by C. D. Gorri
By the time their lovemaking was over for the day, they were thoroughly bonded, and committed to each other. Before he left, Cisco marked her and his love bite on her hip filled her entire body with the sensation of a scatter of electrical impulses shooting through her.
By the time their tryst was over the den was warm and cozy with the heat of their lovemaking. Both of them shifted before he left, and he promised her in Wolf Speak that he would return as soon as he was able, and that when he did, it would be after informing Echo that she was to be accepted into the Winterborn pack as not only as a pack member, but also his fated mate for life.
He did not have to add that if for some reason Alpha Echo rejected his request, he would have no choice but to leave the pack with her and search for new territory as Alpha of his own pack. It was not his first choice, but his love for Kibu, his fervent desire to fiercely protect her from harm and provide for her was now the overriding concern of his existence.
Even after her mate left her side, Kibu’s den stayed warm, and both sated by his fucking and exhausted she drifted off into the first thoroughly relaxing sleep she’d had since she’d started on her journey Westward.
She slept dreamlessly, knowing that at last she was not only accepted by her mate, but also loved.
Chapter Eight: Distant Thunder
Echo had always known since Scar had not only been sighted but had infiltrated the elaborate security surrounding the Winterborn lodge that they hadn’t seen the last of the Timberwolf shifter.
When he got news from the shifter Alpha known as Redwolf, giving the Winterborn pack a heads up that Scar had somehow amassed his own pack and was intending to return and challenge the Winterborn pack, Echo became preoccupied with making preparations to defend the Winterborn legacy.
The meetings were numerous as the pack discussed strategy and assessed their weaknesses. One of the obvious ones was that their pack was relatively small compared to some wolf packs. Although the Winterborn Timberwolves were larger and stronger than most wolfshifters, their pack of twenty, including some relatives and also unrelated wolves might be overwhelmed by a larger pack of wolves with strong warrior wolves.
Echo felt an immense sense of guilt, blaming himself for the pack not expanding in number. He hadn’t planned to have human females as his mate. That had been the case with Delphine and now Cadie, and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.
When Cisco asked to meet with him privately to discuss Kibu’s future, Echo was more than a little surprised at what Cisco had come to tell him.
They sat opposite each other in Echo’s private study, each holding two fingers of bourbon that Echo had poured.
Cisco spent a few seconds twirling the amber colored liquid around in the ornate cut crystal glass, before downing the contents abruptly.
His large dark eyes spoke volumes before he uttered a word. In his eyes he could read desperation, hope, yearning and resignation.
“I know that you told me to keep a distance from Kibu, the lone wolf straggler that has been following our pack. I know also, that as time had gone on, you have seen that she is no threat and has waited patiently to be accepted as part of our pack.
As of this date, you have failed to render a decision on the matter. As you are the Alpha, I would like to ask why you have hesitated this long?”
Echo was somewhat nonplussed.
“Cisco these matters must be considered very carefully. Every additional member accepted into the pack must augment the pack’s strength in some way.
In case you haven’t noticed, I have been more than distracted by Scar’s recent attempt at espionage. I was shocked when I recognized him sitting at the Lodge Bar, especially since he was parked next to my fated mate.
He hasn’t forgotten who gave him that scar he bears—me? He barely escaped with his life. He has been doing reconnaissance, and there can’t be any doubt that he plots revenge. The only question is what form that revenge will take.
From all accounts, he has gone mad. Nothing but madness would embolden him to return to the place where he nearly gave up the ghost. And the most concerning part is that he may not be alone.
I am hearing rumors that he has managed to form his own pack and fully intends to launch an attack. All of those matters have rather preoccupied me, and hence the delay in making less important decisions!”
Echo hadn’t meant it to, but his diatribe had ended on a note of admonition. Alpha Echo was not used to being questioned or pressured, even by his own brothers.
At the end of his response Cisco could almost discern an unuttered growl of displeasure.
“I meant no disrespect,” Cisco assured Echo hastily, though his gaze remained certain and steady, “But the matter of Kibu’s pack status has become of great importance, because…
Because I have determined beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is my mate!”
In a way that almost seemed comical to Cisco, Echo’s jaw dropped open in surprise.
“I am coming to you, brother, because I believe the best thing to do, both for the Winterborn pack and for the future of our family as shifters might be for me to separate from the pack and form a new pack with Kibu. Christmas is coming and soon after she will be in Estrus.
There are territories all around that may or may not already be claimed. My hope is that we can claim a territory not more than 65 miles from here that I have heard of, and when the pups are old enough, grow our own pack and defend it.
You know that although I have the utmost respect, love, and loyalty to you and my brothers, I have felt for many months now that circumstances would be changing rapidly and they have!”
Echo rose from his comfortable chair and held out one arm, still holding onto his drink.
“I love you Cisco,” he told his brother, “and I respect your decision. I would offer you and Kibu a chance to remain within our territory as members of our pack, but I can see your mind is made up.
We can make a declaration tonight at the pack meeting. Let it be as you have said.”
