by Zoe Chant
“Uh oh,” Lily managed again before the entire herd came racing towards them.
Chapter Three: Lily
As small as the animals were, together they were a force to be reckoned with.
In full gallop, they circled Lily and Logan, bleating angrily as they jostled each other for the best spot. Lily could barely keep upright. She looked up just in time to see one of the goats ram into Logan’s knees full speed. As he lost his footing, the apples dropped from his arms. The goats crowded even closer in greed, pushing against his legs even as he struggled to stay upright―and then his feet slipped in the wet ground next to the pond.
A heartbeat later, Logan fell into the shallow water with a loud splash.
Wide-eyed, Lily stared at him. When he resurfaced, he was covered in mud, a leaf from one of the water lilies resting on his head.
Lily couldn’t help herself. Laughter broke free from her throat until tears were running from her eyes. She dropped her own apples for the greedy goats, who hadn’t even spared Logan a single look after they’d achieved their goal. Then, still giggling helplessly, she took a step forward until her sneakers sunk into the soft ground at the pond’s edge.
“I’m so sorry,” she said, the words interrupted by giggles again. “But you should see your face right now.”
She held out her hand for him. When he grabbed hold of it, there was again the surge of this strange connection between them, like electricity sizzling all over her skin. Her eyes widened as the golden light inhis flared up. Suddenly, the need in her was almost unbearable, her nipples stiff and aching for a touch―and then his fingers clenched around hers.
With a sudden pull, she found herself dragged into the pond, resting against his wet, hard chest.
Logan was breathing heavily. He was so close now that all she’d have to do was to lean forward to kiss him. Against her thigh, she could feel his hardness.
She wasn’t imagining it then. This connection―he had to feel it too. He wanted her as much as she wanted him.
For the first time in her life, Lily threw all caution to the wind. She leaned forward―and then his hands stiffened around her arms as he came to meet her halfway, his mouth covering hers as she moaned in relieved surprise.
Between her legs, the throb of need intensified. His tongue was hot against her own, and she could feel the slight roughness of his stubble against her skin. But mostly, all she could feel was an overwhelming desire. She wanted him so much her panties were already drenched, and she could feel the little jerk of his swollen cock against her thigh as she tried to press herself even closer.
When Logan finally drew back, he was as breathless as Lily, his eyes dark with desire and his voice husky as he spoke.
“Sorry. I don’t know why I did that, now you’re all wet…”
Wet for you, she thought with a flush, barely able to contain herself from squirming against him.
This was all happening way too fast. She’d never felt anything like this before. But damn it, she was a grown woman. She could make her own decisions.
“Don’t be sorry,” she said. “I’m not.”
He exhaled in surprise, a smile tugging at his lips―and then they were kissing again, clinging to each other as though they were drowning.
“You’re all cold and muddy,” Lily managed to gasp when they had to part for air. “We should get out of the water.”
Still clinging to each other, they stumbled out of the pond. The goats had long since given up, now that all the apples were gone, and they managed to return to the barn without getting mobbed again.
“There’s a shower in the barn,” Logan said, his voice still thick with desire. His wet jeans now clearly showed the outline of his generous cock. “Or we could go inside, there’s hot water in the bathroom…”
“Barn,” Lily replied, unable to tear her eyes away from him.
She didn’t think she’d be able to make it to the house, not with him staring at her like that with his strange, golden eyes. And he looked just as desperate as she felt, his lips wet from their kiss, his dark brown hair tousled. His soaked shirt clung to the hard expanse of his pecs, showing off a stunning six pack.
As soon as they made it inside the barn, she pulled the shirt off him. Even though he was covered in mud, he looked incredible. Muscles rippled beneath his skin every time he moved. His chest was broad―and she’d already felt his strength when he’d pulled her against him. She had no doubt that those amazing muscles would be able to pull off even more impressive feats.
Like lifting her and pressing her against the tiles of the shower as he slid inside her…
The thought was enough to make her moan for him. Her clit was aching, her inner walls throbbing. And she still couldn’t take her eyes off him.
They’d made it to the shower now. It was a simple, tiled room where one could quickly shower after hard stable work, or hose down a dog that had rolled around in mud.
With trembling fingers, Lily stripped off her jacket and shirt before she found herself pulled into a hungry kiss again. Logan’s fingers began to work her pants open as her own fumbled with the button of his jeans. Finally, they were naked. One of them must have managed to start the shower, because suddenly cool water was raining down on them, but it did nothing to douse the fire in her veins. Everything was a haze of desire now; she was almost dizzy with it.
She didn’t know how they made it through the shower. They only stayed beneath the spray until the mud was gone, then Logan grabbed her hand again and they stumbled out of the room. There was an old chest next to the door that held several old blankets; Logan pulled one out and spread it over a few bales of hay.
His chest was heaving as he stared at her, his eyes gleaming with that strange, golden glow, as though an animal was watching her. But she wasn’t afraid. She wanted him more than she’d wanted anything in her life.
“Do you want to―” he began.
She didn’t let him finish.
