by Zoe Chant
She stopped and waited. Lincoln could tell she was fighting against her instinctive deference to him as an alpha to tell him something he probably didn’t want to hear – and something that might be seen as a weakness.
It took him a while to answer.
“I understand.”
He stared down at his leg, with its ugly red scar.
All his life, he had relied on and trusted his body, and it had never let him down. That was being an alpha: being the strongest, the fastest, and the most able to protect his pride.
An alpha who couldn’t do those things…
Is no alpha at all, Lincoln finished for himself.
“I’ve prescribed some antibiotics I know are effective for shifters,” Williams said. “But the main thing you have to do is remember that this will take time. You’ll need to be off your feet for a while.” She paused, and Lincoln could tell she was preparing herself to give him bad news. “But you have to recognize that this is a difficult injury. The bone might not be as strong as it was – not for a while, anyway. But it might never be.”
There was silence in the room.
Lincoln looked away, gazing out of the window at the land he loved.
My lands. My pridelands.
All his life he had worked them and protected them. What would he do if the ability to keep them safe was taken from him?
He was barely aware of it as Williams said her goodbyes and left the room.
He and Faye were left alone.
Lincoln could barely make himself meet her eyes.
She had seen him as no one should ever have to see an alpha: weak and vulnerable, and desperately injured. And now, he didn’t even know how long it would take him to heal.
How could he be the mate she needed with his leg like this?
“Lincoln.” Faye’s voice broke into his thoughts.
Drawing in a deep breath, he met her eyes.
“I can tell what you’re thinking.”
Lincoln blinked, a little surprised. But then again – Faye was his mate, even if he couldn’t be worthy of her. They were connected via a means that no one fully understood. But whether he understood it or not, he did respect it.
“I can see it in your eyes,” Faye said. “And besides that, I know you, Lincoln. I’ve known you all my life. And the last thing you are or will ever be is weak.”
She took a deep breath, reaching across and covering his hand with her own.
“Do you remember when we were kids? You were always the biggest, the strongest, the fastest. Even when we were small. And you were always the first one to offer a hand to anyone who needed one. Like when those bullies were beating up on Howie Campbell – they never bothered him again after you stuck up for him. And when Lucy Kent fell over and grazed her knees, you carried her all the way to her home.” Faye smiled warmly. “I admit, I was seething with jealousy at the time.”
Lincoln shook his head in mild consternation. “I remember that. We were seven.”
Faye’s smile grew wider. “Well, clearly, I should have listened to my seven-year-old instincts. I knew a good man when I saw one, even back then.”
Her hand squeezed his, warm and comforting.
“What I’m trying to say, Lincoln, is it’s okay to admit that you need to ask for help. That’s not weakness – that’s strength. Your family loves you. And I know how long you’ve protected them and looked after them. And in the hard times when everyone’s ranches were failing and they were leaving, you stayed here and made yours work. No one could ever doubt your strength.”
She leaned over. Her smell seemed to fill his senses – her hair, her skin, her everything. She was beautiful – more beautiful than he ever could have imagined – and her lips when they touched his were warm and soft, and achingly tender.
“You’re my mate, Lincoln. The only one I’ve needed. The only one I’ve ever wanted. And nothing will ever change that.”
Chapter Twelve
Faye
Faye could feel her stomach begin to flutter as her lips touched Lincoln’s.
She had been a little nervous about being so close to him before – even when they’d been arguing, she hadn’t been able to control her body’s reaction to him.
Warmth rushed through her as his lips found hers again, his tongue sliding against hers hungrily.
Faye knew that the doctor had told Lincoln that he needed his rest, but she felt, instinctively, that he needed this – he needed her to show him that no matter what, she was still his mate. She still wanted him and needed him. Even if they clashed, even if they argued, they still belonged together.
It was something she’d had plenty of time to think about over the past three days. It was true that Lincoln had been overbearing. But Faye had had time to reflect on the great kindness he was capable of, too – and during those three days, when she’d sat by his bedside watching his too-still face, she had been more terrified than she’d ever been before in her life.
The idea that she might have lost him played constantly through her mind.
Whatever we need to do, we can figure it out, she thought. Lincoln would have to learn to back off when she asked him to, and she would have to learn to be more open and patient.
But they could do it.
She knew they could.
And this seemed like an excellent place to start.
Her heartbeat echoed in her ears, making her whole body throb with desire as she deepened the kiss, leaning over Lincoln and sliding her hands behind his head.
His hands slid up, brushing against the skin of her upper arms and making her shiver, sparks of need firing through her. She had never responded so quickly or so deeply to anyone else before in her life. Even with these kisses and gentle touches, she could already feel heat collecting between her legs, her panties damp with desire.
Nothing would ever dampen her need for him, Faye realized as she half-rose from her chair, before kneeling on the bed. She wanted him – and would always want him.
They had missed their chance all those years ago. Their youth and inexperience, combined with the failure of her father’s ranch and Lincoln’s pride’s unbending rules had conspired to keep them apart. But Faye wouldn’t let that happen again.
A mere clash of personalities seemed like nothing compared to what their connection had already survived.
She could change.
