by Harms, C. A.
Doing all I can to rein in my frustrations I try not to lose my shit.
“Who’s responsible?” Fighting the urge to shift as the anger takes over because it’s not helpful, but it’s no use as I take off. No words can be heard from my father, but they didn’t have to be. I could sense the nervous energy, feel the fear in the ties of my pack.
“Merick,” my father's booming voice echoes through the trees, but I don’t pause. I have one goal in mind, seek and punish. Incompetence gets people killed, and when they are guarding my family, there is absolutely no room for error. No room for ass hatting around.
Thoughts rush through my mind, thoughts of other pack members. The name of the idiot that thought it would be fun to test the barrier runs through the minds of those within my pack.
Mykel
Over and over again it swarms my thoughts.
Through the clearing up ahead I see them, half wolf, the other half still in human form. And there in the mix is Ryder, holding our young Mykel by the throat. Pinned to the large tree behind him, Mykel looks almost terrified. Fangs bared Ryder holds his stare.
Slowing to a stroll I circle the crowd and try to filter out the chants of those around me.
He’s just a boy.
It’s better to know now, than for a true enemy to penetrate the shield.
He’s cocky and arrogant, he should be taught to respect the pack.
All words make complete sense and I know I should take them into consideration, only I can’t. The anger is too high, the need to prove a point much too strong.
I huff, gaining the attention of Ryder and the young man. The fear in his eyes intensifies when he realizes who it is that has now arrived.
“It was a joke,” suddenly I’m able to justify what I feel I must do. A joke?
I shift, lurching forward and practically knocking Ryder to the ground as I take his place.
“A joke,” I snarl. “You think that the safety of my family is something to fuck with?”
“No,” his voice trembles. “Not at all.”
“Let me make one thing very clear, to you, in fact to everyone.” Zoning in, ensuring I have his full attention and anyone else that is around for that matter. I do not plan to repeat myself, next time and there better not be a next time. But if by chance anyone else decides to pull some fucked up shit I would make them pay -- no explaining, no more second chances, I will destroy them. “I stake my soul on it, if you or anyone else chooses to ignore the importance of the safety of my family I will rip out their throats. No hesitation, absolutely no remorse, I will end them. Do I make myself clear?”
“Y-yes.” He attempts to nod only with the way I am holding him, it is next to impossible.
“You better run Mykel.” His eyes widened. “You better remain scarce, if and when you decide to resurface, I’d advise you don’t step out of line, don’t even fucking hiccup in my presence.”
I hold him for a few more lasting seconds and then I turn, removing him from the pressure of the tree pushing on his back. Giving him a good shove, he stumbles and falls back on his ass. Then he hurries to stand and like his ass is on fire he runs. The sounds of him shifting in the distance as his thoughts ring through my own.
I’m sorry, so, so sorry.
Taryn
I watch from the window as Merick paces back and forth in wolf form. The anger is rolling off of him in waves. Earlier one of the younger wolves had hit the protective barrier around our land as a joke. The poor boy’s fear was so strong I could feel it from inside the house.
He needs to cool off, I know that, but I’m worried about him. As each day passes, he becomes more and more alert, watchful, and very short tempered. Of course, it’s not geared toward me, but since I can now feel everything he’s feeling, it’s a little much.
“He’s always been intense. Even as kids, people didn’t mess with him.” Rowan says from beside me. “Now that most of the pack is home he needs to show everyone that he’s the alpha now. Uncle Josef has made it clear that he’s stepped down, which means it’s time for Merick to take his place as the Alpha.”
I turn to look at Rowan and then back out the window and see Merick back in human form and pulling his jeans back on. God, he is sexy—I bite my bottom lip as desire and hunger flow through me.
“Oh my god,” Rowan says from beside me. “I can feel your desire.”
I turn to look at her. “Uh...what?”
“You were staring at him like he was a hunk of meat. Plus, you give off a pheromone when you’re turned on.”
