by Tara West
She cast, then swore when the line tangled in a low-hanging branch. He backed the boat up, took the rod from her, and deftly unhooked the lure.
“I don’t know why you took me fishing when I suck.” She snatched the pole from him, not meaning to come off angry, but she was frustrated with herself.
“You just need more practice.” He stood behind her, rubbing the tension from her shoulders. “Relax, Amara. You’re stressing too much over this. Fishing should be fun.”
She eyed the rod with disdain. “It’s not fun when I’m hooking my mate and getting stuck on tree branches.”
“We all get hooked and stuck on branches.” He chuckled.
“Oh.” That made her feel better. Maybe she just needed to chill. It probably didn’t help that she’d had three cups of coffee this morning and her brain was ready to explode with caffeine overload.
He backed up the boat and helped her cast again. No sooner had her lure hit the water than a monster fish jumped up and took it.
“You got one!” he howled. “Hook it.”
Her blood pumped so fast, the whooshing in her ears drowned out the buzz of the line. She jerked the pole like he’d showed her and then started reeling in the fish. She only got a few turns in before he took off, dragging line off the reel.
“Holy shit! Help, Drasko.”
“You got it.” He sounded way too confident in her as he drove the boat toward the racing fish.
“Omigod, omigod!” She alternated between letting the fish take out line, then fighting to bring it back. “Are you sure you don’t want to reel it in?” she pleaded, mostly because she was getting worn out.
“No, this is your catch.”
With his encouragement, and a whole lot of fighting, she brought her catch close to the boat. Every muscle in her body was screaming from overuse and tension as she lifted the pole as high as it could go so Drasko could net the fish.
He was a monster, a long, fat fish with brown spots and a wicked-looking pointy snout.
She jumped up and down in excitement as he hauled in their catch. “Is it Big Ben?”
He shook his head. “I think it’s Big Ben Junior. Impressive catch, though. Do you want to eat him or put him back?”
She frowned as the fish gasped for air, its gills frantically opening and closing. “If we let him go, we can catch him another day.”
“Good idea.” He lowered the fish into the water, and it took off with a giant splash. Drasko chuckled as he wiped water off his face.
She planted a big kiss on his lips. “Thank you. Now I see why you enjoy fishing so much.”
He bent his forehead to hers, stroking her back. “It’s even more fun when I have you for a fishing partner.”
Her heart filled with so much love for him that she had to kiss him again. “I love you,” she murmured.
He lifted her off the deck, squeezing her tight. “I love you more than life, Amara.”
After catching and releasing a few more fish, they returned home to wash up and eat lunch. They’d just finished their sandwiches when they got a call from the Bearchaser Pack. Drasko took her to check on their dog, who was having seizures. He was a ragged hound with tired eyes, probably older than Buster. She felt his skull, sensing the slowing and misfiring in his brain. She encouraged the Bearchasers to give him CBD oil to help with the seizures but warned he was not long for this world. Their mate, an Alaskan Native like them, with a big, round belly and a gaggle of boys running around her legs, thanked Amara with a hug and a beautiful turquoise necklace and matching bracelet.
WHEN SHE AND DRASKO returned home, her heart seized as a familiar man with wiry muscles and a shaved head walked out onto the porch steps.
“Luc!” she screamed, jumping out of the truck and racing into his arms. She buried her face against his chest, unable to control the sobs that wracked her. “I’ve been so worried.”
“Don’t cry. I’m fine.” He wrapped his arms around her.
He stumbled back, leaning against the wall as she melted into his embrace. Had something happened to his balance? And why did being held by Luc feel different, as if she was hugging a child?
She pulled back, wiping her eyes, and that’s when she noticed the hollows under his cheekbones and the circles beneath his eyes. What had happened to him? “You don’t look well.”
“I’m just tired.” He dragged a hand down his face. “It was a long mission.”
She hated the hunger she saw in his eyes. “What can I do to make you feel better?”
