Love in Troubled Times

by Gayle Riley

  Spencer and I spent one of the days out in the field, and when I looked at him, he seemed to be thinking about something.

  “What’s up?” I asked him.

  “Just thinking about it all. You know, I didn’t think you’d be a human worthy of trust. I’ve never really had the opportunity to trust a human ever. When I was young, my parents passed, and I was on my own. Humans killed them, and I knew for a fact that if I didn’t fix my life up when I did, I would probably be with them. Richard saved my life, making it possible for me to have the life that I do now. I owe it to him. I mean, I trust you Kiera, especially with all that’s going on,” he said to me.

  I nodded, listening to this.

  “Thank you. I trust you as well. I made up my mind of what I was going to do about the article. I have a feeling my editor won’t like it, but I don’t care. I’ve done so well up until this point that I’m sure one little no-report won’t hurt me,” I said.

  “I understand,” he said.

  He leaned in closer, looking at me before cupping my chin, looking at me in the eyes.

  “If you did choose a mate, would it be Richard, or me?” he asked.

  I paused. I had to choose one? I didn’t know if I could do that.

  “I don’t know. I really don’t,” I admitted to him.

  He paused, nodding as he pulled away.

  “I understand. If I have to share, then so be it,” he said.

  “I haven’t even made up my mind yet. I don’t know if I’m going to stay here or not,” I admitted to him.

  “I know. I just thought you had a definite answer by now,” he said.

  “I don’t. I’m sorry,” I said.

  He seemed upset, but he also understood why I felt this way. We parted ways and headed back. There was so much to do, so little time to accomplish it, that even I didn’t know for sure what to do about half of it. However, I knew that holding myself back was only going to make everything all the harder.

  I went back up to the guest room I was staying in. I popped open the email, writing to the editor of the magazine I worked for. I paused as I typed out the findings on the red wolf. I know I already did a piece on this, but I had to be honest.

  I wasn’t going to out them. They’ve helped me so much that I couldn’t do this to either one of them. I told the editor straight up that as I’ve spent days in this area, the red wolf doesn’t exist. I said that it was probably just a legend that only a few knew, and since it got spread, it then evolved into what it was today. I then said that I had other articles and pictures, and these should be published in its stead.

  I pressed the “Send” key, sitting back and sighing in slight nervousness, and frustration. I began to wonder if I was going to be fired or not, or if this was just another task in my life.

  I tried to get my mind off of it by heading out, looking about at the various areas in the forest. I knew I shouldn’t go too far, but I had this urge to see what was out there. I walked around the perimeter, whipping my head back to see if anyone was following me. They weren’t, which was both relieving, and slightly terrifying.

  I needed some time to think, time to determine if I wanted to stay here as a mate or not. I also wanted some time in case I heard back from the editor later on. I needed to prepare myself for whatever would happen next.

  I walked down a path, but little did I know that the path would lead me to trouble and danger.

  Chapter 6

  I walked through the forest, not really looking back. I figured it would be a fitting time to collect my thoughts. I mean, there was so much that had happened even within the past few days that I didn’t know for sure whether or not I could trust my gut and go forward, or if it was best to just let things go.

  On the one hand, the feelings I had for both of these men continued to blossom, making me want nothing more than to indulge in all of this. But on the other hand, I didn’t really know what this might pan out to be. I knew that the dangers of being a mate to two shifters were there, and I might have to give up my normal life, but I didn’t really know if there were any other potential issues that could come about. Not to mention, I also felt as if there was a lot of risk, but the risk was totally worth it in the end.

  I then started to imagine if I did leave. They could come after me, yes, but I also didn’t want to live with the idea of knowing that I gave something like that up. I did feel a strange desire to be around them, almost like it was an intoxicating feeling. I didn’t really think that it was love, but it was a lust, an understanding of sorts and a need to evolve these feelings into something more.