Lincoln could change.
They would help each other.
And they would be mates.
She swung one leg over his lap, straddling him, never breaking their kiss. Lowering herself, Faye could feel that Lincoln was just as affected as she was by their closeness – he was hard already, the warm steel of his cock pressing against her, making her gasp into his mouth.
“I want you so badly,” he whispered against her lips when they finally broke apart.
“I’m yours,” she whispered back, before a wicked grin spread across her face. “But just for today, let me do the work, okay?”
Lincoln hesitated a moment, but Faye didn’t intend to give him much choice.
Grinning, she pulled up the skirt she was wearing, watching his eyes drop as her thighs were slowly revealed. He swallowed heavily as she pulled it up to her waist, revealing her panties, with the obvious patch of wetness.
“This is what you do to me,” she whispered, sliding her hand down to push her panties to the side.
Lincoln swallowed heavily, and Faye loved the way it made the muscles in his throat move. He shifted slightly, breathing heavily.
“God, Faye…” He licked his lips. “You make me…”
He hissed, muscles shifting beneath his shirt as Faye slid her hands inside his track pants, her fingers running over his hot, huge erection.
“Shhh,” she murmured as she slid her hand over him, feeling how hard he was for her, how desperate with need he was. She could feel his pulse through his skin, his cock twitching under her touch, the tendons in his throat flexing and tightening as she stroked him.
But she couldn’t go on teasing him for long – she wanted him too badly for that. She wanted to feel him inside her again, filling her and making their connection complete. She had felt safe with him – safe and protected. His strength as he’d held her that first night had been amazing.
How could anyone ever think he was weak?
His lips blazed trails of fire over her throat as she positioned herself above him, pushing down the waistband of his sweats with one hand while she held his cock with the other, his strong hands on her hips holding her steady.
She shivered, licking her lips, her breath already coming in pants and gasps.
The touch of the wide head of his cock against her entrance made her shudder, the muscles of her thighs quaking. She slid down over him, sheathing him inside her. She descended slowly, letting herself feel every inch of him against her inner walls, stretching her open.
“Oh God, Lincoln…” She breathed out his name, feeling too full, too hot, too overcome with desire. Him inside her felt too good, and she felt that if either of them moved even the smallest amount, she would explode.
She arched her back, throwing her head back. His lips mouthed against her breasts through the fabric of her shirt and bra, his teeth finding her hard, throbbing nipple and biting down gently. Faye cried out softly, electricity coursing through her.
She filled her hands with the hard muscle of his shoulders, using them to push herself up over his hardness. She felt filled with energy – fired by her wild desire.
Moving herself over him, pushing her hips in a fast, regular rhythm, she could already feel pleasure uncoiling through her belly. With every movement, new pulses of ecstasy shot through her, setting her veins on fire.
Lincoln’s hands tightened on her hips as he groaned, the muscles of this throat drawn tight, his eyes half-lidded as he looked up at her, his gray eyes heavy with desire.
“Faye… God, Faye…”
He groaned out her name, low and desperate, and the sound only drove her on harder.
She tightened her thighs around him, clenching her inner walls around the heat of him inside her, until his eyes closed, his head dropping back against the bedhead, an incoherent moan leaving his lips.
Faye whimpered at the sight of him – so strong, so perfect.
My mate. Mine. He’s mine. And I’m his.
The thought sent a sudden tidal wave of pleasure crashing through her and she cried out, riding it, feeling Lincoln pulse inside her. She clutched at his shoulders, digging her fingertips into his skin.
She felt flooded with pleasure, ecstasy filling her from toe to tip, her thighs clenched around Lincoln’s waist.
A second flood of pleasure filled her suddenly, more intense even than the first. It left her breathless and seeing stars, every muscle drawn tight, her back arched, her mouth open, crying out in silent ecstasy.
It took her a long time to climb down from the peak of her pleasure. Her body still twitched from the aftershocks of her orgasm as she lifted herself up, letting Lincoln slip from her body.
Exhausted, she lay down next to him on the big bed, resting her head against his chest. His skin was hot, his breath heavy in his chest. After a moment, she felt his arm wrap around her shoulder, pulling her even closer, before he dropped a kiss on the top of her head.
“Faye… that was…”
She sat up, kissing him on the lips.
“Shhh,” she said again. “Later.”
She snuggled down next to him again, listening to the beat of his heart as it began to slow to a more normal rhythm.
Closing her eyes, Faye had never felt safer or more protected in her entire life.
***
Sitting around the massive, rough-hewn dinner table later that evening, Faye looked around at the faces of the people who surrounded her, her heart swelling with gratefulness.
She had spoken to Joe and Mason only briefly after she’d managed to grab Jenna’s reins and then ride over the ridge to where they were setting up the hose – and she’d been too wild with fear to really take in much, anyway.
But since then, Faye had gotten to know Lincoln’s family very well indeed. Normally, she would have preferred to be introduced at a little more of a sedate pace, but the circumstances just hadn’t allowed for it.
Despite that, she already felt accepted by them – and she, in kind, had bonded with them faster than she’d ever thought possible.