“Yes,” she gasped against his lips as she pressed herself against him once more, and then they tumbled down onto the blanket.
The barn was empty and quiet. Dust was dancing in the air that smelled of straw and hay.
Beneath her fingertips, Logan’s skin was hot and damp with sweat as he rolled on top of her. She could feel his cock against her thigh now, thick and heavy with his own need, and as he slid against her, she moaned with approval.
She was so wet that he slid easily inside, every delicious, hard inch of him until she could feel him throb inside her, filling her completely. It had never felt like this before, and she threw back her head as she gasped for air.
Then his thumb flicked against her nipple, his hand cupping her breast, and it was like lightning was sizzling through her once more. Everywhere where he touched her, heat exploded. It was so good she couldn’t breathe, and it wasn’t enough, it still wasn’t enough…
She arched beneath him just as Logan began to thrust inside her. The friction was overwhelming. She could hear him groan her name as she clenched around him, and still he didn’t stop moving.
His lips kissed her everywhere he could reach, her neck, her throat, her shoulders. She kept falling apart beneath his touch. With every thrust, he stoked the fire inside her until she felt she was burning up. Her clit was throbbing relentlessly. Then he pushed in again, finding just the right angle, and everything inside her tightened.
Her climax washed through her like a great wave. Fire sizzled along all her nerves. She clenched around him, again and again, and in response his cock throbbed, filling her with the heat of his own release as he groaned her name.
Long moments later, his lips were still at her throat. She tightened her arms around his shoulders, trying to keep him as close as possible.
She was breathless. She was utterly exhausted. She was sweaty and dusty and could still feel him inside her, a man she’d only just met―but she was deliriously happy.
It was as if at that moment, the missing piece in he
r life had just slotted in, as if her life had been some big puzzle she’d never quite put together completely. And now that he was there, suddenly everything felt right.
I don’t even know him. This might not last. It could be just another one night stand for him.
But even as she thought that, she could feel him withdraw carefully and move to his side, only to immediately gather her in his strong arms once more and press his lips to her hair.
“That was absolutely amazing,” he murmured, his voice rough. “I don’t normally do this… But it felt right. Does that sound weird?”
She shook her head. “Not at all,” she murmured and kissed him once more. “Now this will sound weird, but I’ve wanted this from the first moment I saw you.”
He huffed soft laughter against her lips. “Not weird at all. I’m glad. Though we’ll need another shower.”
“This time, maybe hot water and some soap.” She smiled against his lips, then raised a hand to trail her thumb down that handsome, square jaw, feeling the roughness of his stubble against her skin.
Right now, she was too exhausted to worry. He wanted her, she had felt the proof of that in the most incredible way. And even if it might not last, there was no reason at all not to try.
I want this to last, she thought as her exhaustion at last caught up with her. Dear God, I want this to last, more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life.
Chapter Four: Logan
Logan couldn’t believe his luck when the next morning, he found himself feeding the goats side by side with Lily. She looked deliciously disheveled―she was wearing one of his shirts, and his bear was growling with possessive pride at the way his own scent now marked her skin. She’d stayed the night, and they’d made love again, breathless and overwhelmed by the passion that drew them towards each other like magnets.
He’d feared that it would be awkward the next morning―but it hadn’t been, not even for one second.
That’s because she’s your mate, his bear said.
Logan looked at Lily. She was everything he’d hoped for in finding his mate. And not only did she fit into life on the small farm as if they’d lived here together for years, she was also breathtakingly beautiful, and damn sexy in bed. Even now, after he’d already covered her entire skin with his kisses, he only had to look at her to feel his cock stir with new need.
He wanted her to be his, forever. But for that, he’d have to tell Lily the truth.
The whole truth.
Not just about his bear. She’d also need to know about the man he’d been: Blood Claw, who’d worked for a terrible man, to make sure that his brothers would be safe.
Well, they’re safe now. And they have their mates and all the happiness they deserve. Don’t I deserve some happiness of my own?
Lily hadn’t said anything about the scars that covered his body―but then, they had been so wrapped up in each other that maybe she hadn’t even noticed.
You do, his bear growled, and so does she.
Still, it was difficult to remember the life he’d led and then look at Lily. She was so bright, shining with joy. He felt drawn towards it like a moth to the light. Perhaps all it would take was her touch to banish those dark parts of his life forever. Maybe she had been the missing piece all along in his self-imposed exile out here.
But there was also the possibility that he could never get rid of the regret that clung to him. And could he taint her light with his darkness? Wouldn’t it be selfish to entrap her in a bond with someone like him?
Bah, his bear said. Nothing selfish in making an entire horde of cubs all winter long.
At the mental image of Lily playing in the sunshine with a toddler, something tightened in his chest until it almost hurt.
He wanted it. More than anything. But with his past―could he dare to believe in the possibility of raising a family? Of keeping them forever safe from the pain he had known?
No child of mine will ever have to make the choices I had to make. I’d rather die myself than let that happen!
