Walker's Run

by Mel Favreaux

  Casey gave a small, nervous giggle, but slowed to match her step with his.

  “I’d like to take my time making this walk with you. These are the last few moments you will be all mine.”

  She dug her nails firmly into his arm. “Please don’t make me cry before I get there, Daddy.”

  Her father grinned and patted her hand until she retracted her claws. There were only a few feet remaining between them and Braedyn.

  Casey’s eyes filled with tears. She struggled to hold them in. They stopped just short of Braedyn, and her father reached for his hand. She was barely aware of the movement until her hand touched Braedyn’s, then warmth seemed to spread through her upon contact. It was a warming sensation which seemed to grow into a mild burning flame that affected her from head to toe.

  For a moment the burst of heat which surrounded every fiber of her being was almost overwhelming, but then Braedyn gently squeezed her hand in reassurance.

  The ceremony seemed to fly by. Everything sped up so fast, her mind was nearly buzzing. The warmth she’d felt upon contact with Braedyn’s hand seemed to burn even hotter while it spread through her body. All too soon, Casey found herself saying the necessary words and without stutter. Then Braedyn said his vows, affirming his love and adoration for all to hear.

  “I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Braedyn Walker. May the Alpha couple live a long and virtuous life together. Braedyn, you may kiss your bride,” the Minister announced with a broad grin.

  * * * *

  Braedyn felt the moisture gather in his eyes again and pulled Casey into his arms. He brushed aside one of her silvery blond curls and caressed her cheek, registering how hot her skin was to the touch.

  Never before had he ever seen her look so beautiful. He wanted to remember this moment with her forever. Never wanted to forget just how much in love he was or how happy they were in this very moment.

  When his lips caressed hers; her hands slid up the lapels of his coat to his shoulders. The power of her arousal hit him like a physical blow and winded him.

  She was in heat.

  * * * *

  Casey’s heart raced when Braedyn’s arms circled her waist, pulling her to him. Her eyes closed. Smelling his sweet breath and feeling his firm lips against hers, all she could think was how much she loved him and craved him more now than ever before. A hot flash scorched her body, a soft moan escaped her lips. He gasped and pulled away, looking into her eyes with a wide grin.

  It was then the roar of applause brought Casey back to reality. The burning in her body remained. They turned to face the packed room and waved. Braedyn leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I’m glad we said ‘I do’ before this happened.”

  Casey furrowed her brows a moment and looked up at him, her heart pounding in her chest. Each pound seemed to move the fire lower and lower in her belly. He leaned over and stroked her cheek, kissing her again. She craved him on such a base level, her entire body shook from the force of desire.

  Braedyn kissed her once more. “You’re in heat, Casey.”

  With a deep blush, she realized everyone in the room who was a Were would know. It was pure luck that she’d just married the one she was fated to be with. “Do we have to attend the reception?” Casey murmured against his lips.

  He laughed and cleared his throat. “I’m sure no one in this room would fault us for not being there, but we do at least need to make our presence known; even if only for a few minutes.”

  Casey couldn’t help her grin and locked her fingers in his. They made their way back down the aisle. When they stepped out the doors, the pelting of the bird seed began. She laughed and hid her face in Braedyn’s shoulder, letting him take the brunt of it, while they rushed to the reception hall.

  * * * *

  Casey heard Braedyn’s teeth grind together while he struggled to keep the old truck on the road. His soft groan encouraged her, and she slid her hand into his lap again.

  “If you can’t control yourself, I will pull over and have my way with you right here,” he growled looking down into her eyes.

  From a glimpse in the mirror a few moments ago, she knew her eyes were still smoldering golden. She relented and resorted to stroking his thigh. But that contact wasn’t enough for her. Nuzzling her nose against his neck, she felt the soothing coolness of his skin against hers. Casey knew she should be embarrassed of her actions since they’d gotten into the truck, but didn’t care. All she wanted was him…wanted him now. It was a craving she wouldn’t be able to control much longer. If he didn’t hurry, she would straddle him while he drove. A gasp escaped her when another sharp, heated wave poured through her.

