by Mel Favreaux
“I think I’ll go take my shower now. Are you tired?”
“A little,” she admitted.
“Come, lie down while I wash up.”
She followed him into the master bedroom and smiled when he turned the covers down for her. He kissed her, and then walked into the bathroom, leaving the door open a crack.
Casey sat down on the bed and groaned. She’d slept on an air mattress far too long, her body ached at the firmness of a real bed. Stretching out, she intended to close her eyes for a few minutes and doze.
* * * *
Braedyn toweled his hair dry and forced himself to be patient. The brisk shower rejuvenated his tired body. He loved being out in the wilderness again, but missed his bed.
Slipping into a pair of flannel pajama bottoms, he went into the bedroom and stared at the sight on his bed. Casey was sprawled out on her stomach, covered only by the robe. Snoring. No one had ever shared his bed before. He’d lain in others’, but none had ever been in his. Seeing her there meant more to him than anything that had happened between them thus far. Knowing she trusted him enough to be so comfortable in his home. What he hoped she would come to think of as her home soon.
He lay down beside her and pulled the covers over them. It had been an exhausting retreat, and a good night’s rest in his own bed was exactly what he needed. Turning off the bedside lamp, he settled down. She scooted over and curled up to him. Smiling, he draped an arm over her and closed his eyes.
Tomorrow would be an interesting day.
Chapter Fourteen
Casey was awakened by the wolf. Not in fear, but her curiosity was peeked. She groaned and tried to snuggle deeper into the warmth of Braedyn’s arms. The wolf pulled at her again. With a sigh, she slipped out of the bed and readjusted the robe around her. She cast a longing look at Braedyn when the pull led her out of the room to the front door.
Frowning, she sniffed the air finding an unfamiliar scent. The large grandfather clock against the wall chimed the time, four a.m. Casey put her hand against the door. There was no peephole nor was there a window she could peek through nearby. The strange scent was stronger. Biting her lower lip, she opened the door.
The cold wrapped itself around her bare legs and feet. She shivered, stepping out onto the porch. On the front lawn she saw a white blur run across the expanse of opaque. Though she was freezing, her interest was piqued as the wolf’s.
“Hello?” she called out.
The colorless flash again ran back the other way.
Casey waited for it to reappear. “Hello? Show yourself, or I’ll wake Braedyn.” The feeling she received was in no way threatening. She wasn’t afraid but annoyed the figure wouldn’t slow down enough for her to get a look.
A thump sounded from the side of the porch. She turned, and her breath caught in her throat. In defense, the Silver Wolf came to the forefront. Casey had to struggle to keep herself in check. An enormous cat climbed onto the porch and stared at her a moment, then cocked its head to the side.
Casey stumbled back a step, but held her ground. She wasn’t sure she was strong enough to deal with such a large cat, but knew she would give it a shot if necessary.
“Who are you?” Casey demanded. Amazed she sounded far stronger than she felt.
The beast took a tentative step forward from the shadows, revealing itself as a white Siberian tiger. Then it began to change.
She watched in wonder as the enormous tiger transformed into a very petite woman. The transition was silent and swift. Relief swept through Casey when she realized who the woman was. Clothing magically appeared on her body, covering her nudity just when she stepped from the remaining vestiges of shadow. Her skin was deeply tanned. Her hair was jet black, and fell in bouncing, curly waves that framed her face.
“Amber?”
“I didn’t mean to scare you,” the young woman said stepping closer. “You must be Casey.”
“Braedyn has told me a little about you.” Casey watched her blush and heard the small laugh that escaped her.
“I’m not so sure that’s a good thing.”
Casey couldn’t help but smile and felt completely at ease with her. Not something she felt around most women. Even the wolf was calm. “He spoke very highly of you. Said he trusts you more than most in the pack.”
She watched Amber look down and try to hide the reddening of her cheeks. Unable to respond, the brunette tucked a curly strand of hair behind her ear.
