by Sienna Parks
I kiss the top of his head before whispering in his ear.
“Run.”
I set him down and force him in the direction of the house. Instinct kicks in, and he takes off running as fast as his legs will take him.
I turn to face the bear. If I’m the only thing standing between him and Eli, then so be it. As long as I can distract it long enough for Eli to get inside, that’s all I need. Accepting my fate, I say a prayer and start walking toward the threat shouting to keep its attention off of Eli.
“You’ll have to go through me. You’re not hurting that little boy. He’s mine. They’re mine.” As it starts to bound in my direction, I close my eyes as the tears flow thick and fast. Fear and regret are replaced with relief when I hear the back door slam shut behind Eli.
He’s safe.
The snarling face of the bear is getting closer, it’s teeth sharp enough to tear me apart like a ragdoll. I close my eyes and brace for impact.
Bang!
A single shot rips through the night.
Travis.
Like a ghost in the darkness, he appears as if from nowhere, a shotgun in his hand.
“Run.” My whispered words to Eli booming back at me.
My legs are heavy as I propel myself forward. The house seems to be getting further away with every step.
Bang!
A second shot cracks the night sky.
I drop to my knees unable to hold my own weight any longer. The world goes silent for a few short moments before Heaven and Hell are unleashed as my tortured cries scream out in a plea for redemption. Terror and blissful contentment fight to consume me.
Travis comes skidding to the ground beside me, pulling me into his arms.
“I’ve got you.” He frantically checks me over. “Are you hurt?” I open my eyes, broken and exhausted.
“Eli?”
“He’s safe.”
“Go. He needs you.” Cupping my face in his hands, he stares at me for long moments… but there are no words. Sliding his arms underneath my limp body, he pulls me tight to his chest as he stands up. I close my eyes and breathe him in as he strides toward the house.
He saved my life… again. I give in to the darkness, safe in the knowledge that I’m in the arms of the man I love.
20
TRAVIS
Adrenaline still pumps hard through my veins. I’ve been anxiously pacing the floor for hours, unable to close my eyes without thinking of what could have happened tonight. Losing Elijah would be more than I could bear. No parent should ever experience such sorrow. I feel sick to my stomach at the memory of the scene played out in front of me.
I didn’t think anything of it when Eli didn’t come straight back in with his blankie. I figured he and Jules were messing around playing cowboys. She loves to chase him through the long grass, tickling him incessantly when the game is done.
It took me ten minutes to check on them… ten long minutes that they needed my help. I can’t even begin to imagine how terrified Eli must have been. Proud doesn’t even come close to how I feel. Since he was old enough to understand, I’ve been drilling him on what to do when wild animals are around. It’s a real concern in the mountains, although this is the first time he’s had to deal with something like this alone.
As I pulled back the drapes to see what they were doing, my life flashed before my eyes. The fear I felt the night of the accident, distilled down to its purest form and magnified exponentially seeing Eli face that bear and stand firm showing his unrelenting faith in me. He trusted my advice and fought his basic instinct to run.
If anything had happened to him… I could never forgive myself.
And then, I saw Jules—walking toward the danger.
I grabbed the shotgun I keep above the back door for emergencies. I don’t like hunting with it, but if an animal is threatening our safety, you better believe I’ll put a bullet between its eyes.
Cracking the door without startling the bear was challenging. Every creak felt amplified. I slipped out into the darkness forcing myself to stay hidden. As a father, I wanted to shout Elijah’s name and let him know Daddy would keep him safe. Watching from the shadows as Jules edged closer, beckoning Eli slowly back… was excruciating.
Stalking my prey, I was forced to focus on its every move and block out the people I love. I’ve never felt such unbridled rage before—like Hell’s fury had been injected into my bloodstream incinerating any trace of humanity. Becoming more beast than man in that moment, I could’ve killed the bear with my bare hands.