He led her into the house. She wordlessly followed him up the stairs and toward her private bedroom, the one she’d yet to use. He couldn’t possibly want sex in his condition.
“Wait!” She dug her heels in as he shut the door behind them. “Luc, you need food and rest, not sex.” Loath though she was to deny him, she feared physical activity would make him worse.
“I’m fine. I ate some MREs on the flight home.” He smoothed calloused knuckles down her cheek. “What I need is to be inside you.”
She searched his dark features. What she saw nearly took her breath away. He appeared haunted, as if he’d been dragged down to the pit of hell and clawed his way back. He’d seen horrors on this mission. She knew it in the core of her soul. Her heart broke, and her gut twisted. This man needed her. How could she deny him?
She pulled him to the bed and undressed him, trying not to show emotion as she ran her fingers over the many cuts and bruises along his torso. She bit back a curse when she noticed ribs protruding through his skin. He wouldn’t have the strength to make love to her.
She cupped his face with both hands, willing the tears pricking her eyes to retreat. I’ve missed you so much.
I’ve missed you more than words can express. He flashed a weary smile while unbuttoning her jeans.
Let me, she said, taking him to the bed. After their clothes were off, she climbed in beside him.
When he turned to her, she grasped his taut shoulders, pushing him back down with her lips on his. Lie back. Let me take care of you.
She kissed him, tenderly at first, but he soon made it clear he needed more passion when he panted into her mouth like a wounded animal, raking his hands over her as if he was trying to commit every inch of her to memory.
She broke the kiss, gasping for air, and then climbed down him, tracing every cut and bruise with her lips before settling between his legs.
When he jutted his erection toward her, she was sorely tempted to latch onto his hips and ram him down her throat, but she exercised restraint. He needed her to be gentle, even if he didn’t realize it.
She spit into her hand, lathering up his balls, a little trick she’d learned since Luc had been away, then kissed up and down his shaft before taking him in her mouth.
He swore, digging his nails into the sheets when she slowly slid down his length, burying him deep inside her while massaging his testicles. She did this repeatedly, easing up on the friction when she tasted his salty essence on her tongue.
Amara, please, come to me. His cry ricocheted in her brain as he held his hand down to her.
She planted kisses across his hipbones. Are you sure?
Ride me, my love. I need to be inside you.
She seated herself on him, gasping when he thrust into her with a grunt. She balanced on his shoulders, cringing at the feel of his bones poking her palms.
He latched onto her waist and repeatedly thrust into her, pounding her tight bundle of nerves. She didn’t have time to prepare herself for the orgasm that swept through her, holding her captive in its clutches while Luc banged against her like a drum. She sucked in a scream as he fucked her through one orgasm and into another.
He stilled, then shuddered, his cock exploding and bathing her slick channel with several long spurts.
After one long, tender kiss, she fell on top of him with a sigh, then quickly slid off, worried she’d crush him. She nestled in the crook of his arm, ignoring the discomfort of his hard angles pressing in
to her. All that mattered was that Luc was home and safe—for now.
AMARA WAS SADDENED she couldn’t snuggle with her handsome tracker for the rest of the evening. No more putting it off though. He needed nourishment.
She sat up, frowning at the bruises on his chest. “You need to eat.”
“I will.” He held out his arms to her. “I just want to hold you a while longer.”
She turned from him, unable to bear the hollow dents in his cheeks, making him look like a chemo patient. He needed to gain a lot of weight. How could he battle the Devoras in this condition?
“What’s wrong?” he asked, a hand at her back.
She bit down on her knuckles. “You’ve lost too much weight.”
He stroked the curve of her spine. “I’ll gain it back.”
She turned to him. “Hakon will be back in a few days. Drasko says you’re going to Romania to hunt the Devoras.”
He grabbed her shoulders, piercing her with dark eyes. “Amara, they need to be stopped before they try again.”
“You’re in no condition to go chasing after them.”
