There had to be genuine love.
Travis came into the cabin just as she was thinking of him. He carried the sticks he’d originally set out for before being led away.
She met him at the doorway. He was wet, but didn’t look injured. “Are you okay? Did anyone hurt you?”
“Don’t worry about me, sugar.” He dropped the sticks against the side of the wall and then used both hands to slick back his wet hair. The way the muscles in his shoulders and arms shifted stole her attention. Five men. Did she dare to initiate something here? Now? She desperately wanted to make love to Travis, but she’d also been looking forward to sharing herself with Matthew and Garret. There’s nothing to be scared of. Her body had easily accepted four of them, and they were patient lovers. A little rough, but attentive nonetheless.
As much as she looked forward to the day she’d share her body with all the men, tonight wasn’t the time. In her heart, she needed Travis. She didn’t feel at all attractive in her current state. Being tired, dirty, wet, and drained both emotionally and physically had taken their toll on Cassidy. She didn’t want a sex party. What she needed was tenderness, closeness, and to learn what it felt like when a man made love to a woman.
“You promised me dinner,” she whispered up to him.
“I’m on it.” He smiled down at her, tucked her against his side, and kissed her atop the head. “You’ll be eating in two shakes.”
The other men started to leave.
“Where you going?”
“You’re in good hands with Travis, Cassie. We’ll be close, keeping watch.”
Why did all four of them insist on leaving? Did they sense how much she needed time alone with Travis? They were at such a monumental point in their relationship. She wanted to savor his transition from casual to committed, learn everything she could about the cowboy enigma.
When the door shut behind Patrick, leaving her alone with Travis, the lust they’d recently shared began to grow again. She studied his back as he prepared the food over the fire. He had wide shoulders and a strong, toned back. His spine had a slight indent, tapering off into a hard, round ass. What she wanted to do was jump the man’s bones, nip his ear, and press her naked body to his. Instead, she did nothing but wait patiently, ignoring the erotic visions dancing in her head.
She felt the need to break the silence that had crept in. “I’m glad we found you when we did. It scares me when you fight.”
“Didn’t I find you?” He turned just his head, peeking at her through his mop of damp blond hair.
“It doesn’t really matter. It’s crazy for grown men to run around in the bushes trying to kill each other.”
He stood up and turned around. She had to look up at him now which nearly left her speechless. “It was for you, for your honor. That’s the way we handle things, Cassidy. I told you, it’s different in Climax.”
Different wasn’t the word. It was like she’d entered another realm of reality far removed from the one she knew well. Back home everyone seemed to be dancing the nine-to-five, only concerned with climbing the corporate ladder or kissing the right ass. Everyone dressed the part and played their role to perfection. You couldn’t even wipe your ass backward without getting taxed or fined.
As much as she had a culture shock since moving to Climax, the simplicity was like taking a breath. There were no rules, little structure to the daily grind, and the men were no-holds-barred. She was getting used to their unorthodox lifestyle and knew she’d miss it if she left now. There was just always that lingering feeling that she was missing something or they were hiding something.
“Why are you all naked? Even the Rockford miners had nothing on. I don’t understand.”
“It’s just the rain. It’s dangerous to trudge around in wet clothes.”
“So what…you’re all worried about getting a fungal infection now?” She wanted to scream because she knew he was keeping information from her.
He only shrugged.
“Is it normal for five men to…to live with one woman?”
She wanted to say “marry,” but didn’t want to be presumptuous, so soon. The step she’d just made with Travis had been groundbreaking.
He chuckled, coming close enough to pull her toward him. “How many times do I have to tell you the same thing, darlin’? We’re not your average men, and we share everything, including our woman. You have Garret’s stamp of approval, which means it’s only a matter of time until he makes things official.”
“Official?”
“He’ll give you our mark. No man would dare touch you after that.”
