His beast could rip out her heart…if she doesn’t claim his first.
Wild Things, Book 3 Chloe Long has cleaned up her last mess where her now ex-boyfriend is concerned. Desperate to clear her mind of her last images of him—in her bed with another woman, then with his hand around her throat—she heads for the mountains. The one place that refreshes her spirit. Conan Cahill’s sojourn in the North Carolina mountains was supposed to be a break from the demands of his bear-shifter people…and the smell of humans. When he discovers a human female secretly sketching his naked body, though, his reaction catches him off guard. Not only does her scent rouse an aching need to touch and taste, her stubborn refusal to give up the drawing makes his body twitch in some very pleasurable ways. Trapped with Conan in her tent during a storm, all thoughts of sleeping alone fly out of Chloe’s mind. She can’t help but grab something more than forty winks in her sleeping bag. They come together like thunder and lightning, but there’s danger beyond the rain. And the stirring of a love that may not survive their differences.
Warning: Getting back to nature is hot and wild. If you’re not ready to meet the mountain man of your dreams, stay in the city.
eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental. Samhain Publishing, Ltd. 11821 Mason Montgomery Road Suite 4B Cincinnati OH 45249 Clawed Copyright © 2011 by Beverly Rae ISBN: 978-1-60928-537-1 Edited by Jennifer Miller Cover by Angela Waters All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: October 2011 www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed Beverly Rae
Dedication
Don’t you know, dear readers, that you are the reason I continue to write? Without your support, I’d just be sitting at home watching one talk show after another. Thank you!
Chapter One
Chloe Long threw her purse on the kitchen counter and frowned at the half-eaten sandwich and spilled juice that hadn’t been there when she’d left. Great. I get to clean up one of Roger’s messes again. Groaning, she mopped up the juice and dropped the leftover sandwich into the trash bin. If only she’d asked him to return the key she’d given him. After all, it wasn’t as though he actually lived with her, although he was at her apartment a lot. He certainly didn’t help with the rent or any of the other bills, including groceries. Having a key for emergencies was one thing, but to just let himself in whenever he felt like it was getting old. Especially when they hadn’t been getting along the past couple of months. In fact, their relationship had gone from just so-so, to bad, then continued the downward spiral to worse with no signs of surviving. After many sleepless nights of soul-searching, she’d finally realized that she’d never really loved him. To be truthful, she’d been more infatuated with the idea of being in love than with actually loving Roger. Maybe the new job and time away were just the incentives she needed to make a clean break. “Roger, are you here? You’ll never guess what happened. I was in Mr. Bicknell’s office—he’s the head of the tourism bureau—and he offered me an amazing opportunity. Roger?” She continued down the hall toward her bedroom, kicking off her shoes along the way. Please tell me he’s not using my place for one of his afternoon naps again. How does he keep from getting fired? “Oh, Roger! Fuck me, big man. Yeah, oh, yeah.” “I’ll fuck you all right. After I eat you.” Chloe froze, her body going rigid. What the hell? Was that Roger’s voice? “Come on, baby. Yeah, uh-huh. Keep it up, sweetie.” Sweetie? That was Roger’s nickname for her. Chloe’s heart pounded against her chest. Anger welled inside her, twisting her gut into a massive knot. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she threw open the door. Roger Martin, her boyfriend of almost eight months, lay on his back in bed—her bed—while he groped the bottom of a shapely blonde who held on to the headboard, her legs straddling his head. The nude girl’s long, golden hair danced around her shoulders and she fondled one breast. Her orgasmic cries grew louder when Roger pulled on her legs, bringing her closer. “Oh, yeah. Suck me harder. I love it,” she shouted. “Eat me, Roger. Eat me up.”
