Stacy’s breath was short, her head falling back on Mason’s chest as Gabe teased each of her breasts over and over. She was dying for release, practically begging them to bring her to the precipice so she could lose herself in the sweet abyss. But they took their time, driving Stacy insane with each thrust inside her; with every tug on her sensitive breasts. She begged her lovers for more, her voice a gentle whimper barely heard over the crackle of their modest fire. Gabe pulled away and looked at Mason who nodded. All at once, they pushed her further, Gabe’s mouth setting off explosions in her head a split second before Mason’s rhythmic thrusting pushed her over the edge and into thin air.
She writhed and bucked, thin cries tearing from her throat as the worked her body past climax and into something more. Her nerves were on fire, her body spent, as they continued. Just when Stacy thought she couldn’t take any more, her world exploded into fireworks, rapid and numerous as they went off like the grandest of finales. Stacy felt Mason lose himself finally as she sailed over the cliff, her body feeling pleasure like she never had before. She fell forward and into Gabe’s waiting arms.
Gabe pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her and the pleasure kept wracking her body, even in Mason’s absence. Gabe stroked her burning flesh gently, her muscles twitchy with the tender contact. When she finally calmed, she looked at Gabe and blinked as if waking from a deep sleep, then she smiled. She held a hand out to Mason, silently inviting him to come to her. Gabe laid her out on the rug and the two nestled in around her. As she fell into a deep sleep, Stacy had the fleeting thought that Gabe hadn’t had his release yet. She tumbled into darkness, her last though that next time, next time she’d make it up to him.
***
The next morning, Turk dismounted and walked towards the trail ahead. They were definitely getting close. One giant paw print was encased in the damp ground beside a group of rocks buried in the trail. Someone was careless, he thought. He walked over to Brad and pointed out the direction the print was facing. Suddenly excited, Brad started talking about a fairytale cabin carved into a mountain just the other side of the Oregon-Washington border. He’d seen it once when he was younger, after spending the summer hiking with his father. The cabin had faded into obscurity, its location forgotten by many, but Brad knew exactly where they were. He led the way, followed by Turk.
They were at least 20 miles out from the cabin, and the trail was rocky. But, with any luck, they would hit the cabin while they still had daylight. Perhaps, Turk thought, I didn’t waste my time bringing Brad along.
He watched the man expertly guide his four-wheeler down the trail. Would he see it coming or would he be surprised when Turk’s bullet tore through his head? Turk would find out later, after the fool led him to the remote cabin in the woods. Until then, he needed him alive. Because now, he was a help. But later he would be a witness, and that was something Turk did not want.
*****
It was afternoon, and Stacy sat in the middle of the floor, stretching her tired muscles while she waited for the men to return. They’d left about an hour ago; Gabe going circling around to the south to see if Turk was on their trail and Mason heading north. She’d been concerned, but both had assured her, that on foot it would be another day or so before Turk could find this cabin, and that she was safe. They were right, Turk was only human; not some magical being that could fly through the air. Or a tiger-shifter or anything like that. Stacy laughed at her own joke. What a turn her life had taken in the last 24 hours.
She was sitting quietly when she heard footsteps come up what was left of the walkway. It sounded like both had returned. She breathed a sigh of relief as she stood to great them.
Brad opened the door and stood for a moment in stunned silence. Stacy blinked. Brad? And then she saw him, mud spattered and smelling of fuel and forest. Stacy turned and ran, heading for the bathroom. Brad ran after her, while Turk stood there, laughing. Stacy ran into the bathroom, engaging the tiny latch to lock the door. It wouldn’t hold, but it might give her a precious few seconds to get away. Stacy passed under the waterfall on the open side of the bathroom, and slid into the narrow crevice, pushing with all of her might and praying she didn’t get stuck. She released all her air and gave one final shove, falling onto the forest floor outside the cabin just as Brad burst through the flimsy, locked door.
