“They’ll be there. You should have seen Derek’s face when I told him the eagles had laid.” She tugged his jacket tighter around her. “Thanks for this. Shall we talk in my car? I don’t want Olsen to see us and suspect anything.”
“Sure.” They walked across the parking lot. “They’re definitely after the eggs?”
“Yes. Or what comes out of the eggs. Derek admitted he would love to own a golden eagle.” They reached her car, and she opened the driver’s door. Liam closed in on her, his arm circling her waist. “It’s a good thing I own you.”
“You do.” He sighed and inhaled her scent. “You smell wonderful.”
“What do we do now?” Beverly asked, leaning in and kissing his neck.
“We could go back to my place,” he suggested, nuzzling her skin. “Or we could go for a drink in Bear Bluff.”
Beverly slid her hand down his chest. “I vote for option one.”
Liam groaned. “Good choice.” He pulled away from her. “Pity that means we have to part.”
“Ten minutes. Aren’t I worth the wait?” she asked coyly, slipping his jacket off and passing it back to him.
“Most definitely.” He grinned as he walked backward away from her. “I’m going to need so much willpower not to break the speed limit all the way home.”
Beverly slid into her car. “See you there.” She shut the door, and started the engine, while he jogged across the parking lot to his motorbike. He wanted to be with her, next to her. If he didn’t need his bike early in the morning, he’d have left it here and ridden back to Bear Creek with her.
Or taken her somewhere remote and fucked her in the car. That would satisfy him just long enough to then take her home and fuck her again.
He groaned with longing and put his helmet on, swinging his leg over the motorbike. He turned the key and the engine roared into life. With some measure of self-control, he swung out of the parking lot at a low speed, and followed Beverly’s car all the way back to Bear Creek.
She parked it outside his store, and he drove the bike to the small garage where he stored it. Removing his helmet, he quickly left the garage and locked it behind him.
“What kept you?” she purred, leaning against the door leading into the back of the store.
“You are a tease, Beverly.” He kissed her fiercely while unlocking the door. They burst inside, their mouths locked together as they tore at each other’s clothes. Liam kicked the door closed and threw his keys on the counter of the small kitchen as they headed for the stairs.
An intense longing grew inside him, and he picked her up in his arms and carried her upstairs, striding along the corridor to his bedroom. He was going to claim his mate for the second time this evening. He almost ripped the door off its hinges as he lost his self-control at that thought.
Liam lay Beverly down on the bed and gazed down at her. Her own jacket, which she must have put on in the car, was gone, discarded in the kitchen, her cardigan was draped over the counter in the store. All that was left was the velvet dress that clung to her body, just a little too tight. He loved it. But it had to go.
“You first,” Beverly said, and turned on her side, resting her chin on her hand.
“If you insist.” He lifted his T-shirt and dragged it over his head.
“Nice.” She gazed at him dreamily. “And the rest.”
Liam unbuckled his belt, and pushed his jeans to the floor, stepping out of them, to stand naked before her.
“Very nice.” She licked her lips, her eyes resting on his engorged cock.
“Now you.” He stood still as she lifted herself off the bed and stood before him.
Reaching behind her back, she unzipped her dress, and slowly slid it off her shoulders. Beverly let him appreciate her body, wrapped in lacy underwear, for a moment. “Like what you see?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” His cock was painfully hard, as he imagined burying himself deep in her tight sex.
“A little,” she pouted and then unclasped her lacy bra, freeing her amazing breasts. The thought of that little man, Derek, leering at his woman’s breasts made his blood run hot. He needed to claim her, soon, to push all thoughts of other men out of her head for good.
“And the rest,” he said, copying her words.
“These?” She slid her hand over the silky fabric of her panties, caressing her mound.
“Yes.” He longed to kiss her right there, to taste her slick juices and make her whimper with desire.
“I’m not that kind of girl.” She looked at him with big eyes.