Somehow, all of them had seemed to accept her place as Lincoln’s mate without question – there’d been no suspicion or jealousy when she’d wanted to stay by his side during the three days he was out cold, and when she’d needed to sleep, Sasha had shown her to a room with a bed that had already been made up for her.
It’s like they already know, she’d thought to herself as she’d battled against her anxiety to get some sleep on that first night.
She doubted Lincoln had ever spoken about her to his sons, and yet, to them, it apparently seemed natural that she was here by his side.
Faye swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat. Was this what being part of a pride meant? This instant, unquestioning acceptance and support?
Each member of the pride seemed happy and comfortable with each other, eating the amazing spread of food that Charity had prepared, with some help from Mason, Daphne and Casey.
Watching them as they ate, talked and laughed together, Faye licked her lips, nervousness and excitement swelling in her chest.
My new family.
She was surprised by how easily she accepted the idea. Being with Lincoln meant being part of his pride. It meant knowing she had a place here, and that they were all connected to each other.
But with kind, good people like this, Faye could hardly feel that this was any kind of burden.
Lincoln’s eldest son Joe was quiet and thoughtful, and clearly head over heels in love with his mate, Sasha. He was solicitous of her, pulling out chairs for her, not letting her pick things up, and even holding her arm when she went up and down stairs – at least, until she swatted at him and laughingly told him to mind his own business.
Faye could see the echoes of Lincoln’s own behavior in it – the need to look after and protect, even when it wasn’t necessary. She guessed that the small bump that was just beginning to show in Sasha’s belly probably had something to do with it – that, and the fact that Sasha was clearly having a bit of a rough time with her morning sickness. It hadn’t cleared up yet, and she was sticking to the plainest of foods, which Faye had to imagine wasn’t fun, given the amazing spread before them.
Mason, Charity and Faith seemed like the perfect family unit – Mason, the county sheriff, was clearly tough, but he was also a charming joker. He adored his little daughter, and loved hearing her shriek and giggle as he swept her up in his arms or spun her around. She was tiny in his big hands, and despite the slightly rough play, it was clear the little girl was fearless – but also completely safe.
Charity was just as tough and kind as her husband. She was clearly capable and strong, and a better cook than anyone else Faye had ever known. Faye loaded her fork with more mashed potatoes, topped with crunchy bacon, before popping them into her mouth. The taste was heavenly – there was clearly some secret to making them that Faye had never been aware of. Her own cooking had never been that great. Maybe she’d have to ask Charity to let her in on it!
She had only met Heath and Daphne after they had come in from the city, Heath bringing his medic friend with him. She had guessed from a joke that Mason had made that Daphne’s parents were very big deals, but Daphne herself was sweet and down to earth, with no hint of snobbishness or entitlement. Charity had told Faye that Daphne and Heath had met while he was acting as her bodyguard, and that he’d been in the army for a long time before that. She could see it in him – there was something about the way he moved that spoke of discipline and honor, though he was also quick to smile and happy to joke along with Mason.
The only member of the family she hadn
’t yet had a chance to get to know especially well was Lincoln’s younger con, Casey. He was younger than Joe by quite a bit, and Faye had the impression he was still finding his feet. She’d seen many young men like him in her travels, and they had always grown up to be fine young men. She had no doubt that Casey would too.
Sitting beside her, Lincoln squeezed her hand beneath the table. She’d helped him stand and walk out here for dinner, and he’d accepted her help without demur.
Maybe he was just hungry, she thought to herself, trying – and failing – to hide her smile.
“What’s so funny?” Lincoln asked, his voice quiet in her ear while the rest of the table was wrapped up in some story Heath was telling.
Faye turned to look at him, her smile widening. “Nothing. Just thinking about how hungry you must’ve been to let me virtually carry you out here without complaining about it.”
Lincoln paused, frowning a little, and looked like he was about to argue – but then he seemed to take in her playful smile and the twinkle in her eyes.
“Fine,” he said, shaking his head. “What did you expect? Healing takes it out of you, and I was out for three days.”
Faye laughed softly. “I know. And to be honest, I’m kind of surprised you didn’t just leap straight out of bed and run to the kitchen, leg or not.”
Lincoln laughed himself, then – just the barest of laughs, more of a low exhalation than anything else. But it was there. And it was the first sign of humor he’d shown about his situation.
Faye decided to find it encouraging.
She licked her lips.
She’d been thinking about talking to him about this for a while now, and this seemed as good a time as any.
“Lincoln, would you consider coming to stay with me at the build site while your leg heals?”
Lincoln glanced up as if surprised, his fork, loaded down with chicken, halfway to his mouth.
“Leave the ranch?” he asked, his voice wary.
Faye shook her head. “No. Not if it’s not what you want. But… I can’t leave the build unsupervised for any longer than I have already. Charlie’s been keeping me updated about their progress, but soon they’re going to need me back there to give them direction about decorating and other things they can’t decide without me.” She smiled. “I mean… I trust them, but I also have pretty specific ideas about what I want. It’s not fair on them either, since part of the contract we made was that I’d be onsite pretty much full time.” Faye paused, biting her lip. “But I don’t want to leave you, either. I can’t. Not now.”