She looked around and realized that she’d made a terrible mistake. The box canyon behind the cabin was straight up and at some places, pitched outward. Even if she was prepared to climb, there was no way she could get out of there. In the only opening stood Turk, huge grin on his face that somehow didn’t look even remotely friendly. He had her, and he knew it.
He leveled a gun at her, shouting across the short distance do her. “Don’t try anything and we’ll all get out of this alive.”
Stacy flipped him the bird. She knew he had no intention of letting her live, and she wasn’t going to just roll over and make it easy. To her right, Brad was crawling over the wall, his hiking boots making a soft thud as he landed on the other side. He looked up and saw Turk with his gun aimed at Stacy.
“What the hell are you doing?” Brad began advancing on Turk, his quick temper already spinning out of control. Stacy was his girl and nobody—
Bang!
A single shot rang out and Brad dropped with a muffled thud, dead before he hit the ground. Stacy covered her mouth to trap a scream that threatened to escape as blood spilled out of the wound between his eyes and then stopped as abruptly as it started. Her eyes locked on Brad’s lifeless stare, terror welling up in her throat.
Turk continued yelling at Stacy, his words echoing in the canyon.
“They’re wanted for murder you know. The entire state of Florida is looking for them. They’re worth a cool ten million dollars, dead or alive. You should have seen the carnage in their townhome; some of my finest work. As soon as the authorities saw that they were registered shifters, they didn’t even attempt to follow the evidence. It wouldn’t have mattered. It took me months to formulate my plan, and when the perfect opportunity presented itself, I sprang into action.”
An angry roar sounded behind Turk, a short distance away. Turk didn’t even turn to see who it was.
“I’ll shoot her dead before you sink your teeth in me and you know it,” he shouted over his shoulder, his eye never losing its sight on Stacy.
Gabe walked out of the trees in human form, hands raised above his head in surrender.
“Go stand over there by Stacy.” Turk motioned with his free arm, still keeping the gun trained on Stacy. Gabe walked towards her, hands still raised above his head. As he passed in front of her, he winked.
How can he think about sex at a time like this? Really.
He stood beside her, one arm on her back. She was trembling, though he stood stock-still beside her.
Turk continued to boast, but a shadow in the woods caught Stacy’s eye. Mason! Not wanting to alert Turk, she looked down and dug her toe into the ground. She knew Mason would come after Turk, but what if he was too late?
A twig snapped and Turk spun around as Mason, in tiger form, charged. Gabe threw Stacy to the ground and ran towards Turk, shifting mid-leap as he closed the distance between them. Stacy lay on the ground, watching in horror as Turk aimed the gun at Mason and fired. He hit Mason in the shoulder; Mason shifted into human form in mid-air and hit the ground with a loud crack as his head bounced off of the rocky forest floor. Turk turned towards Gabe, but he was too late. With one final leap, Gabe landed on Turk, taking him down. The man screamed and then the forest was completely silent.
Stacy stood up and ran to Mason, who was lying unmoving on the ground. Gabe gave Turk one last swipe for good measure, though the man was obviously dead, before going to Mason. Stacy kneeled beside him and was relieved. He’d been shot, but the wound wasn’t fatal and the bullet had passed through.
He’d smacked his head on a flat rock, knocking him out briefly. Mason’s eyes fluttered and he bli
nked rapidly to clear his vision. Stacy sobbed in relief and threw her arms around him. He sucked in air as her hand passed too close to his wound. Gabe held out a hand to help his friend up and the three headed inside. They were slow as Gabe helped Mason stay upright.
“We have to dress his wounds and then head to a hospital for treatment. He can’t shift while he’s injured like that, so you’ll both ride-”
“They had four-wheelers. Stacy can ride you if she wants,” he winked at her, enjoying his own joke, “but I’m fine with a four-wheeler thank you very much.”
Stacy didn’t know whether she wanted to laugh or cry. This day had been awful, just awful. But they would survive, and thankfully, so would Mason.
Epilogue
Stacy sat beside Mason’s hospital bed as “breaking news” flashed across the screen.
