions were clear. We weren’t raped,” she rushed. “But they said they would and then that they’d kill us….” She paused then took a deep breath. “I’d hoped to stay in control and find a way out until…the one with the knife sliced my friend’s face.” She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head. “All bets were off, then. I shifted. My Wolf k-killed him. I-I killed him. Once I saw my friend was all right, I…. The bigger guy…he’d traded the bat for a gun. I guess he had it in his truck. I didn’t see him get it, but I saw it in his hand. He shot at me. I, um, used the training my brothers gave me to protect myself and my friend.” She looked away, shaking. “I k-killed them both.”
Dr. Dunn jotted a short note then looked up at her. “It’s easier sometimes to confide in a complete stranger. You’re not worried about rejection or judgment with someone you don’t see on a daily basis. I spoke with Ford earlier today, and I’d like for him to share with you some of his past. It’s important to begin a relationship on equal footing. When he’s shared, I’d like to ask you some questions, if you don’t mind.”
Caress nodded.
Ford cleared his throat. “I don’t talk about my family much. I’m a private man, with private thoughts. I take care of what needs to be done without divulging. We are pack, and pack takes care of pack. I was a lone Wolf before, didn’t much do anything but stay on the straight and narrow.” He shifted in his chair. “I’ve had Luck since he was five. My brother handed him to me and took off without a word. He’d married a human and didn’t trust her with our world. So he turned his back on his first born, and only born that I know of. He’s stayed gone for twelve years.” He gritted his teeth, his voice dropping a level. “I got a message from him after Luck turned seventeen and forbade him to ever return home to his son. In my eyes, he betrayed us all, and I couldn’t allow him to hurt Luck, knowing he’d just leave again.” He jerked his thumb toward himself. “He’s my son now, and he thinks his parents are dead. They may not be in real life, but where it matters most they are.”
“That’s heartbreaking. I understand why you’d do that.” She did the math in her head. “So when you got Luck, you were what, fifteen?”
“Yeah. I moved out of my adoptive parents’ home, lied about my age, got a job on a ranch in Texas, doing labor for room and board for both of us.”
That’s both sexy and heartbreaking at the same time. “Luck is grown now, though. Maybe you should tell him the truth, since you can’t avoid life happening, or what’ll transpire if your brother decides to ignore your warning and come here anyway. He can, you know. He’s pack even if he’s chosen otherwise.”
“Dr. Dunn said the same thing. I told her I’d think about it since he’s grown now, and understands pack life. Just don’t want that boy hurting.” Ford scrubbed his jaw with a hand and cut his eyes away. “My brother doesn’t deserve to have him in his life.”
Caress melted against him, her Wolf calming his anxious beast. “Thank you.” She turned to Dr. Dunn “I’m ready. I know that was hard for him to divulge.”
“I’d like to ask you some questions, if you don’t mind.”
Ford squeezed Caress’s hand.
“I guess that’s all right.” Caress bit her lip.
“Do you have trouble shifting ever?”
“No. I’ve been able to shift at will since puberty. It’s seamless.”
“That’s good.”
The doc jotted notes, and Ford leaned forward, trying to see what she was writing. Caress inched away from him until he tugged her flush against him. “Stop running.”
“I’m not,” she mumbled.
“Hmm. I also have notes that your parents passed when you were young. ” The doctor looked at her. “Must’ve been very hard to grow up with brothers playing the parent role. The trauma of losing both parents at the same time. No female mentor to guide you.”
“I’m tired of talking.” Caress hid her face against Ford’s chest.
“I need you to trust me, mate,” he rumbled. ”Being here with the good doctor is a positive action.”
She frowned. “My parents are a touchy situation. Besides, until just now, I knew nothing about your past.”
“She has a point, Ford. Perhaps you both should see me separately and together daily for the next month.”
“Let’s make a deal, Caress. I will speak to Dr. Dunn as she requests if you sit back down and answer her questions.”
“You better.” Her Wolf chuffed at their mate then sat and addressed the doctor. “I don’t remember my parents much, only that my mother smelled like vanilla and cherries. She smiled a lot and was always gardening. I don’t recall her voice or laughter, but she was happie
st growing things. I remember being by her side and loving the dirt, watching her. I have her journals of plants and their properties with notes from her mother and other ancestors. My dad was gone all the time. My brothers tell me I was his shadow when he was home, though.”
Ford grew annoyed as Dr. Dunn wrote on her little pad. He needed answers to why she needed notes to help his mate. He already had qualms about following through and seeing the doctor on his own. Unlike others, he didn’t have any traumatic issues. He focused on being the best role model for his young nephew, choosing to have bedmates away from home and kept at arm’s length. Sure there was a long string of women with no real lasting relationships. If any ever got too close, he’d dump them and move on. But Luck never saw any of it. Knew little if anything about the women he bedded.
“Tell me about your Wolf, what does she like and hate?”
“She loves to run free. She hates authority.”
Ford laughed. The doc shot him a look that sobered him.
“Hmm. Does she enjoy hunting? What do you do in Wolf form?”
Caress bit her lip and released it. “Um, run, hunt, normal stuff…roll around in the grass, sometimes take a dip in the creeks.”
“Hunt. Kill?”
“Yeah, it’s natural to do so.”
“So is protecting yourself and the well-being of the pack.”
“Yeah.” Caress frowned and squirmed in her seat then looked down at her lap.
“You see where I’m going with this, don’t you?”
“I’m not just a Wolf,” she whispered. “I have humanity in me that should eclipse the savage in me.”
“So, I gather your issue is not that you killed those men, but that you enjoyed the carnage and the feeling of taking lives.”
Caress shoved to her feet, her eyes wild as she turned around in search of an exit. “I can’t do this. Ford, take me home now. It’s just too much, overwhelming me.”
Dr. Dunn set her paper and pen down, her demeanor completely calm. “One more question for today, and we can leave the rest for the next session.”
Promiscuous Wolf Page 7
