Not only had the house been kept in good order during her absence, but the fridge and cupboards were well-stocked, too. The village had a small grocery store, but she wanted to avoid the whole place as much as possible. Future shopping would be done at one of the larger stores farther away. There would only be bad memories in the village and she definitely wanted to avoid Drake Scott at all costs.
Her new office would be the visitor centre at the edge of the forest, which was situated close to the village where Mary and Jim lived. She planned to go and say hi to her new work colleagues and collect her work gear. Plus, she could visit her old family friends at the same time. There were a few days before she started work and she fully intended to visit the forest to refresh her memory about her old ‘playground’.
After showering and a light breakfast, she headed out to her car. A rustling in the trees caught her attention. Someone observed her under cover of the trees. She should have felt a little afraid, but didn’t. Probably a small animal being inquisitive about its new neighbour. Curiosity got the better of her and she headed towards the noise.
When she crossed inside the treeline, she gulped and stepped backwards. Standing before her was a magnificent red deer; a stag. He looked so regal; massive antlers, bright red coat, and huge brown eyes. Those eyes held intelligence. The way he eyed her was unnerving. Mila didn’t know what to do. The stag moved to stand directly in front of her. Again, this was unusual behaviour for a deer and they certainly didn’t come this far out of the forest. Was it the same one from yesterday?
“What are you doing here? You should go back to the deep part of the forest. It’s not safe for you here.”
She scratched her head and let loose a nervous giggle. Now she was having a conversation with a wild animal. Still, he stood before her. Mila reached out to touch his coat. It was soft and rough at the same time. Mila marvelled at the muscles she could feel rippling beneath its coat. A sensation like a small electric shock ran through her and she pulled back her hand.
“Mine.”
There was that voice again.
“What the hell is going on here? Who said that? Show yourself.” Mila shook her head and looked around her.
The stag continued to watch her with intensity, then something spooked the animal and it headed back deeper inside the trees. For long moments afterwards, she stood rooted to the spot, her eyes fixed on the direction he’d taken.
“This is just madness. Think I need therapy,” she muttered, and headed for her car.
* * *
It didn’t take Elias long to pick up the woman’s scent. It flooded his senses after he’d seen her with the calf, leaving him intoxicated. She was at the old Stubbs place. For hours, he stayed hidden by the trees, wondering what his next move should be. He’d heard stories about the family. There were rumours Luther Scott had put a hit on the parents because they were becoming suspicious of Scott’s company’s illegal activities. The daughter, Mila, was targeted by bullies because of her strange behaviour. Apparently, she had an infinity with wildlife and chose them over human companions.
He’d never met the family, but he was certain the gorgeous redhead was Mila Stubbs. He knew the family friends, Mary and Jim Barnes, and had often seen them at the Stubbs’ place, keeping it tidy. There was a picture of the Stubbs family in their home, too, with a young Mila. Elias also helped out with odd jobs for them. Although it was never mentioned, he got the impression they knew he wasn’t completely human.
Mila was so fucking beautiful that it was almost too painful to look at her. Her long, wild, deep-red hair, full pink lips, and her eyes… damn, a man could get lost forever if he gazed into them for too long. Her eyes were all green, silver, and hazel swirls. He’d never seen anything like them. Jesus, he wanted to claim her so badly.
These actions had been a near compulsion and he cursed himself for being so desperate to have her. To claim her. Body and soul. His to cherish. And when she’d touched his coat… hell, his animal and man both roared inside his mind to take her, to plunge into her warm sweet depths and bury himself so deep that she would have no other option but to surrender to him.
He’d done the only sane thing he could and retreated deeper into the forest. He caught another scent on the wind. Drake Scott. What was that asshole doing around here? Elias changed back into his naked human form and hid in the undergrowth, using his power to camouflage himself with plant life.
“So, Mila Stubbs is back,” one of Drake’s friends announced.
Drake laughed. “Yeah. Rumour has it she’s going to be a forest ranger. We could have some fun with her out in the woods.”
They all laughed. A sinister and nasty sound. Elias held back a feral growl at the intonation of their words. If they ever touched her… well, all that would be left of them would be a beaten pulp on the forest floor.
“Have you seen her?” another friend asked him.
The expression in Drake’s eyes conveyed that he had. “I saw her looking out of her window earlier this morning. Man, she’s grown into one hot woman. I can’t wait to fuck her.”
He’d taken a picture of her on his phone, which he showed to the others.
“Drake, do you only ever think with your cock?”
“Absolutely. Especially when there’s hot pussy around. Let’s allow her to settle in. Then we’ll pounce when she least expects it.”
They walked away from where Elias hid. His anger spread like wildfire in his gut. Thoughts of them touching her, hurting her, made his animal side roar for death inside his mind. Somehow, he’d have to warn her she was in danger. Whether she wanted it or not, she would have his protection. For eternity.
He shifted and returned to his home for fresh clothes; his others disintegrated due to the change. Wherever she’d gone today, he’d follow her. Now he knew for definite she was meant for him, he didn’t want to have her out of his sight. Instincts told him she’d probably head for Mary and Jim’s. He had a wood carving for them, and he’d also promised to fix their fence, so this would be his excuse to go there.