“This is Larry Tisdell, reporting for Channel 4 Action News. An anonymous source gave authorities what they needed to close a gruesome case that started in Florida and ended right here in Washington, in an abandoned cabin in the dense forest east of Seattle. Turk Creko, a bounty-hunter known for hunting down and capturing shifters, was found dead along-side Oregon man Brad Tucci. Shifters were initially suspected, but after going through Mr. Creko’s personal affects, it became apparent that the gruesome murder in a Florida townhome was perpetrated by Mr. Creko himself, in an effort to create a substantial reward for the capture of the two tiger shifters. Channel 4 Action News is withholding their identities and the identity of their female companion—”
Gabe clicked off the television. He and Mason looked at each other, relief evident on both their faces. After months on the run, they could finally relax and settle down. Mason winked at Stacy, enjoying the slight blush that creeped across her collar bone every time he did that. She was easily embarrassed, though it didn’t show in the bedroom.
Her cell phone rang, and an official-sounding man asked for Stacy.
“This is she.” She listened to the man speak, nodding several times, though he couldn’t see her. “I understand. I’ll be in Monday to sign the documents. Thank you.”
She hung up, a bewildered expression on her face.
“What was that about?”
“Brad. He left his entire estate to me.”
“His estate?”
“Yes. He was such a recluse. Apparently, he’s a millionaire with no family and I’m his sole beneficiary. I don’t know how I feel about that.”
Gabe wrapped his arms around her. “You can donate the money if you don’t want it, none of us need it. Mason and I both have plenty, and with three adults in one household—”
Stacy looked at him, pulling away to search his eyes. “What are you saying?”
“You don’t think that either of us is going to step aside and let the other have you, do you?”
“Well—”
Stacy was speechless. How had a “welcome to the neighborhood” basket turned into this? She smiled. Who was she kidding? She couldn’t choose, and was glad that she wouldn’t have to. She beamed at Gabe before resting her head on his broad chest. She felt Mason reach out and set his good hand on her thigh. She had no idea how this was going to work out, but she knew she was right where she needed to be.
THE END
Bonus Story 9 of 25
Loved by the SEAL
“Ma’am, the schoolhouse called and said Gunner has been waiting for over an hour.”
“Over an hour!” I yell at my secretary, as I stuff my laptop into my bag. “Michael was supposed to pick him up today! That good for nothing jerk!” I swing my bag over my shoulder and run out of the office as fast as I can.
I hate the fact that my son has to wait. Worse, I hate that he’s constantly being let down by his dad. They were supposed to go to a baseball game and then get ice cream. I should’ve known that he would never show up. It’s not the first time and I know it wouldn’t be the last.
It’s half past three as I pull up to the private school. Gunner’s sitting on the stairs, patiently waiting. I park on the street and help him into the car. I can see the look of despair on his face as he realizes, yet again, that his dad has forgotten about him.
“How’s school today honey?” I ask, hoping to lighten up the mood.
“He forgot, didn’t he Mom?”
“Well, honey, your Dad called and said he’s stuck at work.” I can’t believe I’m lying for this guy! “He says he’ll…”
“You don’t have to cover for him Mom.” I can hear the shakiness in his voice as he tries to hold back tears. “I know he forgot.”
Gunner is only ten, but he’s so mature for his age. I couldn’t ask for a smarter or braver child.
“Well honey, I can’t take you to the baseball game, but why don’t we catch a movie and I’ll take you out for ice cream afterwards?” I hope this will change his mood.
“I just want to go home Mom. I have homework.” I quietly nod, and head for home.
Michael has been like this since we’ve been married—extremely flaky and inconsiderate, just plain rude and a temper not to be messed with. I don’t know what I ever saw in him. Not only was he a terrible husband, but he’s also a lousy father.
I can’t believe that we’ve been divorced for five years and Michael is still making my life a living hell. I have to pretend to be cordial with him for my son’s sake. There’s no getting rid of him. Michael’s exact words when we signed the divorce papers were, “If I can’t have you, no one can.”
