Sporting Wood
Page 3
Coop leapt, but he knew he was too late. Bullets slammed into him before he hit the man, knocking Frank to his back. None were lethal, not to a werewolf, but the pain was overwhelming. At least the fall had knocked Frank out. Coop turned his head and saw Kyla standing above an equally unconscious Harve, a branch held high in her hands.
“Cooper, do you live?” He heard the tears in her voice—for him. Despite the pain, he smiled.
Yes, he said mentally. Tie them up, please—they have rope. And bandage Harve’s arm. In the morning I’ll drag them to the ranger station and leave them there to be found. His wounds would be healed by sunrise—he could already feel his body pushing the bullets out. He could also feel unconsciousness closing in. I’ll be fine, but I have to sleep. I love you, Kyla.
I love you too, Cooper, was the last thing he heard before the blackness closed over him.
———
Cooper woke in the morning, fully healed. He was still in his fur, curled beneath Xera’s sheltering branches, though a few rays of warm sunshine trickled through.
A soft hand stroked his fur. Are you awake, my love?
Kyla? That couldn’t be right. It was daylight.
I couldn’t leave you, she said into his mind, both hands gripping his fur as he looked up into her eyes. I have abandoned my tree.
Cooper shifted, sitting up to cup her face in his hands. “Kyla, how could you? I’d have never asked you to do that! I told you I’d be fine.”
“I know. But…when I came so close to losing you, I realized I couldn’t bear it.”
“But what will you do?” He gazed into her eyes, torn between hope and fear about what she would say next.
“You said you love me, Cooper Marceski. Was that the truth?” She bit her lip, a gesture so human, he had to smile.
“It was. I love you more than I ever knew was possible,” he replied. “Will you come with me, Kyla? Be my mate, even though I live in the human world?”
“Oh yes, yes, yes!” She threw herself into his arms and they kissed, hard and deep. “You said you know someone who can get me papers, right? I can stand beside you and be your real wife?”
“Of course.” False papers were a part of everyday life among immortals. One of his cousins could arrange that in a matter of hours. “Will you marry me, Kyla? As the humans do? I love you more than life.”
She already said yes, you brainless fur ball. Now get rid of those…defilers, and then get her some clothing.
He stood, holding out his hand to Kyla, his mate. When she stood beside him, he turned and bowed to Xera. Thank you, friend. We will come back to visit, I promise.
He could practically sense the tree rolling her eyes.
Name a cub after me then. Now get.
Coop turned to Kyla, who’d been busy saying her own goodbye. Tears glistened on her cheeks, but she smiled broadly. “I am ready, my love. Let us go.”
“Follow me then.” He picked one of the poachers up over each shoulder and headed off toward the ranger station where he dumped them, weapons and all, where they’d be sure to be found. The weapons alone would ensure they’d be arrested.
When that was finished, Coop took Kyla to his camp and dug out a pair of running shorts and a T-shirt that came to her knees. Of course they had to take a break to make love on his bedroll.
Finally, hand in hand, they hiked toward home and the beginning of their long, long life—together.
About the Author
Cindy Spencer Pape has been, among other things, a banker, a teacher and an elected politician, though she swears she got better. Her degrees are in zoology and she currently works in environmental education, when she can fit it in around writing. She lives in southern Michigan with her husband, two teenage sons, a dog, a lizard and various other small creatures, all of which are easier to clean up after than the three male humans.
Cindy welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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Also by Cindy Spencer Pape
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Ellora’s Cavemen: Jewels of the Nile III anthology
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Heroes of Stone 1: Stone and Earth
Heroes of Stone 2: Stone and Sea
Heroes of Stone 3: Stone and Fire
Heroes of Stone 4: Stone and Sky
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Mistletoe Magic: Elven Magic with Regina Carlysle & Desiree Holt
Mistletoe Magic: Whispers of Magic
One Good Man with Lacey Thorn
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Yuletide Enchantment
Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.
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