I’ve trained myself to take the shot in broad daylight or the dead of night. We’ve had our share of wild animals up at the cabin, but I’ve always been between Eli and any possible threat. The seconds felt like weeks as I crept toward them setting myself up with a clear vantage point—far enough away not to alert the bear, Eli, or Jules, but close enough to intervene if I missed.
What I wasn’t prepared for was discernable tremor of my hand as I stared down the barrel of the gun with the bear in my sights. One wrong move would spell disaster. Those next sixty seconds were life-altering.
My heartbeat hasn’t slowed—every time I look at Eli sleeping peacefully in his bed, it hits me all over again. I could have lost him. He was more distraught than I’ve ever seen him when I burst through the door with Jules limp in my arms. She passed out and has been asleep ever since. I put her in my bed and crawled between the sheets with Eli tucked close at my side.
He needed to be held as badly as I needed to hold him.
We lay there talking for hours, his little mind finding ways to process what happened. In the end, exhaustion took over and gave him the reprieve he needs. It’s going to take time, but we’ll get past this… together.
I couldn’t lie there for long after he fell asleep, my body vibrating with nervous energy. I’ve walked for miles in the confines of my living room. My muscles ache, but I can’t find peace. Instead, I deal with disposing of the bear, eager to eradicate any trace before Eli and Jules wake up. It’s a five-man job and should’ve taken longer than it did, but I seem to have the strength of ten men—fueled by fear.
I watch the sun rise on a new day and a fresh start. Deciding it’s time to end the current situation with Juliet, I pack an overnight bag for Eli. Swallowing my pride isn’t my strong suit, but I call my parents and ask them for their help. Eli could use a distraction, and I don’t want him to overhear the conversation I’m about to have with Jules. My mom chokes out an apology, but today it doesn’t seem so important.
“Morning, Daddy.” My little champ comes scurrying out of the bedroom throwing himself into my arms.
“There’s my brave boy. Are you okay?”
“Yes.” I set him down on the kitchen island while I prepare his breakfast.
“Do you want to talk about what happened last night?”
“Can I ask a question?
“Always.” He fidgets with the buttons on his pajamas.
“Did mommy send Miss Abams to save me fwom the bear?” My heart aches for him—trying to make sense of everything.
“I don’t know, champ. Maybe she did.”
“I think so. You said mommy is my angel. She pwotects me.”
“That’s right.”
“So, she sent Miss Abams. She sent her to be my new mommy.” My words escape me. How can I break his little heart when he’s already dealing with so much?
“Champ, no one can replace Mommy.”
“I know, but she’s my heaven mommy. I need a mommy for here.” His statement crushes my soul. I’ve told myself he wouldn’t miss what he never had, but deep down I know the truth.
“Your eggs are ready. Just the way you like them.” It’s enough to divert him for now.
“Yummy in my tummy!”
“I thought maybe you’d like to spend the night with Granny and Papa tonight. What do you think? You could go play trains and eat chocolate… hang out with them today?”
“Yay! I’ll go get dwessed wig
ht now.” He wolfs down his eggs in record time and runs off to get ready. I take the opportunity to check on Jules, still fast asleep in my bed, curled around my pillow.
Five minutes later, Eli’s pulling on my hand, dragging me out the door, but the moment we step outside, his hand begins to shake.
“What if another bear comes wooking for its fwiend?” I lift him into my arms, holding him tight.
“That won’t happen. I promise. I’ll make sure nothing like that ever happens again. We can stay here and play inside if you want?”
“No. I don’t want to be here. Is that okay?”
“Sure.” Resting his head against my shoulder, I walk the short distance to my parents’ house humming his favorite song to soothe his unease.
When my mom sees us coming, she comes rushing out, wrapping her arms around both of us, her cheeks damp with tears.
“I’m so glad you’re okay. My precious boys.” For the first time since I was a child, I’m comforted by my mother’s warm embrace—letting myself enjoy the illusion of safety for a few short moments. “Come inside. You look exhausted.”
