by Bianca D’Arc
The next morning, Cody knew he had the right duo. Cody could hear them talking from his room, listening through the door to the low-voiced conversation between Pepe and Jones. The way the bunkhouse had been designed, all the bedrooms and suites opened onto the great room in the center, which housed the kitchen, dining and living room areas.
It was very early, and the two hands were probably sitting in front of the big screen TV that was just to the left of Cody’s door. Cody knew they all liked to watch the weather report before they headed out, and for some reason, these two were up extra early today, before the others.
Normal people, without his enhanced senses, wouldn’t have been able to hear much of anything inside the insulated bedroom, but Cody was different. He could clearly hear almost everything that took place in the great room, even when people were trying to keep quiet out of respect for the others. Like, right now, he could hear everything Pepe and Jones were saying, even though they were trying to speak as quietly as possible. The full moon was mentioned again, but this time, Pepe said something about trapping and shifters, and Cody suddenly realized what the duo had in mind.
“We’ll go out and set the trap tonight so it’s ready for tomorrow night. Won’t have time during the day tomorrow,” Pepe had said, then chuckled evilly. “Them shifters won’t know what hit ‘em.”
“We bag us one of those, and that bounty money will set us both up for life.” Jones practically slobbered over his words, the greed was so thick in them.
It was clear. They were hunting shifters. They’d set the scene with that staged sacrifice site, and Cody easily put two and two together. They were hoping the supposed animal sacrifices would attract shifter interest. Perhaps they’d thought using the outward trappings of what they thought a magic rite might look like would attract the prey they were after.
It had. Their stupid plan had worked—up to a point.
But the pair was going to learn the hard way that shifters weren’t just dumb animals. The shifters of Big Wolf weren’t stupid in either form.
Cody called Joe as soon as the two ranch hands had left the building. He watched them get in a ranch truck and head out in the direction of the back forty while he was dialing the phone.
“What’s up?” Joe answered. His voice was a bit raspy, and Cody realized he’d probably woken the Alpha up, but this was too important to wait. The Pack had to be warned.
“Sorry it’s so early,” Cody apologized first, then went on to explain what he’d just heard. Joe seemed to come more awake as the conversation progressed.
“Someone knows there are shifters in the area,” Joe said, his voice grim. “This talk of a bounty means there’s someone else out there, looking to bag a shifter. Not good.”
“If we can question Jones and Pepe, we could maybe find out who put up the bounty. Trace it back that way,” Cody thought aloud.
“Yeah,” Joe agreed. “We’ll have to do it that way, and Shane is best suited to interrogation. He has professional training in the art, and he’s done it before, many times.”
Cody hadn’t realized that, but it explained at least some of why Joe had been willing to bring in an outsider to be one of the Pack’s highest ranking lieutenants. Cody was starting to really like Shane. They had worked well together yesterday, and the more he saw of the other man, the more he respected him.
“I’ll call Shane as soon as we hang up and tell him to be on standby. You watch those two hands as closely as you can,” Joe instructed. “You see anything going down, you call Shane first. He’s best equipped to get there fast and render aid. Plus, he has the authority as sheriff behind him, which always helps when dealing with humans. He can arrest those two and do this all nice and legal, in the eyes of the world.” Joe sounded satisfied at that idea. “It sounds like we have until tomorrow night, but keep an eye out. They might change their plans if the situation changes.”
“Will do.” Cody ended the call just as the sun’s rays started hitting the pasture to the east. There was plenty of work to do today, and he best get on with it.
*
Cassandra rose with the dawn, showering and dressing with care as she watched out her bedroom window to see where the hands were. One of the trucks was already gone, which boded well. She’d talked to Rich and Emma last night and was told the ranch hands would be busy mending fences in the southern pasture all day while Cody would be tasked to stay up by the stables near the bunkhouse to look after the horses and accept an early morning delivery. Emma and her crew of carpenters would be working on the farthest barn today, so they wouldn’t be underfoot, either.
It was perfect. Only Cody would be in the area near the house today. It was a perfect opportunity.
She watched out the windows as the expected delivery truck showed up not long after everyone had come out of the bunkhouse and piled into their trucks, heading out for their various tasks. All except for Cody. He’d walked over to the stable and begun working with the horses, turning them out into the fields nearest the stable.
Cody went back into the stable after seeing all the livestock out. She knew he was probably cleaning up in there and getting things set up for the animals. She couldn’t help but think about him in there, all by himself, for the rest of the day.
Well…not if she had anything to say about it. Cody was going to have some company in the form of one very determined ranch owner.
Cassandra made her move a half hour later. She wore a tank top with thin little spaghetti straps and her tightest pair of jeans. Lightweight slip-on flats completed the ensemble and made her steps as silent as possible on the packed earth. Cassandra walked into the barn, letting her eyes adjust to the dim light within before seeking her target.
She found him near the rear of the structure, by the large doors that led to a practice ring and the paddock in front of the house. He had brushes in his hands as he exited an empty stall but paused when he saw her, leaning up against the rail. His eyes smoldered, following her progress towards him. She felt singed wherever they touched.
