“Don’t say it, darlin’. I restrained myself the first time, but if you degrade yourself one more time, I’m afraid you will feel the heat of my hand on your ass.”
Avery’s mouth opened and shut several times as if she didn’t know what to do.
“You’re beautiful Avery, and all that you’ve confessed to me is that you crave someone to love you. It wouldn’t hurt you so much if it weren’t true. Now, when has it ever been considered a terrible thing to want to be loved?”
Her eyes reflected her inner turmoil as she came to grips with what he’d told her. “I have had a lot of sex, Avery. You will learn exactly how different we are from everything you consider normal here very soon. We weren’t kidding when we said you were ours. No one will judge you for loving two men at once. It’s quite normal here. The humans that hate it are encouraged to leave and forget our little piece of paradise. One of the first things you’ve probably already noticed is my people are not uptight about sex. The single ladies and men enjoy it. When they’re not mated, they enjoy having company. No one ever looks down at a woman or a man for taking care of their own needs.”
“But…” She stopped and burst into tears again. He stroked his hand over hers as her walls finally started to crack. “My car, you saw it. I was lonely. So very lonely.”
Sam pulled her into his lap and cradled her. “No one from our town did that to your car.” He wasn’t sure how much to tell her. She was upset enough without telling her their findings. “You won’t be ever again. You have two mates that will make sure you are never lonely again.” He rubbed her back as she cried in his arms. “I am going to see about finding someone to talk to, as well.”
She lifted her head and met his gaze. “You mean a shrink?” He wiped away the last of her tears.
“Sort of.” He opened his door. “Come on, we’d better get in there before Gage eats all the food.”
* * * *
There was a bubbling feeling inside of Avery that made her feel lighter.
Gage glanced over at them, down to their hands, and then back up to her gaze. Sam had his arm around her back as they sat together in the booth seat. The heat in his eyes was unmistakable. If they were alone, she had no doubt they’d be having earth-shattering sex. Her pussy ached with the need to feel one of their cocks filling it. It would have to wait until Rylee was asleep though. The sacrifices that they made to keep children pure.
She sighed and smiled. Her heart was light as if Sam lifted a huge weight from her with their little talk. Coming from his mouth, she didn’t sound so bad after all. What was so wrong with wanting to be loved? Is that what she chased all her life? Her mom and then the men after she left home? She just wanted someone to love her. Was that why she was always so crushed when they walked away? She meant nothing to them even though she was giving them her heart and soul.
The deafening screams of the children in the enclosed play place at the Burger Shack were almost as loud as the voices in her head. Two men love you, and Rylee.
Gage followed Rylee like a nervous father while Sam stroked his thumb over her shoulder and arm. She watched Gage for a moment before turning her attention back to Sam. “What did you do to Rylee’s therapist?”
“We’re different, Avery. I don’t want to get into it here, but I want you to think about it. I’m still the same man that loves you, and so is Gage. I can control people, and I’ve done it a lot to protect those in my pack, both human and the Supernatural races like me. You and Rylee are under my protection, and I made her forget about you two. The council that rules most of us will now deal with her.”
“You made her forget about us?” She couldn’t help it as a laugh bubbled up inside of her.
“I know it’s hard to believe, and this isn’t the place I would have chosen to start this conversation, but you deserve to have your questions answered.”
“You’re right. I don’t believe you. So, are the police going to be at my house when we get home with a warrant?”
“No, and I am the police, remember. If you don’t believe me though, go on and ask her down at the jail when we get back to Shadetree. She won’t know who you are.”
Swallowing, she shook her head no. That was okay. She had the feeling she’d be disturbed by the truth. She’d seen the therapist forget her, and she didn’t ever want to see that bitch again. “So, what now?”
“Now, we go home. I plan to take you dancing tonight at the Prairie Rider Dance Hall and maybe some romance later.” He nipped her ear, and tingles shot from her ear to her clit. An erotic throbbing started in her pussy. and she leaned into him.
