Shifters in the Snow

by Jacqueline Sweet

  “You can’t say the idea isn’t intriguing.”

  “No comment. I’m driving.”

  “I shaved, though. Just in case.”

  “Good for you,” Gracie said, keeping her eyes on the road. So did I.

  Joshua and Truman were waiting for them with hot tea and shortbread cookies. They were cuter than the day before, if that was even possible.

  “Change of plans,” Truman announced.

  “No mistletoe gathering?” Gracie asked, furrowing her brow with concern.

  “You and I will go forage, but Joshua would like to take Catherine bowling … if that’s okay.”

  “Yes, please. Bye!” Catherine said, grabbing him by the hand and dragging him to the door.

  “Bye, have fun,” Gracie said with a wave.

  “And then it was just us two,” Truman said, smiling.

  She bounced up and down on her heels nervously. “Quality over quantity.”

  “Agreed,” he said with a laugh. “I’m going to grab us eight large garbage bags. If we fill them up, that should be enough for your bundles.”

  “You have the nose for mistletoe. I’ll follow you.”

  “You won’t have to follow me far. The plants are literally in our backyard.” He motioned towards a hallway leading to a back door.

  She stared at his broad back as he walked ahead, fighting the urge to jump on for a piggyback ride. Beyond the door, an expansive wooden deck sat surrounded by a steep hill covered with trees and shrubs.

  “Where’s the mistletoe?”

  “Look up,” he said, pointing at the pockets of green dangling from the branches above.

  “Okay, where’s the escalator?”

  “Now you know why I requested you wear hiking boots,” he said with a wink.

  “Oy, the things I do for my sisters.”

  “It will be worth it,” he said. “See that small cabin down the way?”

  The small structure looked like something out of a painting with rolled logs and windows edged with snow. “Aww cute. What’s in there?”

  “Blackened salmon chowder in the crockpot and a fire burning in the fireplace.”

  “You’re such a fantastic host. I feel terrible for coming empty-handed.”

  “You brought you. That’s enough for me,” he said, biting his lip nervously. He turned away and started making his way up the hill. “Why weren’t you afraid to come here?”

  “You look more like hot lumberjacks than serial killers.”

  “Thanks for that, but I mean initially. What made you cross the bridge?”

  “I was in the mood for an adventure.”

  “Is climbing up a snowy, muddy hill adventurous enough for you?”

  “No, but at least I like my guide.”

  He stared down and smiled at her. “Take my hand.” He pulled her in front of him with ease. “I’ll climb behind you in case you slip.”

  “That’s very smooth,” she laughed.

  “I’m not doing this to stare at your amazing tush, but it’s a definite bonus.”

  She dug her feet into the hillside, hoping the added muscle flexing was visible through her jeans. “I noticed that curves are appreciated here.”

  “Strong, healthy, capable women are appreciated,” he said as they made their way to the first tree. “You’d fit right in.” He braced his hands against the trunk and bent one of his legs. “Here, step on top of my thigh.”

  He motioned for her to place one foot in his cupped hands. She followed his instructions and shrieked as he easily hoisted her up towards the dangling plant. He handed her shears from his pocket and lifted her even higher for the perfect clip. Truman knew it would be easier to use longer shears, but it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun. She wasn’t complaining either, enjoying the way he tossed her in the air with a simple flick of his wrists. They repeated the motion and filled bag after bag. Truman liked helping her back down as she frequently wobbled and fell into him, sliding down with her chest pressed against his.

  When they’d filled all the bags and tossed them down the hill towards the shop, he began dusting off his clothes. “I think that’s good, don’t you?”

  “Blackened salmon chowder is calling my name.” Gracie walked a few steps and turned back to smile at him. As she turned, her weight shifted and the ground crumbled beneath her feet. She slid rapidly down the hillside, landing at the bottom in a muddy heap.

  “Shit! Are you okay?” he asked, running after her.