Gathering her nerve, she walked right up to him, stopping just in front of his casually leaning form. He wasn’t quite as calm as he pretended. She noticed the white-knuckled grip he had on the curry comb and knew he wasn’t unaffected by her presence.
“I’m sorry.”
She waited, but he only looked at her, so she tried again. This was too important to let go because he decided to play stubborn.
“I’m sorry I doubted you, Cody. I’ve had a chance to think about it, and I realize you’re not that kind of man.”
Silence dragged as he straightened.
“Is that all?” he finally asked.
“Well, yes.” She shrugged one shoulder and stepped forward, crowding his personal space daringly. “That and I really want you to make love to me again.” She felt his muscles tremble under her hand as she placed one palm over his shoulder. “If you want to, I mean.”
“Want to?” He smiled, and it felt like the sun had come out after days of rain. “Cassie, you are the hottest woman I’ve ever been with. I’d have to be dead not to want you.” He surprised her by stepping away. “But more than your body, I want your trust. It’s important to me.” He shrugged in a way that made him seem vulnerable, though it was gone the next moment.
“I trust you. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”
He dropped the equipment in his hands to the bench along one wall and looked up at her. “No, I guess you wouldn’t.” He straightened, his eyes never leaving hers. “All right then. Strip.”
“Here?” His harsh command shocked her…and excited her.
“Right here, right now. Show me that pretty ass of yours right now, baby.” He reached around to his back pocket and dragged out a sleek leather billfold, pulling a foil-wrapped condom from inside. “I’ve got protection. You’ve got what I want. Show it to me, and I’ll give you what you want, but start with the tank top.”
The provocative language only heightened her arousal. It w
as shocking to get so hot and bothered over a few simple words, but there it was. Cassandra looked around the barn, weighing her options. She hadn’t quite intended to make love to him in a dusty barn, but then, she’d take him anywhere she could get him. She was a desperate woman.
Daring greatly, she reached for the hem of her tank top while Cody took a seat on the bench along the wall. She pulled it up and over her breasts, making the journey as slow and sensual as possible. She wanted to tease him a little. When the shirt cleared her eyes, she saw her ploy was working. Cody stared at her breasts with hunger, and just that look stoked her fire hotter.
“Good girl.” His voice was a rusty purr that skated up and down her spine. “Now, the jeans.”
Chapter Six
Cassandra’s hand went to the button on her jeans, then the zipper, drawing out the rasp as it slid down and open. She turned as he spun his finger, indicating he wanted to see her ass, and wiggled the denim down over her hips, taking her panties with them. She stepped out of her shoes only long enough to get her jeans and panties off, bending over to give him a good view of her ass and what lay between her legs as she did so.
“Come here.” The order was urgent, filled with need. That need was echoed in her own body as she felt wetness gather between her thighs.
She walked over and paused before him, unsure what he wanted next. But she’d do anything. She was too far gone to deny him whatever he wanted.
“Spread your legs and show me what you got.” She sucked in a breath at the harsh command but widened her stance. “Use your fingers, baby. Spread those lips wide.”
Cassandra gasped as she did the most lewd thing she’d ever dared, but with him, it felt right. It felt delicious, in fact. Shocking her, he leaned forward, his tongue dancing along her clit in a feather light caress. She squealed, and he chuckled in a dark way.
“Turn around, baby, and bend over.”
Damn, that sexy voice of his could cause a riot. It sent shivers all through her body, never mind her spine. Her womb clenched as she turned, uncertain of just what position he wanted her in. She bent at the waist, watching him over her shoulder.
He slapped her ass, making her jump.
“That’s for not moving fast enough. Just remember I owe you a spanking for not trusting me sooner.”
“A spanking?” He had to be joking, but he didn’t look like it was a joke. In fact, he looked downright dangerous, those mysterious eyes darkening as he watched her.
“You want it now?” He grabbed her waist and pulled her backwards, turning her over his lap in the process until her bare bottom was facing him. “I’m happy to oblige.” A hard slap on her other butt cheek startled a squeak out of her. It stung, but it didn’t really hurt. Then, the sting turned to tingles of pleasure. She could hardly believe the sensations.
“Cody?”
“Yes, Cassie. I’m going to swat your luscious ass for doubting me, then do you like you’ve never been done before. Sound good?”
He spanked her, moving his slaps around her cheeks, going lower toward the place where her thighs joined. The orgasm hit her fast and hard, making her whole body shake with reaction. Her world spun as Cody lifted her up to straddle his thighs, facing him. He held her close while her body quieted, stroking her hair with one big hand, the other arm wrapping around her waist, his hand rubbing her back. She drew comfort from the care in his every move.
After a few minutes, she pulled back, confusion clouding her features. “Why did that feel good?”
Cody chuckled. “First time you’ve been spanked, eh?”
She nodded, searching his gaze. He seemed to understand so much more about this than she.
“I’m honored.” He kissed her lightly on the lips. “You probably don’t realize it, but you’re submissive, Cassie. At least sexually. I saw it right away. You might’ve been a force to be reckoned with in the business world, but when it comes to men, you want us to be the strong ones. You would never be happy with a man who let you lead him around by the dick, which is probably why you’ve never gotten hitched.”