“I haven’t slept.” Eli holds out his arms attaching himself to my mom like a little limpet. With him taken from me, my limbs begin to weigh me down. It’s a struggle to lift my feet and conquer five porch steps.
As soon as Eli goes in search of my dad, I drop to the couch, my lack of sleep taking its toll. My mom sits across from me in painful silence waiting for me to speak, but I don’t know where to start. When she can’t stand it any longer, her questions erupt in a cloud of volcanic ash.
“Are you okay? Is Eli okay? What did he see? Why was he outside? Do you want to lie down? Can I get you something to eat or drink? How can I help? Do you want to stay here, too?” I breathe in the strength to relive the events of last night.
“I’m just so tired, Mom.”
“Lie down. I’ll get you a blanket.”
“I don’t mean like that. Sure, I’m physically tired right now, but… I’m emotionally exhausted.”
“I understand.”
“Do you? If you did, I don’t think you’d have treated Jules the way you did yesterday. You haven’t even asked if she’s okay.”
“I… I’m just worried about you, sweetheart.” She wrings her hands—the telltale sign that she’s uncomfortable.
“I almost lost him, Mom. Twenty feet was all that stood between that bear and my entire universe. I just started feeling like I’m moving forward… dealing with losing Angela. And now this? I can’t do this anymore.”
“I wish I could make it better for you.”
“You can. Give Jules a chance. She saved Eli’s life last night, Mom. She had no idea I was there, and she ran toward the damn thing to make sure my son got to safety. Do you understand? She was willing to die for him.” The shock on my mom’s face only solidifies what I knew in my heart as I watched Jules rescue Eli last night… I wasn’t surprised by her response. She’d walk through fire for him and me.
Juliet has been fighting for us this whole time, and I keep pushing her away, afraid to let myself love her. She’s proven how committed she is to Eli and me, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t shake her.
“I have to go.” Suddenly, I don’t feel tired anymore.
“What? We need to talk. I’m sorry.” I give her a peck on the cheek and head for the door.
“We can talk later. My future can’t wait.” A cold blast of air fills my lungs as I break out in a sprint, anxious to get back to the house. I thought I’d had my chance at love, but I’ve been given a second chance, and I’m not going to waste it.
I grind to a halt as the gazebo appears on the horizon. The site of my nightmares, picturesque as the sun splits the sky while the woman of my dreams sits staring off into the distance.
“Juliet!”
21
JULES
His silhouette appears in the distance, strong and imposing—calling my name with tender reverence.
I woke up alone and afraid, the birds chirping outside as if last night never happened. I searched for Travis and Eli, but there was no sign of them. Frantic in my own company, I was drawn outside to where everything changed.
I’ve been sitting here tracing the muddy paw prints on the wooden boards of the gazebo floor—the only evidence that it wasn’t all just a bad dream.
My pulse begins to race as Travis strides toward me, his gaze fixed on me. I want to run to him, but I’m scared. My body craves him in ways I never thought possible—as if an invisible tether binds us together. I’m afraid of what comes next. Emotions are high after last night, but I know what I want… now more than ever. He stops just shy of the gazebo, keeping a safe distance.
“You could have died last night.” The tremor in his voice betrays his strong exterior. His jaw is tight, still a shadow visible beneath his growing beard.
“I know.”
“Why would you put your life on the line for my son?” I don’t understand the questions. His eyes are searching mine for an answer I thought was obvious.
“I love him. I’d die a thousand times over to keep him safe.” I struggle to keep my voice under control, an errant tear dripping from my lashes. “How many times do I need to tell you I love you? You and Eli are a package deal… a wonderful gift in this world. I don’t just want you, Travis. I want it all. You, Eli, a family. This life, here with you.”
He stands in silence, nervously running his hands through his hair. He’s kept it shorter— messy and so enticing. I can’t tell what’s going through his mind as he stares to the sky above.