  I’ve lived my entire life under the shelter of my work. I’m a workaholic, with an innate need to go out and explore the world. However, I had never really experienced the feelings of romance, not until now. This was so different from the norm, different from what I was used to, that even I didn’t know for sure what to do about it. I wanted nothing more than to experience this, especially since romance was something I never really thought much on.

  I sat down on a stump, thinking about the potential risks of this, knowing that I could end up getting hurt. But that hurt shouldn’t stop me from feeling the rapturous desire that nestled itself within me. I had a feeling that once I did experience this, I would want more.

  I began to make my decision. I knew there was a whole lot of risk, but it was a risk that I was willing to take. I heard a sound, imagining that it might be the wolves and I relaxed.

  “It’s okay. I’m here,” I said to myself.

  There wasn’t a voice. I began to stiffen with worry. I felt the fear that laced itself within me rise up once more, and when I turned around, I realized who it was.

  “There you are. I found you, princess,” the person said. I immediately knew who it was, even though I’ve never seen him before.

  “You’re that bear shifter,” I said.

  “Correct, and you’re my bargaining chip. I’m sure I can use you to get more land, and the bears will overtake the forest,” he said with a smile.

  Before I knew it, I was picked up, carried somewhere and my vision went blank. I didn’t know where he touched me or what he did, but it was almost like a switch, causing my body to immediately go limp, making me feel as if I was unconscious. I was carried over somewhere, and when I finally came to, I realized where I was.

  “Ahh!” I cried out. I was over a fire. I could feel the flames kissing my feet, almost burning them in a sense. I wanted to get out, but I was tightly tied up. The bears growled in happiness, watching my struggle.

  “Just look at her. How pathetic,” the voice said.

  I looked, and it was the man from before the one that kidnapped me.

  “You won’t get away with this,” I said.

  “On the contrary, we are. If they don’t show up in three hours, we’re going to kill you. How’s that for control?” he said.

  I wanted to fight this, to go against what this bastard was doing, but it was no use. I was tied up, at their mercy, and unsure of where to begin with this. I wanted to get out, to free myself from this hell, but I was stuck, the bindings too tight, and my worries too large. I wanted to leave, but I knew that the only way to do so would be for them to show up, save me from this hell, and hopefully get me out of here before it was too late. The only thing I could do right now was hope, and even that was a weakened feeling in my bones.

  Chapter 7

  I looked at all of them as they made comments about me, saying how I was a “lowly human girl” and “probably tasted amazing.” I was happy that none of them tried to do anything lewd to me, at least not yet. The leader looked me over, lightly touching my leg.

  “You know, you have some killer legs and thighs. Almost makes me not want to kill you, but instead take you and make you learn your lesson another way,” he said.

  I immediately felt like retching at those words, but they didn’t mean anything by it. It was used in order to make me feel uncomfortable. I felt scared, unsure of what might happ
en now, but most of all worried that they wouldn’t come.

  As I waited, I pondered what might happened now. Would they save me? Or was this the end? I hoped it was the former and not the latter. However, after about two hours, my hopes started to deplete and the comments kept on coming.

  I waited, hoping more than ever that they would assist me, when I finally heard a sound. It was a rustle in the bushes, and when I looked, I finally saw them. It was almost like a blur, and as I heard the sounds, I then heard nothing but screaming, shifting, roaring and then growling as the wolves and bears went against one another.

  I only saw Richard and Spencer, nobody else. Did they have anyone in their den? I guess not. I watched as they tore the bears apart though, doing away with the lackeys before looking at the leader.

  “Didn’t we tell you not to mess with our territory? And now you’re stealing our mate?” he said.

  “Your mate? You’ve already chosen her? How pathetic,” the man said.

  I watched as Richard immediately changed, almost having a fire in his eyes. He lunged at my captor, fighting the other man. While he did that, Spencer changed back, rushing toward me and getting me away from the fire.

  When I was finally released, I sighed with happiness, knowing full well that I definitely didn’t want to worry about dying once more. I watched as Richard went toe-to-toe with the other creature, and that’s when Spencer smiled.