  Gracie laughed as she reached into her pockets and scooped out wet, gushy mud. Her entire back half, from her jacket to her shoes, was covered in wet sludge. “It’s going to be one cold ride back to Oak Grove.”

  “It doesn’t have to be. I have a washing machine and dryer. Let’s go.”

  He grabbed her hand and held it tightly as they made their way to the cabin. The red door and shutters seemed to smile at her like a face. She couldn’t help but smile back. God, I love this place.

  The scent of soup in the crockpot floated across the threshold. “That smells incredible.”

  “I’ve got game in the kitchen. Just you wait.”

  “I’m getting mud all over your floor,” she said, standing in place near the doorway.

  “Take your shoes off and follow me into the bathroom.”

  As Gracie untied her boots, she heard the sound of water filling the tub. He came running out with a wash basin in his arms and filled it with hot water from the sink.

  “I’m using all the water sources,” he explained excitedly. “I’ll have it ready in a few minutes.”

  He made several trips back and forth, happily carrying the steaming basin. After about five minutes, she heard him turn off the tub faucet and splash his hand around to test the temperature.

  “It feels perfect,” he said. “You go inside and hand your clothing out the door. I won’t be able to see anything. The toiletries and towels are in the basket.”

  “No shower?”

  “Little known fact, bears like baths. It makes for a relaxing day. Open the windows, smell the trees, and listen to the birds chirping. You miss all that in a shower.”

  Gracie hid behind the door and slipped out of her jeans and top before handing them through the narrow opening into the hallway. She turned to admire the clawfoot tub and wall of windows that opened to a view of the hillside.

  “Holler if you need anything,” he said.

  She lowered herself into the bath, moaning at the warm water covering her body. She took advantage of the toiletries, squeezing some bubble bath in the water and gathering the bubbly foam around her. This is the life. Gracie stared at the trees, sinking in deeper as Truman’s footsteps returned.

  “I made you some tea,” he called through the door.

  “Nice try. I’m not getting out to grab it,” she laughed.

  “It wasn’t a trick, I promise. I’ll put it on the side table.”

  When he slowly pushed the door open, she slipped down into the water so only her head was visible.

  He erupted into laughter when he saw her. “There’s a head floating in my bathtub.”

  “You really do this every evening?”

  “Practically. Sometimes more than once a day. Baths are incredibly underrated.”

  He placed the cup on the side table and stared at her with both hands on his hips.

  “What is it?”

  “I’m sorry. I think you’ve got some mud embedded in your hair. May I wash it for you?”

  “Did you steal that line from a bad porno?”

  “I’m being serious. You have some right here.” He reached forward to stroke her hair and then pulled his hand back, revealing muddy fingers.

  “Is this part of your normal mistletoe gathering?’

  “No, you’re getting my extra special adventure package.”

  “I guess I should accept the full treatment.” She crossed her arms over her chest for coverage. “As long as you stay on the stool behind me.”

  “As you wish.
Honey scent okay with you?”

  “Perfect, she said, nervously waiting for the weight of his hands.

  He reached into the basket and grabbed a bottle of shampoo, squirting the liquid into his hands and rubbing them together until a rich lather formed. His fingers lightly applied the creamy mess to her hair with long strokes. Her body tensed up initially, but soon relaxed as his strong hands worked their magic. He watched her eyelids flutter as she let herself go, sinking further into blissful relaxation. His fingertips were gentle as they worked their way around her hair, careful not to let the shampoo drip near her eyes.

  Truman ran his hands along the length of her hair, gently soaping up the ends. He continued scrubbing until all traces of mud were gone and her head was putty in his hands. He grabbed the small basin he’d used earlier and filled it with clean water from the tap.

  “Tilt your head back and close your eyes,” he said as he poured the water over her head, rinsing the soap from her scalp.

  He ran his hands gently down her locks, squeezing to remove any excess water before moving the strands to one side. He slowly started massaging her neck and shoulders.