Liam stalked toward her. She was the biggest tease and he loved her for it. “Maybe you need a taste of what I’m offering.”
He placed his hand over hers, and moved both their hands, stroking her clit, and then sliding between her thighs to where she was hot and wet. He pushed her panties to one side, and stroked her skin, probing her with his thick finger. Lowering his head, he kissed her neck, and then curled his tongue around her earlobe, before sucking it into his mouth, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin.
Beverly opened her mouth, her head lolling back as she let out a deep, guttural groan. Liam pressed another finger inside her sex, his thumb working to stimulate her clit, as she curled her hand around his cock and stroked it firmly.
“Maybe I need a teacher?” she whispered against his neck, before nipping it sharply.
“I am more than willing to school you.” His mouth captured her breast, and he sucked hard, the sensations connecting with her sex, and her inner muscles gripped his fingers as they explored her.
Beverly slipped her free hand down to cup his balls, while her other hand pumped his cock. If this was a game, to see who would come first, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to win or lose. His legs tensed, he was about to come.
She broke away from him.
Liam stood in a daze, as if he were in a boxing ring with a heavyweight champion who had just slugged him senseless.
Beverly took his hand and guided him toward the bed. “I want you to come inside me, Liam. I want to feel you inside me.”
He came to his senses and caught her up in his arms, lifting her off her feet and depositing her on the bed on all fours. With one hand he urged her knees further apart, while he ran a finger along her wet sex with the other. She pushed back, but he didn’t enter her, he wanted her desperate and needy. Because he was so fucking desperate and needy himself.
Beverly turned to face him, her teeth biting down on her lower lip. “Please, Liam. I want you inside me.”
“Do you always get what you want?” he asked, reaching around her and stroking her clit.
“I’ve only ever wanted you.” Tears misted her eyes as she spoke with open honesty. “There were things I thought I wanted. People I thought I wanted. But now I know they weren’t real. Not like you.”
Liam leaned over and kissed her spine, while he guided himself into her slick sex. She ducked her head and groaned as he slid deep into her, one fluid movement as he filled her completely. His fingers thrummed a beat on her clit, while he covered her back with kisses. She sobbed, it was all too much, but it wasn’t enough. Not yet.
He pulled out of her, leaving only the head of his cock inside her. He paused, letting her adjust to the emptiness, before he lunged forward. Beverly’s fingers curled up, scrunching up the covers as she leaned back, taking everything he offered.
Liam pulled back out of her once more, and she rocked back and forth on the head of his cock. It was his turn to groan, his breath coming fast as he fought to prolong their lovemaking. He was so close to coming, but he needed to hang on. He let out a sharp breath and tried to place his mind elsewhere, but he couldn’t, every part of him belonged here with Beverly.
He pushed back inside her, long, slow, deep. As he moved, he threaded his arm under her body and stroked her breasts as they hung beneath her. His other hand continued to rub and pinch her clit, while he pierced her with his cock over and over again. She sobbed, fighting her own need to come.
Liam was relentless: he wanted to overpower her senses, to make her come hard and long. To wipe away the memories of every other man she desired. He was hers, she was his, and he had to prove to himself he was the master of her body.
Then she did the unthinkable, she pulled away from him, leaving his cock waving in the air.
Beverly crawled forward and then turned onto her back, her hand held out to him. “Now fuck me slow.”
Liam moved to cover her body, taking the time to let his arousal lose its intensity. He kissed her nipples, flicking his tongue over them, while she wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed his shoulders, her tongue tracing the contours of his collarbone.
“Fuck me slow,” she repeated, and he guided himself into her, agonizingly slowly, fighting his need to fuck her hard and fast.
She gasped as he filled her completely, her muscles tightening as he lay still, his breathing ragged, but his control restored. Running a finger under his chin, she tilted it up to face her, and then kissed his lips softly. He returned the kiss, his tongue sliding along her lower lip. Beverly stroked his back, long, leisurely strokes, and he began to move in the same rhythm.
