by Liv Brywood
Every day brought new challenges with it. If she wasn’t learning how to clean a horse’s hooves, she was battling her growing infatuation with him. But was it simply infatuation, or was it something more, something deeper?
Sex had already taken their complicated relationship to another level. She’d made a huge mistake by falling into bed with him again and again, but she was powerless to resist. The sex was too good. He could ask her to make love on the front porch and she’d do it just to get close to him. His hard body was to die for, and she wanted to make as many great sex memories as possible before she had to leave.
But did she have to leave? He hadn’t said much about what would happen after his father passed away. Although he’d said she could stay, their conversations had always been vague. She wouldn’t be able to live with him forever.
One day he’d decide to finally settle down and he’d need to look for a wife. She’d be extra baggage and wouldn’t stand a chance against one of the shifter women. They were all gorgeous with perfect, long manes of expertly styled hair. Standing next to them, she was a weed among flowers. He’d never choose her over one of them.
She needed to talk to him to find out what he planned to do after his father’s death. But as she opened her mouth to start the conversation, he pulled into a secluded parking lot.
“We’re here,” he said.
He looked so happy that she didn’t want to ruin the mood. She could talk to him later. As soon as they got home she’d bring it up. But until then, she’d enjoy the day.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“You’ll see, come on.”
They walked hand-in-hand down a trail through the woods. The distant roar of water became louder as they looped around an outcropping of rocks. A rolling river rushed alongside the narrow trail. Downstream, it disappeared over the edge of a waterfall.
“It gets slippery. Watch your step,” he said.
“Okay.”
As she descended the steep path, water sprayed her arms and legs. Prickles of cold water jolted her awake.
“It’s freezing,” she said.
“You’ll get used to it.”
“What do you mean? I’m not going in.”
“Yes you are,” he said in a playful tone.
“No way am I taking a dip in—”
Her heart leapt into her throat as she reached the bottom of the waterfall. Twenty-five feet of cascading falls emptied into a frothy blue pool. It looked like something out of a travel brochure. A secluded paradise cut off from the rest of the world.
“It’s beautiful,” she said.
“Not as beautiful as you, but it’s a close second.”
She blushed. He loved to flatter her, especially when he wanted her naked. The gleam in his eyes betrayed his true intention.
“I’m not going skinny dipping,” she said.
“Really?”
He lifted his shirt over his head and set it on a rock. Sunlight streamed through the trees to illuminate a perfect six-pack. She feasted on his broad shoulders and strong biceps. Every inch of him was pure perfection. He shouldn’t even be allowed to be this hot. It should be against the law.
“Still not coming in?” he asked.
As he unzipped his jeans, she groaned. He pushed them over his hips and disregarded his boxers too. His long, erect cock stood proud against his belly. How he could be hard after twelve hours of sex was beyond her. It had to be a shifter thing. What else could explain his ability to fuck like a rabbit all night?
“Do I have to come over there and take off your clothes for you?” he asked.
“Yes.”
Her eyelids dropped as lust flooded her. Resisting was pointless, but at least she could make him work for it. After removing everything but her bra and panties, he stood back to admire her.
“You really are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“Impossible,” she said. “There are so many shifter women who are much prettier.”
“None of them even come close to you.”
“My ass is too big.”
“It fits perfectly into my hands, especially when I have you backed up against the wall.”
“My hips are too wide.”
“Not at all. You’re so sexy when you walk. If you didn’t have hips, you wouldn’t be so sensual. Those Victoria’s Secret supermodels could learn a thing or two from you. I’d love to see you walk a runway in your panties.”
“You’re so dirty sometimes.”
“More than just sometimes,” he murmured as he leaned in to kiss her.
She sighed as his hands skimmed her waist before settling onto her hips. Warm, wet kisses slackened her muscles. If they’d had a bed to fall into, she would have. Maybe getting into the freezing water wouldn’t be so bad. At least she’d be able to float.
His lips blazed a trail of fire down her throat. She tossed back her head and moaned. As he traced the edge of her collarbone with his tongue, she wrapped her hand around his cock. She stroked and squeezed and rubbed the pad over her thumb across the tip. He shivered and backed her toward the pool. When her feet touched the cool water, she stopped.
“This is way too cold,” she said.
“If you get it quickly, you’ll get used to it faster.”
“I’d rather ease—”
He scooped her up and before she could react, he tossed her into the pool. She shrieked as she hit the freezing water. Adrenaline blasted away any last vestige of exhaustion. When she broke the surface, she pushed hair out of her eyes.
“I’m going to kill you,” she growled.
He grinned and dove in. As he surfaced, water rolled down his body. His stunning chest glistened in the light. Droplets of water fell from his hair. Every inch of him glowed with warmth and vitality. Her mouth watered as she swam closer. She couldn’t wait to taste his lips again. And she didn’t have to.
He drew her into his arms. The hard length of him pressed against her belly. She reached between them to casually stroke him. His eyes darkened and he crushed his lips against hers. She returned his fervent kisses with a passion she’d never known. They’d been intimate more times than she could count, but each time felt as if it were the first.