“I heal fast.” He shrugged, flashing a tight smile. “What if they succeed next time? Can you imagine a young girl like Tatiana being forced to live apart from her mates?”
“No, but what if they kill you?” She released a shuddering breath at the thought. “Then I’ll be forced to live apart from you.”
He cupped her cheek, his gaze unwavering. “They won’t kill us.”
He spoke with such conviction, she knew he believed it to be true. His overconfidence could be his downfall.
“You don’t know that.” She swallowed hard, remembering Drasko limping into the castle with buckshot wounds in his side. He was lucky his wounds had healed, and he was only left with three fading scars. That night could have turned out much worse. “They tricked you last time and led you into that hunting camp.”
“That was my fault.” Luc coursed a hand through his hair with a groan. “I was so worried about you, I wasn’t concentrating. This time I know you’ll be safe with my parents, and I can focus on the Devoras.” He grasped her shoulders, searching her face with a look akin to desperation. “I’m the best tracker in all the Amaroki. If anyone has a chance at bringing down the Devoras, it’s us.”
She chewed her bottom lip. “I know. I’m just worried.”
“I’ve survived heavily armed North Korean soldiers for the past month.” He flashed a cross between a grimace and a smile. “I’ll manage a few ragged wolves.”
Her jaw dropped. “You were in North Korea?”
“Yep.” His voice faltered.
Dozens of horrible scenarios, involving torture and dodging machinegun fire, ran through her mind. “Do I even want to know what you were doing?”
“Probably not.” His mouth hitched in a slanted grin. Well, at least someone thought this was funny.
She draped her arms around him, taking in the dark alluring scent that was all his own. “I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of you.”
He stroked her arm, then swirled a pattern around her nipple before squeezing her breast. “How about you show me?” he whispered.
Her need for him grew strong once more, her pussy swelling and aching for him, but as she looked into his tired eyes, she knew their lovemaking would have to wait. “I will.” She pushed him away. “After you eat.”
LUC ATE LIKE A STARVING man, devouring five bowls of moose chili. Then he ate an entire pie when his parents showed up with homemade desserts after dinner.
Amara had to move over and share Luc with his mom and Tatiana, who held his hands and kissed his cheeks, despite his protests. She didn’t mind so much. She was happy to see how much his family loved him. She was alarmed, though, when Tatiana said she’d never seen Luc look so bad. That’s when Amara decided she was going to have a talk with Agent Johnson, because she no longer believed Luc’s missions were as safe as the agent claimed.
By the end of the night, she was happy to see the dark circles under Luc’s eyes diminishing. She was grateful that their kind were fast healers, though the memories of the bruises on his torso and his protruding ribcage would haunt her for weeks.
Luc struggled to keep his eyes open while his family visited. Tor soon caught on and ushered them out of the house. After Amara was finished with her goodbyes, she found Luc passed out on the sofa. She snuggled beside him, smiling up at Rone when he draped a blanket over them. Before she closed her eyes, she whispered her thanks to the Ancients that her brave tracker had safely returned to her, and then she sent up a prayer that they’d continue to protect him.
Chapter Three
Over the next few days, Amara and Rone worked on fattening Luc up, and his parents came over every evening with new treats. By the end of the week, his bruises were gone and his sharp, gaunt features had softened. She should’ve been comforted by the improvement, but with each passing day she worried more and more that her mates would soon leave her.
She waited anxiously on the front porch on the day Hakon was expected to return home. When she heard his truck down the road, she jumped from her chair, wringing her hands. She raced down the steps when he pulled into the drive and threw herself into his arms when he got out of the truck.
He held her tight, kissing her passionately.
I’ve missed you so much, she projected. Please don’t go to Romania.
He deepened the kiss, wrapping her in a cocoon of love. Whenever she was with her big protector, she felt so safe, so loved. She wasn’t ready to give that up.
All four of her mates were home with her again. For one night her soul would be complete.