My face heats up and I cover my face with my hands. “Oh my god. This is so embarrassing.”
“It’s not, seriously. We’re sexual people. It’s difficult because Merick is like my brother and that’s just gross.” Rowan fakes a shudder and then disappears into the kitchen, coming back in with a glass of wine.
I look at it longingly and say, “You’re mean.” I signal with my head to her glass.
“I’m sorry. Do you want to sniff it?” I shake my head. “In no time you’ll be able to have a glass with me.”
Merick comes in a few minutes later and grabs me, pulling me close, or as close as we can get with my huge belly. He tips my head back and kisses me. I open my mouth to his seeking tongue. As always I’m reduced to a pile of goo when he touches me.
“Okay, I’m out of here.” I wave to her with my mouth still fused to Merick’s. Rowan’s chuckle follows her out of the house.
I pull back and rub the wet from his lower lip with my thumb. “I love you.” I whisper.
“I love you, too, baby.” Merick rubs my belly, and our daughter kicks and gives a little wiggle. “You too, my little princess.”
I begin to cry, because why not, everything makes me cry. This morning I cried because a bird came and ate at the bird feeder. “Oh God, am I ever going to stop crying?” I move my hand around on my belly. “Does my stomach look lower to you?” I stand to the side and pull my shirt up.
Merick steps back and looks down at me. “Maybe a little. What does that mean?”
“That the baby is preparing to come out.” I widen my eyes and look at him. “I’m so scared.”
He pulls me into his arms. “You’re going to do so great. Amelia will take such good care of you. I’ll be right by your side.” Merick kisses me. “I’ll make us some dinner. You go sit, and put your feet up.”
A knock on the backdoor has me walking toward it. I see Lily through the window. I open the door and pull my bestie inside, hugging her. “What are you doing here?”
“I swear there was an earthquake earlier. The windows rattled and the dishes banged against the cupboard doors.”
I look at Merick, and raise my brow. I’m not sure what to say, but he takes care of it. “One of the younger members of our pack thought it would be funny to mess with the protective barrier.”
“Oh okay, but you’re okay?” Lily looks between the two of us.
I nod, “yeah. It shook the house and knocked me off my feet, but I landed on my knees.”
“Lily? Stay for dinner?” Merick asks from the stove.
“Sure, what’re you making?”
He holds up the skillet and shows us grilled cheese.
Lily and I sit out in the living room and Merick brings a huge platter piled high with diagonally cut sandwiches. We immediately dig in, because as always, I’m famished.
I finish brushing my teeth, put my toothbrush back, and then head back into the bedroom. Merick is lying in bed with the sheet pulled up to his waist. “Ryder texted me and he got Lily home safe.”
I nod as I crawl into bed. “That’s great. I’ll thank him tomorrow. I hope they got along all right.”
“Well, she didn’t call him a blood sucking demon. I’d say that’s progress.” He chuckles and then kisses my forehead.
I smile because under my best friend’s sarcastic comments is a girl who put up walls after a mega douche broke her heart.
I kiss his chest and begin kissing low
er and lower--just like I thought, when I pull the sheet down I see he’s completely naked. Merick’s dick stands tall and stiff against his stomach. I get on my knees between his legs and grab him around the base, leaning down to lick the head of his cock.
This is the only time I swear I feel powerful with him, but he only lets me suck his dick for a few seconds before he pulls me off. Merick puts me on my knees and grabs my hands, having me wrap them around the headboard.
He gets behind me, kissing my neck until I’m moaning and writhing against him. One hand reaches around and up, tweaking my nipple until I cry out. Merick’s other hand comes around, and he reaches between my legs, rubbing my clit.
The man’s fingers are magical because in no time I’m arching my back into him as I moan loudly. While I’m still experiencing aftershocks I feel him line up and then push his cock deep inside me. He turns my head, kissing me thoroughly--our tongues duel.
Merick begins to set a steady pace, thrusting in and out of my pussy. I hold onto the headboard with one hand, and wrap the other around Merick’s neck as he begins to move faster and faster.
