by Zoe Chant
Natalie opened the door and stepped out of the car, onto the dirt and gravel parking area. Mason’s Coldstream County Sheriff’s Office SUV was already parked next to them, along with Joe’s old paddock truck. They’d gone on ahead to make sure the coast was clear, before calling Casey to let him know it was safe for him and Natalie to leave the B&B.
Micah was sleeping in the back of Casey’s truck – the past few days had been stressful and busy for him, and he was clearly feeling the strain.
Poor little man, Natalie thought as she opened the door, waking him with a soft touch on his arm. He needs peace. He just needs to be left to have a normal life…
She swallowed as Micah yawned, stretching his arms. “Are we home, Mommy?”
Natalie swallowed. “Yes, Micah. We’re home.”
She lifted him out of the car, letting him rest his heavy head on her shoulder.
“Want me to carry him for a bit?” Casey asked as she came to stand by him. “You’ve had a rough day. You must be tired too.”
Natalie hesitated, before passing Micah to Casey. To be honest, Micah was getting a bit too big for her to easily carry, but he fit into Casey’s embrace as if he weighed nothing at all. Natalie bit her lip as she watched Casey wrap his burly arms around him, settling his head comfortably against his bicep.
“C’mon, Micah,” Casey murmured as the little boy sleepily smacked his lips. “Let’s get you inside.”
Natalie followed Casey down a gently sloping path that ran through a large garden, which was just beginning to unfurl for spring. She could tell that when it finally did blossom, it would be beautiful.
The house itself was nothing like what she was used to: a large, blocky structure of wood and mud brick, totally different from the buildings back in the city she’d come from. There was something comfortable and homey about it, and utterly unpretentious. It looked sturdy and like it was built to last – just like the men who lived there.
Inside was airy and open-plan, with timber walls and patterned rugs covering the tiled floor. The furniture was rough-hewn and looked hand-made, and the kitchen, visible as they shucked off their shoes in the entryway, looked massive and modern. The joining living area was filled with enormous worn leather armchairs, with a few beanbags and kids’ toys strewn between them.
It looked exactly like what a home should look like.
She noticed that Casey was watching her closely as she gazed around.
“It’s amazing, Casey,” she said. “I don’t know what you were talking about – it really is a beautiful house. I feel… I don’t know. I feel comfortable here. It feels like a home.”
“Your home,” Casey said instantly. He paused, as if checking himself. “I mean, if you want it to be. But you’re my mate, Natalie. What’s mine is yours. Now that you’re part of the pride, this can be your home too.”
Once again, Natalie felt herself welling up. She hadn’t cried in three years – not even when she’d come home to find all of Ken’s stuff missing from their apartment. Micah had been due home at any moment, and she had told herself that he would not walk in to his mother sobbing on the floor.
So she had bottled it up, stuffed in the cork, and kept it there.
And somehow, she had never been able to open it again.
Sometimes, she wondered if she had forgotten how to cry – no matter how terrible things had gotten, or how dire the overdue bills, she had simply gritted her teeth and done whatever needed to be done.
It hadn’t been until Casey and his family had shown her more kindness than she had been shown in years that the bottle had at last come uncorked, and everything she had been keeping inside had come bubbling out.
She had felt embarrassed at first, but Casey had simply held her, and told her it was okay.
“Let’s get Micah to bed,” Casey said, once their shoes were off.
Natalie usually would say it’d be better not to have him nap at this time of day, but right now she didn’t have the heart. Micah had had an exhausting few days. Looking at his peacefully sleeping face, all she wanted to do was let him rest.
“There’s a spare bed in Faith’s room for when her cousin comes to stay,” Casey said, leading her down a long timber-framed corridor.
“Link? He’s a bit young for a bed, isn’t he?” Natalie asked as they entered Faith’s room, which was decked out in blue and pink.
Casey chuckled. “No – her other cousin. My cousin Heath and his mate Daphne’s daughter. They live a little way from here – they’re not country types, and they both work in the city.”
