by Jane Jamison
“Trust me. Three men who look like that don’t want a girl like me.” She could still see Brittany’s derisive sneer.
She expected the girls to protest what she’d said. After all, every friend she’d ever known had done the same. It was what girls said, even if they were thinking the opposite. Sure enough, Raven was quick to do so.
“A lot of men prefer women with curves,” said Raven.
Women with curves. Full-figured. As Brittany had said, what the terms really meant was fat. “Fluffy.”
“What?”
“It’s called being fluffy.” Betsy spoke confidently as though the word didn’t bother her. “Curvy, fluffy, chunky. They all mean the same thing. Fat.” Their expressions were just as predictable. After all, she’d seen and heard it all before. But she was quick to let them off the hook. “It’s okay. I like the way I am. Most of the time, anyway. Screw the guy who doesn’t want a real woman.”
Heather proved herself to be a loyal friend. “Yeah. You’re right. Screw him.”
Yeah, screw them.
Yet, although she hoped she’d convinced her friends that she wasn’t hurting, she couldn’t ignore the pain. When would she stop having to go through these conversations?
She sat on the bar stool and tried to act as though she was enjoying herself. By the time Raven was whisked away to the dance floor by Dugan Hardwick, Betsy was ready to call it a night.
She wasn’t sure when the fight broke out. Only that she’d been lost deep in thought. By the time she looked up, people were throwing punches and snarling at each other. “What the hell happened?” She found that she was talking to herself.
She searched for her friends. Raven was with one of the Hardwick brothers while Heather was with Sterling Wilson. Emeline, her mouth hanging open as she gaped at the scene, was backing up toward the nearest wall. She bumped into Evan Grange, who took hold of her and jerked her out of the way of two men tearing into each other.
Just as she started to slide off her stool, something rammed against her, sending her to the floor. Anger flared in her, along with a healthy dose of fear, and brought her back to her feet.
“Damn it. I’m not part of this.” Whatever this was. It was bad enough that her friends had men who were looking out for them while she was left alone, but to get knocked off her stool by some drunken lamebrain was too much to handle. She’d gone through enough shit lately and wasn’t about to take any more.
She fisted one hand on her hip and snatched up a beer bottle from the table. “I am so not getting pushed around again.”
A big bear of a man rushed toward her. Why he wanted to hurt her didn’t matter. Maybe he was actually going for the man beside her who was wrestling with a man with strange amber-colored eyes. She didn’t care. She was caught in the middle.
“Oh no you don’t.” Without thinking, she raised her arm and brought it down, slamming the bottle against the man’s head. His amber eyes grew round, and surprise filled his features. With a groan, his body went limp, and he sank to the floor. He went to his knees before performing a perfect imitation of a fallen tree and landing face first on the scratched hardwood floor.
“Why’d you hit my brother?”
Betsy picked up another bottle, prepared to defend herself again, and whirled around to face another man. He was as big and as unkempt as the first one she’d brained. “You’d better stay away from me, or you’ll get the same treatment your brother got.” She lifted her arm again, ready to do battle.
But this man was faster than the first one. Before she could bring her arm down, he grabbed her arm and twisted it behind her back. She cried out in pain and dropped the bottle. Tears filled her eyes as she started to follow his brother’s example and go to her knees.
By the time she looked up, the man was gone.
“You’re one hell of a fighter, baby.” Scott lifted her back onto her feet. “But you’re no match for the rest of them.”
The man was now lying several feet away. “I could’ve taken care of myself.”
Scott grinned and gave her a curt nod. “No doubt. But I’d rather not have to put that to a test.” He held out his hand as they stood, two unmoving figures in the middle of the fray.
What choice did she have but to take his hand? If she walked away, she sensed she’d be walking away from the rest of her life. Instead, she placed her hand in his.
“This way, baby.”
They dodged in between combatants. “Why are they fighting?” she yelled above the ruckus as she held onto his hand and tried to keep up with him.
“Who cares?” He tightened his hold on her then shoved away a tall, skinny man whose long, skinny face and huge eyes reminded her of a cat. Pulling her along with him again, he made their way to one of two exits at the rear of the bar.
Betsy pulled in the fresh air as soon as they were outside. But she didn’t have time to take a longer breath before he was once again tugging her along with him. “Where are we going?” As if she wouldn’t go anywhere he led her.
“To my truck.”
“Why?”
He tugged her closer, wrapping his arm around her. “Why not?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Because I’d like to know what you’ve got planned.” She gave him a hard look, but it didn’t slow them down.
“I don’t have anything planned. Other than getting you out of the middle of the fight.”
“Again, what was the fight all about?”
“I don’t know.” He laughed and led her off the gravel parking lot and into the darkness. “You’ll get used to it. Fights go down there all the time. It’s usually over nothing important. Just guys letting off a little steam.”
“In an all-out brawl? Haven’t the men here learned how to relax in other ways? Like maybe taking up golf or shooting hoops?”
He laughed again as though what she’d said was hilarious. “Guys around here don’t find much fun in playing with balls. Unless, of course, it’s a woman playing with their balls.”
“Oh, ha-ha. Very funny.” Yet, if he asked her to play with his balls, she’d be more than willing.
