by Louisa Bacio
“Aww, Gee’s just a cuddly old bear. He wouldn’t hurt anyone, unless they threatened those he loves. No, just thought it would be good to investigate what he’s offering specifically in comparison to my B&B.”
Interesting choice of words. “Sure, what time you want to head out?”
“I was thinking dinnertime. This way we can get out the evening crowd and grab supper at the same time.”
He did the mental math of the rest of the project that needed to be finished and pushed it off. “I’ll be ready.”
With a nod, Tala went into the house, and Yas picked up the hammer to patch the wall.
***
At the appointed time, Yas showered, dressed, and waited for his dinner date in the living room. A creak on the stairs alerted him to Tala’s approach. She stepped into the foyer, and the light streaming in from the fixed window gave her hair shimmer.
Dude, get yourself under control. You don’t have plans to stay here. Remember, this was only supposed to be a quick trip to discover your roots. You’re already too involved.
He cocked his elbow, and she placed her hand on the crook. As they stepped outside, she locked the door.
“It’s been a long time since that worked properly,” she said. “I swear, some days it refused to lock at all. That’s why I started to use the chains on the inside. Other days, it boycotted opening.” She squeezed his arm in jest. “Are you tired of me thanking you yet?”
“Honey, I don’t think I could ever grow tired of you.”
They walked the road to Gee’s Bar. As they grew near, the titter of laughter and glasses clinking resounded from inside. As they stepped near the entrance, Tala gave him a strained smile. She crinkled her eyes, as if worried about something she’d forgotten or pushed aside.
“Are you ready?”
“Sure, why wouldn’t I be?”
The moment they stepped in, chatter halted and the collective gaze of all the inhabitants turned toward them. Maybe not.
“Hey there, Paul,” she greeted the waiter. “Should we sit anywhere in particular?”
The man swept his arm out in front of him, gesturing toward some open tables.
“Gotcha. I’ll fill my guest in on the menu.”
With a nod, the waiter walked over to another table and bused the plates.
“He doesn’t talk,” Tala said, leading the way. “Rumor has it Magnum cut out his tongue.”
With a shudder, Yas pressed his tongue to the roof of his mouth. He’d never really thought about it, but how did one talk without the appendage?
They didn’t.
“I’m starving,” he said. “You keep me pretty busy. I need lots of calories while I’m working, especially in the heat.”
“Oh, poor baby. Here’s the menu.”
She handed him a small piece of paper about the size of a notecard. On it were written three items: fried pickles, hamburger, and steamed broccoli. He noticed a little hand-drawn star with a corresponding legend along the bottom.
**Cheese when in season
A laugh burst from his gut. When was the “season” for cheese?
He flipped the menu over, not sure whether he was hoping or not hoping for something on the other side.
“There’s nothing there,” Tala said. “Limited menu.”
“I got that. Makes the selection easy. I think I’ll have the hamburger. Want to split fried pickles?”
“Can’t ever come here without ’em. Or you know, we could order the pickles with a side of hamburger.”
He liked how she played along. The waiter dropped off two mugs of frosty beer. So far, they hadn’t ordered anything, but Yas never turned away an icy beer, especially at the end of a long workday. He raised his eyebrow in question at Tala.
“We do things a bit differently here,” she explained, before placing an order for two “specials” with Paul.
A loud guffaw from behind the bar drew his attention. It was a man—the tallest he’d seen not on television—and packed with pure muscle. As he laughed, he pounded the wood bar and all the glasses shook.
Tala followed his line of sight. “That’s Gee, the owner.”
“Wouldn’t want to be accused of doing him wrong.” Yas took a gulp of his beer and sputtered, spewing ale over the table and his shirt. He inhaled some of the liquid, and it went down the wrong pipe.
Tala leaned over and whapped him until he held his hand up in defeat.
“I’m good,” he choked out. “Don’t hit me anymore.”
The atmosphere in the bar shifted, and the hairs on the back of Yas’s neck prickled. He turned to see Gee making his way through the crowd in a straight beeline for them.
“Get ready for the introduction,” Tala warned.
“Tala,” Gee said in a deep, resonating voice. “It’s good to see you out.”
“I’m happy to be out. I hate to miss Sundays at your place.”
Niceties over, all his attention shifted to Yas. “How’s Sugar doing?”
Senses on full alert, he studied the bear of a man. “What? How do you know Sugar?”
“You are Janae’s son, right?” he said in a matter-of-fact tone. “Of course I remember your sister. She was just a wee little thing.”
Music started up all at once, causing Yas to jump. The world spun, and yet time stretched and he felt frozen at this moment. When he came to Los Lobos, he’d expected to hunt for information, or maybe find nothing at all. He never thought someone would recognize him, and know his history. And yet here he was.
“Don’t mind Gee. He knows everyone.” Tala placed her hand on his forearm, acting as a centering point.
He fought the urge to shrug her off. Nothing was her fault. Why was he getting so worked up? “What can you tell me about our time here, or my father?”
The waiter appeared, setting the plates in front of them. Steam wafted up, and Yas reclined, antsy at the distraction.