Natalie shook her head. “My God, there’s a million of you!”
“Lions generally tend to have big families – and we’re all pretty close. But you’ll get to know all of them soon enough.”
Natalie watched as Casey gently placed Micah down on the spare bed. He barely stirred.
“Will he be okay here? He won’t be frightened if he wakes up to find himself somewhere strange?” Casey asked.
Natalie shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. He’s pretty resilient, and we’ve had to move around a lot. Anyway, with luck, he’ll sleep until dinner, and I’ll come wake him then.”
Casey nodded, and together they headed back out to the living room. Joe and Sasha sat on one of the couches, Link asleep in Sasha’s arms.
“I couldn’t sense anything wrong around the borders of the pridelands,” Joe said as they came in. “There’s no sign that any shifter has tried to cross them. So for the moment at least, it seems like they’re respecting the law.”
Natalie took a deep breath. “That’s good – but I can’t stay here forever. Micah has to go back to school. And I need to go to work, whether I’m Casey’s mate or not. I’m not planning on getting a free ride.”
“No one thinks that you are,” Casey said gently. “But we have to make sure you’re safe.” His voice hardened. “And I will. You can be sure of it. Pritchard won’t show his face around here again. He won’t dare.”
“Casey’s right,” Joe said. “Whatever you do, you have my backing as alpha. I’ll take whatever the consequence is of not honoring that contract. But to be honest, I don’t think there will be any. It’s ancient history.”
Natalie nodded, feeling relief flooding over her. Joe and Casey sounded so sure that it was hard not to feel reassured.
“Thank you,” she said, unsure of what else she could say.
“You look a little tired yourself,” Casey said. “Dinner’s a few hours away yet. Are you sure you don’t need a rest?”
Natalie wanted to shake her head and say she was fine, but the truth was, she did feel tired. All the stress of the last few days – the unexpected knock at the door, the long bus journey, and the shock of finding out the truth of Ken’s past – hit her like a brick. And, for the first time in a long time, she had someone else who could take care of things for her – she didn’t need to put her own needs on the backburner.
“Actually, that would be great,” she said. “Not too long. I want to help with dinner –”
“Nonsense,” Sasha said. “You just relax. Charity and I know our way around that kitchen with our eyes closed.”
“Hey, I help too. Sometimes,” Casey interjected.
“Yes, your carrot-chopping skills are second to none,” Sasha said, rolling her eyes. “But you have a mate to take care of right now. Just leave it to us.”
Natalie wanted to thank her again, but before she could, Casey had taken her hand and was leading her back down the hallway. She felt almost faint with a combination of fatigue and gratefulness. How long had it been since someone had made her dinner?
So long ago that it was impossible to remember, now.
Casey opened the door to a room off the hall, and Natalie found herself in a spacious room, with large windows looking out over the garden, and a double bed in the center. A few old posters hung on the wall, so faded now that she had trouble making out what they had once been. A small desk sat against the far wall, an
old desk lamp and a ratty old teddy bear sitting on it.
Looking around, it was clear that this had been Casey’s room his whole life – that she was seeing the room he’d slept in since he was a child. It was neat and simple, and spoke of a man who didn’t need anything more than what he had.
“This is nice,” she said, walking across the room and running her fingers over the comforter. She swallowed as she looked at the bed. It was huge – they could both sleep in here easily. She had a sudden vision of her snuggled up in it, Casey’s arms around her, his lips on hers, his fingers trailing down over her hips…
She coughed, feeling herself blush. One glance at Casey told her that his thoughts were going to exactly the same place as hers. He looked at her almost with shyness, watching her closely, as if waiting for some signal that she might welcome something other than sleep.
Suddenly, Natalie’s fatigue vanished. There was nothing she wanted more than to be held by him – to feel his skin against hers, and to be kissed in the way he’d kissed her before. She wanted to be comforted – but more than that, she wanted him.