“What about Rylee?”
“My mom would love to watch her. They’ve bonded well.” Sam leaned back, and his gaze met hers for a moment before his lips grazed hers. It was the chastest kiss she’d ever received from him, but then again, they were in a children’s burger place.
When he pulled back, she smiled. “That sound’s wonderful. Why don’t we get out of here and head home?”
Chapter Eight
The Prairie Rider Dance Hall and Saloon was packed with cowboys rowdy from the last rodeo of the week. Several bragged about Gage’s skills as a rodeo clown. He’d anticipated the bull’s moves and then moved so fast that the bull forgot all about the cowboy he’d just bucked off.
“Can we go and watch a rodeo again?”
Sam smiled at Avery, and her heart melted. She could just become a puddle at his feet when his hard eyes lit up for her. No man had ever made her feel special like Sam and Gage did. “Sure, honey. Gage likes to work at all the local rodeos. We’ll go to another one.”
“That sounds like fun.” She glanced over and saw several bikers walk in. She instantly tensed. One of them waved to Sam, and the other one turned to pull out a chair. The patches on their backs said Bikers Against Child Abuse. She took a calming breath. There was no way that anyone with The Brotherhood would ever stand up for a child. Hell, they were happy to shoot one less than a year ago.
“It’s fine, Avery. I know them,” Sam reassured her as he gently squeezed her hand. “Anyways, a lot of my pack is in here. I dare anyone to come in here with violent intentions.” The spark she saw in his eyes reminded her that Sam was not like her.
“I saw the patch.” She took a calming breath and gave him a weak smile. How long was she going to live on the edge like this?
“Why don’t I get us some drinks?”
“That sounds good.”
She watched him get up and walk over to the bar.
When Sam came back and sat down next to her, Avery turned her head up to meet his gaze. She could get drunk just staring into his eyes. What was it about him? She’d had such terrible luck with men, she should run. She was a magnet for trouble, but she could almost hear a whispering voice saying, Trust him. He can keep you and Rylee safe. His words echoed in her mind about them being different. Here they accepted two men and one woman, and the ladies were never condemned for enjoying themselves. She took a sip of her drink and smiled. It was her favorite drink. Did Sam read her mind? Maybe. He made Rylee’s therapist forget them.
She turned her attention to the crowd. One woman danced with two men, and one had his hand up her skirt. Her head rested against another man, and he pinched her nipple. Avery’s clit began to ache as she watched them dance. No one stared at them or gave them the judging looks she’d always received for dancing with one man and kissing. Sam was right about this town. No one cared about a woman taking a bit of pleasure for herself.
A slow song she didn’t recognize played, and Sam held his hand out to her. “How about a dance?”
“Sure,” she said and took it, and he led her away from the crowd of dancers. “I’m glad we came out. It is a nice way to unwind.”
“Me, too. So, where did you and Rylee live when they shot up your home?”
“St Louis. The police blew it off as a drive-by that didn’t target me. I swear, they treated me as if I was lying. I wasn’t. Rylee and I barely survived a
hit by the biker gang, The Brotherhood.”
Sam’s eyes darkened in a way she now recognized as anger, and maybe a bit of fear. Was he scared of them? Sam didn’t seem the type to be afraid of criminals. No, he wouldn’t be. If he was scared of dangerous men, he wouldn’t be a Texas Ranger.
“The Brotherhood is a large motorcycle club, and they do have influences in state and local government. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone was paid to make it go away and make you look like a liar.”
As they danced, they passed a few ladies standing on the edge of the dance floor. He smiled that breathtaking smile of his and tipped his hat. “Ladies.”
Did one of them just swoon and fan herself? Jealousy struck Avery, and she nearly laughed at herself. Just a few days ago, she was trying to ditch Sam, and now she was jealous. Life sure was crazy sometimes.