  “Is this still the extra special adventure package?”

  “We’ve moved on to the super deluxe version,” he whispered. He pressed his finger pads in a circular motion along her muscles.

  “I had no idea I was so tight.”

  “Weddings and holidays are stressful and you crazy O’Reillys are combining both.”

  He let his fingers roll over her shoulders along her collarbone, stroking the skin softly.

  “Is this okay?” he asked as his fingers continued their slow descent.

  She remained silent, uncrossing her arms and using her hands to push up from her hiding position under the bubbles. The upper curve of her breasts rose from the depths, exposing her pale skin to the cool air. His curious fingers now traced along her flesh, stopping when they found a curve they liked. It took all his self-control to keep from lifting her out of the water and taking her right then and there. She exhaled deeply, sending her chest heaving up and down under his touch. She arched her back slightly, revealing rock hard nipples that poked above the waterline like ripe cherries waiting to be eaten.

  He leaned forward and softly kissed her forehead while sliding both hands around her full breasts, flicking the nipples with his fingers. She moaned as he worked his way down her neck, tasting her flesh with each movement of his mouth. As one hand slid further down along her abdomen, she clamped her legs together tightly. He nibbled on her neck a little harder while both hands made their way to her thighs, lightly stroking them from knee to hip until he felt her muscles relax. Her legs opened slightly, inviting his hands to continue their exploration.

  His right hand curved down her inner thigh, scooping back so his fingertips lightly grazed her center. She shuddered in response to his touch. No one had ever been this gentle or pleased her without trying to instantly shove a dick in her face. His tongue entered her mouth the same time his fingers parted her lips in search of her full clit. The contact on both ends was electric. She opened her mouth wider to his tongue, exhaling against him as his fingers hit their mark repeatedly with constant, gentle strokes.

  Gracie reached up with one hand and grabbed his hair, locking his mouth onto hers. His fingers made their way inside her opening, sending her hips rocking against his hand as he worked his digits against her G-spot. The water started splashing out of the tub as her hips thrust with more force and frequency.

  Gracie’s moans of pleasure came bubbling out as he brought her to climax. He wrapped his free arm around her and held on tightly as her body trembled under the water. His kisses were gentle against her mouth. He didn’t stop kissing her as he reached into the tub and scooped her out, carrying her with ease back inside the cabin.

  Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as she savored the taste of his lips. He set her down gently onto a soft mattress he’d placed in front of the fire. Her back had only briefly touched the mattress before his face was buried between her legs. His tongue stroked its way up her center, pausing to press gently in her opening before continuing up to her mound. Her clit was still swollen from the pleasure she received in the tub, making it an easy target for his mouth.

  She propped up on her elbows and smiled at him, stroking his hair as he kissed every inch of the flesh before him. The flames in the fireplace cast a warm glow across his skin. He caught her gaze and kept it as he extended his tongue and slowly swirled it around her clit, finishing each circle with a gentle tug from his lips. He cupped both hands under her full ass and tilted her hips up as he buried his face in her sweetness, shaking his head back and forth while he growled. She tried to watch as he devoured her pussy, but the pleasure sent her head back as her body arched against his face.

  The firm pressure from his tongue caused her legs to shake and close against him involuntarily. He got up on his knees in front of her, pulling off his shirt and unzipping his jeans. He revealed a thick cock with veins pulsing along the stiff shaft. He knelt in front of her and used the leverage of his body weight to press her thighs open with his palms. He let his cock fall against her wetness with a smack.

  “Put in in,” she whispered.

  He shook his head, gliding it back and forth along her lips instead.

  “I want to feel your cock,” she groaned.

  He silently shook his head again, enjoying the way she begged. His cock fit snuggly between her folds as he continued coating it with her sweetness. He teased her, pressing the head against her opening.

  “Yessss,” she moaned. When he pulled back, she tried to free one leg and squeeze him closer. He laughed at her attempts.