“Natalie, I don’t want to do anything if yo –” Casey began to say, until his words were cut off as she leaned up and kissed him, pressing her lips hungrily against his.
If he’d had any more thoughts of suggesting she get some rest, they’d obviously left his head now – his arms came up around her, pulling her against him, crushing her to the hard plain of his chest.
Natalie groaned, arching herself against him, her tongue sliding between his lips. He responded in kind, grazing her lower lip gently with his teeth, and drawing another groan from her throat.
She could feel herself growing wet already, her body responding to him immediately. There was such heat between them, an attraction unlike anything she had ever known before. Her desire for him felt almost uncontrollable, and it rose within her like a wild wave, leaving her panting and desperate for more.
Natalie felt herself growing lightheaded from Casey’s hungry kisses as they left her lips and trailed down over her throat. Gasping, she threw her head back as he nibbled at her sensitive skin, his erection throbbing against her thigh.
“Casey…” she whispered, and the sound of his name from her lips made him shudder.
Suddenly, she felt herself lifted up, as Casey bent his knees and cupped his hands beneath her thighs. Laughing, Natalie threw her arms around his neck as he carried her across the room, before laying her down beneath him on the bed. His lips locked onto hers again as she squirmed beneath him, arching her back to press herself against the hot hardness between his legs.
Casey threw his head back, groaning.
“God, you’re amazing,” he whispered, opening his eyes to look down at her. “I want you so much…”
His voice throbbed with need, and Natalie found herself breathless. The only response she could muster was to lean up, pressing her lips to his once again.
Casey shifted slightly, resting his powerful thighs between her legs. Kneeling, his fingers went to her shirt, pulling it up over her head.
“You’re beautiful,” he said, his voice husky, as he lowered his head to her breast, his teeth teasing against her nipple through the fabric of her bra.
Natalie cried out softly, writhing against him, her hands fluttering on his shoulders as he gently bit down on her sensitive bud. Her panties were already soaking wet – and she knew she couldn’t wait for him for long. Something had to release the building pressure between her legs.
“Casey, please,” she whispered, shuddering delicately as his mouth trailed to her other breast. “Please, don’t make me wait…”
Casey swallowed heavily, raising his head and nodding. Kneeling again, he slowly unbuttoned her jeans, before drawing them down over her legs. His eyes ranged over her, dressed only in her bra and panties now, his hunger clear on his face.
Ordinarily, Natalie might have been tempted to cover herself – she had never been all that comfortable being naked, and had never so much as worn a bikini to the swimming pool. But now, under Casey’s intense, heated gaze, she felt more desired than she ever had in her life – and more beautiful.
She gasped as Casey ran his fingertips down over her belly, his hand slipping inside her soaked panties, before parting the slick lips of her pussy. Natalie threw her head back, parting her legs to give him greater access.
He found her clit immediately, slowly circling it with his thumb. She moaned helplessly, her fingers twisting on the comforter.
“Oh, Casey…” she breathed as he slowly drove her to higher and higher peaks of ecstasy, before at last curving his hand, and slipping a finger inside her.
White hot liquid heat fired through her nerves as he pressed inside her, her back arching and the muscles of her thighs tautening. It seemed impossible that anything could feel so good, so amazing, so perfect…
Leaning down, Casey kissed her throat, before adding a second finger. Natalie cried out as he stretched her open just a little more, his thumb relentlessly stroking her clit, ceaselessly drawing pleasure from her body. Natalie clutched at him, her fingers digging into the hard muscle of his back.
His fingers slid in and out of her easily, driving her closer and closer to the edge with every movement. Natalie threw her head back, her eyes closing, and let herself be drawn to the very heights of ecstasy.
“Oh God,” she heard herself say, her voice little more than a throaty whisper. “Casey, I’m –”
She came before she could finish her words, her body shuddering under Casey’s, a flare of sensation searing through every vein and every nerve. She bucked up off the bed, a cry falling from her lips, the force of her pleasure leaving her feeling dizzy and breathless.