They danced to several more songs. Sam moved her around the dance floor, and sometimes she thought she spotted people making out or even outright having sex in the darkened areas of the club. A few of the rodeo cowboys noticed, but someone would touch their shoulder, and they would turn and walk the other way. They made them forget. These people are different from me, but they don’t mean any harm. I’ve lived here for months, and they’ve only been kind and welcoming.
Just as she was starting to get thirsty, Sam lifted her chin. “What can I get you to drink?”
“Strawberry margarita, please.” She needed some liquid courage. More and more the realization was setting in that there was something very different about many of the people here. They weren’t entirely human.
With a nod, he led her back to their table and pulled her chair out for her. Sam then walked…no, that wasn’t a walk. He sauntered in a way that set her simmering desire into a raging boil. He put his booted feet up on one of the empty wooden bar stool rails and spoke with the bartender.
Avery couldn’t help but watch every move he made. His thick muscles rippled under his shirt, and dear god, that man had a mighty fine ass. Was her tongue still in her mouth? She checked her chin for drool just to be sure. Now that the fear was gone, lust burned within her body.
He watched her as the bartender set a Sam Adams beer in front of him, then turned to make her margarita. As if he could hear her own internal thoughts, he laughed and tipped his beer at her in a toast before taking a long drag. Heavens. Her girlie parts were throbbing in ways she never knew possible. Could a girl have an orgasm by watching a man drink a beer?
She couldn’t believe she was at a bar with Sam, and they were officially together, like almost married. This was crazy. Her heart beat a staccato in her chest as she watched him saunter back to the table.
He set her drink down, and she picked it up and sipped it. It was deliciously sweet and fruity. She drank it a little faster than normal, and it wasn’t long before her head had a buzzed feeling.
Gage brought over a plate of food. “I don’t want you getting drunk tonight.” He leaned in, and his lips nibbled on hers. She wrapped her arms around him as he deepened the kiss. His tongue fucked in and out of her mouth, mimicking their lovemaking. Heat filled her pussy as his hands roamed her body.
He slowly lifted away from her. “You’re a temptress.” He kissed her once more before he handed her back to Sam. “I will see you two later. Gordon is coming in later to help out.”
“Don’t wait too long,” Sam warned Gage.
Feeling flustered and aroused, Avery sat down at the table. Sam dipped a chip into the dip and fed it to Avery.
“What are we doing later?” Avery opened her mouth for another chip with a hefty amount of dip on it.
Sam concentrated on feeding her a few more bites before meeting her gaze. His lips were set in a determined line, and he leaned in over the table. “We’re going to discuss exactly what we are and how we will move forward. I was willing to let things move slower, but recent events have forced my hand.”
She shifted in her seat, and her hands began to sweat. “Forced your hand? W—what do you mean?”
“Come, let’s dance.” Sam pulled her up, and his strong arms enveloped her. “You will know everything soon enough. For now, let’s enjoy this little reprieve before Gage can join us.”
She rested her head against his chest. The now familiar comfort enveloped her. It was as if she’d been chilled and didn’t realize it until a warm fleece blanket enveloped her. Whatever was coming, it would not ruin her moment right now. Sam and Gage loved her, and Rylee was safe from that vile therapist.
Just as they reached the dance floor, a band walked out to the stage and picked up their instruments. She stared into his dark gaze and smiled. He’d take on the world for her. She wasn’t sure how, but she just knew it.
The song played on as Sam held her steady in his protective arms. His eyes gleamed in the light of the dance floor as he stroked her arms. “You’re so beautiful. I still can’t believe you’re mine.”
She tipped her head up and parted her lips. Her tongue darted out as her heart beat double time. Everyone else on the dance floor vanished, and it was just the two of them. “I love you, Sam,” she whispered, and when a smile turned his harsh face soft, she thrust her chest out and repeated herself. “I love you so much. I never knew it was possible to feel this way.”
