by Terry Spear
“Yeah, he said he doesn’t want to be locked up any longer. He saw you and Meghan dancing, and he got the point. He realized he has no chance with her,” Trevor said.
“Hell, if he’d had any chance at all, he screwed that up when he tried to take her hostage.”
Meghan headed into the kitchen, and Peter followed her in there. She began making hot apple cider drinks for them. Peter sat on one of the kitchen table chairs, propped the phone between his shoulder and ear, and reached down and pulled off a boot.
Trevor cleared his throat. “He said it was because he wanted to prove he would have protected her this time from Rollins, to show he’d changed about how he viewed Meghan. Now he says she’d been right to do what she had done after he learned Rollins killed a bunch of our wolves.”
“It’s too late for that, but the thing is Bill could have gotten her killed! If he wanted to play hero, he could have gone after Rollins on his own and then told her he’d taken care of it, not involved her in a life-and-death situation.” Peter pulled off his other boot and then rose from the chair and set his boots next to hers under the side table.
He turned to see her smiling at him. God, he loved her.
“I agree. But after seeing the two of you together, he says there’s no chance he’ll ever change her mind about him. He knows we’ll catch the bastard, and he wants to go home,” Trevor said.
Peter didn’t trust the guy entirely, but he often asked his deputies’ opinions about an important matter, then made the final decision. In this case, he’d run it by Lelandi too. With all her psychology training, she often knew the inner workings of a person’s mind better than any of them.
“What do you think, Trevor?” Peter asked him first because Trevor had spoken to Bill personally about it.
Meghan carried the red-and-green Christmas-tree decorated mugs into the living room and set them down on the coffee table. Peter was glad she wanted to take a moment to relax with him, even though he’d had it in mind that they’d head up to bed right away.
“Truthfully, I’d say there’s a fifty-fifty chance he’d return home,” Trevor said. “I think he’s still got it in mind to take Rollins down, whether he gets Meghan back or not. If he wants to risk it—on his own, not by involving Meghan—I say let’s go for it. As long as she’s protected at all times, I don’t see a problem with it.”
“Okay, let me ask Meghan, Lelandi, and CJ, and I’ll get back to you.” Peter sat down with Meghan on the couch.
“All right. I’ll be here,” Trevor said and ended the call.
“Okay, now what?” Meghan asked Peter when he set his phone on the coffee table next to hers.
“Bill wants us to release him so he can go home.”
Meghan scoffed.
“I’ll ask CJ and Lelandi what they think, but since it mostly affects you, it’s your call.”
She chuckled, then sipped from her cider. “You are trying to get on my good side after all of you let Bill go to the party and didn’t clue me in first.”
Peter sighed. “Is it working?”
She laughed. “Listen, if he’s a problem, and the others agree he shouldn’t be released, then that’s what should happen. For his own good. So ask them first.”
“Are you sure?”
She leaned over and kissed him. “Yes.”
“All right.” Peter called Lelandi next, as their expert psychologist. “Trevor is down at the jailhouse with Bill and says Bill wants to be released and he’ll return home. Do you think he will? Or that he could still be a menace to Meghan?”
“Well, I believe he’s still hung up on Meghan, for whatever reason. Maybe because she’s found someone new to replace him? I don’t know. Will he return home? I’d say he might, or he might go after Rollins himself, but I really don’t think he’ll make the mistake of trying to take Meghan hostage again. I believe after Trevor knocked him out, he doesn’t want to try that again. I think enough people told him if he tried it again, he’d be considered a rogue wolf and would be on everyone’s terminal list. I believe you were one of the ones who told him that.”
“You’re damn right I did.”
“Well, I think he took it to heart. I went to see him after Trevor knocked him out and Bill had come to, which is why I thought Bill should attend the party. To prove he couldn’t get near Meghan again. But also to try to draw Rollins out, and Bill was eager to do it. I believe it worked out well that he saw the two of you together, confirming that he’s not renewing their relationship.”
“I never saw him. How did he see Meghan and me in all the activities? Bill was supposed to be out of her sight the whole time.”
“He was watching out the windows of the barn when you were outside with Meghan, and when you were inside, he was peeking in through the windows from the outside. I swear he’s like a lovesick puppy, but from what Meghan’s told me there wasn’t the connection between them that she and you have.”
“So you’re of the opinion we should release him?”
“Yes. I don’t believe he’ll go after Meghan. If he wants to be released, it’ll be on him to do what’s right. I wouldn’t recommend having anyone shadow him or protect him. He’s on his own. Just make sure someone’s keeping a close eye on Meghan.”
“Okay, thanks, Lelandi. Trevor thinks there’s a fifty-fifty chance he’ll go home or try to take Rollins down.”
“I’d say he was right.”
“All right, I’ll ask CJ’s opinion and then Meghan’s again. She said she wanted to know what you all thought first.”
“Give her a hug for me. Night, Peter.”
“Night, Lelandi.” Peter rubbed Meghan’s thigh and then drank some of his cider. “Lelandi says she thinks you’ll be all right if we release him.”
“But he might not be if he’s not being protected and he tries to go after Rollins,” Meghan said.