Again with the mark. It sounded as animalistic as her men seemed to act at times. They ran with the wolves, didn’t wear clothes in the body-chilling temperatures, and waged war like savages. “Do you mean the love bite everyone keeps mentioning?” She wondered if it would hurt, but every rite of passage had something questionable.
“It’s very important in our culture.”
She grew bold. If she was going to commit to these five men, there couldn’t be secrets. “What culture exactly? As far as I see you’re all just Canadian miners. What kind of men mark their woman? It sounds rather barbaric for the twenty-first century.”
“It’s complicated.”
“Travis, it doesn’t have to be. Just let me in. If you all claim to care about me enough to keep me forever, then why won’t you tell me everything?”
He tweaked her nose. “Silly girl. There’s nothing to tell, nothing to worry about. Just know that we love you.”
“It’s not enough…”
“It’s all I have, baby doll. Garret’s the one who makes the big decisions.”
“Back to the love bite.”
Ridiculous. But even without answers, she wasn’t about to throw away the best things that had ever happened to her. She’d just save her battle for another day. Maybe the day Garret decided to “mark” her.
Being bitten by a man didn’t sound at all sensual or appealing. But she did have a deep-seated craving to be officially attached to these men in whatever capacity they saw as committed.
“Don’t worry. I guarantee you’ll love it.”
Chapter Seven
Travis wanted the human girl to be comfortable. If he were alone, he’d shift into his fur and be fine on the wooden floor. But tonight he had Cassidy with him and no bed or blankets to offer. At least he’d fed her, and she appeared appeased for now.
He wondered if it had been a mistake giving her that kiss. It had been more powerful than he’d expected, but now he felt a unique vulnerability. He couldn’t allow anything to happen to Cassidy. His wolf had decided she was the one even before their lips touched, but now every cell in his body wanted to claim her. Garret had always called him a wild card, continually on his back about showing up late to work or not wearing his safety gear. Would he ream him out if he couldn’t hold back the urge to mark her first? Unlikely. When it came to women, males rarely turned the other cheek.
“You bring out the beast in me,” he said. If only their worlds weren’t so divided. How would she react once Garret told her the truth? There were stories, true or not, he wasn’t sure, about women going mad, running away in fear, or instantly hating their lover once the truth was revealed. He couldn’t imagine Cassidy being fearful or disgusted by his wolf. It would destroy him now that he’d mentally committed to her.
“I like your beast,” she said. Her voice was hushed, and she trailed her fingers faintly over his chest.
He closed his eyes briefly, savoring her touch and wishing she knew what she said. Patrick claimed she’d seen his wolf and was drawn to it, no fear whatsoever. He’d love to feel her hands through his fur. He needed that acceptance from her. It was the last obstacle keeping him from giving himself completely to the fragile little human. As her mate, he’d kill anything that dared threaten her. She’d never worry or want for anything. Already the feeling of purpose filled his veins, satisfying him like he never imagined possible. Travis ha
d always planned and expected to remain unattached, especially since his alpha showed no interest in any one particular female. He was fine with that, but now his dark world had color.
“Let me kiss you again.” He leaned in, slowly, patiently. They had all night, and he wanted to show Cassidy his love through his actions. He wanted her to know he’d never harm her, not as a man or wolf.
“I’d like that.” She rose up on her toes, lightly bracing her hands on his shoulders. Everything felt right. He brushed his lips over hers, their breath mingling. Travis used all his power to maintain his restraint when all he wanted to do was sink into her heat, ride her hard and fast until she cried out in the night.
They kissed as they had earlier, their mouths molding, their tongues exploring. Every sound seemed to disappear, leaving just the two of them in their bubble of intimacy. With his pack just outside the walls he didn’t have to rely on his wolf senses for safety. He trusted them with his life. “You’ll have to teach me…how to make love.”
“I know for a fact you do it very well.” She smiled against his lips.
He stepped back, holding her at arm’s length. “Not like that. I want to go slow, and I don’t want to hurt you.”
