Caress glanced from the doctor to him and back then shrugged. “O-okay. I guess.”
“What do you think your Alpha would say to you?”
Caress blinked, her eyebrows scrunching together. Ford guessed she hadn’t expected that to be the closing question for the session. Hell, he hadn’t either.
When she didn’t say anything, he answered for her. “He’d say, ‘I’m so proud of you. Protecting pack before yourself is what makes you a great Beta.’”
Caress looked up at him with wide eyes.
Dr. Dunn nodded. “I want to see you again this week. In the meantime, I want you to become active in the community again, take a run nightly as your Wolf. She needs the stress relief as much as you do. While you’re working, think about your mate’s words and believe the truth in them.” She turned to Ford. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Nodding, he went out into the waiting room, so the two women could finish up. When Caress came out of the doctor’s office, he gave a brief smile to the women moving in his direction. Curious stares met his level gaze. Not many wolves or humans believed in talking about issues and feelings. His mate’s scent wafted over him before she moved out the door. Ford forced himself to stand still as she came to him, instead of striding her way. Her smile widened as her gaze fell upon him, making his Wolf a happy camper. Once he touched her, he relaxed. And then she was in his arms, her lithe body leaning into him, knowing what he needed. Enveloping her in a tight hug, he gave his Wolf free rein to ripple under his skin, making sure his eyes retained their human shape.
He sniffed her hair, and let out a soft growl. Contentedness. He’d take that over the sorrow she’d hid so well. “Hungry?”
“Starving.”
“Good, I reserved a table at a popular Italian restaurant in Rapid City, but if you’d rather have steak, we can head to the steak house instead.”
Caress slipped her hand into his and led him from the doctor’s office. “Italian is good. I haven’t had it in a long time.”
When they reached his truck, he opened the door to let her in. She spun and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “I still want to geld you for surprising me with this. Food is a good way to get into my good graces. We’ll see her again. I think you need to find closure with your brother at some point in time.”
Ford let out a huff of relief and slipped her hair behind her ears. Not like he’d tell her he argued with himself during her meeting as to whether he’d done the right thing or not. “I’m glad you cooperated.”
Caress settled into the passenger seat and buckled up, and he shut her door then climbed into the driver’s seat and cranked the engine.
“Yeah, she gave me her card. If I’m having a hard time, I can stop by for a walk-in appointment.” Caress chewed her lower lip.
The things I could do to those sexy lips. “Good.”
He turned down the main road. “The city is far away, but this will be good for us. Fresh air away from home, a good meal we can’t get here. We’ll be there in no time.”
***
The hostess led them to a private enclosure. The dim lighting and candles on the red tablecloths gave an ambient atmosphere, along with quiet conversations occurring all around them. Once they reached the table, he helped Caress with her chair then took the seat across from her.
The waitress got their drinks and took their order. A few minutes later, she brought their salads.
Caress laid her napkin in her lap and picked up her fork. “Tell me about yourself while I eat our salads.”
Ford smiled. “Not much to tell. I lived in Texas for a while. My brother and his wife live somewhere in Washington state. I have a tail on them to protect Luck. If they ever get close to here, I’ll know in advance…well, unless our cell reception acts up like it usually does. My adoptive parents still live in Texas, and we go visit a few times a year. They know nothing about what we are, so they’ve never come here.”
“What happened to your real parents?”
“I don’t know. I’m assuming they passed away. My brother and I searched once we found out what we were, but we came up empty handed. We ended up adopted together by good people. We were lucky. But then, my brother left. I was quite a bit younger, so I couldn’t just chase after him. Then, many years later, out of nowhere, he returned with my nephew. To protect Luck, I decided to cut ties and head out on our own. With just me, I was safe. But with the responsibility of a young boy, I couldn’t take the chance or let my parents know about him. I hated hurting them.”
“I bet.” She shook her head. “You and my brother have so much in common.” She smiled, and love filled her eyes. “You’re amazing.”
“Yeah, because lying is a good thing.”