“It’s his choice.”
Meghan nodded.
Peter called CJ next, but he wanted to take Meghan to bed. They were caroling tomorrow night, and they had a busy day tomorrow. He really wanted to make love to her and then get some sleep. “Hey, CJ, I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“What’s up?”
“Bill wants to be released from jail.”
CJ groaned.
When they ended the call, Peter finished his cider and rose from the couch, taking Meghan’s hand, and headed for the stairs. “Everyone was in agreement. Release Bill, and let him be on his own. But we’ll do it tomorrow during the day.”
“Okay, that works for me.”
Peter called Trevor back and gave him the news. “See you in the morning.”
Glad to get that business done, all Peter wanted to do now was immerse himself in everything that was Meghan—her scent, the taste and feel of her, the way she reacted to his scent, his taste, the feel of him.
He and Meghan soon reached her bedroom, and he scooped her up and set her on the bed so he could pull off her socks.
She reached forward and ran her hand over the front of his jeans in a seductive caress. Her touch on his arousal amplified his desire for her. He breathed in her seductive scent, her pheromones that he swore were designed to compel him to meet her needs.
He pulled off her sweater next and tossed it aside, throwing his own on top of it a moment later.
And then he pushed her against the bed, her red hair spilling over the green sheets like a Christmas present, and he spread her legs apart. He moved on top of her, centering himself against her. He rubbed his jeans-covered body against hers, the friction between them making his cock rock hard.
She moaned softly, slipping her fingers around his belt loops and pulling him harder against her.
His mouth devoured hers as she reciprocated in kind, each eager to ravish the other, their breathing ragged, their hearts beating hard. You are mine, he wanted to say i
n every way possible.
His cock was eager to penetrate her slick, wet sheath, to fulfill a need to make her his mate for all eternity.
She wrapped her legs around his waist and bowed up toward him, encouraging his contact. They still had too many clothes on, and he rested his elbows on her bed, then unfastened her bra and removed it. He kneaded one breast, feeling the nipple extend to the palm of his hand, and he licked and kissed the other with a tender touch. She was writhing beneath him, pressing herself against his swollen cock, the need to take her filling him with urgency.
He moved off her and unfastened her jeans, then pulled them off. He did the same with his own and took a moment to gaze at her beauty, her nipples dusky pink and hard, her skin soft, her blue panties wet. He smiled.
Then he pulled his boxer briefs and socks off. And slowly removed her panties, her red curly hairs dewy with moisture. He knew, if she’d consented to a mating, she’d be ready for him to take it all the way. Damn that they had to wait.
He climbed into bed with her and skimmed his hand up her inner thigh. She was running her hand over his arm, tense with anticipation, as he drew closer to her intimate spot. “You are a tease,” she murmured huskily.
He smiled and nibbled her neck, and she scraped her nails against his shoulder. And then he began to stroke her in earnest, wanting to watch her come, to see what she needed from him to make it happen. Her hand grasped his and pressured him to press harder, rougher, faster. He kissed her on the mouth and tangled his tongue with hers, his cock itching to join her.
He felt the urge to take this further, to consummate their relationship, to tell all other wolves paws off because he and she had declared their love for each other. He groaned when she reached down and brushed her hand against his cock, and then she slowly began stroking him.
He plunged two fingers between her feminine folds, like he’d wanted to do with his erection, his whole body aching for release. She was killing him kindly, but he was doing the same to her.
He kept rubbing her clit, and her hand stilled on his cock. He knew she was ready to climax, her body tense, and then she cried out in rapture. “Oh,” she said in a half groan, half sigh.
He continued to stroke her gently while she got back to the business of stroking him firmly, pressing kisses against his chest, licking his nipples, and softly nibbling on them.
He couldn’t last, but rather than making a mess in the bed again, he pulled away from her, and she looked surprised, then disappointed. Offering his hand to her, he smiled, his cock stretching out to her. “Let’s finish this in the shower.”
“Oh, yes! No changing sheets, and yes!”
Smiling, he pulled her from the bed, and they hurried into the bathroom where he turned on the hot water in the shower, and she pressed her body against his cock, rubbing vigorously to keep him erect. She didn’t have to worry about that. With her head cupped in his hands, and his mouth pressed warmly against hers, his cock was ready for the finale. Then he pulled her into the shower and under the hot water, kissing her mouth, her cheeks, her lips again, while she stroked him until he exploded.
She continued to stroke him until he was spent, and then she rubbed her body against his before they began soaping up and rinsing off. He bundled her up in a towel and pulled out her hair dryer to dry her hair. She raised her brows, smiling at him.
“It’s cold, though I aim to keep you warm the rest of the night.” And then he dried her hair, running his fingers through the strands and against her scalp, and he swore he heard her purring. When her hair was dry, he scooped her up and headed to bed.
Once they were in bed, he pulled the curtains closed, making the bed like a royal hideaway, and they joined each other under the covers. He tucked her against his sated body and again thought he couldn’t last at this if they didn’t mate soon. They didn’t say anything further, their fingers softly caressing each other’s skin, saying I want to make you mine.