Realizing she’d embarrassed the younger woman made Casey wonder if Braedyn had ever told her how much he trusted or valued her as a member of his pack. Casey furrowed her brows, looking at her. “I’m sorry, I guess I underestimated the closeness of your friendship.”
Amber shook her head and gave her a small smile. “No, it’s just...different hearing it from someone else.” Looking at the door, she motioned they should go in. “You’ll get frostbite standing out here like that.”
Nodding, Casey walked back in the house with Amber trailing behind. She turned and watched the smaller woman shrug out of her coat and slip her boots off.
“I didn’t wake you, did I?”
Casey shook her head, looking through the cabinets for the makings of coffee.
Amber stepped forward and opened a large drawer, pulled out the can and a filter, and set them on the counter with a grin.
“You read my mind, thank you.” Casey began preparing the pot. “No, you didn’t wake me. The wolf did. I guess she sensed you. She wasn’t afraid, just curious...and well...she wouldn’t let me go back to sleep, so I came out.”
“I’m sorry, I was chasing a rabbit.” She grinned again and shrugged her shoulders.
Casey couldn’t help but laugh. She completely understood because she had done some chasing herself the nights of her shift.
“So...why was my name brought up?” Amber asked while she scavenged through a cabinet and came back out with a box of crackers. She leaned against the counter and nibbled a few.
Casey motioned at the robe she wore. “I’ve got no clothes. My trip was supposed to only be a few days. Everything that wasn’t destroyed is beyond filthy. Braedyn said he’d talk to you about taking me to get some in the morning.”
Amber licked her fingers and set the box on the counter, nodding. “That, I can do. Have you anything to wear shopping?”
“Only what I brought with me. I can throw them in the wash so I’ll have something.”
Amber peered through her bangs. “I’m guessing when he gave you the tour, he neglected to show you the basement and laundry area?” She rolled her eyes when Casey shook her head and gave a theatrical sigh. “Men.”
Casey watched Amber open what she had assumed was the back door, finding it led down into a basement. The room was the size of the cabin upstairs and largely unfinished. A work table sat with an assortment of tools scattered all over it. Underneath the stairs was an elaborate setup with a washer, dryer, and an ironing board. All were brand new and very expensive looking.
Her gear was sitting next to a wall near them. The corner of her mouth lifted, she was touched.
Amber opened the lid of the washer and pulled out an arm load of clothing and tossed it into the dryer. “Guess he was thinking of you.” She switched it on and turned to her. “So, how are you doing?”
Casey heard the honest, caring emotion in the statement. The brunette truly seemed concerned. “I’m scared to death. I don’t even know how to act,” she admitted with a shake of her head.
“Be yourself. Some of the others will enjoy keeping you on edge, so try to relax.” Amber shrugged. “But I have to tell you, this has been the best place I've lived. Not everyone gets along all of the time, but it’s a safe place.” She stepped back and looked Casey over, then grinned. “I will tell you some of the women in the pack won't be too happy, but they'll get over it. Braedyn being the alpha, his word is law, and with me as your friend...well...let’s just say no one will mess with you.” The last part of the statement came out with a l
ow growl.
Casey laughed. “Well, it’s nice to know I have at least one other person here who would go to bat for me. Thank you.”
Amber waved away the comment and gave her a somber look. “I’ll never be able to repay my gratitude to Braedyn for what he’s done for me. This is the very least I can do.” She cleared her throat and motioned toward the stairs. “Let’s go get some coffee, hmm?”
While she followed, Casey watched the catlike way Amber moved. Though the Tigress was large, Amber was tiny, maybe five feet. It made Casey wonder just how large her own wolf was in comparison.
Amber pulled two mugs down from a cabinet and poured the coffee. Sliding over a brown bowl, she lifted the lid and stirred two spoonfuls of raw sugar into her cup. Then she opened the refrigerator and poured in a generous amount of milk.
Casey raised her brows, watching the brew turn a creamy color and Amber grinned.