“It’s about fucking time.” Billy seemed to come out of nowhere. His hair was mussed, and a trickle of blood slid down his chin.
“I got her out of there as fast as I could.”
Then Foster was there, appearing out of the darkness. They gathered together beside a dark pickup. “You, lady, sure know how to swing a bottle.”
“What else was I supposed to do? Scream and run like a little girl?” She tried not to gloat, but she was pretty proud of how she’d stood her ground. “I would’ve been fine without any help from you three.”
“I’m sure you would have.” Foster frowned. “Where’s all the hostility coming from?”
He was right. She had no reason to jump all over them. They weren’t the ones who’d said mean things to her. Yet they were the ones who might be toying with her, tricking the pitiful fat girl into falling for them.
Falling for them? Was that what she felt? Love?
“It’s ridiculous.” She didn’t know them well enough to fall for them. Not even after hearing others talk about them and asking questions about them. She wasn’t a foolish young girl any longer. Her guard was up. Wasn’t it?
“What’s ridiculous?” asked Scott. He skimmed his hands along her arms and studied her. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I’m fine.” At least as far as the bar fight was concerned. However, as soon as Scott had taken her hand, her body had revved into high gear. Memories of his head between her legs had made it hard to follow him. Now that she’d seen the other two, she had an even harder struggle to keep from launching herself at them.
“Betsy, about the other time.” Foster glanced at his friends as though hoping they’d jump in and help him say what had to be said.
Oh shit. Here it comes. The letdown. The “it was great, but sex was all it was” speech. The one where they’ll let me know without actually saying it straight
out that I’m not pretty or skinny enough to be anything other than a brief fling.
She didn’t think she could stand to hear that speech again. “Hey, it’s okay. I know what’s going on.”
“You do?” Billy tilted his head. “What do you think is going on?”
“It was just fun. Don’t get me wrong. I liked it and all.” She made a sweeping motion toward them. “I mean what’s not to like? You guys are hot as hell. I should be thanking you.” She winced.
“No, darlin’, it’s not like that at all.” Foster came at her, forcing her to back up until she bumped into the pickup.
“It’s not?”
“Nope. You’d better get that straight right now.”
Scott came at her from the right while Billy penned her in from the left. Scott trailed his fingertip along her neck. “We know you don’t like doing what a man says to do, but when it comes to us, it’ll be easier for everyone if you just give in.”
Give in? As in sexually? Or in every other way? “I’m not sure I can.”
“Yeah, you can and you will.” Billy’s eyes had flecks of amber in them, reminding her of the men she’d seen in the bar. “You’ll be glad you did.”
She let out a breath, both thrilled and anxious about what they’d said. Could she give in? If she did, what would it mean for the future? Would it be one she’d share with them?
Foster cupped her cheek as his gaze met hers. “Darlin’, we’re not trying to be the bosses of you, but we do want something from you.”
She was surprised she could still speak. “What?”
“Isn’t that easy to see? We want you.”
Oh shit. Had she ever heard any sweeter words? “You do?” She dared to ask more. “As what? Your booty call? Your girlfriend?” More?
Foster answered as though he’d heard her unspoken question. “As more.”
She was lost the moment he uttered those two words. Without really understanding what she was agreeing to, she whispered her answer. “Okay.”
* * * *
Scott barely listened to what Foster said. How could he when his heart was pounding so loudly in his ears? Betsy turned him inside out and upside down. He’d had to use every ounce of his willpower to keep his wolf at bay when he’d seen her in the bar.
She’d looked amazing. Like a queen battling an attacking army, she’d stood her ground, ready to fight. The three of them had watched her from the moment she’d come into the Wolf’s Den. They’d studied her every move, noticing how graceful she was.
And noticing how she didn’t think she was anything special.
Someone had done a number on her. How else could anyone so incredible not know how unique she was? That she alone stood heads above all other women? Her beautiful face, her soulful brown eyes, and rich chocolate hair had drawn him to her from the very start. Her body was luscious beyond his wildest fantasies. After tasting her sweet pussy juice, he’d gone crazy. If they hadn’t left her shop when they had, he would’ve turned her over and plunged his cock deep inside her ass. His bite claiming her wouldn’t have been far behind.
But that hadn’t been the plan.
Take it slow and easy. That was what Foster had talked them into doing. And that was what they’d done even after almost blowing it the first time they’d come into her shop.
But now, with his inner beast clawing at him to be set free, he couldn’t take it slow and easy any longer. From his friends’ expressions, he knew they felt the same way. He growled and felt the animal rise.
Man and beast were one and the same, and yet, through sheer willpower, they kept their animal contained. But lust, being a powerful emotion, almost completely overwhelmed him. The transformation was close to breaking free. If he didn’t get satisfaction right then and there, he’d have no other choice but to shift.
Betsy let out a small cry as he lifted her off her feet and over his shoulder. He kept moving, racing toward the darkness of the forest. The surprised shouts of his friends were quickly dismissed. They’d follow him. If their own beasts weren’t close to the surface, they would be soon. Either way, they’d understand what he was about to do.
