The Bridal Hunt (Brides of the Hunt Book 1)

by Jeanette Lynn

  We've been living in the home they'd built for the last few months, and I couldn't be happier. They'd given me free rein to have it done up how I saw fit and I did, getting exactly what I wanted and then some. Within their snow beastie means, of course—let’s be realistic here. Still though—woo hoo! Go me! But enough of that.

  There was another knock, just shy of a heavy pounding as knuckles rapped in succession. Instantly feeling guilty, I cringed. I could just imagine the person on the other side thinking, Answer the damn door, Mina!

  Flipping the lock after briefly glancing through the peephole, I found Tarnk, his arms full with two bulky, cloth covered bundles as he stood there, staring after me.

  “Tarnk?” A bit surprised, I was no less pleased to see him.

  “Meanie.” A small smile tipped his lips as he waited patiently for me to invite him in.

  "Oh, sorry.” Slapping my forehead, I shook my head, sending my long braid slipping off my shoulder to dangle down my back. “Uhm, come on in.” Stepping back, I smiled in greeting.

  Tarnk's whole face lit up as he stepped inside, briskly making his way into the living room.

  Tarnk turned out to be a really awesome man-beastie, once one got to know him. It was odd to me at first, his more reserved, quiet demeanor, having gotten used to my boisterous mates. The male really didn’t say much, if at all, but when he did, I’ve found I always enjoy myself. He can be very entertaining, especially when my mates were around.

  He’d started stopping by a few short months back, to check in and see how I was doing. I’d felt a little guilty about our little chats at first, but the guys didn’t seem to mind, not like they would if it were anyone else. They knew Tarnk was the one who’d truly saved the day, saved my life that day, stalling George from firing that gun at me. We’ve sort of bonded over it, and I'll be forever grateful to the big, bow-wielding beastie.

  He’s become somewhat of a permanent fixture around the house lately, popping over all the time for little things, or just simply to say hello. I’ve begun to look forward to his visits. Today was no different.

  Waddling up beside him, I glanced at the cloth wrapped bundles curiously. "You know they aren't having the party for another four hours, right?"

  "Tarnk give to Meanie," he said awkwardly. Turning towards me, he set the large objects down at my feet.

  “Oh. Really?” Hmmm. Presents early? Well, I thought happily, trying not to appear too eager, if he insists.

  "Open," he ordered, rubbing his hands anxiously, as if as excited as I was, and yet somewhat nervous.

  A grin split my face as my gaze darted between him and his gifts. “Don’t have to tell me twice, buddy.”

  Bending down, I carefully opened the first one, pulling the sack off slowly. Eyes lighting up, I gasped in delight, hurrying to pull off the other one.

  "Oh, they're gorgeous!" I exclaimed as I studied the exquisitely done wooden cradles, an array of pictures carved in. They were beautiful.

  Reaching out, I ran my hands over each one, admiring all the little creatures he'd etched into the sides and along the tops to look up at him.

  "You made these?" I recognized some of the critters by sight, having seen them hopping or scurrying around from time to time, the images painstakingly detailed and accurate.

  The dark wood they’d been carved from made them stand out even more—a rich, deep, reddish brown. I even recognized the green and pink furred bear-like creature that Veck had made my mating fur from. The creature looked as if it was climbing a tree up one of the cradle’s sides, the tree’s branches spreading along the side to encompass more critters along the top.

  The cradles were more than beautiful—they were perfect.

  "For Meanie," Tarnk murmured, nodding.

  "Thank you, Tarnk. These really are beautiful. I- I can even... I mean, wow... Ooooh, hey! Do you think- Would you mind... Could you help me put them in the nursery? I want to see how they look in there," I blurted excitedly.

  Smiling at my enthusiasm, Tarnk picked them up, tucking each under an arm, and followed without comment.

  Practically skipping as I went—though it was really more happy waddle than jaunty skip—I led the way down the hall, taking him right across my bedroom and into what would soon be the babies' room.

  Happy to oblige, he set each down, adjusting them this way and that, backing away when he was happy with their respective positions.

  Grinning from ear to ear, I clapped my hands happily. "I can’t say this enough—I really mean it—I love them! Oh, they’re so wonderful! I love it! They look awesome!"

  "Good," Tarnk rumbled out softly, grinning.

