The Merry Widow of Tanner's Ford (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Reece Butler

  Chapter Thirty-One

  “Marci sleeping?”

  Lance nodded to Simon as he padded across the kitchen to the fridge. He opened the door, once again delighting to find it full. His stomach growled in eagerness. The spirits had sent a good woman to them. Marci obviously enjoyed creating a comfortable, welcoming home. The fridge had been well scrubbed. Even the stain from before he left had been removed.

  “Good.” Simon rested his cast on a pillow as he leafed through one of the old journals.

  Lance grabbed the carton of orange juice, opened it, and poured it down his throat. He could almost feel his cells expanding as the energy was absorbed. Headwork, as he called what he’d done with Marci, took a lot out of everyone involved.

  “Marci will need to drink a lot to flush her body from all that crap.” Lance wiped his mouth with the back of his wrist. “Did you pick up any of it?”

  “You know I’m no good at that,” replied Simon with a frown. “I felt heat and a touch of something almost evil escaping, but that was all.”

  “She saw it as flames and oily black smoke swirling around inside her. And it wasn’t escaping, she was shoving it out.” Lance put the almost empty juice carton back and rummaged around for sandwich fixings. “She’s a powerful woman, or will be once she believes in herself.”

  “So’s her sister.” Simon sighed. “She and Nikki have no other family. “Did you see her face during that pillow fight?” Simon glanced out the window. “She looked so alive, laughing as she walloped Nikki. I want her to be that happy most of the time.”

  “She’s a complicated woman. She needs both of us.”

  “I don’t understand why most men want to keep a woman to themselves rather than share their loving of her,” said Simon absently. He went back to looking at his journal. Whether his brother was reading or not, Lance could tell he wanted to be alone with his thoughts. So did Lance.

  He stepped out into the chilly night. He stopped on the porch to kick off his boots and socks before stepping out onto the ground. The dirt was cold, but he needed the direct physical contact with the earth that sustained him, and therefore his family.

  A quiet quork welcomed him, warning of the raven’s presence before it landed on his left shoulder. It trilled as he scratched its head, then returned the gesture by nibbling the hair above his ear with its beak. He saw a vision of Marci, lying on her back in the dirt, offering one of her long hairs. That was his woman, all right. She’d accepted his guides without fear. She would not reject her child even if its spirit ran deep.

  Another heavy link of chain from his past dropped away.

  He called the Light to him, letting it flow through and take the pain he no longer needed to hold. His grandfathers would be welcomed when they visited. They would bless Marci’s daughters and sons. All of them, no matter what color their skin.

  The raven gripped his shoulder as he walked farther into the yard. Mountains cut off everything but the lights from the town of Climax which glowed in the east. He turned to the west and looked up. Stars glittered above the mountain’s jagged edges. Like the ravens, they were familiar, old friends which had guided him all his life.

  Lance spread his arms, leaned his head back, and inhaled. His People had lived here for thousands of years and, though the line grew fainter with each generation, he still felt his roots. Energy flowed through him, up from the mantle of the Earth to a place far, far above, then descended in a perpetual cycle. He let it renew him, cleansing his cells and restoring his balance.

  He sent thanks for bringing Marci into their lives. She was a good woman with depths of strength she’d only begun to tap. They would help her heal, as she would help them. Her new family and friends would protect, support, and provide for her. He saw them as ripples, like those extending from a pebble dropped in a still pond.

  Marci was the pebble, the center of their lives.

  He and Simon were the ripple closest to her, along with their children. Nikki was next. Since they got along so well, Donny, Keith, and Aggie followed. Marci would create other ripples, composed of neighbors and friends, as she reached out to give, and receive.

  Though his mother made it clear she didn’t want him, Lance had still grown up with much support. He had Simon, of course, and his Bannock family. Many cousins, aunts, and uncles in the valley were always available if he needed them. Yet he’d always felt something was missing.

  No more.