Chapter Nine: Happy Birthday Arcadia
On the following day Cadie awakened from a sound sleep to the pleasant half-conscious recognition that it was her birthday, and a shiver of excited anticipation ran through her.
She started to rise up but groaned when her muscles, aching from the skiing lessons Echo had set up for her, signaled that she had overdone it the day before.
She was excited to learn to ski, something she had had little experience with on the East Coast growing up. She was determined not only to learn how but to excel in it, as she was aware that Echo, Smoke, and Largo were all expert skiers, as were many other of the employees of the Winterborn Cascades Lodge.
She plopped back on her pillow for an instant, covering her eyes with her forearm. She was naked under the silk sheets and sumptuous damask coverlet, and though the room was warm, the fire had died down and the cooler air was making her nipples stand at attention.
At that exact moment the double doors to the bedroom burst open and Echo, Smoke, and Largo entered, all of them grinning, followed by a couple employees of the lodge wearing their lodge attire-black shirts, white ties, black Dockers and a burgundy vest with the Winterborn Cascades Lodge logo embroidered upon it.
Arcadia scrambled to cover herself but she could tell by the amused looks on the three handsome and powerfully built Winterborn brother’s faces that all present had gotten a good look at her naked breasts.
She flushed, roses forming high on each of her porcelain cheeks as the invaders began singing,
“Happy Birthday to you. Happy birthday to you…” finishing with, “Happy Birthday lovely Arcadia, Happy Birthday to YOU!”
“Oh, thank you!” She managed, with the covers pulled to her chin. As the lodge employees departed, leaving the laden carts, each carrying many domed silver trays that were issuing delicious aromas, aromas that were making her tummy growl as she realized she was famished.
“We wanted to serve you bre
akfast in bed,” Largo told her, “How about if we turn our backs as you get something on so we can all have breakfast together?”
Both Largo and Smoke turned around, but Echo didn’t, and he winked at her as she jumped hurriedly out from under the covers to retrieve the dressing gown that she had draped from one of the pillars at the bottom of the bed, tying it at the waist with the sash and trying to comb through her messy sex tousled hair with her fingers.
Echo gave her a knowing look, remembering their ardent lovemaking from the previous evening. It was his fault that she wasn’t wearing any bed clothes. It seemed like every time they were in the room together her clothing disappeared with a quickness.
They all took comfortable seats and Smoke removed the lids of the steaming trays and began serving her Belgian waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, thick sliced peppered bacon, scrambled eggs and a huge tumbler of orange juice.
She wasn’t in the mood for steak, but the Winterborn’s heaped their own plates with breakfast steak and fried potatoes, chowing down and joking as they ate, washing down the food with aromatic mugs of coffee.
With so much attention focused on her, Cadie felt a rush of contentment. She realized that she had changed since coming to the lodge, that her laser focus on her business acquisitions and career had somehow taken a back seat to enjoying herself.
Smoke was in the middle of a hilarious story about a guest who had insisted on skiing nude one winter season when she suddenly blurted.
“I love you all!”
They all turned their handsome faces to her. She felt suddenly shy. Had she REALLY said what she had been thinking, and feeling, out loud?
“Thank you,” Largo said. He was sitting closely enough to her to pick up her hand and kiss it, “Arcadia—Cadie, we were just discussing how having you here has enhanced our lives, ALL of our lives. It’s great having you here, the staff enjoys having you here, and well, none of us can imagine life without you at this point!”
“We’re hoping you and Echo can arrange something that keeps you here…
…Indefinitely!”
Cadie flushed happily.
“I think we can hammer something out,” she said, “we’ve been discussing options, and I’m excited about his idea of branching out and building some little condo type cabins on the Southern side of the lodge—something attractive and not far from the amenities of the Winterborn, but more private and secluded so that guests who value their privacy and newlyweds can feel more as though they are having a unique experience in this beautiful and wild country.”
Smoke and Largo nodded sagely, “That sounds awesome,” Smoke said, “but what about today? It’s your BIRTHDAY girl! What’s your pleasure?”
“Well first I’d like to visit the gym—maybe you all can keep me company as I try to work off some of these calories! Honestly the food here is KILLER!
After that I thought I’d get a mani and pedi and maybe a massage.”
Smoke looked at Echo, who said, “Cadie we do have house masseurs but both Largo and Smoke have certifications for massage therapy. Largo also has training in Ayurvedic Massage and healing techniques—he studied in India when he was younger.
How does THAT sound? What if we all take you out to dinner tonight and then pamper you?”
“Sounds amazing!” She replied, happily looking around at all of them. She realized that she loved being surrounded by handsome men. Although Echo, Smoke, and Largo all had their own version of the inherited Winterborn Mallen streak on the front of their dark manes of hair, they were all handsome in their own right.
Echo was divine, clean shaven, even featured and laughing eyes that could change to deliver smoldering looks when he was about to ravage her. And the man KNEW how to ravage a female. He had demonstrated that he had mad skills in bed.