He took his time, closing his eyes to focus on the movement of skin against skin until gradually, his arousal increased, and he came, jerking deep inside her. Beverly wrapped her legs around him, and clung to him as her body shuddered and she cried out, her sex gripping him. Her inner muscles pulsed around his cock, which filled her with his seed.
She was his, he’d claimed her. But he didn’t own her. Beverly was a strong-minded woman, his match for eternity.
Chapter Seventeen – Beverly
Beverly lay on her front and stretched her arms and legs out, until she resembled a starfish. What a night! Her body resonated with joy. Not because a man finally wanted her, but because she was in love.
It hadn’t exactly crept up on her over the last forty-eight hours since she’d met Liam. No, instead it had hit her in the head like a hammer drill as he walked her home last night and kissed her on the doorstep. She didn’t want him to leave, and when he did, he took a part of her with him.
Her stomach coiled in knots. What if something happened to him today while he was on the mountain? She flipped over and stared at the ceiling, the light was just creeping in through her window, it was early morning, and her shift didn’t start until ten. Maybe, just maybe, she could get up to the nest site and back again before work.
Risky, she wasn’t sure of her dad’s reaction if she were late again. Beverly had always been a model employee; now she was letting him down, right at a time when she had told him to let her shoulder more of the burden.
What was a girl to do?
Jumping out of bed, she headed for the shower and then pulled on her jeans and a sweater. She would drive her car as high up into the mountains as she could and then jog across to the nest site. Or as close to the nest site as possible without being seen and messing the whole thing up.
Slipping out of her room, she made for the stairs. “Early morning walk?
Beverly closed her eyes, and turned around to meet her mom’s raised eyebrow. “Hey, Mom.”
“You come in late, and leave just after dawn. Is everything OK?” her mom asked.
“Yes. I just have somewhere I have to be.”
“With this mystery man of yours?” Her mom came out of the kitchen, which was unusual; her mom was not an early riser.
“He’s not so much of a mystery,” Beverly confessed. “His name is Liam and he owns the mountain store.”
“Oh, Liam. Yes, I’ve met him a couple of times.” Her mom nodded, looking less strained.
“Did you meet him in the store? Our store, or his?” Beverly asked.
“His. I went in there for some paracord. For one of my projects.” Her mom looked toward the bedroom she shared with her husband. “Your father’s asked me to go on vacation with him to celebrate our anniversary. Was that your doing?”
Beverly’s shoulders slumped forward, she could not risk being late for work. Not if there was a chance her father would think she wasn’t mature enough to be left in charge. “I offered to take on more responsibility, and might have pointed out how he takes you for granted.”
Her mom padded over to Beverly in her slippers. “Takes us for granted.” Her mom looked at her, searching her face. “I know you haven’t had the best of childhoods.”
“Dad explained. I’m OK with it.” Beverly hugged her mom. “It’s not as if I was unhappy.”
“But you are happy now, aren’t you?” her mom brushed her cheek as they parted.
“I am. He’s the most incredible man I’ve ever met. And he loves me,” Beverly gushed. “I know you probably think it’s too soon. But I know what’s in my heart.”
“Too soon? I fell in love with your father the first time I saw him.” Her mom smiled wistfully. “He wore these tight jeans… You don’t want to hear all that.”
“I didn’t know that you fell in love at first sight.” Beverly had never considered how her parents met. They rarely spoke about it. Or was it because Beverly had never asked?
Her mom snorted. “Why do you think I put up with him?” Her face grew serious. “It might not seem that way, but I do love him. I’ve never stopped loving him.”
“Then you understand.” Relief swept over Beverly. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Now, do you have somewhere you have to be?” her mom asked.
Beverly shook her head. “I’ve changed my mind. If I go, there’s a chance I’ll be back late for work. And I don’t want dad to think I’m being irresponsible.”