  Holding Marci in his arms as she slept, having given him her trust, made him complete. A vision of three interconnecting rings came into his mind. The two rings representing himself and Simon could easily separate, but when anchored by Marci, they locked into a whole.

  They were a family, and their future began this night.

  The raven sifted his beak through Lance’s hair. They’d love Marci’s long, soft hair even more than his own. Hers went past her waist while his only touched his shoulder blades. He kept it long because horses liked to sniff and nibble on it, treating it like a mane or tail.

  He understood horses and most accepted him as a lead stallion, strong and tough enough to protect his herd. But unlike a real stallion, as a human he held power over the entire herd, including the lead mare. Normally she ruled the herd for she knew where to find the best grazing and where water could be found even in late August. Yet she bowed to her stallion when he demanded it, for she knew it was he who kept the herd safe.

  Marci would fight like a mare with a stallion, making him prove his worth. But then she’d allow him to mount her from behind, proving his mastery. His cock hardened at the thought of sliding into this petite, powerful woman. She would resist his control as she was still feral, unsure of where she would fit. She had no one but her sister, the tall blonde Eric had chosen. Both women were assertive and passionate, yet insecure. A light but sure hand would bring them into line.

  If he was still in bed with her, he could discover if she wore anything under her skirt. She’d have no need for panties at the ranch. He wanted her to feel her pussy lips rub as she walked. Knowing that all he had to do was lift her skirt to touch her swollen, wet lips, would arouse her. It would take time before she totally emerged from her cocoon, but when she did, she would be magnificent.

  Marci was a Fox. She knew how to hide in plain sight, adapting to situations while her true self was camouflaged. Foxes, like ravens and wolves, were predators but they could coexist. Each had their own place and they complemented each other.

  He was a Raven, flying high and seeing everything below. He could see prey or danger coming and would warn Wolf to prepare. Fox could slip past, using her cunning and intelligence to add to the hunt, or gather information to fight the foe. Foxes cared for the young, protecting them with a vengeance and playing with them while teaching survival skills.

  Like wolves and ravens, foxes were loyal. Marci had proven that in her caring for Nikki, and by staying with her husband even when she should have escaped.

  Ravens lived in communities and wolves had their packs, but foxes were often alone. Marci was a black fox, a vixen, but she needed the closeness of family to thrive. Their children would be dark unless Simon’s Highland Scot genetics conquered his Bannock spirit. Perhaps they would have a petite red-haired daughter.

  Lance knew far more about Marci than she realized. Even more than Simon. He’d had several long telephone conversations with a few people in town. As sheriff, Max Gibson knew most of what went on in town. He kept his counsel, as did Lance. They worked well together, and Max had provided enough information for Lance to understand the situation. Brenda was tight-lipped during the day, but she had no idea how much she talked in her sleep. Her husband kept any information he heard locked up as tight as he did the financial accounts of the people and companies he represented. But there were times when it was to someone else’s benefit for information to be judiciously shared.

  Marci’s wild Spanish blood was hot, but she’d tried to contain it. Her fury tonight had shocked and frightened
her but now her fiery darkness was gone. There were lingering traces, but she would clear them with in time.

  After a warning tightening of claws, the bird on his shoulder yanked out a hair. Lance winced as it launched itself into the night with its prize. Raven was an agent of change. He brought wisdom and magic to those with the courage to face their fears, go beyond what was comfortable, and create a better future.

  He went inside, leaving his boots in the kitchen. Simon grunted a welcome but didn’t look up from his journal. After cleaning his feet, Lance stripped to his jeans and got into bed with Marci. He’d rather be naked but it would be very difficult to not slide between her swollen, wet, pussy lips. She sighed, settling her back against his bare chest.

  He nuzzled her hair, sending tendrils of calm to sooth and prepare her. She relaxed against him with a smile. He sent out a tendril of bright energy. Something bounced back, a disturbance so small it was less than a whisper. He placed his hands on her shirt over her heart and belly and listened with his mind.