* * *
The next morning, Meghan and Peter enjoyed having breakfast together before leaving for work.
Peter finished his omelet. “I’m going to release Bill from jail first thing and then run out to look again at those lights Rollins destroyed to see if I can find any clues to his whereabouts anyone else might have missed.”
“Okay. I’ll be helping my sisters at the inn in the meantime.”
They bundled up in their winter garments, and then he walked her over to the inn and kissed her before he drove off to the office. “See you as soon as I can.”
“See you.” She couldn’t believe the incredible night—and morning—she’d had with Peter.
She took a deep breath of the sweet scents coming from the inn’s kitchen. Her sisters were making all kinds of treats for the celebration they were holding at the inn while Meghan and Ellie were caroling. The carolers would come here for refreshments on one of their stops and sing at the inn.
Ellie was wearing her Victorian gown already, an emerald-green one to set off her pretty red hair, and brought in a tray of treats to set on the counter for guests, visitors, and Meghan. Laurel was wearing a gold gown, both of them looking beautiful.
“Tempt me, why don’t you?” Meghan teased, then took one of the chocolate petit fours and ate it.
Ellie smiled. “You need to keep up your strength.” Then she frowned. “Why aren’t you dressed? You didn’t forget, did you? Oh…you’re not going to skip out on the caroling, are you?” She sounded so disappointed.
“No. I thought I’d run back and dress a little later,” Meghan said. “Oh, and if CJ didn’t tell you last night, Laurel, Peter’s releasing Bill from jail and I agreed to it.”
“He’s not allowed to come anywhere near you, is he?” Ellie leaned against the counter while Meghan manned the desk.
“No. We figure he’ll either go home like he’s supposed to, or he’ll try to locate Rollins.”
“That’s not a good idea,” Laurel said.
“I agree. But it’s Bill’s decision.” Meghan sighed and grabbed a lilac-frosted petit four.
“Yeah, it needs to be done,” Laurel said.
Suddenly, the front door of the inn opened, and Trevor walked in and greeted Meghan. He’d already greeted her sisters earlier, Meghan suspected.
The phone rang, and Meghan answered it. “Silver Town Inn, this is Meghan. How may I help you?”
“You think you’re so clever, don’t you? Finding all my stashes. But how? That’s what I can’t figure out. You think being in prison was easy? For a wolf? Hell, you don’t know how many times I wanted to shift and kill someone. The only thing that kept me from doing it was thinking about what I’d do to you when I got out. But I couldn’t wait any longer.”
“Rollins?” Meghan felt a shiver steal up her back. “I should have killed you when I had the chance, for all those women you’ve abused and for the miners who died in the Silver Town Mine. Now everyone in your pack knows the kind of evil bastard you are.”
“That was an…accident.”
“That’s not what Oliver said.”
“Oliver?” Rollins sounded shocked to the core that she might know what Oliver had said. “Hell, he died with the rest of them. All but the two they saved.”
Trevor got on his phone and was texting someone.
“But you saved yourself first, didn’t you? Set off the explosion and sealed the other miners’ fates. That’s why you left, disappearing for good, letting the pack believe you were dead. Until now,” Meghan said.
“I can’t believe you’re here of all places.”
“Everyone is after your blood, Rollins. You don’t stand a chance.” Meghan wished now that the inn phone had been tapped and they would know where he was.
The phone line went dead.
Ellie was frowning at Meghan. “That was him? The bastard himself?”
Meghan was so shaken, she cou
ldn’t think straight for a moment. Rollins had to be her main priority. Not Lena or the ghost in the mine, though she couldn’t help wanting to aid them.
“Peter’s on his way here,” Trevor said. “We’ll have your phone tapped in case Rollins calls again.”
Meghan knew now Rollins really had planned to come for her, not just Bill. She picked up her cell phone, ignoring that she had an incoming call on the reservation line, which Ellie hurried to pick up.
Laurel hurried to join them and came around the counter to give Meghan a quick hug.
“Peter,” Meghan said, hugging Laurel back, loving that her sisters were always there for her.
“I’m on my way over there, honey. I’ll be there in a second.”
She knew Peter would be as upset as she was to hear what Rollins had said.
Chapter 20
After releasing Bill from jail, Peter and his men were searching for any sign of where Rollins had gone when Peter got the text from Trevor and then the call from Meghan. She sounded so shook up that he dropped everything, put CJ in charge of the search, and headed back to town to see her at the inn.
Peter stayed on the phone with her while Ellie took over the reservation desk. “Listen, Meghan, we’ll get him. I promise you that. I can’t believe the bastard hasn’t left the area and is still trying to get to you.”
“I think that’s why he called. He isn’t able to reach me. Not with Trevor and Jake or Tom at the inn during the day, or with you watching over me. He just can’t catch a break.”
“And he’s not going to.” Peter was sick with fear that the bastard would kill her. “Hell, Meghan, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s my fault. I should have handled things differently the first time around.”
“Like hell it is. We should have taken care of one of our own centuries ago. No one else should have ever had to deal with him.”
“Peter?”
He knew what she was going to ask. Yet he didn’t want to talk about it right now. “Yeah, honey?”