“I love you, too, Avery. I never believed love at first sight existed until I saw you. I used my status as an Alpha to get close to you. I told myself I was just curious, when in fact, I wanted to know you.” He placed a kiss on the tip of her nose. “You had me from that first moment I saw you. I’m just a stubborn man sometimes.”
His heartfelt confession heated her already raging libido. “I vowed to stay away from men. Just when you think you can trust them, they turn on you. But you’ve managed to get in despite my best efforts. I’m sorry I was such a pain.”
Sam’s eyebrows rose. “You’ve been hurt, and it is normal to be suspicious.”
Avery nodded. The tequila loosened her lips more than she expected. “Yeah. I’d planned on staying away from you, even moving if I had to. I’ve told myself so many times to forget you and Gage, but the moment you or Gage showed up, my resolve melted and I let you in again.”
His face split into a predatory smile. “I’ve enjoyed the chase. You were well worth the hunt. We were made for each other, Avery. Our destinies are written in the stars. You can fight it all you like, but fate will have her way.”
“Fate again.” Avery lowered her head to his chest. “You speak of this fate as if it’s worked everything out. If that’s true, then why is my baby so broken? Why did I meet such worthless men?”
“Because we all have free will, and sometimes the hardest times in our lives are teaching tools to shape us into the people we were meant to be. Diamonds don’t get their shine from laying on top of sand. I am always amazed by your strength and endurance.”
“Me?” She laughed. She wasn’t strong at all. A strong mother would have found a way to save her daughter well before any gunfight broke out in her own home. She never would have fallen for an asshole like Collin or even Blades who’d dumped her the moment she got a positive pregnancy test.
“Yes, you.” His muscles tightened, and his gaze radiated authority. “You could have given up, but you never have. You fought for Rylee. You’ve made hard choices for her. You could have gone back to that bastard and made Rylee suffer.”
“But, I’m so scared all the time,” she confessed.
“Courage has nothing to do with not being afraid. Courage is doing what you know is right no matter how frightened you are, and you are so very brave, Avery,” he whispered. He kissed her as he spun her around the dance floor. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore now. Gage and I are both here, and we won’t let anyone hurt you or Rylee again.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her. Bite him, complete the bond, and make him yours forever. There was that urge again. It was so strong, her lips rested against the silky skin of his neck. She swept her tongu
e over his skin before she lifted her lips up to kiss his chin.
Sam’s face lowered and stopped millimeters above her lips. She could feel his hot breath on her as it swept over her delicate skin. “Be careful with me, sugar.” He nipped her earlobe, sending shivers down her spine. “I can fuck you right out here if you tease me too much.”
She remembered the last time, and she couldn’t help but glance over to where they’d had sex the first time. Her eyes widened as a couple were in a heated embrace. She saw the man’s ass flexing and a woman with her mouth open and her eyes closed. “Are they having sex?” she whispered.
Sam turned so he could see. “Yes, that’s Brad and his mate, Angela. You will find a lot of the Lycans are rather public about their affection for one another. No humans that aren’t supposed to see will notice thanks to a spell.”
Her lips parted as she stared into the depth of his eyes. Lycan? Like in werewolves? Turn your head, let him bite you. He’s yours. She leaned in closer and could smell the woodsy scent that was Sam. “I want to bite you,” she whispered back, afraid of what his reaction would be.
With that simple sentence, he growled and pulled her closer to him. His dark gaze held hers captive, and then his lips brushed over hers. That featherlight touch made her whimper, and she gripped his shirt.
When his lips brushed hers, it was raw and hungry. With a growl, he claimed her in a devastating and demanding kiss. She opened for him, and he took the kiss deeper. This was far more than just a kiss. As Sam had warned, he was claiming her for his own. Nothing could turn her on more. Her tight nipples begged for him to free them and give them as much attention as she showed her mouth. Her low moan made him more dominating. With one hand, he held her head to plunder her lips, and the other held her securely to him. He tasted of beer and man, and it felt oh so good. She held on as he spun her on the dance floor.
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