  It was a distant beat of light, so faint it might fade with a breath. He needed to touch her flesh to make a better contact. One hand slipped under her shirt, the other under her skirt. Though delighted to discover she wore neither bra nor panties, he kept his attention on the faint pulse of light. He cupped his hand lower, right above her pubic bone.

  There!

  He sent a message toward the pulse, cherishing it. The warmth of a new life beat stronger. That infinitesimal increase of light clarified what he’d felt. Tears pricked his eyes as a sense of awe flowed through him.

  It was the soul of Simon’s child. A boy from what he could sense. He shuddered, releasing his breath in a whoosh. He would say nothing, letting life take its course. The soul light could fade to nothing and not be born to this woman, at this time. Or it could flourish and bring great joy to its mother and fathers.

  His training in this was limited, but the strength of the pulse suggested he would be changing diapers early in the new year. He let the tears flow as the Raven spirit rejoiced with the hope of new life.

  Raven called Wolf, Simon’s Totem, to join them. Wolf provided for the pack and was responsible for ensuring its continuance. Part of that meant keeping the ways and knowledge, which meant training the young. Wolf and Raven needed a loyal mate to provide future generations.

  Lance used his extra senses, watching as the Raven and Wolf spirits beckoned to Fox. She rose like a beacon, flashed her black eyes and tail at them and was gone. They chased her laughter, weaving a pattern with Raven flying above and Wolf ranging far on land. When she was ready, Fox ducked into her den, inviting them to join her with a swish of her tail. The male spirits came together with her as one. As their spirits meshed, Lance’s cock throbbed, aching for release. He heard Simon’s groan from the kitchen, and knew he was with them in sprit form.

  Marci moaned in her sleep, grinding her bottom against Lance’s cock. She was allowing her spirit Fox to enjoy Wolf’s and Raven’s attentions. He would follow their actions, encouraging her physical body to enjoy what she sensed in her mind.

  She gasped and writhed as Wolf used his long tongue to lick deep inside her pussy. Lance used his fingers to mimic the strokes. Raven’s feathers tantalized her breasts, and in return, Lance stroked her nipples. Wolf mounted her from behind, howling his possession. Lance’s cock throbbed painfully, demanding he do the same. But only when she was awake and aware would he do what he so desperately craved.

  It was exquisite torture, but would make the future joining all the better.

  Grinding his teeth in agony, he used his fingers to find the fleshy spot above Marci’s pubic bone and ground the heel of his palm against her clit. She bucked against him, gasping her release as Fox did the same. She slumped, panting, yet still asleep.

  He reluctantly removed his hand from her pussy and rolled onto his back with her aromatic body sprawling over him. Her wet pussy rested against the bulge in his jeans, a promise of things to come. He licked his fingers, savoring the smell and taste of her as it imprinted on his brain. If she was ever lost or taken, he could track her by her scent.

  The spirit of Wolf left the den first, making sure the way was clear for his pack. Raven went next, flying high to look for danger. When Raven whistled the all clear, Fox smugly trotted out, tail high as she saucily leaped about, knowing she, and the family she would one day produce, were safe.

  The spirits faded from Lance’s awareness but he’d never forget the experience. Everything about it proved the three of them were meant to be together.

  He and Simon could never be complacent with this woman. She would confound and challenge them all their lives. In return they would delight in her playfulness. Just as she’d accepted them, and made them whole.

  She stirred in his arms, and then sighed. Soon she would wake. The next few moments would determine their future.

  Would she remember the dream, and want to fulfill it?

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Marci drifted in a postorgasmic haze. She was enveloped by warm arms that held her snug against a warmer chest. The low thud of a heartbeat anchored her. Lips drifted across her temple.

  “Feeling better?”

  The voice above her had an unusual accent. Faint, but still there. It sounded like the raven in her dream, but how could a bird talk? Yet the wolf had spoken as well, even when its tongue was deep inside her. Her nipples pebbled and pussy flooded in memory. A deep chuckle filtered through the haze. She opened her eyes, twisting her head to find a dark-skinned face with ice-blue eyes. Her pulse jumped.