As his hands swept down to cradle her butt, she stroked him faster. His breath hitched and he nipped at her bottom lip.
“You drive me crazy, woman.”
“How crazy?” she asked.
“Crazy enough to do this.”
He lifted her with one hand and pressed his cock against her panty-covered pussy. With deft fingers, he pushed the fabric aside. He slid one finger in and stroked back and forth with increasing pressure. She gasped and clutched his forearms. He responded with a second finger, then a third.
As she writhed against his hand, tension coiled in her pussy. Her breath came out in sharp pants. Her eyes closed and she gnawed on the edge of her lip. A soft whimper escaped her lips. He could have asked her to do anything in that moment and she would have agreed to it. Anything to keep his hand right where he’d planted it.
“I want you to come for me,” he whispered. “I want to watch you explode and feel your tighten around my fingers. Come for me.”
She leaned into him, unable to catch her breath as he glided his finger across her clit. The tiny, swollen nub ached for his touch, and when he returned to vibrate his thumb against it, she shattered. Ragged waves of orgasmic release crashed into her, stealing her thoughts, and leaving her floating in a mindless sea of pleasure.
Her muscles clutched at his fingers, milking them, demanding more. And he knew what she needed. He lifted her onto his cock, plunging into her slick, pulsating heat, filling her with every inch of him until she’d taken all of him.
Slow, rhythmic thrusts pushed her into a second orgasm. Back arched, toes curled, her body jerked against him. She quivering uncontrollably as he wrapped her against his solid strength. This was the kind of man she needed in her life. Someone who could bring her t
o the heights of ecstasy and make her feel safe at the same time.
As his breath grew ragged, his thrusts increased. She moved in time with him. Water sloshed around them as he plunged deeper, harder, faster, bringing her to another explosive orgasm. And when she soared over the edge, he pulled her close and came with her.
Locked in his embrace, a flood of emotion rose up to claim her. She loved him. It wasn’t a flurry of endorphins, or a thought brought on by a lack of oxygen. He was her oxygen. His breath became hers. The pulse of blood through her veins synced with his. And even if she’d had the energy to deny it, she couldn’t. They belonged together. And she wanted to confess everything in her heart.
Suddenly his head snapped up.
“Did you hear that?” he asked.
“No. What?”
“Shh.” As he cocked his head to once side, he released her. He pushed her behind him. “Someone’s out there.”
Nine
Arizona peeked around his shoulder but couldn’t see anything but an endless wall of trees. Movement caught her eye. A flash of color darted through the woods. Good God. Had someone been watching them?
She froze. Had Tony found her? He couldn’t have. No one knew where they were unless…unless he’d been watching them for days.
“It’s him,” she hissed.
“Did you see someone?”
“No. But it has to be him.”
“It was probably some peeping tom. Another hiker who happened to catch us in the act. I can’t believe I didn’t sense him,” he said.
“You were preoccupied.”
“Completely.”
“Is he gone?” she asked.
“I don’t see anyone, but let’s head back to the truck.”
“Is it safe? What if someone’s waiting there for us?”
“We’re sitting ducks here,” he said. “We have to go back. Get dressed.”
She waded out and quickly pulled on her clothes. She was soaking wet but didn’t care. Even though Garrett insisted the person was probably harmless, she didn’t believe it. Garrett’s tense stance and shifting gaze told her that he didn’t believe it either.
“What if the person is waiting for us at the truck?” she whispered.
“Stay behind me. If someone’s there, then I’ll scent them.”
“You didn’t scent the guy in the woods.”
“My nose was occupied,” he said. “I couldn’t smell anything but you. You’re intoxicating.”
She smiled despite the increasing tension. Maybe she was overreacting and the guy really was just a hiker.
As they hurried up the trail, she stayed close to Garrett. She studied the woods on either side of them, but didn’t see any indication of another person’s presence. Her heart thumped harder as they approached the end of the trail. What would they find in the parking lot? Would it be empty and safe? Or would someone be lying in wait?
“When we get to the truck, get in,” he said. “I’ll get you out of here as fast as possible.”
The parking lot came into view. She scanned the area. It was empty. But still, something felt… off.
She ran across the pavement. When she reached the truck, she yanked open the passenger-side door. A bouquet of white roses tumbled off the seat and landed at her feet. She screamed.
“What? What is it?” Garrett yelled as he raced around the truck.
“It’s him. I know it.”
She whipped her head from side to side searching for Tony. She’d only met him once, but she’d recognize his slicked-back hair and cocky swagger if she saw him again.
“Get in the truck!” Garrett said. “Do not leave for any reason. Got it?”
“Yes.”
She stepped on the roses as she scrambled into the cab. Garrett slammed the door behind her and dropped to all fours. Before she could process what was happening, his body twisted and cracked. The sound of popping, tearing flesh filled the air. She’d never seen him shift into a bear. She’d never seen anyone shift. All she could do was stare as fur sprouted on his hands and legs. His nose elongated into a snout while his body stretched and grew.
Her eyes widened as he tore through his clothes. Claws scratched against the pavement as the last hint of humanity vanished. A bear stood in his place. And it was furious.