“You feel so good, baby. I’m gonna make you come all over my cock.” He whispers against my ear, causing me to do a full body shiver. “Fuck you’re so sexy.”
I love when he gets all dirty talking because I could come just from his naughty words. “You make me feel sexy.” My words leave my mouth in a moan.
“Reach between your legs. Help me get you there.” I do as he says and reach between my legs. My clit is hard and throbbing, the moment I touch it I come with a shout. “Fuck, you’re so fucking hot right now. Hold on baby because I’m about to fuck you hard.”
I do as he says and immediately, he begins to pound up into me. He reaches around me, placing his hands on mine as he fucks me with abandon. I feel it as he swells inside me and then buries himself to the hilt. I feel it the moment he begins to come inside of me.
We both pant to catch our breath and I whimper when he pulls out of me. He kisses my shoulder before climbing out of bed. Merick returns a few minutes later and I’m lying on my side. He tenderly cleans me up and then he moves me until I’m on my side, wrapped around my pregnancy pillow.
Merick fits himself to my back and kisses my shoulder blade. “I love you, Taryn.”
“I love you.” I whisper right before I pass out.
Merick
“That Lily is one hell of a woman,” Ryder shakes his head and lets out a chuckle. It’s obvious it is more to hide his uncomfortableness than to express humor he is obviously not feeling. “She’s feisty and intriguing.”
That’s putting it lightly. Lily is most definitely a wildfire.
“I think what you mean to say is that you’ve met your match.” I’m enjoying the fact that someone has finally stumped my dear friend. Confidence is something Ryder has never lacked. The guy has never met a woman that didn't fall at his feet. Afterall he holds a charisma they can’t seem to ignore. But Lily, well it would seem she is immune to his charms.
“Met my match,” waving his hand as if to say, oh please.
It’s great to see Ryder stumbling over any woman, it's a rarity for sure. Just one more reason as to why I absolutely love my woman’s choice in a best friend.
I’m about to hassle him a little more when I hear the laughter of Taryn filter in from the opened office door, followed by the one and only Lily as she tells one of her many tales. Full of energy, that woman seems as though she is always going full throttle. One speed and its pedal to the floor.
Much like Ryder.
I chance a look in his direction and see the narrowing of his eyes. Like he is zoning in on his prey, waiting for the perfect moment to attack. “Rein it in Ry.” quickly he attempts to recover but it is far too late.
“Boys,” Lily announces as she follows Taryn into the office and flashes Ryder a smile. If I’m not mistaking, I’d say it was a come hither invite. “What kind of trouble are the two of you getting yourselves into today? Damning the evil, building more invisible barriers,” again she glances at Ryder. “Robbing the nearest blood bank?”
“Why would I do that, when what I crave is right in front of me.”
Taryn rounds the desk and takes a seat on my lap as we both watch our friends with interest. They are like a reality show.
“That’s a shame, cravings can be torturous when not fulfilled.”
“I’m patient.”
“It’s like soft porn,” Taryn whispers near my ear and I’m instantly surprised. My girl is staring at our friends with wide eyes and a smile on her face. “The build up is intense.”
“Who are you and what have you done with the woman I love?”
She laughs and uses her elbow to nudge me.
“Honestly though I thought she’d be gone the very second she’d been told the truth, but here she is. Living in my parents’ cabin, loving this life here in the mountains. She is flirting with one of your very best friends who just so happens to be a vampire and she is okay with that. I’m okay with that. It all seems completely crazy and unbelievable but it's my life. Our life.”
Rubbing my palm over her thigh, I shift upward covering her stomach. The feeling of our daughter moving against my hand brings me immeasurable joy. She is right, this is our life.
And I love our life.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come along with you?” I continue to hold her close, my arms encircling her. Taryn lays her hands upon my chest, looking up at me with a knowing look in her eyes.
I know right now she is picking up on my worry, as well as my need to keep her near.