  Lance.

  He smiled, revealing brilliant white teeth behind full lips.

  “Tell me of your dream.”

  Her ears burned with the blush she hoped was hidden by her skin. “How do you know about that?” she demanded.

  His smile widened. “Will you trust me, as you did with that firestorm?”

  She was lying in bed, cuddled up with a man she’d just met. Simon had told her about Lance knowing things, and he had been with her, holding and helping her, during that horrid experience. She would not have fallen into such a deep sleep beside him unless she trusted him.

  “I was in bed with a wolf and a raven.” She tugged at the fading memory. “I was a fox. Only, I was black and the wolf was red. Do red wolves and black foxes exist?”

  “Yes, but red wolves are endangered and black foxes rare.”

  So her strange dream wasn’t totally ridiculous.

  “Were the three of you sleeping?” he asked.

  A memory flashed through her. The black fox, head back, rode the red wolf’s cock as the raven’s wings caressed her breasts. The fox came in a magnificent orgasm as the wolf exploded deep inside her.

  Echoes of that orgasm still rolled through her. Lance raised his eyebrows as if he knew. Heat flared from her pussy to her forehead. He caught her erect nipple between his knuckles. The intense pleasure added to her recent release to make her moan.

  Lance’s hand slid down her leg and then back up, bringing her skirt along with it. She held her breath, biting her lip. His nostrils flared before she caught her scent rising from between her closed thighs. His fingers trailed over her hip to her bottom. His eyes danced as his fingers explored her naked cheeks.

  She felt his tension increase along with hers. His nostrils flared. The vein on his neck fluttered. She licked her lips, wanting to touch them there.

  “I want you,” he whispered, and nipped her earlobe.

  The sharp jolt made her jump. She grabbed the arm holding her chest, anchoring herself to it. His fingers probed between her legs. She didn’t move. A tilt of his head, a raised eyebrow, and gentle but insistent pressure told her what he wanted. She rolled her upper shoulder closer to him and let her legs fall open. He raised his head and inhaled. His fingers moved over her thigh and slid between her swollen lips. She watched him lift his fingers to his mouth and taste her.

  “Perfect,” he murmured. He put his hand back on
her pussy, but didn’t touch anything. She squirmed, wanting more, but he stayed still. She looked up with a frown.

  “You have a choice, Marci Meshevski. It can only be made once.”

  His voice sounded rough and scratchy, like the rasp of a crow.

  “What?” she asked, breathless from arousal and need.

  “You can stand up and walk away from this bed forever.” A finger found her clit. It slipped over the bud, touching just enough to let her know it was there. “If you stay, that dream of yours will come true.”

  “You don’t know what I dreamed.”

  Wrinkles appeared in the corners of his eyes as he smiled. “I was there with you, my little black fox. I saw you tease and flick that tail of yours, enticing and arousing us. I’m the Raven, and Simon is the Wolf.” He winked. “But I can do more in this form than Raven could as a bird.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “But—”

  “This time when you ride Simon’s cock I’ll fill your ass with mine.”

  Simon chuckled behind her and slid a wet finger slid between her back cheeks. He probed at her anus. She barely held back a gasp at the sensations flooding her. His finger slid in and twisted. She shuddered.

  “Do you want my cock in there, sweet Marci?” asked Lance. “Do you want me filling your ass while you ride my twin?”

  She licked dry lips, then opened them to answer.

  “If you say yes, that means abiding by the agreement our spirits made.”

  Her mind was whirling too fast to think. “What?”

  “Our spirits wish to become a family. You, me, and Simon. Think about it, Marci, for once we join our bodies as we have our spirits, we are together until death.”

  It wasn’t just the sex, which had been fantastic with Simon, that she wanted. From the way her body reacted to Lance, he’d be at least as good in bed. His mantle of power made her pussy tingle just from the thought of submitting to this man’s touch.