  “Are you all right?”

  “If you don’t hurry, you won’t have to worry about pulling over. It’s a straight shot from here to the cabin.” Her hand moved to the button on his slacks.

  Laughing, he reached down and took her hand in his. “Just another moment Casey, I want to do this right. I know this is difficult, but I want you to be able to look back on tonight without berating yourself too much. Surely you can wait long enough for us to pull in the driveway?” He pressed the accelerator a little more, speeding up the pace only a little on the icy road.

  Casey licked her lips and willed Braedyn to go even faster. She could just make out the house in the distance. Her heart raced, more heat flooded her veins. Grinding her teeth, she fisted her hands. Going into heat was nothing to play around with.

  Braedyn pulled to a stop in front of the house. “We’re here, Mrs. Walker,” he said with a smile.

  She ground out a grin, struggling with everything in her not to attack him right there. He slipped out of the truck and walked around to open her door. Casey giggled when they walked up onto the porch and Braedyn stopped to scoop her up in his arms.

  “What are you laughing about?”

  “I didn’t think you’d carry the tradition thing this far.”

  He raised his brows. “Why wouldn’t I? I’ve stuck to yours and mom’s traditions thus far. I’d assumed this would just be another.”

  She smiled and took his face in her hands. “I love you, Braedyn.”

  “I love you too, Casey.” Kissing her, he pushed open the front door and stepped over the threshold. “Now…the next question is, should I set you down now, or carry you straight to the bedroom?”

  Casey’s grin broadened and she stroked his cheek. “I think the bedroom will do, but you had better flash us out of our clothes before I shred this beautiful dress. I don’t think Zander would appreciate it too much. He did work pretty hard on it.”

  Braedyn laughed and strode toward the bedroom. She wound her fingers into his hair, and feeling her body temperature rise even more, her tongue moved across his lips. His knees bumped the edge of the bed and using his magic, he flashed their clothing from their bodies and laid her down.

  She growled under her breath while he nibbled her neck. “Is lack of patience part of being in heat?”

  He laughed near her ear, sending shivers down her spine. “Oh yes…but its patience you have to have if I am to do this right.”

  “Right? You’ve been perfect every other time,” she panted, and he moved against her.

  “Things are different now. When you are in heat, things are very different.” Braedyn ran his hand down her side, cradling her hip, holding it to his.

  He kissed her neck. Once again, her hands found themselves in his hair. “So I keep hearing,” she panted. His answering rumble of laughter made Casey grind her teeth. “Please don’t do this to me right now. I’ve been burning for you since my father placed my hand in yours. I’ve wanted to rip your tux off all evening. Now that I have you naked in my arms, I’ve no intention of letting you off lightly. Not tonight.” She pulled his face to hers, branding his lips with hers.

  Casey heard his soft groan, and he relented. She knew Braedyn gave in because he wanted her just as much. His scorching kiss only flamed her desire, and he gave her what she craved most.

&nbs
p; She tightened her grip around his shoulders, pulling him close, feeling the coolness of his body pressed against her smoldering hot one. His kisses trailed downward. He took her nipple between his teeth. Hissing, she trailed her nails down his shoulders and arched her back. Casey would never understand how he could do so many different things with his body at once. Her eyes rolled back and her toes curled when her first orgasm neared.

  * * * *

  Braedyn clenched his jaw and nibbled his way up Casey’s neck to her lips once more. Her body shuddered beneath him. She groaned into his mouth, coaxing him over the edge right along with her, far sooner than he’d intended. But he knew she had far more in store over the next few days, and it was enough to keep him ready for more.

  “No rest for the wicked tonight?” she asked with a grin and pressed against his shoulder, shifting her weight beneath him.