  “Richard is going to win,” he said.

  “How do you know?” I asked.

  “Look,” he said.

  I saw the look in his eyes. It was that of determination, almost an inherent need to protect me, and that was when I saw it.

  He delivered the final blow, a deep bite into the other’s neck, killing the bear instantly. Richard stepped back, morphing back into a human. He shook his head.

  “Caleb, you knew better than this. Yet you still attacked me. Why?” he said.

  “Because…I wanted power,” he said.

  “Well, you certainly will have power in the hell where you belong,” he said.

  I watched as the man passed on. When it was over, Richard moved toward me, pulling me into his arms. I embraced him and Spencer was right behind me. I looked at them, tears welling up in my eyes as I smiled.

  “I made my decision,” I said.

  “Good. Let’s head on back,” he insisted.

  I did so, following them as we went to the mansion. I guess I wasn’t too far, which was a relieving to know. I then made my way over to where the sitting room was. Richard ditched his shirt, which was stained with blood. They looked at me, smiling warmly as I began to speak.

  “You’re safe now,” I said to them.

  “Good. I’m glad too,” Richard said.

  “Indeed. There are a lot of things I could say, but the fact that you’re alive is what matters,” Spencer replied.

  They both embraced me, As I held them, I began to flush, wondering if I should tell them now.

  “By the way,” I started.

  They looked at me, anticipating what I was about to say.

  “I made my decision about whether or not I want to be your mate. And about your life. I decided not to tell my editor about this. I sent other articles instead. I mean, I could get in trouble for this, which worries me, but at the end of the day, I know for a fact that this matters more than anything else. I know what I want, and I know it’s you two,” I said to them.

  They looked at me, listening to my choice. Spencer nodded, smiling.

  “I’m glad you figured it out,” he said.

  “Yeah. It took some thinking, but I know this is indeed what my heart wants, what my mind craves and what my body desires. I want both of you. Badly,” I said.

  Richard looked at me, tilting my chin up and staring into my eyes.

  “Are you sure about this?” he asked me.

  I blushed, pausing for a moment before I nodded. “Yes. I’m sure,” I said.

  He then moved closer, pressing his lips to my own and then holding them there. I looked at him, shocked about how I was feeling, and I knew that I was in heaven. I started to kiss the other man back, loving the way that it felt. I also started to moan slightly, feeling the need within me as he kissed me back. For a brief moment, I did feel like I was in heaven, and then he pulled away.

  Spencer then swooped in, pressing his lips to my own. It was a chaste kiss, but a kiss that I loved nonetheless. I began to moan against his own lips as well, when he pulled away, looking into my eyes.

  “Are you sure about this?” he said.

  “I’m damn sure about this,” I finally said, the conviction in my mind, and on my lips obvious to what my body desired.

  They wasted no time, I felt them both pull me up, carrying me bridal-style over to the bedroom. When I got there, they pushed me down on the bed, the softness of the cushions meeting my back. I sighed in happiness, feeling the anticipation in my body as the two of them inched closer. I began to moan, aching for more, and that was when I felt my entire body submit to them, the excitement, the need, everything within me coming forward, making me feel nothing more than an innate desire to be fulfilled by both of these men.

  Chapter 8

  I felt my body almost sink into the soft cushions as I felt Richard press his strong lips to mine. They were dominating, controlling. I began to relish in this feeling, kissing him back without any bounds. It was arousing, almost like a drug for me. As he kissed me back, I began to feel myself almost melting against his lips. It was so perfect for me, a perfection that even I didn’t know how to combat, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed nonetheless. He soon pressed his tongue against the tip of my mouth, causing me to tense for a brief moment. I wasn’t used to this sort of thing, but after slight prodding, I opened my lips a bit wider, allowing him to move inside. His tongue explored my cavern, causing me to whimper against him, and he almost smiled as he did this. His tongue teased the tip of mine, causing almost sparks to fly through my body, a feeling of wanting more. The way he kissed me seemed like a dream come true, and for me, I wanted nothing more than for this to continue happening, however long it might be.