“Go.” Her mom put her hand on Beverly’s arm. “I’ll cover your shift if you’re late getting back. I’ll tell your dad I want to spend quality time with him.”
“Are you sure?” Beverly asked, already making her way to the stairs.
“Go. Be young, be free.”
“I’m not going to argue.” Beverly ran downstairs, her mom’s laughter following her as she went.
“And maybe while you are out, I’ll be a little more spontaneous too.” Her mom’s words drifted down the stairs, and Beverly decided she didn’t need to know what her mom meant.
Out in the crisp spring air, she inhaled deeply, never having felt more alive than she did in this moment. Life was all around her, waiting to unfurl, it was a time of renewal and of new starts. The birds sang in the trees that lined the roads as she drove out of town with her window open, letting the world into her car, so she could feel a part of it, connect on some level in the same way she was connected to Liam.
She followed the mountain road Liam had taken yesterday, thankful her mom had given her more time, since she would have to walk further. Her car might be small, but it wouldn’t fit along the trail as it narrowed. Instead, she parked it as far off the road as she could, and got out, threading her arms through her backpack, and tightening the straps.
“Good to go,” she said to the birds that hopped from branch to branch, calling for their mates. “I hope you all find a mate. Just like I have.” Were any of these birds shifters? If they were, she’d be terribly embarrassed they’d caught her talking to them.
Setting off at a steady pace, she mused over that question. Was there a way to tell, and if so, could Liam teach her? Liam. Beverly extended her strides and picked up the pace. If anything happened to him, she didn’t know what she would do. So what if he was an undercover cop, and more than capable of taking care of himself. She was his woman, and they were in this together. Beverly needed to see this through to the end.
When she reached the place where they had parked the motorbike yesterday, she’d already broken out in a sweat. The pace she set today was more challenging, and the sun was warmer on her back as it rose in the ice blue sky. It was going to be an incredible spring day.
Pushing on, Beverly began to engage her senses. Not wanting to walk into trouble, or frighten off Derek and Olsen, she slowed her pace, and kept her eyes and ears on her su
rroundings, watching for any movement that didn’t belong, or any sound that was foreign to the mountain and its inhabitants.
Nothing out of the ordinary. Until she heard the cry of an eagle above her head. Beverly stopped still, and listened. It called again, and she walked to the edge of the trees, and peered through the branches above her head. There it was. She shielded her eyes against the bright sky, and tried to figure out if it was Liam or a real golden eagle drifting lazily on the updrafts over the mountain.
He was truly magnificent as the early morning sun cast its ruddy glow on his feathers. A swell of love filled her chest, and tears prickled her eyes. It was Liam. She was blessed to be part of his life, to know his secret and love the man beneath it.
The eagle drifted lower, his call eerie against the quiet of the mountain. He’d seen her, his circling tightened as he looped lower. She reached up her hand through the branches as if she could touch him as he glided on air.
The brittle snap of a twig to her right made her pull her hand back and duck down in the undergrowth. If she blew this whole plan by being seen and frightening off the egg hunters, she would never forgive herself. Crouching down, she barely breathed as she tilted her head up and watched the eagle flap his wings, taking himself higher in the sky, and then swooping off to the nest, which by now would have the fake eggs in it.
The wait was unimaginably long, her ears strained for every sound, and she slowly turned her body so she could look to where the snapping sound had come from. The smallest of movements alerted her to their exact location. They wore green camouflage, which gave them good cover against the ground. Cursing herself for not having the willpower to stay put, she followed.
Each step, each movement slow and deliberate, she kept enough distance that they would not hear her, but she didn’t let them out of her sight. Soon they would be in the vicinity of the nest. Beverly wondered where Jacob, Carter, and Liam were. Hopefully, lying in wait to help capture these two men when they made their move. Anger simmered inside her, which was soon followed by confusion, when instead of heading for the tree with the nest, Derek and Olsen took the trail onto the plateau where Liam and Beverly had met them yesterday.
Undercover Eagle Page 11