We’ll keep them safe, his bear pointed out. It’s peaceful out here. No one from our old clan knows where we went. This is our home now. We’ll defend it against any intruder.
“Everything okay?” Lily gave him a curious look as she looked up from the goat she’d petted.
Logan nodded guiltily. He’d carried these things around with himself for so long that it seemed impossible to talk about them. But he didn’t want to lie to his mate either.
Tell her, his bear demanded once more. And then claim her. By next summer, we might already be raising our first cub.
I’ll tell her this evening, Logan decided silently. I’ll cook dinner and light a few candles, and maybe she won’t believe I’m a beast.
To distract himself, he gave the goat nibbling at his trousers a little pat, and then turned to look towards the paddock where Lucky was enjoying the sunshine and grass.
“I think Lucky is missing his exercise. Should we turn him out into the meadow? He could probably use a walk, but he doesn’t like it when I get too close.”
That was another problem he could only explain away for so long. Lily was good with animals. She’d soon start to wonder why the farm animals distrusted him so…
Lily’s face immediately brightened. “When I came for uncle George’s funeral, I took him out for a ride. He still loves to run despite his age. Must be those desert racing genes of his.”
“Would you like to?” Logan asked immediately, charmed by the way the farm’s animals brought out this infectious happiness in her.
Her eyes sparked again as she nodded, and Logan felt that jolt deep in his chest again, his heart missing a beat. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.
She’d been so sexy yesterday in the shower, all soft skin and generous curves. Now, the way her auburn hair shone in the sun reminded him of autumn and the ripe berries his bear loved more than anything. Even like this, dressed in one of his old shirts, her hair tousled by the wind and her pants stained by the goats who’d greedily nibbled on anything they could reach, she was radiant. Was she always filled with such light, or was it the farm that brought out this deep joy in her?
She belongs here, he realized as he watched her. I’m the one who’s the intruder. But this could be a home for both of us…
Once Lucky had been brushed, Lily hadquickly put bridle and saddle on the stallion. Logan kept his distance, as Lucky still stamped his foot in warning whenever he came too close―but Logan didn’t mind being the observer for this.
There was an obvious bond between the two. The old racehorse allowed Lily to take care of him with what appeared to be absolute trust, despite the way humans had hurt Lucky in his youth.
Everything about her is good. The farm animals know it. And they’re a better judge of character than most humans, Logan thought while his bear grumbled in proud agreement.
“Let’s just walk around the orchard,” Lily said once she’d led Lucky out of the barn and mounted him. Then she gave Logan a quick little grin. “I promise I won’t run off with your horse.”
Logan’s lips twitched. “By the looks of it, he already knows he’s more yours than he’ll ever be mine.”
“He’ll come around.” Fondly, Lily patted Lucky’s mane. “He never let my uncle ride him either, but they came to an understanding nevertheless.”
Together, they walked towards the orchard where the apple trees were rustling gently in the breeze that had sprung up. The sun was shining down from an almost cloudless sky, and the senses of Logan’s bear were filled with utter contentment.
Lucky snorted once at a bird that took flight when they passed. But despite how long it must have been since he’d last been taken out, he watched the world around him with calm, curious eyes.
When they reached the orchard, Logan leaned against the fence, watching as Lily took Lucky around the large, tree-dotted meadow. She took the first round in a slow walk, allowing Lucky to look his fill and take in the breeze. Aft
er they’d passed Logan again, she loosened the reins, and Lucky’s head raised. Slowly, they trotted down the length of the meadow, the wind playing with the long, black tail of the old stallion. It kept swishing back and forth―and suddenly, the racehorse snorted and proudly raised his tail before breaking out into a full gallop while Lily whooped on his back.
She was laughing when they made their way past Logan again.
“You’d think he’d be too old for this,” she called out towards him, “but I guess you can’t take the racing out of the racehorse.”
Lucky slowed to a gentle canter after a while. Lily reined him in to a trot, and then back to walking as they made their way to the far end of the meadow once more.
As Logan watched, Lily turned her head towards him. Her eyes were laughing as she gave him a little wave, Lucky stretching his neck and shaking his head with obvious pleasure at the run he’d gotten.
And then from out of nowhere,.a shot resounded.
In a panic, Lucky whinnied as he reared up. Lily was desperately clinging to his mane. Terrified, the horse raced off, jumping the narrow fence at the end of the orchard to continue speeding away from the farm, with Lily still on his back.
Everything had happened so fast that Logan’d had no time to think. He was already running towards the two of them before Lucky had jumped the fence―but despite Logan’s speed, the racehorse effortlessly outmatched him.
Inside him, the senses of his bear were warring with his human mind.
Protect our mate, the bear was roaring in anger and fear.
The need to shift was overwhelming―but Logan hadn’t forgotten the sound of the shot.
There was a human here.
Someone close to the orchard had shot the gun, and if he was still nearby and aiming at Lily, Logan would have to take him out first with all the furious anger of his bear.
His heart racing, he stopped when he reached the fence. Through the roaring of his bear, he forced himself to concentrate.
Danger, all of his senses screamed.