by Christy Poff
Rhiannon laughed and it felt good. She looked into her husband's bright eyes, her body aching for him. Her hand went to his neck, then pulled him into a kiss.
"Do you know how much I missed you?” he asked.
"I think so but I want you to show me."
Rhiannon stepped back and slowly seduced her husband while she removed her clothes. Mesmerized by his wife, Sean stood frozen. She took his hands and placed them on her breasts. Natural instinct ruled him as he held them and brushed his thumbs over her nipples, both firm in response to him. His mouth covered hers, his tongue delving into her mouth to taste her.
She unbuttoned his shirt and slid it from his shoulders, then fumbled with his belt. Her body felt shockwaves from his touch.
What will you do next?
"I'm going to drive you, woman,” he answered.
"Good."
Both naked, he lifted her up as he sank his tongue deep into her mouth. Her legs wrapped around him.
You taste like a fine wine.
Then enjoy me.
Sean groaned as he lowered them to the soft grass of the meadow. He suckled her nipples and she cried out when he thrust three fingers into her pussy. Her hungry body enveloped him as she fought to hold her reactions while he took her to the edge.
"Sean..."
"I know,” he assured her. Without warning, he sank his heated rod into her wanting body. She felt her body wrap around him to hold on tight. He drove into her and pounded her as they soared together. She took him and her body craved more. Of all the women he'd ever bedded, his wife had been the only one to accept Sean for what he did. His mate wanted more and he gave it to her.
She rode her husband as if tomorrow might never come. Her body welcomed his explosive release into hers while she drenched his cock with her essence. She felt whole once again and vowed never to let him go.
"I won't let you go either,” he assured her.
"Sean, don't hold back, please."
Sean did as she wanted and let his lust-filled passion for her take over. They called to each other as their love soared to the mountaintops and beyond. He held her breasts as they came back to earth with a need to keep her hot and aroused. He traced her nipples before suckling them. Rhiannon's body spooned to his, the two of them as one. Her lips met his as they locked together.
Rhiannon pulled back gasping for air. She stood up and gazed at him while she changed.
Come, my love.
In answer to her invitation, Sean willed himself to join her. Still learning how to compel and control his gift, it took a moment before the black wolf appeared before her. His coat had darkened from its first-time dark gray but the color suited him.
He felt at ease, the change quicker and more natural to him.
Sean, are you all right?
My God, Rhi, need you ask?
They went to each other, nuzzling and frolicking in the open, two wolves deeply in love. Soul mates, lovers. Natural, unbridled emotions overtook them. Sean caught her neck and nipped her, then held her down as he mounted her. She yelped as he thrust into her. They howled while their climax took them to a new level. Never had either of them felt such divine satisfaction as they did at this moment.
I claim my wife.
I claim my husband.
Sean drove her again to a place only they could call their own. As he filled her, his front legs held her tightly as his body pinned her in place, effectively trapping her beneath him. She howled, a mournful sound to most while to his ears, it was music. She felt him bite her neck sending shockwaves through her from two different directions. When they met in her stomach, her body jolted as her heart beat faster.
Pain turned to divine, glorious pleasure. She loved how he held her and wanted him even more, if possible.
Sean pulled back, freeing her. She turned to him and nuzzled his neck. Love poured from her heart and the depth of her soul. Sean's feelings melted hers in every way.
I don't mean to put a damper on this but we'd better get back.
I know you're right but this has been amazing. I understand how much you love this. The freedom is truly indescribable.
My wolf, our guests?
Damn, I hate it when things like this happen.
We have our whole lives ahead of us.
I want you now, woman!
I want you, too but we did leave after our daughter's funeral. We should...
Then, let's get back.
Should we come up with a story?
No, we went off to be alone after Leanne's service and did a lot of soul-searching about her death.
You sound like a lawyer.
I watch a lot of Law and Order.
Are you ready, Sean?
A few minutes later, Sean and Rhiannon found their clothes, dressed and headed back to the house. Elizabeth and Julian had taken over hosting duties for the midday reception, no one the wiser about the true hosts’ disappearance.
Rhiannon excused herself after she told everyone she would be right back. She ran upstairs, stripped out of her clothes, and hopped into the shower. When she returned to their guests, she wore a turquoise western shirt with black embroidery on the collar and cuffs along the buttonholes. She chose black denim jeans with western boots. The black fringed shawl collar had embroidery to match her shirt. When she joined Sean, she heard a quick groan and smiled.
"You're beautiful, baby,” he whispered.
"Only with you in mind."
"I think I'll do the same. I'll be back in a few minutes."
"I'll hold you to it,” she told him as they kissed. Sean slipped away without notice and reappeared wearing a blue twill shirt and black jeans. He sought out his wife and she grinned.
God, am I lucky.
No, I'm the lucky one.
* * * *
Later in the day, Sean and Rhiannon finally had their home to themselves. They'd told Elizabeth they'd pick up the girls when Julian said they could leave.
"I'll call you to give you a progress report."