  He laughed while she urged him onto his back. “I don’t believe there’ll be much rest over the next few days,” he murmured when she’d settled herself astride him and ran her fingers through his hair.

  She grinned. “I’ve no intention of letting you off easy at all.” Her eyes flashed golden, and Casey ground against him.

  He lay there a moment, while she ground into him, her breasts swaying gently with the motions. She bit her lip when he moved his hand against her and whimpered. Casey leaned over him. He placed his hands on her hips, pulling her toward him in an ever increasing pace. His thrusts rose to meet hers. He closed his eyes when her kisses trailed up his neck and jaw, back around to his mouth again. Her breath felt like fire against his skin.

  Casey moaned against his lips when he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, and she lost herself in yet another orgasm. He rolled her onto her back, slowing the pace, but continuing to give her what she needed to calm the heat within, even if only for a little while.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Casey laid her head against Braedyn’s chest. His heart raced a rapid tattoo, matching hers. She was confused about being so insatiable. Her skin still felt like it was on fire.

  “Does this let up any?” she asked trying to catch her breath.

  “In some ways, but you’ll feel like this for three days.” Braedyn ran a hand through his hair. Perspiration gleamed at his temples.

  Frowning, she propped on her hand. “You poor thing, how long am I going to have to apologize for this?”

  He laughed at her and smiled. “You’ve nothing to apologize for Casey. Our bodies are meant to do this. We’re a mated couple, life-mates. While this may exhaust me, my body was made to respond to yours in order to give you what’s needed. I can and will keep up with you.”

  She grinned when he rolled her over. He was already hard again and ready for more. “How do human men keep up with a Were female?”

  “You’d have to ask your brother about that, but he seemed to have faired pretty well with Amber. Did you see them dancing at the reception?”

  Casey smiled. “I’ve never seen Dean like this. He really does have feelings for her.” She stroked the damp hair back from Braedyn’s brow.

  “Amber has feelings for him, though they’re confusing for her. She’s trying to sort through it all.”

  “Do you think it’s wise? Dean moving here? Should he give her some time?”

  Braedyn pursed his lips, mulling it over. “I’ve known her for almost six years. Patience is the key to Amber, and she will eventually come around. If pressed too hard, she may run. But I think Dean moving here is a good idea, so long as he gives her the room needed to breathe.”

  Casey hissed when he moved against her. The heat flared again. She bit back a growl. “I don’t understand these feelings.”

  “Now do you understand why Amber is so confused? She’s trying to weed out the differences between the heat and how she truly feels.”

  “Aren’t they the same?”

  “Only if you’re with your life-mate.” He trailed kisses down her throat.

  This time the growl ripped up her throat unchecked. “I can’t think straight and carry on a simple conversation.”

  Braedyn dragged his lips across hers. “You’re not supposed to right now.”

  She ground her teeth, drawing him close. “I love you.”

  He smiled. “I love you, too.”

  Her body blazed again with desire. Their bodies moved, fitting together like the perfect puzzle.

  A howl burst forth. Casey felt her entire world shudder while Braedyn murmured incoherently into her shoulder.

  His cell phone rang. “Damn it,” he groaned.

  Her post-coital bliss shattered. “Answer it,” she choked slipping out from under him. Ducking into her closet she was dressed when Braedyn bolted upright from the bed and clothed himself using his magic.

  “Don’t go anywhere, Casey and I are on our way. Dean’s with you?” Concern creased his brow.

  Turning, she struggled to hear Amber’s response.

  “Dean is with me. He’s—”

  The line died. Braedyn frowned and glanced down at his phone showing the call ended.

  “What the…?” He slid the button to redial when his phone rang again. Unknown caller. “Hello?”

  “Hello, Brother.”

  Casey gasped when she heard Elan’s dulcet tones.

  “What the fuck have you done little brother?” Braedyn growled sounding ferocious.