  Watching me hop around like a moron, he stared at me for a long moment.

  “Really, Tarnk, thank you,” I enthused.

  Tarnk nodded slightly, a short nod, his gaze unwavering as he took in my excitement. He stared after me so long, even after I’d stopped, it had me pausing, his body tensing when he realized I’d clued in.

  Our eyes meant and he grunted, mouth working, but then he looked away. Eyes slowly coming back, he looked back at me again and started to say something again, but then shook his head to glare at his feet.

  I could tell he was getting upset, his big fists clenching, seemingly frustrated suddenly. About to approach him, I stilled at that and frowned, some of my excitement dimming.

  Damn, maybe I'd hurt his feelings somehow.

  Reaching out, I touched his shoulder gently. "What's wrong? Was it something I said? I really do like them. I don't wa-"

  "No." Grunting, he shook his head adamantly. "Tarnk want to... want to...Tarnk want..." he stuttered, gnashing his teeth and growling low.

  I didn’t understand. He wasn’t making any sense. "Wants to what? What is it?"

  He didn't answer, but his face flushed.

  Patting his furry arm, sidling closer, I smiled up at him encouragingly. "Could you show me, instead? Would that be better?"

  Thinking about it for a moment, he nodded.

  Stepping back, I gave him some space. "Okay, go ahead."

  Peering down at me worriedly, he looked uncertain all of a sudden, his heavy brow puckering until his eyebrows looked like one giant, furry caterpillar trying to take over his face.

  I smiled, plastering it on my face, motioning with my hands as my head bobbed along. "Go ahead," I prompted. “It’s okay.”

  That caterpillar eyebrow was threatening to smother his eyes now, too. “Meanie... Meanie sure?”

  “Uhm, yes.” I think.

  Tarnk took a huge step forward then, right into my personal space. A deep rumble vibrated his chest as he rolled his shoulders and bent down, inhaling deeply.

  My eyes widened as he leaned forward, arms outstretched, and hugged me gently, wrapping his arms around me in a friendly embrace.

  A short, shocked laugh escaped me. "Well, was that all? You could have just asked, you know." Eyes crinkling at the corners, I chuckled and returned his hug warmly.

  With a gentle squeeze, Tarnk pulled back to stare down at me, his deep, chocolate eyes regarding me so seriously. It seemed as if he was debating something with himself, having a little internal argument of sorts, his gaze boring into mine.

  Glancing away and glaring at the floor for a moment, he growled a little in the back of his throat. Large, warm hands slowly crept up my back to tickle my nape, one cupping the back of my head as the other traced the curve of my spine.

  “Ah. Whoa.” Jumpy, I jerked. “Tarnk?”

  Thick fingers threading through my hair as I made a startled noise in my throat, he closed the distance between us. His thick lips clamping down over mine possessively, I gasped loudly at the intimate contact.

  Hot, hard, and demanding, he was insistent in his pursuit as he ravaged me with a deep, meaningful kiss. The beastie left no doubt in my mind of his intentions after that.

  As he was forced to come up for air, I gasped as he pulled back. The big beastie moaned on a groan, his thick chest heaving to suck
in oxygen. Tugging me closer until I was flush against his massive chest, his coarse fur bristling against my cheek, his hands dipped as his lips descended once more.

  “Tarnk, I’m-”

  Tarnk really wasn’t much for talking. Running his hands along my back and neck greedily, then lower, a growl in his throat. I gasped as his tongue licked the seam of my lips, sneaking in to tease with mine.

  Gripping his shoulders hard enough to bruise, I pushed him back. He didn’t budge, so I dug my nails in, nipping his lip with my teeth. Tarnk grunted and pulled back, startled, while I glared up at him.

  "Tarnk! I'm mated!" I blustered indignantly, flushed and flustered from his attentions.

  He grumbled in Lo denaii as I slapped at him, his hands still gripping a few strategic handfuls, letting go as my face flushed and my eyes started to water.

  Shoulders slumping, a sad, hurt noise crept up his throat. He sounded like a wounded animal.

  "Meanie not like Tarnk's kisses?" he asked in a small, defeated voice.

  Rubbing at my forehead, squeezing my eyes shut for a moment as my face pinched, I groaned. "I… Oh… I... Tarnk... I don't...I didn’t mean… Look... don't get upset."