"Thanks, Mama. We appreciate the gift of time. We need to prepare a nursery for them."
"That will work out. Besides, I want to spend time with my granddaughters so I can spoil them."
Rhiannon smiled as they hugged.
"Thank you, Mama,” Rhiannon whispered.
Since the newlyweds had the house to themselves, they set to readying a nursery for three distinct little persons. As they stood together in the room Sean had Chris and some hands clean out, they decided what they would need to welcome their family home.
"I can go pick out and order everything tomorrow."
"I need to go to the office, too."
"Why, you're on leave?"
"I want to resign. Everything's changed. Our secret is too valuable to chance and I refuse to risk all of us, especially three innocent miracles who need our love and protection."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm all but out of the force."
"You need to be in the thick of things. Your acute senses are an unusual gift for a cop. You have so much to give them and with Hunter, you'll be safe. You have amazing talents and instincts. Don't waste them."
"You're sure?"
"Positive."
"Ok but if you change your mind..."
"I won't."
Sean kissed her, then pulled her tight against him, needing the contact. He kissed her again, his hand holding her breast while his thumb teased her nipple through the silk blouse. She moaned softly as sheer erotic emotion coursed through her body.
"My wolf, we won't get anything done this way."
Sean laughed, the sound of his laughter caressing her. She dropped her head back, her neck exposed to his attentions. He saw a bruise and froze.
"What?” she asked.
"Your neck. My God, I hurt you."
"No, you didn't. I don't even feel it."
"Baby, I'm sorry. I don't want to ever be the cause of your pain again."
"It's all right, honestly, but if yo
u really want to apologize, take me to bed."
"I can do that."
* * * *
The next morning, Sean dressed in a black suit with a black shirt and boots. When he came downstairs, he groaned at the sight of his beautiful, naked wife.
"I feel overdressed."
"You are but no way will I let you off the ranch any other way. No one sees you naked but me."
"I like the way you think.” He took the mug of coffee she offered him and kissed her. “You realize the same restrictions go for you, too."
"Good. What are your plans?"
"I'm going into the office. You were right—I can't leave it."
"I'm glad. I'd hate to see you unhappy."
"What about you?"
"I'm going to order the furniture for the nursery and pick up some other stuff they'll need, like clothes, diapers ... Oh, I'm going to the Park office to talk to my boss."
"You want me to..."
"No, I'll be fine. I need a trailer though."
"Why?"
"Andromeda can't stay there anymore and it's time to finally bring him home."
"I'll talk to Chris on my way out.” He finished his coffee, then set the mug down. Sean went to Rhiannon and pulled her to him. “Keep this up..."
"Promises, promises."
"You're gorgeous, woman."
She slipped her arms around him and he heard her catch her breath.
"What's wrong?” he asked.
"It's the first time I've felt your holster."
"Can you get used to it?"
"It's a part of you,” she said, kissing him. Sean returned the kiss with deep passionate need.
"Baby, I love you."
"I love you, too. Now, go, so I can get something done today."
Sean left, hating their separation.
Please, let me make it through today.
You will, my wolf.
* * * *
While Sean wrestled with his first day back on the job, a jury brought back the verdict in the trial of Adolph Gliickman and his right-hand man, Dustin Chyn. After several long days of deliberation, they returned verdicts of guilty on all counts.
The presiding judge made sure the jury's final decision had been unanimous by calling a poll of the panel before he announced their sentences.
"Due to the heinous nature of these crimes and the many agencies waiting in line for additional trials, I will use my option as presiding judge to sentence you now. Adolph Gliickman and Dustin Chyn, you have been found guilty of all charges. I hereby sentence you to death on the four charges of murder. On the drug and kidnapping charges, I sentence you to twenty-five years to life, to run consecutively with no chance for parole. This court is determined you won't see life on the outside ever again. The sentences start immediately at the Colorado State Penitentiary at Cañon City, where you will face your fate. I thank the jury for their efforts. This court is adjourned."
The bang of his gavel echoed the finality of the proceeding.
The gallery filed out while Gliickman swore vengeance against the judge, several witnesses including Sean McMurray and the unknown victim. Guards ascertained the emptiness of the courtroom before they moved their prisoners to the armored van they would take to the state prison.
Under heavy guard, the prisoners were transported to the prison to begin their new lives. Gliickman peered out the caged windows and smiled. Three state police cars in the rear and two in the front escorted the van one hundred and fifty miles from Aspen to the prison. He sat back, a hint of an evil grin on his face.
Two-thirds of their trek over, the procession passed through an area of open country. The van swerved when something hit it. Gunfire erupted. Both prisoners remained seated while they watched the ensuing battle between law enforcement and Gliickman's small army. Gliickman grinned when the last officer fell to the ground, cut down in the line of duty.
The van door slid back as a uniformed officer took bolt cutters to their shackles. Once out of the van, both prisoners were hustled to a deep tinted black Suburban, which drove off at a high-rate of speed. Gliickman looked back and grinned, pleased a dozen officers lay dead on a mountain road so he could be free.