She simply lay, gasping for breath, her fingers still pressed into Casey’s back. He kissed her, deep and slow, as she slowly came back down to earth from the heights of pleasure to which he’d driven her.
“That was…” she managed to say, when he at last pulled back. “I mean, wow.”
Casey smiled at her. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He drew in a shaky breath. “My God, Natalie, watching you…”
He shifted a little, and she could feel the heat of his massive erection against her side.
“It seems like you still need a little help, though,” she whispered, sitting up and kissing along his jaw, feeling him shudder as she pressed her palm against the front of his jeans.
“God, Natalie…” he whispered into her hair as she began unbuttoning his jeans, before slipping her hand inside. His shaft was hot and hard between her fingers as she worked him free, until his cock was standing thick and heavy against his lower abdomen. Natalie took a moment to admire it, her mouth watering at the sight.
Desire once again pooled in her belly as she watched Casey throw his head back and moan as she lightly teased him with her hand. All his muscles strained against his tanned skin, biceps bunching, his thick thighs twitching with the effort of remaining still under her touch.
It didn’t seem possible that anyone like Casey could be hers – a man so strong, so beautiful, and so loyal. He had sworn to protect her, and she believed that he would. As frightening as this situation was, here with him now, she felt safe.
He won’t let anything happen to me, Natalie thought, swallowing heavily as Casey groaned, his eyes opening slightly to look at her pleadingly.
“You’re going to make me lose my mind,” he gasped out, as he raised his hand to cup her cheek, pulling her down into a kiss.
Desire spiraled through her, and Natalie knew she could wait no longer. The heat between her legs was unbearable.
She was desperate to feel him inside her once more – to feel the way only he could make her feel. She was already slick and wet from earlier, and it was the easiest thing in the world to move over him, still gripping his hard length in her fist. Gently, she guided him to her entrance, pressing herself down over the thick head of his cock.
“Natalie,” Casey groaned, his hands
going to her hips and gripping her tightly.
She couldn’t hold back a cry as he bucked his hips up, sheathing himself within her body. It felt so good to be open around him, filled to perfection.
Casey began his thrusts slowly, his vise-like grip on her hips holding her in place as he moved beneath her. Natalie gasped, jerking against him, resting the palms of her hands against the hard muscle of his pecs.
“God, you feel so good…” Casey murmured, sweat prickling over his skin, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed.
Natalie couldn’t answer, her breath leaving her lips in sobs and gasps. Throwing her head back, she gave herself over to sensation, feeling her orgasm beginning to build within her.
Wave after wave of pleasure filled her, building upon each other every time Casey thrust up, burying himself within her. Her swollen clit brushed against the hard muscles of his lower abdomen, making her cry out with pleasure.
“Casey,” she moaned, her fingers digging into his shoulders. “I’m so close – I’m –”
He thrust up into her once more, and at last she felt her climax explode within her, sending bright points of light all throughout her body, her nerves alight with pleasure. A moment later she heard him groan out her name, before his cock pulsed inside her – and together, they tumbled over the edge of ecstasy.
Pleasure surged through her, leaving her breathless and trembling, every nerve ending scorched from white-hot bliss. Beneath her, Casey cried out, every muscle taut and straining, filling her even more completely.
Natalie didn’t know how long it took for her to coast down from the heights of her pleasure, her breathing returning to normal, her hammering heart slowing in her chest. Unable to hold herself up anymore, she moved just enough that she could lie down on the bed next to him, her arm winding across his shoulders. She missed the feeling of him inside her almost immediately, but, nuzzling against his neck, Natalie knew that just being close to him was almost as good.
“That was amazing,” she finally murmured when she had her breath back. “It was…”
Casey turned his head to drop a kiss onto her forehead. “You can say that again,” he agreed. “I just… wow. Wow.”