  He looked so crushed and confused, and I suddenly felt terrible. I did say he could show me, didn't I? Gah! Insert foot in mouth, Mina! This is just... and I...

  I'd come to really like Tarnk, he was such a sweetie, but the damn beastie was a bit of a clam about things. God, I should have known, but I’d thought... Damn it, I have to remember he’s not a human man.

  Ugh. I just have to go and muck everything up by... Wait a minute! What am I thinking?! Lips pursing, my eyes slid open, narrowed as I studied him.

  Tarnk, oblivious to my inner ramblings, didn't seem all that torn up as he tried to watch me surreptitiously through the corner of his big, puppy dog brown eye—a sort of wait and see anticipation hanging about him.

  Oh! Why, that sneaky little...!

  "You did this on purpose!" I burst out, instantly incensed, growling and poking him in the chest.

  Grunting, he pursed his lips, placing a dinner plate sized hand over his massive chest, his eyes going all wide and innocent as I scowled up at him.

  “Hmm. Well?!!” I demanded.

  His silence was even more telling than that ridiculous look.

  “Tarnk...” A warning in my voice, I tapped my foot on the floor steadily, my arms crossing over my chest stubbornly.

  Noting the steam about ready to curl from my flared nostrils, Tarnk cleared his throat, his head canting as he studied the look on my face, to rumble out, "Meanie be mad if Tarnk say yes?"

  "Tarnk!"

  "What Meanie say when Kirch make Meanie mad and Meanie not care anymore?" he asked quickly, raising his thick eyebrows questioningly.

  "Huh? What? What has that got to...” Flabbergasted, my hands slapped at my sides, but I answered him anyway. “You mean, erm, fuck it?” Mind racing as to how this pertains to anything, I looked at him funny.

  Tarnk’s eyes lit up and he nodded.

  "Tarnk... god.” And speaking of my mates. “You do know Kirch, Veck, and Bia are going to skin you alive, don't you?"

  "Yes." Lips tipping up into a winning smile, his chest rumbled and he grinned. “But Tarnk is big and strong. Tarnk not afraid.”

  Letting out a long breath, bordering on a hysterical laugh, I sighed. “That’s not-”

  "Tarnk say fuck it." With that, he growled, pulling me close to kiss me again.

  “Oh, you- Eeep!”

  It was a hot kiss, swallowing up whatever I was about to say as his mouth claimed mine.

  Demanding I open up to him, lips firm on mine, his teeth and tongue nipped and licked hungrily as he took full advantage.

  I'm ashamed to say I'm a total slut and his kiss was heaven, drowning me in all that he is, dragging me down into him.

  My body thrummed to life, but my conscience slowly resurfaced. His grip sure and strong, it made it that much harder to pull away.

  I’ll admit, a part of me wanted to get lost in him.

  I'm a terrible mate, I thought piteously, pulling back suddenly to break the connection. Tarnk let me go as my breath caught, a small sound of distress escaping my throat.

  When it looked as if he was about to ask what was wrong, I gripped the skirt of my dress, jaw clenching, and cursed. That sharp pain slammed into my back again—a stabbing, cramping twinge—almost doubling me over.

  “Meanie?”

  A rush of wetness trickled down my thighs as my body throbbed to life, my sex clenching at the purr in his voice. God, I feel kind of funny.

  Oh, no, no, no, no... This can’t be happening.

  Nostrils flaring, Tarnk’s chest vibrated in a rumbling purr and he tried to dive in again for another sip of my lips. The randy beastie got as far as cupping my face and nipping at my bottom lip before my eyes widened and there was an entirely different rush of wetness—this one pooling at my feet.

  Grunting in surprise, Tarnk released me, stepping back, his eyes glazed over as he licked his lips.

  "Oh, shit!" I cursed, gaping down at myself.

  "Meanie pee?" he blurted, startled at all the fluid rushing down between my thighs to drench my legs.

  "NO! I did not pee! My water broke, you dolt!"

  ✽✽✽

  "Meanie!" Veck called excitedly.

  Biting my lip hard enough to leave a dent, moaning as I tried to work through my next contraction, I groaned, gritting my teeth as it came over me.

  Tarnk purred for me, making sure he kept his chest firmly pressed against my back. It was helping, the pain in my back a little less intense as long as he kept it up, his hands massaging my lower back in between contractions.