HAKON HAD BROUGHT HOME a huge cooler of crabs. Amara had only ever eaten them once at her stepdad’s house, and she’d loved them. They were absolutely amazing dipped in the garlic butter sauce Rone made.
“So how was work?” Drasko asked Hakon while they cracked crab legs by the fire pit on the concrete patio.
“Grueling, as usual,” Hakon said, handing a long tube of meat to Amara.
She thanked him with a kiss on the cheek and a coy look that promised she’d thank him again later. Judging by the looks he was giving her, he wanted her all to himself tonight. Not that she’d mind a little one-on-one with him after his long absence.
“Did they miss me?” Drasko asked.
The men laughed at that, and Amara knew it was because Drasko had been a difficult employee, to say the least. He didn’t handle orders well.
Hakon snickered. “What do you think?” He nodded across the fire at Luc. “How was your mission?”
“Different.” The flames cast eerie shadows across Luc’s features. He shot a furtive glance at Amara. “We’ll talk about it later.”
She stiffened. She didn’t like her mates keeping secrets from her. Whatever had happened to Luc, she had a right to know.
“What have you been up to while I’ve been away?” Hakon asked her, popping a piece of crabmeat in his mouth.
“Just diagnosing animals,” she said. “No time to use my camera or much else.”
Drasko winked at her, nudging her. “And we’ve been following our mate around like her obedient little puppies, helping her pick up heavy dogs and calm horses.”
“Not my puppies,” Amara corrected. “My assistants.”
“Is that our title?” Drasko chuckled.
“I prefer love slaves.” Rone batted his eyelashes, his dimples deepening as he flashed Amara a grin so naughty, it shot a zing straight to her girly parts.
“How are the visits going?” Hakon asked.
Drasko puffed up his chest, looking at her with appreciation. “Everyone loves her. I’m glad we let her do it.”
Amara snorted. “As if you could’ve stopped me.”
She ignored Drasko’s warning growl, nuzzling his neck and nibbling his earlobe. His growl soon turned to a groan. She inwardly smiled. She knew how to make her alpha submit.
“She’s helped dozens of tribe members,�
� Rone added. “We’ll have many supporters when our fathers are ready to pass the torch.”
“All except the Stormwatchers,” she grumbled.
Hakon arched a brow. “What happened with the Stormwatchers?”
Amara told them about the sick calf and Daniella’s snarky remark about the lake.
Hakon stared into the fire, rubbing the stubble on his chin. “Aguk Stormwatcher was acting odd this last rotation. He barely said three words to me.”
She hadn’t realized the Stormwatcher alpha worked with Hakon. No wonder he wasn’t at the house when she’d visited.
“Do you think they’ll try to take back the chiefdom?” Luc asked.
Drasko laughed, slapping his knee. “They’d be crazy if they tried.”
Amara grimaced, thinking of that poor calf. “They can’t even take care of their livestock. How would they run a tribe?”
Hakon shook his head. “If they did attempt to claim the chiefdom, the elders wouldn’t support them.”
“Do you think they’ll cause problems for my grandparents?” She worried that their animosity would extend to Romania, especially since Daniella was related to their chieftain.
“They can’t do anything from here.” Hakon waved an empty crab claw around his head like he was shooing away a bug. “They’re just disgruntled drunks. I wouldn’t worry about them.”
“I hope you’re right, but Daniella gave me a bad feeling.” A chill swept up her spine when she recalled the venomous look in Daniella’s eyes. That bitch didn’t look like the type to drop an old grudge.
Hakon set the claw down and took her hand in his. “What can I do to drive away those bad feelings?” He placed a tender kiss on her palm.
The oddest sensation zinged from her hand and across her skin, like a bolt of lightning was coursing through her veins. When it cascaded toward that sweet spot between her legs, she felt a flutter in her womb and then something inside her expanded. She shot up when she remembered that blooming talk with her bunica.
She jerked her hand free. “Oh!”