The night darkened even more, although dim streams of moonlight filtered through the trees. Her heartbeat pounded against his shoulder. She clutched his shirt, and yet she didn’t struggle to get free or demand to be put down. He took both as a sign she was ready, willing, and able to let him take charge.
When he laid her gently down on the soft grass under a large tree, her eyes were wide and her mouth parted. And still she didn’t protest.
“Undress.”
He gritted his teeth and started pulling his clothes off. Off came his shirt. Even the brief moment he lost sight of her ripped into him. He was desperate to touch her, to put his nose to her flesh and commit her scent to his memory forever.
“Undress.” His voice went low, warning her that he wouldn’t say it again.
She sat up as Foster and Billy came beside him. When she paused, he felt the first tinge of fear hit him. At last, she tugged off her shirt and laid it next to her.
What would he have done if she hadn’t? He was thankful he wouldn’t have to find out.
Keeping his attention focused on her, he undid his belt buckle then loosened his belt without taking it off. He was aware that his friends were getting undressed, too, but what they did didn’t concern him. Tugging the flaps of his jeans apart, he lifted first one leg then the next to jerk off his boots.
She hadn’t taken any other clothes off. Didn’t she understand that they’d already passed the point of no return? He arched both eyebrows in both a silent question and a demand.
Slowly, she reached behind her and unhooked her bra. It fell to her elbows, revealing her lush, full breasts.
His wolf howled its approval. Biting back the change, he nodded then dropped his gaze lower to the waist of her jeans. She understood and began to unbutton them. Together, they pushed their jeans down, with her lifting her enticing bottom enough to get them down to her ankles.
She was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen. Sexy, yes, but so much more. She put every other woman he’d ever met to shame. Her rounded curves only added to her allure.
He stepped out of his jeans then knelt in front of her and tugged hers off. As his wolf howled its pleasure, he crawled on top of her, forcing her to lie back. He hovered above her as his friends, their own clothing removed, came closer.
“Turn over.”
Suddenly, coming at her from behind was what he yearned to do. She bit her lower lip then rolled over. Her hair fell forward, and she kept her face to the ground.
One quick rip and her panties were gone. She gasped but didn’t move. He took her by the hips and pulled her back, bringing her to her knees. He felt her tremble, whether from fear or from need, he wasn’t sure. But if she truly wanted to get away, if she really didn’t want him to have her, she could’ve said no. She could’ve tried to crawl away. Although it would’ve killed something deep inside him, he would’ve let her go. To his relief and joy, however, she stayed, her body leaning downward as she balanced on her elbows.
“Scott.”
He ignored Billy’s guttural voice. He would share her with them, but first, he’d feel his cock deep inside her. He placed his mouth next to her ear.
“I’m going to fuck you, baby.”
She trembled again, answering his earlier question. She was as turned on as he was. His hand between her legs, growing warm and wet, confirmed his assumption. A long sniff brought her fragrance, and he wallowed in the sweet aroma.
Putting his hand between her shoulder blades, he pushed her upper torso lower. He guided his cock to her pussy entrance then paused, wanting to savor the wickedly sinful moment right before he plunged it into her sheath.
His wolf, however, couldn’t handle any delay. It snarled and clawed at him. If he didn’t give in, he’d lose control.
Shoving hard, he rammed his cock inside her pussy.
God, she�
�s so tight. So sweet and wet.
Taking her was the right thing to do. Her pussy walls surrounded his cock, holding it to her as he rocked back and forth. A slap to her ass gave him a hot look at her jiggling flesh. He spanked her again and was rewarded with a soft “oh.”
Foster and Billy stood next to them, watching, adding to his pleasure. He’d have to thank them later for giving him this time with her.
Rocking in a steady rhythm, he laid his head back and closed his eyes. Sight wasn’t needed. Instead, he allowed his other senses to heighten, turning his wolf free as much as he dared. Her pussy around his cock was amazing. The feel of her soft ass under his hand felt like heaven on earth. The bump of the front of his legs against the back of hers created a sound that drove his lust even higher.
The only thing marring the moment was his lack of control. He’d never come so close to orgasming so fast. Then again, he’d never met a woman he’d wanted more than her.
My mate.
Our mate.
He plunged into her one last time, knowing it would be the end of him. When the storm surged through him, he opened his eyes. Staring at the moonlight sifting through the trees, he howled his delight and exploded.
He might have stayed in that place, in that moment, his cock still inside her, if Billy hadn’t jerked him away from her. His wolf’s anger flared, and he whirled to confront his friend.
“Easy, Scott. She’s all of ours, remember?”
* * * *
Betsy craned her head around to look at Scott, but her hair was in the way, blocking her view. She was in shock, but it was the wondrous kind of shock that came from a mind-blowing climax. Scott had taken her, putting her in submission. Yet, the way he’d taken her, so commanding, so forceful, had made her feel more like a woman than she’d ever imagined she could feel. A shudder rippled through her body and chattered her teeth.
“She’s all of ours, remember?”
She’d barely had time to comprehend Billy’s words before he took hold of her hair and tugged her head back. It was such a caveman move that she should’ve protested. Instead, it sent a flood of fresh juices running down her inner thighs.