“Your intent was good and pure.” Caress wiped her mouth with her napkin and sighed. “Food hit the spot for now. So, no major or long-term girlfriends?”
“A few, through the years. Not a lot of young women want a man saddled with a kid. Parties and trips out of town are more fun than a man with a kid.”
The arrival of their food prevented Caress from digging too deep and opening up a wound he hadn’t completely healed from. He offered her a wide grin and stole a piece of shrimp from her plate.
“Stop before we get into our first public fight on a date.”
He stopped chewing. “Is there such a thing?”
“Yes, it’s in the Dating 101 manual. I thought you knew this,” Caress murmured to herself and dug into her food. He did the same, dying a happy death as he bit into rich tomato sauce and the explosive heat of spicy Italian sausage drenched in cheeses, piping hot, all melded with the seasonings.
The waitress refilled their water glasses and set the bag with their extra desserts on the end of the table. Ford asked her for the check.
After paying and leaving a hefty tip, he rose and picked up the bag. “Be good tonight and maybe I’ll feed you your cake.”
Caress laughed as she stood up and pressed her hand to her tummy. “Foodgasm. I may just fall asleep. I’m so full.”
“Yeah, who knew you could pack away so much food?”
“You showed me the error of my ways with your fabulous sandwich. My Wolf demanded a real meal. Plus who gets this great food all the time with two health nuts in the house. Pizza is as far as they go. If I make a fattening sauce, they throw it out and drink a protein shake.”
Ford chuckled. “Your brother is a trained athlete.”
“Yeah, with the metabolism of a Wolf. He could eat whatever he wanted and wouldn’t gain a pound. Crazy to be eating like a human all the time. Both of them.”
“True.” Ford unlocked the truck and helped her in. Once he settled himself and started the engine, he glanced at her to find her head leaned back, her eyes closed. “You gonna nap?”
“Mmhmm, my food baby is satisfied.”
“Food baby?”
“Stomach,” she said on a yawn. “Thank you for dinner, it was nice.”
“The first of many.” Ford eased onto the road. Ten miles in, her soft snores filled the cab. The three stops requested of him took minimal time. She didn’t move once as he picked up the goods needed at Los Lobos. As he pulled out of the hardware store, his phone buzzed.
Hey, pick up two sets of sparring equipment, two punching bags and attachments for me. Everything is paid for.
The last stop took longer than the first. Caress woke and followed him into the mixed martial arts store. He picked up Ravage’s order for the gym and frowned as Caress piled things on the counter her brother hadn’t asked for.
“What’s all this?”
“My foolish brother has no equipment for the girls and women. I know what is needed for others he’s not used to training. Now everyone can participate.”
Ford paid for the extra equipment. “I got the bags. You get the gear.”
“Oh, I get to see your muscles in action.” Caress grabbed the bags and headed to the truck while he hefted the two p
unching bags, one each shoulder.
“So sexy.”
“Shut it, woman.” He chuckled and slid the latest acquisitions into his vehicle. With all things secure in the back of the truck, he hit the road to pack land.
Caress unbuckled her seatbelt and slid onto his lap. “So, are we gonna talk about that crazy wild kiss or ignore it ever happened?”
“Darlin’, I’m trying to drive.” Ford slid onto the shoulder of the road. “You want us to die or kill someone?”
“Like your reactions wouldn’t save us in time.” She nipped his lip. “You haven’t kissed me again.”
“Sure I did.”
“Like you kiss a grandma or a friend.” Caress dragged her tongue along the seam of his lips.
“You weren’t ready then, and I was out of control with you. I’m a dominant. We pride ourselves on discipline.”
“Hmm. Maybe you should think of yourself as less than a dominant and more like a man interested in a woman.”
Ford slanted his lips over hers. “This is still not the time, but fuck I can’t stop from having a sample, ever since you made love to your fork while licking the cream. He breathed her in, sucked in her tongue, and played with hers. She ground her pussy over his rock-hard dick, causing a groan from his mouth. She succeeded in ripping his shirt over his head and running her hands down his chest to his buckle before common sense slammed into him. He stopped the mind-shattering kiss and picked her up off his lap, set her in her seat, and yanked her seatbelt on, only satisfied when the telltale click resounded.