* * *
Mila loved the vibe and enthusiasm of the other forest rangers and people who assisted at the visitor centre. Norman, the man in charge, took her under his wing as soon as she’d applied for the job. He’d been one of her parents’ few friends, an old woodsman who knew a lot of the vast forest like the back of his hand. After looking around the main building, he led her out onto one of the paths for a walk.
“I’d forgotten how beautiful it is here,” she admitted.
“Yes, Mila. It’s an amazing place. But it’s also filled with danger. Come,” Norman said, guiding her off the path.
They sat in a small clearing a little way from the main track. He looked around as though ensuring they were alone.
“What is it, Norman?”
“Look, I realise you’ve only just come back…” He paused and, again, observed the area. “There’s no easy way to say this, but you’ve put yourself in grave danger returning here.”
The hairs at the nape of her neck stood up on end. “Why?”
Norman took her by the shoulders, his expression deadly serious. “This is going to be hard for you to hear, but your parents’ deaths weren’t accidents.”
A cold chill settled around her heart. Although it was difficult to listen to Norman’s words, it only confirmed her fears from years ago.
“I know,” she whispered back to him. “It’s the reason I left. I don’t know why, but I had a feeling it wasn’t safe for me.”
“I think the forest called out to you for your help. That’s why you’ve come back. There are dangerous things within these trees.”
“Do you mean Drake?”
He scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Yes, and others.”
He didn’t elaborate; she needed to know more.
“Scott Tech,” she responded with a grimace.
“Yes. Hikers have gone missing, and several of the larger wildlife we’ve monitored, too. The radio
collars attached to them were located on the forest floor. They’d been cut off; an animal couldn’t have done that. I don’t like it, Mila.”
Her scalp prickled and chills descended over her, even though it was warm. They were both pensive, their thoughts on this revelation.
“It scares me that you could be in danger, love, but I feel you’ll play an integral part in helping to save the forest.”
She let loose a nervous laugh and shook her head.
“Mila?”
“Sorry, Norman, but it’s freaked me out a little. I’m only going to be a forest ranger, but I’ll do what I can to keep the place safe. If it’s really that bad, shouldn’t we have some kind of security in the forest?”
“That would be ideal. There isn’t the budget for that level of security, though. Look,” he said, fixing his eyes to hers. “I know your role is forest ranger, but please be careful when you’re out here alone. Always carry a weapon with you. Drake already knows you’re back. He’ll be gunning for you, Mila.”
“Don’t you worry. I’ll be ready for him. We’ll discuss this more when I start work. I have a few ideas of my own about what Drake and his father have been up to.”
When they headed back to the visitor centre, she thought she heard the forest sigh. A welcome home gesture, she mused. In her mind, she sent out a promise to her beloved forest. An assurance she would do all in her power to protect it. Thoughts of the stag filled her mind. Those big brown eyes had held intelligence and compassion. This was sounding more bizarre by the second. If she carried on having these kinds of delusional thoughts, maybe she should consider heading back to the city to see some kind of counsellor.
Chapter Three
The drive to Mary and Jim’s place took about twenty minutes. It was on a road which cut through some of the forest. Mila loved how the trees crowded in around her on both sides like a comforting blanket. Her years away living in towns and cities had taught her how much she appreciated the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.
Her friends’ home was a barn conversion, and she reflected on the times she’d spent there with her parents. It was a place filled with love and happiness. She couldn’t wait to see them again. As she drove up the track to their home, she caught sight of a man sawing wood. When she got closer, she could see he was shirtless; his back and arms were covered in tattoos.
When she parked up close to where he worked, he paused to turn and look at her. God, he was tall. Probably closer to seven feet than six. He had long, shaggy brown hair with red highlights gleaming in the sunlight. He also had a beard, and his eyes… they were like dark-chocolate pools. Intense. Sexy. Mysterious. The muscles on his upper body indicated that he worked hard, and his jeans were obscenely tight, hugging every contour of his long legs.
Mila’s body fired up with such a craving that she had to stifle a moan. Her nipples hardened, her heartrate was almost painful, and as for her sex… it throbbed and ached. It made her want to strip naked and offer herself to him, to do whatever he wanted. Her eyes were still locked on the sexy, wild stranger before her. She couldn’t seem to tear her gaze away from him. And why did his eyes appear so familiar to her? This man was certainly not the type of guy you’d forget in a hurry, and she’d never laid eyes on him before. What the hell was happening to her?
Breathe, Mila.
Getting out of the car was more difficult than she thought. Her legs wobbled. She felt woozy and lightheaded, as though she was intoxicated. She closed the car door and was aware of his burning gaze still upon her. Mila walked towards him. He watched her every move. Even before she got close to him, she caught his scent. It smelled of the forest pines, the wind, and his own masculine scent. Without conscious thought, she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Oh, Jesus. He smelled so good. The need to rub her body against his was all-consuming.