She frowned as if he spoke a foreign language. “Have I ever complained? I like it when you guys get a little rough. I trust you, Travis. I know you’d never really hurt me.”
“You have no idea the things I’d like to do to you.”
“Show me.” She reached low and grabbed his erection in her fist, holding firm. He groaned, loving the feel of her sweet little hand around his cock. But she wouldn’t tempt him to take her hard tonight. He had to prove to himself as much as her that he could love her the way she deserved.
“When we get back home, I’ll show you, sweet thing. Guaranteed. Not tonight.”
He pulled her shirt up and off before bending forward to scoop her up into his arms, sweeping her off her feet. She squealed and wrapped an arm around his neck. The only place, besides the floor, he could place her was the oversized desk. He laid her down on her back.
“Come to me.” She held out her arms, beckoning him closer. Travis climbed up on the desk, hovering over her naked body. He loved her curves, the soft swell of her stomach and fullness of her breasts. Her beautiful blue eyes held him captive. He lowered his body over hers as he sought her lips. He fought to keep his fangs in check so he could savor her, taste her sweetness.
“That’s my girl,” he said as he parted her legs with his thigh. “You’re mine. Tell me you’re mine.”
“Yes.”
He wanted to believe her, but she didn’t realize what she promised. She expected to unconditionally love a human male, not a freak, a shifter she didn’t even know existed. It would have to suffice for now.
Travis trailed kisses along her face and neck, nuzzling and suckling. Her skin was so soft and feminine. Rather than only focus on the promise of pleasure, he really looked at Cassidy. He noticed things he’d never cared to study before. Now things were different. He’d committed with that first kiss, no going back.
She had the cutest nose, slightly upturned. There was a slight smattering of freckles along her cheeks, barely visible. A beauty mark above her left breast was unique to her, like the soon-to-be mark on her neck would be as well. He gently lapped at her nipple, watching the tip firm into a tight bud. Her body was deliciously receptive. The little human had been willing to try anything and everything, forever with an open mind.
He guided his cock into her slick opening. Travis easily sank into her pussy, growling as her body accepted him, squeezing mercilessly. He halted, memorizing the sound of her breath, scent of her desire, and lust in her eyes. They held eye contact, a silent connection passing between them.
“Travis… I’m burning.” The need in her voice spurred him to take things to the next level. He began to thrust, slow at first. She wrapped her legs around his hips, locking her ankles. Occassionally she’d nudge him, expecting more. The little vixen refused to let him explore his softer side, not that it had been easy at all. Maybe it was good that Cassidy accepted him the way he was, rough edges and all.
“After tonight, things will be different, little one. I don’t share my woman.”
He increased his pace, sliding in and out of her cunt. Each thrust brought him closer to the edge. His balls had already pulled up high against his body in preparation.
“But—”
* * * *
Cassidy did love Travis. The fact she felt a flip in her stomach when he’d walk in a room, felt bereft when he was away, and couldn’t imagine leaving Climax never to see him again—were all signs she was hopelessly in love. She knew all about infatuation, but she was a woman, not a young girl. Her feelings for the cowboy were genuine, and now that he’d finally shown her some real emotion, her dreams were becoming reality.
But she could never choose one of her men over the other. Each was a unique piece to the whole. She’d come to accept being the woman for their “pack.” It was ideal for her, but was it so easy for them? Travis began to sound possessive, a jealous streak coming into play. As much as she wanted him, it worried her.
“No buts. From now on you’ll live with us, not in that shack of yours. We’ll take care of you, provide you with anything you need. You won’t need any other males.”
“So you will share me?”
He pulled his head back, looking down at her with narrowed eyes. “Share you with who exactly?”
“The other miners—Garret, Patrick, Evan, and Matthew.”
Travis exhaled, as if released a great weight of stress. “Yes, darlin’. With them I’ll share you, but not another soul.”