  "Don't you dare stop." I groaned, sweat beading my forehead, as my contraction started to slowly ebb.

  "Meanie?" Veck called louder, his voice growing closer.

  "In here," I panted out, wiping my brow with the corner of my discarded dress sleeve.

  My mate-husband walked in then to find me lying between Tarnk's legs, naked, gripping my swollen belly as I tried to keep my breathing slow and even.

  Veck’s body tensed, nostrils flaring, and he snarled at Tarnk.

  Tarnk, gaze snapping up, snarled back.

  “Mm. Ah.” I can't do this right now. "Please, get Dorothy.” Clenching my teeth once more, I moaned, groaning at the pain.

  "Meanie?" Veck scowled harder as my legs sawed open and I hissed, back arching as I cried out.

  Clenching Tarnk’s thigh, pressing my lips tight as I muffled a shriek, my eyes met Veck’s. "The babies are coming. Oh, soon... I can feel it! Oh, please get Dorothy!"

  Veck's expression immediately changed, eyes widening as his lips slackened, his pale skin turning ghostly white.

  Grunting an unintelligible sound in his throat, Veck jerked, bumping into the wall as he spun fast, clearly alarmed. Turning, he went to hurry out the door and slammed right into Kirch.

  Bia came up behind the two of them as they bellowed and tumbled in the hall. Catching sight of me on the bed, he leapt over the pair, large eyes bulging as he scrambled past the door jamb. "Mina!"

  "They're coming! Ah, I feel something coming out, Bia!" Frantic, I panicked, panting through another contraction.

  Bia peered down between my legs, gulping as his throat worked. His lips parted, a grin on his face as he ducked between my spread thighs.

  "I- I think it's a head!" Bia said excitedly, cupping my knees in his hands. "I can see the head!"

  "You think it’s a head?! You think?! Well, don't just stare down there, damn it! Get ready to help me!" Toes curling as my fingers clenched, nails dragging along Tarnk’s leg, I snarled at Bia.

  Veck and Kirch, having disentangled from their dogpile, rushed back into the room, still grumbling and growling, jostling each other in their hurry.

  Kirch turned deathly pale as he skid to a stop at the foot of the bed, spotting Bia, gaping as his gaze slowly traveled down m
y swollen belly to my spread-eagle-peek-for-all.

  "Don't you dare puss out on me now, baboon!" Baring my teeth in a menacing, pain induced sneer, my chin lifted and I glowered at the visibly shaken beastie.

  Veck walked up to the head of the bed and gestured Tarnk aside. "Move, Tarnk," he demanded.

  Tarnk stopped purring to growl at Veck, my fingers digging into the archer’s knees as I focused on breathing and fighting the urge to bear down. It was all I could handle at the moment.

  The second the purring ceased I whimpered at the loss, clamping my hands around Tarnk’s thick kneecaps to squeeze as I urged him to kick that shit back up.

  "He stays! This is all..." Another contraction hit and my words trailed off on a hiss. "His," I groaned out. "F-f-fault." Teeth gritted, a new set of sharp pains stabbed my lower back, one after another in quick succession, adding to the ones I was already having as the pressure built, and my fingers slipped. Soon, this was all going down real soon.

  The blunt edges of my nails pressed into Tarnk's thighs and he grunted at the pain, glancing down at my face for a moment, but otherwise kept his lips zipped.

  When the worst of it was over—typical, no less painful but at least mildly more manageable labor pains left behind—I unhooked my hands from Tarnk’s poor legs, cringing at the deep gouges I’d left behind.

  A deep growl rattled the room as something slammed the wall, and my head shot up.

  Death in his eyes, Veck glared at Tarnk and snarled. The hole he’d left in the wall showed a modicum of self-control on his part, as it hadn’t gone all the way through and I knew he was quite capable of tearing the whole thing down, had he so wished.

  A contraction snuck up on me suddenly, sending me grinding my back molars to grit through it, but it thankfully ebbed shortly after. Phew, that was close.

  Reaching out, I put my hand over Veck's, smoothing my fingers over his, catching his undivided attention. "Veck. Husband. We need the things Dorothy wrote down on the list for me. Remember the list? In case she wasn't here for the birth."