“What? Cats like milk and I like milk...a lot.” Stirring her coffee once more, Casey watched Amber close her eyes and take a sip, half expecting to hear a purr at any moment.
Shaking her head, Casey stirred some sugar and a splash of milk into her own mug. Setting down the spoon she turned to see Braedyn emerge from the bedroom, clad only in a pair of flannel pants, rubbing his eyes.
“Morning sleepyhead,” Amber said with a little too much enthusiasm.
Casey was sure it was more to annoy him than to appear chipper at the early hour. She couldn’t help but grin at his sour expression. “Coffee?”
Grumbling under his breath, he stalked into the kitchen. “The sun isn’t yet up, why are you two?”
Amber flashed a wide, cheesy grin. “You know we cats are nocturnal. I was out chasing a rabbit. Apparently my escapades woke the wolf in Casey, forcing her to investigate.”
Casey saw him shake his head. He pulled a mug down from the cabinet; then turned to look at her.
“Why did you go out instead of waking me?”
“The wolf sensed no danger. She was curious enough not to let me go back to sleep, but not alarmed or I would have woke you.” Fear flashed in his eyes briefly before they softened.
“It’s great you’re learning to communicate with your wolf so soon, but next time, wake me, please.”
His eyes roamed over her, turning golden. She felt the heat from his gaze, his nostrils flared. Casey tried hard to hide her smile. Wearing his robe seemed to be a definite turn on for him.
Amber cleared her throat. Her eyes peered through her long bangs, an entirely tiger-like expression. She took another long draught of her coffee and flashed a grin then rinsed the mug, setting it in the sink. “I’ll be back around nine to take you shopping. Thanks for the coffee.” She winked and sauntered over to the door where she grabbed her boots and jacket before slipping out.
Braedyn grinned and shook his head when the door closed.
Casey frowned looking up at him. “That was abrupt.”
Laughing, he shrugged. “Amber is very abrupt. She’s more succeptible to my being an alpha than she’d care to admit. The tigress would never admit to being submissive to a wolf.”
“I think the tigress knows what you’ve done for her and appreciates you anyway.” Casey raised a brow when Braedyn leaned closer. “If you want to confuse thanks for submission, then it’s entirely on you.” Her skin warmed, the fine hairs stood on end with his proximity.
“Hmm.” She watched the edges of his mouth twitch while he tried to hold down the smile his eyes were betraying. “So...submission bothers you?”
“No, not when necessary.” Casey looked up at him and felt his wolf rising. She could sense his desire and was trying hard not to show hers but knew his nose was far more trained at picking up cues.
Since he’d walked from the bedroom her desire for him had increased by the moment. Shirtless, barefoot, clad only in flannel pajama bottoms that hung low on his hips, with his long black hair flowing over his shoulders...Braedyn was a dream to behold.
“So, you’ve no problem with submission when necessary?” His hand dropped to the belt of the robe.
“No.” Casey set her mug down on the counter and fixed him with a firm look, trying hard to keep herself in control. His hand inched its way toward the knot she’d cinched at her waist. Resting his fingers just behind it, she expected him to yank it loose and was surprised when he pulled her to him with a gentle tug.
His finger caressed her cheek. He looked in her eyes. “Which role would you rather play this time? The dominant or submissive?” he asked, trailing a finger down her jaw.
She struggled to control the shiver of desire his caress and words caused, but could feel the goosebumps rise. “I played the dominate yesterday morning, I don’t mind switching roles on occassion.”
His fingers traced the edges of her mouth. “I have never let anyone have the power over me you had yesterday.” He gave a small grin. “I enjoyed it very much.” Leaning forward, he gave her a gentle kiss and pressed his body against hers.
Her body trembled when Braedyn leaned her against the counter and dropped his hands to her waist. He lifted her and set her on the counter so they were eye to eye.
She gasped, finding herself seated there and barely registered his intentions before he leaned into her, kissing her until all rational thought was burned away by her desire. Her fingers burrowed into his hair, pulling him closer while he nibbled on her bottom lip.