“Travis? Please, talk to me.” His eyes find mine, wild with a fire I’ve never seen before. He closes the gap between us, grabbing my face in his warm, calloused hands, his lips crashing down on mine in an earth-shattering kiss. Our tongues writhe in a frenzied fuck, desperate for more.
“You’re mine. Do you hear me?” I find his gaze, my breath labored as my heart pounds out of my chest.
“What?”
“This is it. You and me… forever. You can’t leave me again.”
“I won’t.”
Without another word, he lowers me to the floor, tearing open my shirt sending the buttons scattering to the winds. The air is cold against my breasts as I lay back and let it all go—the shame of past mistakes, the yearning of the last few months, and the paralyzing fear of last night.
Travis pulls his t-shirt over his head throwing it to the ground before recapturing my lips with his. The warmth of his body sends a shiver down my spine. His hands fist my hair as he nibbles and kisses down my neck, finding his way lower, teasing me with his tongue. His beard is tantalizingly rough as he pulls my nipple into his mouth. I can’t contain the moan of sheer bliss that escapes me.
“Oh God, Travis. What if someone hears us?”
He hooks his fingers under the waistband of my pants, finding my gaze as he pulls them down my legs, exposing me—naked and vulnerable.
“I don’t care about anything or anyone but you right now. Let them hear me claim you. Let them watch as you ride my face. I’m going to slide every inch of my cock inside you, loving every moment of your warm, wet pussy.” His commanding tone is sexy as hell—a thrill running through me at the primal nature of his declarations. I’m slick with desire, my inhibitions fading as I revel in the knowledge that his eyes are on me, devouring every inch of naked flesh.
He runs his hand down my chest and over my stomach before dipping between my legs. The bite in the air coupled with the heat of his fingers is a heady cocktail to my senses.
“You’re already wet for me, wildcat. I’ve missed the taste of you.” I part my legs as wide as I can giving him an unrestricted view, and it’s all the encouragement he needs. The fire burning in his eyes intensifies, almost changing the color—a dark blue haze of desire taking over.
He grabs my knees and throws them over his shoulders, pulling me toward his face before burying his mouth between my thighs. There’s no gentle buildup o
r teasing licks. He gives me what I want with the urgency of a dying man thirsty for water. He laps at my juices groaning like an animal as he feasts on my clit.
“God… Travis!” It’s all I can manage as I climb toward my orgasm. Quick and desperate, explosive and intense, I want him so badly, it’s a tightrope walk of pleasure and pain.
“That’s it, wildcat. Let me hear you come… hard and loud.” I detonate, screaming his name as a tidal wave of sensation crashes over me again and again.
“Travis! I need you inside me… now.” I don’t want to wait the seconds it takes him to unbutton his fly and shrug his jeans off. My body vibrates with anticipation as his cock springs free, hard and ready for me. I want all of him—filling me, stretching me, stroking that sweet spot until it drives me wild.
He wraps his hand around the base, his eyes fixed on me as he pumps his fist up and down, his thumb rubbing over the tip. I’m mesmerized as he straddles me, his abs taut and mouthwatering.
“Is this what you want, Juliet? Tell me you want me.”
“I want you, Travis. I need you… always.” The tip of his cock slides down the length of my folds before he positions himself and slams inside me filling me in one long, hard thrust.
“Fuck! You feel so goddamn good. I’ve missed you.” I cup his face, pulling him down in a desperate kiss as he circles his hips eliciting a moan I can’t contain. He ravishes me with his tongue as he fills me to the hilt, each thrust pushing me toward another explosive release. As he rocks in and out, time and time again, our stunning backdrop pales in comparison to the sight of his powerful body looming over me.
The possibility of being discovered outside, naked and spread wide for Travis, is a thrill I’ve never felt before. It’s tantalizingly dangerous, and yet I feel safe in his arms—protected. When I can’t hold back any longer, I wrap my legs around his waist and brace myself for impact.
“Trav, I’m close. I want to hear you come with me.” He drops his head capturing my mouth with his as he quickens his pace, setting a punishing rhythm.