“You coming along on a girls outing would defeat the purpose of a girl’s day.” Her smile alone holds the ability to bring me to my knees. I adore everything about this woman and the power she holds over me is incredible. “It’s only for a few hours.”
“Too long,” lowering my lips to hers I offer only one gentle teasing kiss. When I pull back, she whimpers, and I fight the smile tugging at my lips. “Cancel.”
Shaking her head, I feel disappointment settle in my chest.
“I’ll go out with the girls, you can stay here and when I get home I’ll make it up to you.” Stepping back from me, I hold her firmly refusing to let go. “Merick,” the way she attempts to say my name as more of a warning. I arch my brow. Honestly, does she really think that is all it will take for me to retreat? “You have to let me go.”
“I’ll do no such thing.”
“You are impossible,” pushing at my chest, I laugh when she grunts in frustration. “This may be one of the last days I have to get out and enjoy my freedom before the baby comes. Let’s face it babies take a lot of time, but neither of us truly know exactly what this little lady is going to require.”
Taryn shrugs and I slowly release her, reluctantly of course.
“Ya know, half shifter and all.” she smiles as do I and I decide that I need to let her go. She’s right, we are getting close to the arrival of our little angel and though Taryn appears strong and sure, I know she is worried.
“Enjoy your day,” I force the words. When in my mind I am screaming please just stay home with me where I can keep you safe. “Jonathan is on his way over and we have a few things to handle anyway.”
I spend the next few minutes kissing her, until Rowan barges in and steals my woman. Taryn laughed when I growled at my lifelong friend as she led her right out the front door and into the awaiting car.
I’ve been a raging ball of nerves and agitation every single second since.
“Are you planning to pace the entire time they are gone?”
Instead of responding to Jonathan, I freshen my drink and fight the urge to look out the large picture window that overlooks the long drive leading to my house. It is the same move I have been making almost constantly since Taryn left over an hour ago with Lily and Rowan.
Shopping and lunch. It seems harmless really but in our world it can be a path leading to something destructive. I w
ant to be able to allow Taryn to live a life as close to normal as possible, but when she isn’t near me, it is excruciating. Too many things run throughout my mind, terrifying things. Life changing things.
“You are going to combust,” again Jonathan taunts me. “Is that smoke coming out of your ears?”
“Are you finished?”
“I don’t know,” he appears pleased with himself. “Are you done pouting?”
I wasn’t pouting.
Taryn
“Oh my gosh I can’t eat another bite.” I pat my large rounded belly and my daughter gives a satisfied wiggle.
Today has been exactly what I needed. I look around the table at Lily, Rowan, and Amelia. The first is my bestie and the other two are becoming two people I care about immensely. Rowan and Amelia have both welcomed Lily with open arms.
My bestie knows they’re both special, but I thought they could share with her when they feel comfortable to do so, why exactly they are.
“Let's have a toast,” Amelia says as she holds her glass up.
I smile as I watch the other two girls hold up their glasses and I join them. “What are we toasting to?”
“To Taryn, Merick, and baby girl Samuelson.” We clink glasses and they all take drinks. I don’t take one because tears fill my eyes as they smile at me. I place my hand on my belly and take a drink of my lemonade.
“Thank you, so much. This is what I needed.”
They cover the check, not letting me pay. Lily helps me up from my seat. I grab the thick cardigan, shrugging it on. At this point I’m too big for much of anything. Hell, I’m wearing one of Merick’s sweaters right now. I do have to admit I do look pretty cute, even though I feel like a big whale.
We head down the street to a children’s store, Twinkle, Twinkle. The entire time I don’t miss the way Rowan stays by my side— my protector. Lily holds the door open for us as we step inside.
This is the cutest store I’ve ever been in. It’s decorated in soft pinks, blues, and creams. The owner, Clarisse, is super sweet and grew up with Amelia— she’s just not supernatural, but her family is one of the original settlers in Stone Ridge and they have always supported the supernatural nature of the town.