  “You think you’re stronger than me? Not a chance.” He grabbed her legs and straightened them against his chest, wrapping his arms around her thighs. He worked his cock into her tight opening with a few thrusts before flipping her over onto her stomach.

  “Stop teasing me!” she yelled, raising her hips up as an offering.

  “You’re in my territory, Gracie from Oak Grove. I’ll tease as long as I please.”

  He grabbed her hips, sinking his fingers into her soft flesh and pulled her backwards against his thick head. She buried her face into the mattress, gripping the sheets tightly. He leaned in with his hips, driving his cock deep inside her. This time he lingered, unable to separate himself from the pleasure of her silky wetness. He ran his hands down her back and around the curve of her ass, marveling at the perfection of her womanly shape. The sight of her flesh lightly jiggling each time he brought his hips slamming against her made him wild with desire.

  “God damn that’s sexy. So. Fucking. Sexy,” he growled through clenched teeth as he continued pounding her pussy.

  He bent forward and wrapped one arm around her waist, lifting her onto her knees until her back pressed against him. She tilted her head back to kiss him, giving his hands free range to explore the front of her body. One of his hands went straight to her nipples, squeezing each side until she squealed from the mix of pleasure and pain. His right hand found its way to her clit, stimulating her button while she rocked her hips back and forth against his cock. Truman came close to climax, but stopped himself by quickly pulling out.

  “I don’t want to come that way. I need to get deeper.”

  He flipped her onto her back again and pressed himself on top of her, letting her wrap her legs around his waist this time. He curled his arms underneath her head, making it easier to kiss her. He slipped his tongue into her mouth while ramming his cock into her opening. They moaned in unison as their hips rocked together. She dug her nails into his back, squeezing her legs around him even tighter. He was lost in her. Lost in the scent of her hair, the taste of her mouth, the way her muscles clenched around his cock. He rose up on his arms and stared down at her.

  “You’re beautiful, Gracie,” he whispered, watching her mouth fall open as the gasps of climax escaped her lips.

  He couldn
’t hold it any longer. His face contorted as he pumped harder and unleashed his hot sperm deep inside her. He collapsed on her chest, burying his face in her hair. It took him a few seconds to catch his breath. “Did I hurt you?”

  “Only in a good way,” she said, laughing as her hands dragged along his strong back. “A very, very good way.”

  “We’re a perfect fit.” He peppered her face with kisses as he waited for his cock to stop tingling.

  “I’m sure you mean new fit, right? Has any dick ever met a pussy it didn’t like?”

  “Hey, I take offense to that. Yes, sex feels good. Hell, a jar of mayo probably feels good if you’re desperate. But the chills, the tingling, that surge of electricity that pulses through every cell of your body? That’s special.” He pulled out and flopped onto his side. “Are you saying I’m like every other dick?”

  She shook her head emphatically. “It feels more alive, okay I know all dicks are alive. Shit. I’m not good at explaining myself sometimes. May I express myself with song? A Christmas carol perhaps?”

  “You can express yourself with more begging and pleading for my cock,” he said, pulling her close against him.

  She leaned back and kissed him. “It really was amazing. That electricity you mentioned? I still feel it, everywhere.”

  “Fire in the hole!” he yelled, sending them into a fit of laughter.

  “So … since we’re getting to know each other, albeit a little out of order, would you really like to be my date to Paige’s wedding?”

  “Most definitely!”

  “I only have one request, however. No one can know you’re a shifter.”

  “Bullshit!” He sat up next to her and sighed with frustration. “How would you like not being able to tell people you’re an O’Reilly? We haven’t done anything to you Oak Grove people.”

  She sat up and crossed her legs, turning to face him and grasping his hands. “I know it’s a lot to ask. Perceptions don’t change overnight, though. Let them fall in love with you first. You could be the tipping point that changes everything, know what I mean?”

  “The way you’re talking … it makes me think we’ll be spending more time together, in the future.”