Taking a calming breath, he willed his beast to retreat and looked into his rearview mirror to make sure the amber orbs gazing out returned to their normal color. His white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel eased, once he had his resolve under control.
“Let’s get home.” He chanced a quick glance at her to find her frowning in her seat. “What?”
“Why did you stop? Grr…you…. Fuck, your mouth and hands can do such good to me.”
Ford grinned. “You needy, mate?”
“Burning.”
“Spread your legs and let me ease your discomfort. I can scent your arousal, and my Wolf is pacing.”
Caress opened her legs. Ford slid his finger over her core, found her sopping wet undies, and ghosted his fingers over her pulsating clit. She drew in a ragged breath from the sudden direct contact. Keeping them on the outside, he repeated his flicking of her nub, breathing in her heady scent as she gyrated her pelvis to ride the friction of his fingers. Keeping his focus on the road and his foot on the gas, he ignored his own burning need as she exploded over his hand. Her breathing slowed and juices dripped over him.
“Amazing.” Ford brought his fingers to his mouth and licked them clean.
“My pleasure.” Her faced flushed a pretty shade of pink.
He chuckled and thrummed his fingers on the steering wheel, her delicious scent filling the cab. All the way through pack territory he kept a lid on his lust, ignoring the bite of pain from the confining jeans. He’d have to take a run to let out steam.
“I’m gonna drop you off to get ready for bed then deliver the goods.”
“I could go with you and help.”
“Nah, babe. You can chill at home. I promise not to be long.” He drove to his cabin.
Caress unclipped her seatbelt and slid from the vehicle.
Ford handed her the bag. “Don’t eat it without me. We can eat together in bed tonight or tomorrow morning for breakfast.” He winked.
Caress laughed. “Dessert for brekkie sounds great! I promise to protect my piece, but if Luck gets yours….”
“He better not.” Ford growled and spun his tires, leaving a haze of loose dirt in his wake.
Once out of sight, he opened his pants and let his dick out. He fisted his thickness to how sweet she’d fucking tasted on his tongue and came all over his stomach and chest. Drained, he reached into the glove box and grabbed napkins to wipe the mess from his hand and belly then set off to deliver the supplies.
Chapter Eight
One Month Later….
Caress worked on the community garden with Myanna, while Ford mowed the ten acres on his rider. All muscle, but limited sweat, though, with such sweet weather. Winter approached, and she wanted to harvest all the goods from the garden before the freeze.
She paused mid-pull to gaze at her closest friend. Caress had been spending so much time with Ford she realized she hadn’t seen much of her. “We haven’t really talked much lately. How are you doing?”
Myanna pulled her gloves off. “I’m okay.”
Caress shifted her gaze to her friend’s cheek. “I’m glad there’s no scar.”
“Dr. Storm gave me an ointment to keep the skin soft. As soon as the full moon showed, I shifted, and my Wolf side did the rest.” She ran her hand over the healed skin. “I’ve also been going to the gym. I’ve picked up some techniques from your brothers. It’s weird how, out of nowhere, I get freaked still. Not my Wolf but me. Your brothers are making me stronger.”
“You need the technique. Why not come to me, though?”
Her friend laughed and slid her gloves back on. “You know you’d never put me on my ass. You love me too much. The other Galvestons have no issue with impartial treatment. I know, with them, I’ll get the proper training I need.”
She stared at her friend. Something’s still off. Must be what happened on the highway. What else could it be? Caress weeded the herb bed. “You’re right. I’d have a problem with laying you out flat.”
“You and that big ol’ heart of yours. So, you mind if I ask you something?”
Caress shrugged. “Go ahead.”
“How is therapy going?”
“Dr. Dunn, she’s cool. Too much pink, but, yeah, she’s helped a lot.”
Myanna raised her eyebrows and leaned forward a little. “And?”