Günter freed them from the remaining restraints. A window slid down and the shackles flew out. Gliickman nodded at the man able to escape the simultaneous police raids on the clandestine drug lab and the leased estate.
"How are the rest of our plans going?” Gliickman inquired.
"As we speak, our men are taking out the witnesses and the judge. You'll be pleased to hear the District Attorney had been included since he was with the judge when our men hit him."
"McMurray?"
"Waiting on your word."
"Rhiannon Drake?"
"Again, on your word. Chicago is still very interested."
"Good."
* * * *
Sean returned to his office after a meeting with the Chief. He'd made it through the first round of interrogations.
"I understand congratulations are in order—marriage and children in such a short time."
"Yes, sir. Thank you."
"Three daughters?"
"Yes, sir."
"I heard about your loss. My condolences."
"Thank you again, sir."
"Sean, I've known you a while. Wasn't this extremely fast?"
"Rhi and I have been together a long time. We chose to keep it private. With three daughters now, it's a bit hard but..."
"Good luck to you—all of you."
Sean grinned. So far, so good.
He sat down and went through his messages. Since nothing needed immediate attention, he sat back. The soft leather of his well broken-in chair welcomed him back to work.
Hunter joined him and brought him up to speed on recent cases. The caseload had been light since they cleared the Gliickman file. It seemed like eons since they took his operation and him down, followed by their testimony and the ensuing month-long trial. So much in his life had changed and for the better.
"Detective, double homicide."
"We're on it,” Sean stated as he and Hunt left the office.
* * * *
They arrived on location of a double murder in a parking garage in the center of the Aspen business district. Fire apparatus had been dispatched to the same incident for a vehicle fire. The parking lot had been cordoned off with yellow DO NOT CROSS tape.
As they neared the scene, Sean's nose caught a whiff of the sweet acrid smell of burnt flesh. His stomach turned from the truly horrid but familiar scent, though something else was added to this.
"Do you know whose limo this is?” Lockwood asked.
"Judge Midler."
"Witnesses state he and our esteemed district attorney had just gotten inside when it blew."
"Where's the driver?"
"Someone saw him run from the scene."
"Shit!"
"What?"
"We've got a professional hit. Start looking for Mansfield, Midler's driver. Ten to one, he's dead somewhere so the perp could replace him."
"What are you thinking?"
"I'm not yet."
Hunt's cell phone went off.
"Lockwood."
A few minutes later, he hung up, and Sean looked at him.
"What?"
"That was State. Gliickman and Chyn never made it to Cañon City."
"Damn it!” Sean looked around as he cursed. His cell rang and he took a deep breath before he answered it. “McMurray ... You son of a bitch. I swear I'm clearing my desk of everything to concentrate on putting you in hell where you belong."
Sean paled while on the phone. He quickly dialed another number and prayed.
"Hello?"
"Rhi, where are you?"
"At the stables trailering Andromeda. Why?"
"Is Chris with you?"
"Yes, Sean, what's wrong?"
"I want you to get back to The Sanctuary after you make sure he's all right."
"All right, but tell
me why. What has you so upset?"
"Gliickman and the Asian escaped custody. They've already killed Judge Midler and the prosecutor. Rhi, he's sworn to get some of the witnesses and two others."
"W-w-who?"
"You and me."
"Sean, no..."
He heard the fear in her voice, sensed it in his soul. Baby...
"Please, go to Julian and Elizabeth. I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Sean, don't go after him. Please..."
"We have a score to settle. He hurt you and I will hurt him."
"Please, my wolf, don't go after him. We need you. I need you."
"He has to be stopped."
"Sean..."
"I'll be careful. I swore I'd protect you and he took you away. I can't allow that to happen again."
"I couldn't go through..."
"I know. I have to stop him before he hurts you or the others. Go! As soon as you can."
"Sean..."
"Now, Rhi!"
The force of his voice surprised him as silence fell between them.
"Please, baby."
Chapter 18
"Chris, would you take Andromeda for me? I need to talk to someone."
"Yes, ma'am. If you need..."
"I'll be fine."
She hurried to see Lowell Atlee. She needed to tell him personally she would not be returning to her job as a guide.
"Rhiannon, the stables just notified me about you moving Andromeda."
"Yes, he's being trailered now."
"Why?"
"I figured it's time, since I'm resigning."
"Why? You're my best guide. Is it because I always gripe about your schedule?"
"Other, more important things are taking priority."
"I take it your husband's making you do this?"
"No, he's not. It's my decision and our daughters need me."
"Daughters?"
"Three beautiful little girls."
"Three? A little fast?"
"No, it wasn't and you're being trite."
"I don't want to lose you."
"Neither does my husband or my family. Lowell, Natalie's death still bothers me. I can't be an effective guide if I'm scared of the clients."
"Rhiannon..."
"Lowell, I've already made my decision, now I've got to go."
Before he could say anymore, she said good-bye and left.
"Are you all right?” Chris asked when she rejoined him at the trailer.