Spittle dripped from the bear’s sharp teeth. Feral intelligence glimmered in his eyes. He lifted his snout to sniff the air. He chuffed and grunted, pawing around the parking lot as if searching for a scent trail. The fur along his spine stood up. A second later, he bolted into the forest. She struggled to catch another glimpse of him, but he was gone.
One minute passed…
Two…
Five…
She tapped her foot and dug her nails into the seat.
Where was he? Did Tony shoot him? She hadn’t heard any shots, but maybe he had a silencer. Garrett could be lying somewhere in the woods hurt, or even dying.
Her heart pounded as visions of his blood-soaked body taunted her. She considered getting out of the car, but she didn’t have a weapon. If she ran into Tony, she’d have no way to defend herself.
She opened the glove box and searched for a weapon. Nothing. She leaned into the small storage space behind the seats and dug past an extra jacket and a pair of boots. She found a duffle bag and ripped it open. A crowbar sat on top of a first aid kit. She grabbed it.
As she reached for the door handle, a figure appeared out of nowhere. She screamed as Tony pounded on the window with the butt of his pistol.
“Open up, bitch,” he snarled. “You’re my goddamn property and I’m taking you home.”
“Never!”
His eyes narrowed and darkness twisted his expression. She scooted across the seat toward the driver’s side door. Tony raced around front and blocked her escape. He slammed his gun against the glass three times. It shattered, sending fragments of class cascading across the seat and onto the floor.
She screamed as he yanked open the door. She fumbled with the lock on the passenger side. It popped open. She shoved the handle and lunged toward the door. Tony grabbed her hair and yanked her back.
“When I get you home, you’re going to pay for this,” he snapped.
“Let me go!”
“Never!”
He dragged her backward. She tumbled out of the driver’s side door and slammed onto the pavement. He pulled her up by her hair and grabbed her arm. She’d managed to hold onto the crowbar, but as he twisted her arm behind her back, she dropped it. Now she’d never be able to escape.
As her heart plummeted into her chest, she shook from a rush of adrenaline. Tony hauled her back toward the main road. A few yards down the road, a sleek sedan sat hidden in a patch of thick bushes. If he got her into his car, she was dead for sure. Maybe not right away, but she had no doubt he’d kill her.
She shuddered and dropped to the floor. Tony tried to tug her to her feet but she went limp. He’d have a harder time carrying dead weight. She needed to buy time. Figure out another plan of escape.
A rumbling in the woods caught her attention. She turned to see Garrett, still in bear form, crashing through the woods. Tony raised his pistol up. She leapt up and slammed into him, throwing him off balance. A shot rang out. It went high and wide.
As the bear reached them, she stumbled backward. Sharp claws glinted a second before sinking deep into Tony’s belly. Blood spurted out in every direction as Tony clutched his belly. He ran across the road. Garrett followed him into the forest. She ran behind them.
Up ahead, Tony skidded then pitched over the edge of the cliff. Garrett stopped a foot short of the huge drop-off. She rushed to his side.
“Are you hurt? Did he shoot you?” she asked.
The bear huffed and shook his head no.
She fell to her knees and wept with relief. She wrapped her arms around the bear’s front leg and sobbed. She’d almost lost him, and she hadn’t even told him how she felt.
Before she could say anything, the bear
’s spine cracked and twisted. Fur receded and the bear’s nose became smaller. She stood in awe of the huge beast.
As Garrett emerged from the tangle of fur, she ran toward him. He raced toward her and pulled her into his arms. He spread rough kisses all over her face. She kissed him back with a desperation she’d never experienced.
“I almost lost you,” she said.
“I almost lost you, too.”
“Never! You’ll never lose me,” she said. “I can’t hold back anymore. I love you. I know it’s crazy, but it’s true. I’ve been trying to pretend it’s not real for weeks, but it is. What we have is more than I ever imagined having. I know our relationship was supposed to be fake, but nothing’s felt more real. Nothing. And I know you’re going to send me away when your dad dies, but I had to tell you.”
As she waited for a response, her chest deflated. She’d finally told him exactly how she felt, and he wasn’t saying a word in response.
***
Garrett’s throat tightened. He couldn’t speak. She loved him! All of the energy he’d put into denying his growing love for her rushed out of his body, leaving him lightheaded. He pulled her into his arms and clung to her with the desperation of a drowning man. Although he’d suspected he’d been falling in love with her for weeks, the threat of almost losing her had pushed him over the edge. He never wanted to let her go.
“You’re squeezing too tight,” she gasped.
“Sorry. I can’t believe I almost lost you.” He stepped back and cradled her cheeks in his hands. “I love you, Arizona. I don’t know when it happened, but sometime over the last few weeks I fell hard. I tried to pretend it wasn’t happening, but I can’t deny it any longer. You’re the most important person in my life and I never want you to leave. Stay with me. Stay and be my wife.”
“What? Your wife?” she whispered.
“I never thought I’d ever want to get married,” he said. “But you’re more than I could have ever hoped for in a partner. You love the ranch. You’re a hard worker. You’re sweet, and sexy, and way too good for me, but I need you.”
“I’m not too good for you,” she said.