“Look. You worry too much about everyone.” She patted her friend’s shoulder. “Just find peace in knowing, I’m getting better. The doctor’s helped me work through the guilt and duality between my human side healing and my wolfy ways.” She stopped herself from mentioning Ford’s sessions with the good doctor. His past was a private unresolved situation that needed to stay between him and Luck. Myanna’s relationship with Luck had the potential to cause more problems if Caress shared private family business of his parents being alive. “Really, she’s kinda nice. There are things I can discuss with her that don’t get back to the males, which is liberating. You should go see her.”
“Hmmm,” Myanna mumbled on a sigh. “Anonymity. I’d give anything to be able to freely talk without fear of reprisal.”
“You should.” Caress wiped a smudge of dirt from her face. Being held with a knife at her throat then getting her face cut? She could’ve been hurt really bad. She looked away. Hell, she could’ve been…killed. No doubt she knows that, too. I need to make sure she talks to Dr. Dunn. “Do you still think about that night?”
“Sometimes.” She yanked out a weed then lifted her gaze to Caress’s. “You were amazing. No hesitation. Not a bit. In all honesty, having your brothers train me has helped a lot with the physical issues. I work out my anger and stuff. And if it ever happens again when I can’t shift, then maybe I’ll be able to do something. Makes me feel a little safer.”
Caress reached over and squeezed her friend’s hand. “What about the emotional stuff, like nightmares?”
She gave a halfhearted shrug. “Not so great.”
I knew it. “You need to go see Dr. Dunn. If you want me to go with you the first time, I will.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.” Myanna nodded then a smile quirked her mouth. “I have to ask this. Any action with Ford yet?”
Caress sighed. “Some but not nearly enough. The man is stubborn as all get out. At this rate I’ll be seventy before we consummate our union.” They moved to the next row. “Hey, how are things with Luck?”
A d
eep blush stole over Myanna’s face. “I…. Nothing. We just make out sometimes. He’s just ahh-mazing but not my mate. That’s how lousy my luck is…pun intended.”
She shook her head. “You never know. Your mate may just pop out of nowhere and, bam, you are a goner. Think I imagined recognizing mine the first day we moved to this place?”
Myanna gazed at the weed she held then looked out over the field. “Yeah, maybe. Until he surfaces, I’ll enjoy my time with the younger Giovanni.”
“Mmhmm.”
“Ohhh, what is going on?” Myanna dropped her things in her basket and pointed to the distance.
Luck ran at a pace putting him right into a collision path with his uncle. Ford stopped his mower and turned it off. Caress heard every word of the heated argument—the exchange in cryptic terms that was difficult to follow—but when Luck launched himself at Ford in a fury of fists, she screamed at him to stop. She ran to them as did Markos and Ravage who patrolled the area.
“You bastard. Controlling bastard. I can’t believe you’d do what you did. She’s filled with guilt because you couldn’t leave shit well enough alone.”
“Let’s discuss this at home, boy.” Ford put pressure on Luck’s arm, forcing him to stand down. Blood trickled from his face, a mottling bruise formed.
Caress’s heart pounded in fear and worry, loving them both as she did, wanting nothing tearing them apart. “Please stop fighting.”
“I won’t hurt him, darlin’. We men need to talk in private.” He nudged his nephew toward the house.
“Fuck you, Ford. Yeah, Cherice died, and that sucks, but she wasn’t your mate. She was just a human whore who cheated on you and tried to fuck me. Spying on her is low. She deserved it. But Caress? She didn’t want her past known. Instead, you snoop in her brothers’ home and pressure Myanna to tell you everything. You’re a douche.” Luck broke free from his uncle’s hold and stormed off to the house.
“You did what?” Shock rattled Caress to her core. She glanced at Myanna then back at her mate. “I thought she had feelings for Luck and just felt weird about talking to me about him.” Tears pooled in her eyes. “Guess you found out Ravage had to get me out big time, nothing like your sister being embroiled in a huge illegal gaming activity. Did you learn everything you wanted to know? How I got expelled for fighting illegally? Nice.” Her shock curled up and blew into full-forced fury. “Us growing closer wasn’t real. Jesus. I can’t talk to you right now.”
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