The bar’s owner met his gaze. “Only that you’ve come here at the right time.” He flicked his eyes toward Tala and then back to Yas. “Enjoy your meal.”
With those parting words, Gee made his rounds of the restaurant. Yas scooted his chair as if to follow him, and Tala shook her head.
“That was downright chatty for Gee. Unless it’s his idea to share some knowledge with you, you’re not getting it.” She picked up a fried pickle and popped it in her mouth, smiling at the crunch. “At least now I can rest assured that you were telling me the truth about being from here.”
“Really? You doubted me, and still you let me move into your home?”
“Well, I’m awfully good with a shotgun.”
Her outlandish statement threw him. Sure, they lived out in the wild, away from much traditional civilization, but weapons?
“What do you need to protect yourself from?”
She batted her eyes. “These parts have settled down an awful lot in the past few years, but there are still those who cannot fully be trusted, and we have some warring neighbors. Just being safe.”
He picked up his burger, juice dripping down the sides of his hands, and sank his teeth into it. A moan escaped his mouth. He couldn’t remember ever tasting simple meat so good. It was the perfect combination of cooked but not dry. No one would be calling the health department here after getting ill on “raw” meat. “This is fantastic.”
“That’s how they get away with such a limited menu. What else do you need?”
They consumed dinner in silence. The head on the beer tickled his nose as he took a long gulp.
“I might not be able to walk home. You might have to roll me,” he said.
Tala laughed. He noticed a speck of ketchup at the edge of her lip, and he reached over to wipe it with his napkin. She stopped, her eyes darkening. The sexual desire between them heightened, and he swore everyone in the bar could feel it.
He swallowed. Unless he wanted to jump her right here, he better go with distraction. “We sho
uld have asked Gee about seeing upstairs while we had him.”
“We don’t really have to check out the rooms. Just eating here, I figured you’d get a feel for this place.”
“How quiet are the bedrooms? With all this action happening down below, I’d think the sound would travel. The acoustics.”
“I’ve never stayed here myself, and it’s popular. Can’t really say.”
Yas pondered the situation. Obviously, there was quite the contrast between Gee’s Bar, in the heart of everything, and Tala’s B&B. It would be in her best interest to heighten those points. Cater to the more quiet and laid-back atmosphere. Paul placed the bill on the table, and Tala grabbed it.
“You’re working at my place. Let me pick up dinner. I’m sure I’ll get every bite in return.” She played with her bottom lip between her teeth, and a wicked sparkle in her eye told him she was teasing.
Despite mentioning how full he was a few minutes ago, a new hunger overtook him. What would it be like knowing they were returning home as a couple? That he could have his way with her at will, whenever he wanted?
That he had a home? A sense of longing overcame him. Yes, his mom did the best she could, but still he searched for that one special place he belonged. He never connected with it in college or any other bigger cities he’d lived in. Not until he’d arrived here and met Tala that his wolf spirit grew quiet.
Now to tame his sexual urges.
***
On the way to the house, Yas grew quiet and pensive. What could he be thinking about? Gee probably threw him for a loop. Maybe she should have warned him beforehand. He was their version of Yoda from Star Wars—yes, she’d seen the original films—he only shared what he wanted. Most often, that didn’t line up with what the other person wanted to hear.
Being with Yas last night had shifted their relationship. She couldn’t be near him without thinking of being with him. With her brother just leaving, she wasn’t in a position where she wanted to get into a relationship, but maybe things could work out with Yas. His plans were to only stay for a few weeks and then move on. While her heart knew it was dangerous territory, she considered having a physical relationship with him.
A handyman with benefits?
She snickered and caught Yas looking at her from the side.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
“Oh, just thinking. You know how it is. Walking, and if it gets quiet, the mind tends to wander.”
His grunt acknowledged her explanation, but he didn’t push further. Once they’d started to talk, she continued.
“Thanks for going with me to Gee’s. Get any ideas?”
Stopping, he shoved his hands into his pockets and turned to gaze toward the lights of the town. “A few. It was more interesting learning about the people of the town more. Is everyone a shifter?”
“Not everyone. Recently, we’ve had a few humans join our ranks, and not everyone turns into a wolf either. I’ve seen others, heard tales.”
He ran his hand through his hair. “I hadn’t really thought of it. It makes sense. Any territory issues?”
“Some, especially with the big-cat shifters. Canines and cats tend to not get along.”
“Humpf,” Yas grunted.
The darkness shifted as the moon rose higher and grew brighter. Together, they both glanced upward.
He took her hand. “Anything you should worry about? Anything I should worry about?”
All her senses flowed to their physical connection. She couldn’t ignore the sexual tension between. Having him last night in the wild only increased her desire. “Not really,” she said, focusing on the issue at hand and not the hormones raging in her body. “The damage on the house might be vandals or teen pranks.” Like those boys the other day.
“Gone too far,” Yas said. “Well, I’ll make it my job to figure out who’s the culprit and that you’re safe before I leave.”
Moving away from him, she guarded her face. Another man to the rescue. Right, she wanted his brawn for repairs. Well, and sex. She didn’t need to be “protected.”