Smoke always had a scruffy beard going on that made him look even more masculine. His long straight black hair was shiny and seemed to move when he moved, giving the impression of a graceful panther-like big cat. He had a great sense of humor and exuded charisma.
Largo carried with him an air of mystery. He was the hairiest of the three, with a full, short beard, well-trimmed mustache and the most tattoos of the three Winterborn brothers. He was “smexy”, highly intelligent and seemed to know a lot about everything. Where had they been all her life?
“We will leave you now,” Echo said with a sigh, “But I hope we can surprise you later! And we DO have presents for you also.
You can look forward to opening some packages!”
“Yes, you CAN!” Smoke interjected, “Some BIG packages! Guaranteed!”
Largo cracked up and all of them were smiling as they left. Cadie watched them leave with a bit of regret. They were so much fun to be around she didn’t want to miss a minute hanging out with them.
But she DESPERATELY needed a manicure, so first things first!
Chapter Ten: Love Revelations
Cadie checked her lipstick for the thousandth time after she had finished up her afternoon errands and preparations in anticipation of her date, her TRIPLE celebration dinner date with the Winterborns.
She couldn’t figure out why she felt so nervous. She couldn’t shake the sense that the evening would change her life permanently, but she figured that was just craziness. After all, hadn’t she already been exposed to the revelation that she was living in a nest of Wolfshifters?
She’d seen what they could do with her own eyes. That was the only reason she had to accept it as part of her reality. There was something about it that tantalized and intrigued her.
She had always loved animals. As a kid she’d had so many pets, both domesticated and wild that her father had referred to her collection of fur babies as “Cadie’s Zoo”.
There was a raw primitive beauty in Smoke’s transition from a hunky human male to his Wolf. It had been breathtaking to witness, and she had fallen a little in love with him after he revealed his shifting abilities.
Okay, more than a little in love with Smoke…And head over heels in love with Echo, and finding herself falling for Largo as well.
Was it even possible to be in love with three men at the same time?
By the time she heard all three of them entering the suite she was almost too nervous to emerge from the bedroom but forced herself to grab up her silk wrap that she had picked out to go with her pretty lapis lazuli blue semi formal dress and a small evening bag for her makeup and join them.
She was hoping for looks of approval, but their reactions were more than she could have anticipated.
“WOW,” Echo breathed, as if her appearance had caused him to go immediately breathless, “You look so beautiful, Cadie!”
“You clean up really nice,” Smoke teased her with a wink, handing over a huge bouquet of flowers which included Stargazer lilies (her favorite) as well as white tea roses and huge light green and white mums.
As she took them he continued, “We fought over the flowers to include of course I was personally rooting for the traditional red roses, because in my opinion you are a classic beauty and I think they would suit you. And Largo here wanted to go all Zen modern and Oriental with Calla lilies and orchids…
Echo was as usual clueless. In some ways he is the least artistic of us, so in the end we just told the lodge florist it had to be as beautiful as the most beautiful woman he’d ever encountered.
…So, anyway, how did we do?”
“They are the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen, or received,” Cadie said softly, looking at the profusion of blossoms and greenery that filled her arms, “Thank you ALL so much…
…is there a vase to put them in?”
“Oh, staff is coming to do that,” Echo said waving one hand casually, “They will work their magic while we are dining sumptuously on the best that the Winterborn Cascades have to offer.
So, milady, please come with us!”
To Arcadia’s amusement there was a slight scuffle between Largo and Echo for her unaccompanied
side after Smoke confidently offered his arm to her. It was made more amusing by the realization that she had three escorts and only two sides.
Echo looked grumpy as he fell in behind Cadie and her two escorts. Cadie turned and blew him a kiss as he trailed the other three and he followed them closely, making sure to “accidently” step on Largo’s heels a few times.
Cadie just shook her head at their antics, laughing quietly. When she was with the Winterborns she felt as though she had no worries at all. Their exuberance was infectious. Strange also was the fact that she didn’t miss the East Coast like she assumed she would.
To Cadie’s surprise when they reached the restaurant, they were immediately escorted by the host through the restaurant and down a hallway to the back outdoor terrace of the restaurant, which was usually closed to guests during the snowiest winter months.
A tent type shelter had been set up which contained twinkling lights and was fitted with several outdoor heaters so that it was warm and comfortable inside. The foursome was seated at a beautifully decorated oval table set with China and crystal and candles. Hanging on the inside of the tent were four crystal chandeliers, and classical music was playing at just the right volume in the background.
“Oh, how beautiful!” she managed to gasp, as Echo took advantage of the moment to envelop her in a warm hug before pulling out her chair for her.
The dinner started with a selection of wines and proceeded with many courses, including wild boar jowl, smoked trout and poached quail egg over a fresh salad, duck ragu over handmade pappardelle, shredded bison tacos, macadamia encrusted salmon, filet mignon and other culinary offerings.
By the time her three-tiered birthday cake was brought in, replete with sparkler type candles, she was too full to have more than a bite. The Winterborns, she thought, did a bang-up job of singing the Happy Birthday song for the second time.
Eventually she was escorted back to the suite by the three smoking hot men.