  “I found a way out of the Tigress’ silver-treated restraints. Though I have to admit the Parrish’s put up a bit more fight than I’d given them credit for. Spend time with your new bride while you can. I’ll be back for the bitch-wolf and to de-claw that fucking cat of yours, too.”

  Braedyn growled, crushed the phone in his hand, and flung the remnants across the floor.

  Rounding the bed, Casey put a shaky hand on Braedyn’s shoulder. When he turned to look at her, his eyes were blazing golden. “We’ve got to get over to the Parrish’s. I’m not letting you out of my sight.” The muscles in his jaw twitched. He growled deep in his chest. “I should have killed him when I had the chance.”

  She closed her eyes when he pulled her against his chest.

  “I am so sorry, Casey,” he whispered.

  Gritting her teeth, she tried to fight against the craving to attack him and drag him back into the bed again. “We’re the Alpha couple. It’s our job now, not just yours.”

  He ran his hands through her hair, tilting her face up toward his. “My job is to protect the inhabitants of Walker’s Run. But I will protect you with my life.”

  Her heart raced. She swallowed against the flash of heat that threatened to consume her. “We have to go.”

  “Casey—”

  “And if we happen to see that fucker of a brother of yours along the way…” With a steadying breath, she caressed his cheek and kissed the edge of his mouth. “Never piss off a woman in heat on her wedding night.”

  Braedyn attempted a smile, but it fell flat. “I love you.”

  Fear rippled down her spine, and she struggled to repress the shiver. “I love you too, Braedyn.” Pulling back, she took his hand, and followed him to the door.

  How much more death and devastation would Elan wreak before they could get him?

  In spite of everything her body was going through in this moment, the heavy sinking feeling of foreboding sank into the pit of her stomach. It was the same sensation that had awakened her the morning Harlan and Elan had led the attack on Walker’s Run.

  The wolf rose within her and Casey stumbled. Her thoughts cleared the haze her heat had created. “We have to go, now.” She looked into his pale gaze and saw a myriad of emotions: worry, love, pride. “We are the Alpha couple, Braedyn. Our responsibility is to this town, our town and its inhabitants.”

  Braedyn opened the door, and they stepped outside. The snow storm from earlier had cleared. Now the night was bone-chillingly cold and clear. Casey noticed the irony of the weather and how her wolf was telling her to approach the situation. Be cold, think cl
ear.

  This was her life now. She was the reincarnation of the Silver Wolf, the Mother of all Were’s. It was her job to stand beside her alpha husband and protect those who needed it. Now that Elan was a rogue wolf on the loose, the probability of the secret getting out about Walker’s Run endangered everyone, and not just those who lived within the sanctuary.

  She narrowed her eyes and lifted her nose in the air, trying to catch Elan’s scent. “Nothing like a wolf-hunt on your wedding night is there?” she jeered.

  Braedyn’s golden gaze met hers. The edge of his mouth lifted. “Let’s go catch us a Rogue shall we?”

  About the Author

  Mel Favreaux lives in North Carolina with her two small monsters who just love to keep her on her toes, driving her to both laughter and tears on a daily basis. She suffers from Inappropriate Laughter Syndrome (IPPL) and has a dark sense of humor. Morbid fascinations with all kinds of music, swords, knives, dangerous wild animals (both exotic and domestic), and her passion for oddities help her to keep the creativity flowing. Luckily, select few friends and family completely understand her fascinations, though not all share them, but accept her for the weirdo they’ve all come to know and love.

  * * * *

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  Also by Mel Favreaux

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  Kimra Valor was a woman on a mission. To enjoy her final vacation and set in motion the events that would end her life. The brain tumor was inoperable. Her entire life had been mapped and planned out for her, now it would end on her terms.

  She just wanted a week of relaxation to get her mind set for the end. What she hadn’t planned was meeting Jaren Davies and his enormous but adorable English Mastiff, Mac. In them she discovered what she’d craved her whole life, compassion, gentleness, and love.