Dizziness and desire sizzled on her skin, and her legs started to buckle. Oh, no. I’m going to faint. The man was upon her before she hit the floor. He lifted her up into his arms and cradled her close. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Being this close to him made her head spin even more. Her body trembled. Not with fear, but with lust.
“I… I’m okay, you can put me down now,” she pleaded in a breathy voice.
“I’m not putting you down until we get inside. I don’t want to risk you fainting again.”
His voice was deep, rich, wild, and vaguely familiar to her for some reason. Mila imagined what he’d sound like whilst making love. A soft whimper escaped her at the very thought. Her breasts were pressed against his chest; her nipples burned and ached with more intensity. How would they feel being suckled by his mouth, stroked by his rough hands? They reached the door of the home and he nudged it open with his foot. He marched over to the sofa and placed her down on it.
“Don’t move. I’ll get you some water.”
“Where are Mary and Jim?” she called out.
“Just popped to the village. They’ll be back soon.”
“Who are you?”
“I’m Elias. I’m doing a few odd jobs for them. You must be Mila.”
“How do you know my name?”
He knelt beside her and handed her the water, studying her while she drank deeply. Mila peered at him from over the rim of the glass. His brown eyes still bored into her. It started to unnerve her a little and she became irritated, partly due to sexual frustration and the emotions he invoked in her.
“You haven’t answered my question,” she demanded.
Still he watched her and appeared to be warring with himself. It was almost as if he was in pain. Elias leaned closer to her until his lips were almost touching hers. Taking the glass from her hand, he placed it on the floor. One calloused hand cupped the side of her cheek. Mila wanted to tell him to stop, but she felt powerless.
“Mine,” he murmured possessively.
“What the hell do you mean by that?” Mila started to move away from him, pushing herself as far as she could against the back of the sofa.
What was it about the word, mine, which sounded so familiar? Elias opened his mouth to kiss her, but she pushed forcefully at his chest. The sound of a car approaching caused a halt to this confusing encounter. He was built like solid rock; she pushed harder and he moved away.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she demanded.
His eyes had a wild, almost crazed, look about them. His nostrils flared, and he was panting heavily. Elias stood up and she let out a squeak of shock when she witnessed the massive bulge in his already tight jeans. The man looked down at her with a slight smirk in his expression, not even attempting to hide his erection from her.
“This isn’t up for discussion. You. Are. Mine.”
“Women are not objects for assholes like you to take whenever they get the urge. Touch me again and you’ll be singing soprano!”
Anger and lust boiled inside her veins, but she wasn’t going to be spoken to like that. She leapt up and stood in front of him, attempting not to look at his massive cock.
“I don’t know who the hell you think you are. But I am not some piece of meat for someone to claim. Stay the hell away from me,” she warned.
Mila attempted to walk away, but Elias caught her by the arm and pulled her back to him. Then he held her by the shoulders. His eyes had turned tender, almost regretful.
“Mila, the forest needs you. I…”
“Mila, where are you, darling?” Mary’s voice put a halt to any further conversation.
Elias moved away from her just as Mary and Jim entered. Mila ran to them and was engulfed in a group hug, which resulted in the two women crying.
“Is everything okay, Elias?” Jim asked.
“Um, I got out of the car and fainted. I haven’t eaten much today. Elias carried me inside and gave me a drink of water,” Mila explained.
For some reason, she felt the need to protect him. Jesus, what was going on with her? He needed a kick in the crotch after his actions, not protection.
“You do look a little flushed, Mila. Why don’t you sit down?”
Mila blushed at Mary’s words. If only she knew what had taken place in her living room just a few short seconds before. She wondered how they’d react to Elias if she told them the truth.
“I’ll leave you in peace and get on with your fence.” Elias went to leave the room.
“Why don’t you stay and have a drink with us?” Mary asked.
He smiled and looked with regret towards Mila. “Thanks, Mary, but your fence won’t mend itself.”
With one more wistful glance at Mila, he left the room. Tears welled up in her eyes at his departure. What the hell? All this emotional display was really starting to freak her out.
* * *
Elias attempted to focus on mending the fence. Twice now he’d hit his thumb with the hammer instead of the nail. He couldn’t get Mila out of his head. She was stunning, with fire and passion. Beneath her initial sweet and gentle manner, he sensed the strong woman inside. Her words and anger towards him told him as much.
Damn him. Why did he have to go and mess it up and try to kiss her? He could still smell her fragrance; soft, fruity, and the overriding scent of her feminine musk. Whether she realised it or not, her body was already calling to his to claim her. He’d marked her with his scent now and no other could touch her… unless they wanted to die a horrible death.
The sound of her sweet laughter floated over to him from the house. His cock started to grow inside his jeans. The hot spring weather wasn’t helping with his ardour either. He wanted her desperately, but how could he get her to understand that it wasn’t only about the sex? With other women, it was always about enjoying a wild time ending with mutual sexual gratification. No female ever left his bed unsatisfied. But those experiences all paled in comparison to Mila.
Wild Desire (The Protectors Book 1) Page 2