At first I thought it was a joke, but he wasn’t bluffing. Every guy I’d ever dated never came back after the first few dates. They’d always make excuses. But Michael w0uld rub it in my face that it was him who drove them away.
Life was supposed to be better.
I know Gunner needs a father figure in his life. He needs a good role model and a hero. Try as I may, I can’t fulfil that role. My job as the CEO of an up-and-coming financial institution keeps me extremely busy.
Just then, my phone rings and snaps me out of my pity session.
“Hello, Ms. Concordia speaking,” I answer.
“Ma’am, its Nancy. I’m sorry to disturb you, but Mr. Henderson called and asked if you could bump his meeting up to 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. He says the board…” I let Nancy trail on while I go back to daydreaming.
Truth be told, I’m so tired of my job. I’m overworked and underpaid. I need to go on a vacation. I haven’t been on one since Michael and I got married. That was over ten years ago! Now we’re divorced.
“Nancy,” I interrupt. “Clear my schedule for the next two weeks. Move all the important meetings out and cancel the meaningless ones.”
“Ma’am?” says a puzzled Nancy.
“You heard me right Nancy. I’m going on a vacation. My son and I both need some time away.”
From the back of the car I sense Gunner perk up. I can feel his aura change.
“Uh, yes Ma’am. About tomorrow’s meeting…”
“Move that meeting two weeks out until I return. The COO should be able to handle everything else while I’m away.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“And Nancy, no phone calls or emails while I’m on vacation. Understood?”
“Yes, Ma’am.” And with that I hang up. Wow, I’ve never done anything so spontaneous before. Aside from Gunner, my job is everything. Now I’m finally putting it on the back burner while I enjoy some time away.
“Mom, are we really going to go on a vacation?” Gunner asks.
“Of course honey! Why not?”
“Well, for one, I have school.” School…I forgot about Gunner’s school.
“I’ll figure that out honey. Don’t worry.”
I pull up to the driveway and into the garage. My dream house. My home. Finally, a home. I worked so hard for everything I got, despite all the obstacles in my way. This is definitely something to be proud of.
Inside, I pull out my laptop and plop it on the dining room table while Gunner runs up to his room.
“Honey, do your homework before anything else,” I yell out behind Gunner as I began my email.
To: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Gunner Concordia
Ms. Tyler,
Please excuse Gunner from class for the next two weeks.
I pause. Well, I can’t say that Gunner will be going on a vacation. It wouldn’t be acceptable. What else should I say?
Due to my heavy workload, I’ve decided to take a vacation and Gunner is coming with me.
I decided against lying. I’m a horrible liar anyways.
I understand that its last minute, but I believe this will help Gunner. He will be refreshed upon his return, thus improving his schoolwork.
It’s not like Gunner needs a break from school to refresh. He’s a smart kid and is way ahead of his class.
If there is a cause for concern, please feel free to contact me.
Respectfully,
Ms. Lexi Concordia
I press ‘send’ and immediately start searching for vacation destinations. I have no clue as where to go. I don’t want to go to a place that is too touristy.
I start with the Bahamas. I’ve always wanted to go there. Growing up in a poor family meant vacations and travels were up to how far my imagination would take me. Plus, the Bahamas was our originally going to be our honeymoon destination until Michael opted for a motel 50 miles away instead. Romantic isn’t it?
I bring up a map of the Bahamas on the search engine and pick the first island I lay my eyes on, a big island about 50 miles or so from Cuba.
I haven’t heard much about the Inagua Islands so it shouldn’t be too touristy. I’m aiming for some place nice and low-key.
“Mom?” I jumped.
“Geesh, Gunner. Don’t surprise me like that.”
“Sorry Mom,” Gunner says while rubbing his belly indicating that it’s time for dinner.
Alpha Vampire Romance: Vampire’s Mate (Paranormal Shapeshifter Alpha Demon Vampire Romance) (Coming of Age Werewolf BBW Shifter Women’s Fiction Short Stories) Page 31