Chapter Six
Yas may have good intentions, but alone with Tala everything changed. It was much easier to control his attraction for her while in a bar full of people. Once the door shut, the energy between them spiked.
She lay on the couch, head reclined, and eyes closed. The edge of her dress rose on her thigh, and he drank in the sight of her bare skin.
The hell with resistance. He moved with purpose, settling next to her. At the feel of his body, she opened her eyes and held his gaze. Understanding passed between them. There was no denying it. He wanted her more than anything else in his life. The small taste that afternoon did nothing to subdue the hunger.
“What’s your pleasure?” Yas trailed his hand along the outside of Tala’s thigh.
Her eyes widened, and the pupils expanded at the touch. They’d been coming to this moment, facing their attraction rather than avoiding it, for a while. The earlier kiss only added kindling to the fire.
She worried her lower lip between her teeth and studied his expression. She moved her hand to cover his, and he thought she’d still him, stop his movement. Instead, she directed him to her ass, sliding closer until their mouths were mere inches apart. Her breath caressed his lips.
Long, dark lashes fanned against her cheeks as she looked down. “You. You are my pleasure.”
Desire flared as high as a fire with lighter fluid squirted on it with abandon. He’d expected a flame retardant. Instead, she provided an accelerant.
He bridged the remaining gap, taking in her soft, succulent lips. Hesitant at first, he ran the tip of his tongue along the top of her mouth, teasing, asking permission to enter. The slightest parting, and he was in. Tasting her inner warmth.
A soft moan against his mouth drew him in, and the hunger increased. His wolf growled low within his soul, wanting to come out to play. To take over his action.
One kiss, and his wolf wanted to fuck.
Things tended not to go too well when the wolf took over. Base emotions. No feelings. Pure physical sensation. Oh sure, Yas had to admit he didn’t mind it all that much, but still…. He didn’t want to hear complaints that he wasn’t there, present, with her enough. He didn’t want to check out as the wolf checked in.
This time, he wanted it to be different. He wanted to remain in control. His love interest. His woman. His fuck.
The wolf didn’t like it. It felt sometimes as if he was two separate halves warring for occupation within his body.
“Hey, where did you go?” Delicate hands cupped his face, and Tala gazed at him all concerned. “You drifted off all of a sudden.”
Point taken. “I’m sorry, maybe we shouldn’t….”
Tala placed her hands against his chest, using his body for support, and straddled his lap. Her skirt flowed over him, and the sweet V of her thighs rubbed directly over his shaft. She looped her arms behind his neck. “What were you saying?”
“Uh, nothing.” A case of the stupids struck.
She sucked on his bottom lip, and the sensations streaked through his entire body, concentrating in his cock.
“Someone sure likes this,” she commented, grinding her pelvis against him. “And I like it an awful lot.”
Gritting his teeth, he tempered his wolf. “Too much.”
“It can never be too much.”
They lost all sense of time and space, sinking into the feeling of connection. He pushed his hand under her shirt, cupping her full breast. With his thumb, he brushed against her nipple and smiled at her sharp intake of breath.
He’d been looking at these babies through her clothing, and now he wanted a firsthand peek. Lifting her shirt over her body, he drank in the swells of her breasts in her purple bra.
A loud whining sound broke the mood, and Yas retreated. “What the hell was that?”
Before Tala had a chance to answer, a knocking sounded on the
door.
“That was the doorbell,” Tala said, yanking her shirt down.
And there they go.
She stood, crossing the living room to the front door.
“Add that to the list of items to be fixed,” he muttered.
Tala smoothed her hair and opened the door. The moment she saw who it was, she stepped closer, blocking the slight opening.
Curious, Yas drew closer. The entire time he’d been there, except for the delivery, they hadn’t received any visitors. They. As if they were a they.
“Hey, Ryker. What can I do for you?”
A low baritone voice rumbled. Since the speaker was on the other side of the door, Yas couldn’t quite hear what was being said. He noticed, though, the body language of the she-wolf who’d been in his arms moments ago. No longer relaxed. Every muscle tensed, as if she was ready to shift into fight-or-flight mode.
If he hadn’t been watching, he wouldn’t have noticed it, but ever so slightly she leaned back and glanced in his direction. Then he knew. They were talking about him.
“Hey, Tala,” he said, “Is everything all right?”
This time, when she looked at him, her eyes flashed with anger. He was supposed to stay in the background like a good little wolf.
Fuck that shit, his wolf said for an altogether different reason.
He gripped the door, and she stepped out of the way, giving him one last warning look.
“Hi, can I help you with something?” he asked.
The man standing in front of his was tall with long dark hair. Almost as tall as Yas. His American Indian features told of a long history of living on the land. He emitted a sense of authority. He glanced at Yas’s outstretched hand, and the side of his lip snarled upward.
“Ryker. I heard we had an interloper in town.”
“Interloper?” Yas wanted to laugh at the archaic vocabulary.
The men sized each other up.
“I don’t expect any trouble from you,” Ryker said.
Yas shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’m not planning on making any, but”—he glanced at Tala—“if someone comes at me, I’m not the type to run away with my tail between my legs.”