  He proceeded to pull away, a trail of spit starting to connect our mouths together. I began to flush, but then, Spencer reached in, pressing his lips to my own. He wasn’t as dominant as Richard, and it was obvious that this was still going to arouse me. His lips pressed harder against mine, his tongue barely coming out and touching the edge of my own. I began to moan, arching my back as I felt the other man’s lips almost intoxicate me with the touch. It was so perfect, so damn amazing that I wanted nothing more than for this to just overtake me forever and ever. He pushed his legs against my pubic area, rubbing there, and I let out a small gasp, my body acting almost on instinct as he did this.

  They pulled away, looking at me as their hands trailed up my curves. Richard looked at me, as if to ask if I was okay with going further. I simply nodded, gasping slightly as I felt their lips move down my neck. The smallest touches were almost too much for me, little presses of their lips against my delicate skin. I began to moan, groaning as I bucked my hips, the need within me growing stronger. I felt one of them bite down on the flesh there, causing me to cry out suddenly. It hurt, but it also felt really good, so I couldn’t totally complain. He then sucked on the flesh there, leaving a mark as he pulled away. I began to feel Spencer do the same thing, and soon, I blushed, knowing the mark would be there tomorrow. I indulged in that feeling though, knowing this would be a sign of our time together.

  They moved down my body, proceeding to do the same thing all over my neck and collar until they got to the hem of my shirt. Richard looked at Spencer, and soon, they both pulled at the hem, pushing it over my head. I began to groan, aching for them as they continued to let their hands move up my body, cupping my breasts through the fabric of my bra. I moaned, my body practically begging for them to continue this, and soon, they started smiling, letting their hands caress the orbs, loving the way that I sounded as a re
sult of these actions. I was in heaven, my own personal heaven with both of these men. I knew I didn’t have the largest breasts in the world, but it seemed they sufficed for both of these men.

  Richard’s hands moved to the back of my bra, undoing the clasp like a professional. I gasped, feeling the garment tumble down, trying my hardest to cover myself with my arms. However, Richard gave me a look, pushing my arms to the side, exposing me completely to his eyes. I began to flush, knowing that this wasn’t what I was normally used to. However, he soon pressed his lips to one of the nipples, capturing it between his teeth and sucking on it. I suddenly stiffened, feeling the sudden wave of arousal as he did this. I moaned, aching for more as he continued to do this. He sucked a bit harder, making me groan out in need and a desire for something so much more. I felt Spencer move towards the other nipple, giving me a playful grin as he pushed his lips against the tip of that one, sucking on the very edge of the nipple, making me moan out loud and in anticipation. I began to shiver, the excitement of the moment making me feel like I was going insane. For a long time, I felt like this moment would last forever, but then, they pulled back, looking at me with a smile on their face.

  “Do you want to go further?” Richard asked, his hands right near the heat of my womanhood. I could feel the aching in my pussy for them to take me, to completely overwhelm me and make me feel the need in my body. I began to shiver, moaning out loud as I nodded.

  “Please,” I said. I was breathless, and they hadn’t even taken me yet. However, I knew it was time.

  They skirted their hands down my taut stomach, doing away with their pants and Spencer’s shirt. Their lips were right over each of my hipbones, lightly caressing it with their lips. I began to groan, the excitement in my mind almost overwhelming me. soon, they pushed their hands to my pants, with Spencer awkwardly undoing the fly and zipper. Once it was off, I felt their hands skirt them and my panties off my body, revealing my pinked womanhood.

  I was dripping wet already, and they both noticed it, smiling warmly. It was then when I felt Spencer move his lips to my clit, pressing against the very tip of it and letting his tongue work against the nub. I gasped, moaning in anticipation as I bucked my hips, loving the way that it felt. He then started to suck on the flesh there, while I felt Richard pressing his finger against my entrance.