It was a lot to take in. She wasn’t sure she bought the submissive part, but he was definitely right about wanting a man who knew what he wanted. She didn’t want a doormat or a modern man. Metrosexuals weren’t her thing. She liked men to be men of honor with firm ideals and strong personalities. She’d just never met that kind of man who was single and interested in her.
Until now. But then, Cody hadn’t said a thing about how long he wanted this relationship to last. He seemed to want more than one night, but after that? She honestly didn’t know. A week? A month? A year? A lifetime? She’d give him anything he wanted, if he just kept being the upstanding man he was…and kept making her come so hard her teeth rattled.
“So, you won’t let me lead you around by the, um, dick?” Daring greatly, she cupped the hard bulge in his pants and squeezed.
He shifted his hips and grinned. “I didn’t say that. There’s a time and a place for that kind of thing. Not too often, but I don’t have to be in charge all the time. Just most of the time.” He chuckled. “But right now, I want inside you. Are you ready for more?”
“Yes, sir.” She winked at him, feeling saucy, and he grinned back. Things were definitely easier between them, and she felt relief fill her heart.
“Scoot back.” She helped him as he shifted her backward to balance on his knees. “Open my jeans and put this on.” He put the condom packet between her teeth with a roguish grin as she set to work on his fly.
It took only moments to release his magnificent cock. She couldn’t resist wrapping her hand around his girth and stroking up and down a few times. He groaned and stilled her hand.
“The condom, love. I want to be inside you when we come.”
The little endearment thrilled her, though he probably thought nothing of it. Still, she clutched the word to her heart. Wasting no time, she sheathed his cock and moved forward on his lap.
“Lift up and put me inside, Cassie. Take me home.” He leaned back against the wall and let her steer.
He was a big man, but she was very wet and ready for him. Moving with great care, she rose on her toes and positioned him at her opening, pushing down little by little until he was lodged deep inside.
He lifted her hands to the wall hung with tack. She grabbed on to the halters stored there on their strong hooks and started to move over him. The position put her breasts in line with his mouth. All he had to do was bend a little to suck on her nipples as she set the pace. It was an amazing feeling.
Then, he slapped her ass. “Faster!”
The order made her clench on him as her passion rose higher. She’d only thought she was in charge of this session. In reality, the cowboy was taming the filly to his lead. Cassandra almost laughed as he smacked her ass again, urging her on. Admitting it to herself, if not to him, she was more than willing to be tamed…by him and only him.
After that, she did as he directed, speeding up or slowing down according to his whims. Her arms were sore when he lifted her off his lap and placed her on her feet. She was so close! Why was he moving them around now?
But her questions were answered a moment later when he bent her over, letting her rest her tired arms on the bench while he slid into her from behind. He went deep, this time—deeper than ever before—and touched that magic spot deep inside that set her nerves to jangling with every hard thrust. He was wild now, his thrusts hard and fast as he pushed her into an orgasm so jarring her knees gave out.
Cody caught her, caring for her in every way as he sat heavily on the bench, tucking her into his embrace.
“Sugar, you’re going to be the death of me.” He chuckled as he kissed her temple, both of them breathing hard in the aftermath.
“Is this heaven?” she joked.
“No, but it’s the closest we’ll get here on Earth. Thank you, Cassie, for taking me there.” He kissed her again, as their pulses began to return to normal. “Damn, girl, you ambushed me whe
n I’ve got a boatload of work to do. Have you no shame? Coming on to a cowboy in the middle of a barn where anyone could walk in?” He waggled his eyebrows, making her laugh. “All the horses in the paddock were probably watching us. I bet we gave them ideas.”
She felt good with Cody. Safe, secure, and cared for in a way she hadn’t felt in many years. “Are you saying I’m a bad influence?”
He nibbled on her neck. “No, but you’re a very naughty girl, aren’t you? I might have to spank you again…tonight. What do you say?”
She pretended to consider. “I think I might be up for that.”
He set her away to look into her eyes. “But dinner first. I want you to meet someone.” Surprised, she raised one eyebrow in question, but he ignored it. “Be ready at six. I’m taking you out.”
“Are you sure? I could fix something here.”
“I’m sure.” He helped her off his lap and rested his hands on her hips, just looking at her. “Damn, woman, you’re a knockout! But you better get dressed before those horny hands get back.” He let her go and took care of the condom before stuffing himself back into his jeans. He zipped up and helped her sort out her clothes, solicitous in a way that made her feel special. When she was dressed, he pulled her close for a quick kiss then set her away. “Six o’clock. Wear a skirt.”
Bemused by his take-charge attitude, she left the barn, turning back to see him watching her ass as she walked out the door. She left him grinning as she skipped back to her house. The man just made her happy. It was as simple as that.
Cody watched Cassie walk back to her house with a deeply satisfied feeling in his heart. He’d been concerned when she’d taken so long to come back to him, but he knew, if they were going to build trust, he’d have to start slow. This couldn’t be rushed. He wanted her in his life for the next fifty years—or however long the Goddess would grant them together. She was his mate.