His dirty-blond hair fell down over his eyes. The man was gorgeous, a treat for her sight and libido. She clenched around his cock once he’d stopped moving completely. The pressure jolted him back into action. He began to work his hips again, thrusting deep inside her in smooth, delicious strokes. Travis was well endowed, the fullness satisfying on its own. Once his mad skills were added to his natural blessing, she was in unadulterated ecstasy.
“Stop being gentle,” she said.
Cassidy knew what he was trying to do without being told. He wanted to show her another side to him, but she’d already seen it. Travis had more layers than the superficial one she’d seen since arriving in Climax. He had so much more to offer her, and she loved him all the more for it.
“Why? Don’t you like this?”
“Yes, but it’s not you. I don’t want you trying to be anyone else. It’s you I want.”
He kissed just under her ear where all sounds were magnified. His breath turned into a whisper. “Before coming to Climax I lived a lonely life, unwanted by the people I’d grown to love. It hardened me, made me less of a man. I spent years wandering, in search of others like me. I’d nearly given up hope, expecting to exile myself in the northern forests for the rest of my days. It was Garret who rescued me, rescued us all. Now you. I was existing, had a place in the world. But now I’m living. You’ve opened me up to the point I feel I can take on any challenge. Anything to make you proud.”
“Oh, Travis…I don’t want to change you. You’re a man I’d be proud to give my heart to.” She hugged him and then ran a hand through his hair. Cassidy had never known the love and tenderness of a mother, but somehow knew how to comfort Travis. Together they’d find their way, find their place. She wouldn’t allow the past to continue to define them.
“Remember that,” he said.
“Make love to me. Make me forget everything except you and that big cock of yours.”
He didn’t need any time to get refocused. His erection still pulsed inside her, but as soon as he began to move, it swelled to its full thickness. “That, I can do.”
He began to fuck her, pumping hard enough to make the entire desk shift along the hardwood floors. She encouraged him by gripping his biceps with her nails, digging in enough to sting. Travis wasn’t unlike her, kinky and turned on
by a little pain. They often played sex games, and she usually lost.
“Harder,” she demanded. “Hurt me.”
“Fuck, Cassidy, you’re asking for trouble.” The man growled, grabbing a fistful of her hair and pulling her head back as he rammed her even harder. She loved the roughness, the raw sexuality.
“Yes!”
She’d love a spanking, any form of punishment to add to the eroticism, but they were both too close to play tonight. Cassidy was a breath away from climaxing. Every sensation was magnified, a pressure building and building deep in her core.
He kissed her, a brutal domination of her mouth. She could scarcely breathe, their passion was so strong. He slid an arm under her lower back to bring her closer to his body, his other hand gathering her wrists above her head. Travis fucked her tirelessly. A man possessed. Her lovers on the other side of that door would be getting an earful. She couldn’t contain all her gasps and moans, not when Travis managed to hit every sweet spot inside her walls. It reminded her of all the times Garret would watch but not participate. Knowing she had an audience turned her on even more. She couldn’t wait to have all five men in her bed at once.
“Come on, sweet thing. Don’t hold off on me tonight. I know you’re close.”
She was close. Her mind only focused on the pleasure, the nearness of her orgasm. As much as she wanted to hover in the beautiful euphoria, she didn’t want Travis to suffer after being such a sweetheart. She relaxed her muscles and let the wash of liquid heat take control, sweeping her over the edge. It was blinding the way her orgasm scattered through her body, spreading heat and tranquility to every cell. By the time Travis had met his peak, she was boneless, completely sated, and ready to sleep for a week.
Their cramped, wooden makeshift bed wasn’t exactly stellar, but Travis tucked her against him in the crook of his arm. She wouldn’t have traded it for anything. The steady beat of his heart was her lullaby, soothing her, reminding her she no longer had to go through life alone. They’d heal each other, make a new beginning with memories nobody could steal.
Taming Travis [Wolves of Climax 4] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever) Page 6