Closing her eyes, Casey felt him slowly pull the knot from the robe and let it slide down her shoulders. “I’ve craved you since we walked in the door,” he whispered. His hot breath and tongue caressed her ear. He pulled the lobe into his mouth, giving it a little nip.
Casey’s hands roamed over his muscular shoulders, feeling them ripple at her caress. He nibbled down her throat, his large hands cupped her breasts. His hot tongue scorched her nipples. Biting her bottom lip, she ran her fingers through his silky hair.
With a soft growl, Braedyn picked her up. Casey wrapped her legs around his waist in order to maintain contact while he carried her to the bedroom and laid her on the bed. She was very still when he opened the robe and sat back on his knees, looking at her.
Never in her life had Casey ever felt so exposed. She was unable to read the look in his pale eyes while they slowly took in every detail of her body. Grinding her teeth, she waited what felt like an eternity before he showed any reaction.
His hand gently stroked her leg. He leaned down and placed a tender kiss there. Between his hands, lips, and tongue; she was sure he hadn’t missed a single place on her body. He more than made up for making her wait. She hissed when he worked his way up to her mouth, and she held him to her.
Using his magic, he rid himself of his pajama bottoms. She felt the hot, hard length of him press against her, and they groaned in unison.
“I've never wanted anything as much as I’ve wanted you,” he whispered when her lips captured his.
“Neither have I,” she answered, with a gasp. Stroking hair from his face, she looked in his eyes again. Casey saw his love for her, felt it in his touch.
Once more, she felt Braedyn’s restraint. He tried to be gentle and found she didn’t have the patience for it. She knew with a few murmurs and deep kisses he’d come around to her way. They changed positions briefly before they rolled back again. She felt the difference in him. He held her close. It was like her insatiable nature had rubbed off. Casey rocked her hips in time with his thrusts.
Pulling him closer, she nipped his shoulder. His growl made her shudder. Their movements were a blur amidst the groans and murmurs. Casey’s head spun with pleasure and her toes curled, her nails dug into him. The rapturous howl that burst forth surprised her. His lips sealed to hers, and he gave one last deep thrust. His body shuddered when he discharged his torrent inside her.
He nuzzled her cheek, holding her almost too tight.
She heaved a contented sigh. “I don’t ever want to leave here.”
“I hope you never do.” After another
gentle kiss, he laid his head on her shoulder.
Turning toward him, she pressed her cheek against his. “I couldn’t if I wanted to Braedyn,” Casey whispered. “I love you too much.”
She felt his grip ease a little, his arms drooped to circle her waist. He closed his eyes as the weight of her words registered. “So, the hand-fasting is out the window now?”
Casey laughed and kissed him. “I don’t think we need one, especially considering how things are. I’ll be pregnant before the month is out.”
His expression held surprise when he pulled back to look in her eyes. “Is that what you want?”
“A baby?” She thought about it for a moment. “I’m not opposed to having children. If it’s meant to be, it will happen. That’s how I’ve always looked at things.”
She watched the shadows of thought drift through his eyes.
“So...you wouldn’t be upset if we conceived a child?”
“Why would I be? If God chose us to become parents, it means he has a plan for us. How could I be disappointed in that?” She stroked a strand of hair from his cheek.
His brows drew together. “You have that much faith?”
Casey frowned when she realized they may not share the same religious beliefs. “You don’t? From what I’ve been taught, He doesn’t give us anything more than we can handle. It’s just up to us to use the tools He provides. He brought you into my life for a reason. If He decides to bless us with a child, I have nothing to be upset over.” She grinned and stroked his cheek. “I mean, it’s not like we’re trying to prevent anything.”
His gaze left hers a moment, and he sighed. “We’re not...supposed to be able to conceive unless it’s with our life mate. A Were can’t just mate with anyone and have children. There is only one person for each of us.”
Casey suddenly felt cold. The thought of not being the one chosen for his life mate chilled her. “How do we know if we are?”