Clawed
Roger increased his feverish attack and played with her butt cheeks, separating them to run his fingers into the crevice between. The girl’s legs trembled as she leaned back and twisted her head from side to side in ecstasy. Chloe stayed motionless, too stunned to move or speak, and watched Roger spur the girl on with his hands, with his tongue. Had he been having an affair the entire time he’d been with her? Or was this girl just one of many flings? Chloe gritted her teeth and stared, unable to break away from the scene. Why had he done this? Hadn’t she always given him whatever he’d wanted? Hadn’t she done everything sexual that he’d asked for? No, this wasn’t her fault. She was a good girlfriend. Hell, a great one. In fact, she was too good for the likes of Roger. Still, she should have seen this coming. Roger flirted a lot, but she’d ignored it, chalking it up her imagination. Instead of facing the awful truth, she’d pushed her nagging doubts away, keeping her fantasy of a relationship alive even when she’d known Roger wasn’t the man for her. “Ride me, sweetie!” Screwing around with another girl and using the affectionate nickname of “sweetie”, however, was the last straw. Rage boiled to the surface, giving her the determination to finally end things. If she’d done this a month earlier like she should have, she wouldn’t be in this position now. The blonde slid down his body and eased his cock inside her. Squealing with delight, she rocked against Roger’s bumping pelvis, her hands flattened against his chest. Roger’s grunts matched the pounding he gave the blonde. He grabbed her breasts, squeezing them just as he’d squeezed Chloe’s, but the blonde’s breasts were much bigger than hers. She could hear Roger’s voice in her head, telling her to “get a boob job”. He’d often drooled over women’s larger breasts, making her feel small and inadequate with her size-B cups. Roger’s moans grew louder, his thrusts faster, harder. Chloe couldn’t take any more. “Who the hell is this?” The blonde shrieked as she scrambled off the bed, knocking the lamp on the nightstand to the floor where it smashed into pieces. The girl clutched Chloe’s grandmother’s handmade comforter in front of her. Roger scurried off the other side of the bed and started toward Chloe, then turned to the girl before he stalled, indecision catching him between the two women. He laughed, a short abrasive sound, then ran a hand through his light brown hair. “This isn’t what it looks like.” He danced back and forth on his feet, turning to Chloe, then to the girl and back again. Chloe slammed her mouth shut just in time to keep the fury from flying out like in one of the horror movies she loved to watch. Instead of shouting the obscenities she wanted to spew, she studied the girl, vaguely remembering her from the coffee shop they’d visited last week.
www.samhainpublishing.com
7
Beverly Rae
“Oh, come on, Roger. Do you think I’m stupid? Can’t you come up with a better excuse? I know what I saw. Hell, what I’m seeing.” Thrusting out her chin, she kept her remaining ounce of dignity and added a ton of indignation. The girl retrieved her clothes from a pile on the floor, but Roger remained a statue of nudity. “Look, sweetie, this is just a little fun. Nothing more.” He sidled over to Chloe, but she thrust her hand out, determined to keep him from touching her. “Don’t you ever call me sweetie again.” “Just a little fun?” The girl, fully clothed, crossed her arms over her chest and focused on Roger. “You said you loved me. You said you were going to leave her.” Chloe wouldn’t have been surprised if the top of her head blew off, but somehow she managed to keep from screaming at the girl. “You work at the coffee shop on Marley Street, don’t you? You’re the waitress who flirted with him last week, right?” “Sweetie, uh, Chloe, she’s nothing. You know you’re the one I love.” Roger tried again to pull Chloe into his arms, but she sidestepped to stay out of reach. “Don’t be this way. Come on. Get into bed and let me make it up to you.” “You want me to just hop into bed with you? While it’s still warm from that skank?” “Hey!” Chloe scowled at the girl. “Why don’t you get out while the getting’s good?” “Roger?” Her sad plea almost touched Chloe’s heart. Almost. “Leave, Jilly.” “But, Roger—” He flared then, as Chloe had seen him do. But lately his anger had grown worse. “Get the hell out before I throw you out.” Jilly’s eyes grew wide, but she still moved to touch his arm. “Roger, please.” He brushed her hand off, but managed to growl out a promise to call her. With a triumphant smirk at Chloe, Jilly hurried out of the bedroom. Chloe remained silent while Roger dressed. Like a bell signaling the next round in a prize fight, the slamming of the front door restarted the argument. “Babe—” “Don’t call me babe either, you dirtbag.” Roger gave up trying to pacify her and reverted to a tactic he’d used before: using his own irritation to turn the argument around and squash her anger. “Chloe, stop being a bitch.” His face took on a look she hated. The one that told her his temper was red hot. But for once, she didn’t care. Instead, her fury came to a boiling point. This was her apartment and he had no right to bring anyone else into her home, much less her bed.
8
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
“I’m being a bitch? You’re fucking kidding me. You bring another girl back to my apartment and into my bed, and I’m being a bitch? You, Roger Martin, are a lowlife, scum-sucking, asshole of a bastard.” Why had she ever trusted him when she’d known in her heart that she shouldn’t? His hand was on her throat before she could move. She sucked in precious air, fear racing through her, but met his hard glare with her own. Roger was an intimidating man, standing six feet and weighing two hundred-twenty pounds, but she didn’t think he’d hurt her. Roger had never hit her, had never even laid a hand on her before now, but she’d never seen him this furious. “Listen up. If I want to bring another woman here or anywhere else, then that’s what I’m going to do.” Chloe struggled, testing her chances of getting free, and realized she couldn’t break his hold. Instead, she narrowed her eyes and hit him the only way she could. “This is my apartment, remember? My name is on the lease. None of this is yours.” “You’re wrong, bitch. You’re mine.” He jerked her, throwing her toward the door. Chloe stumbled, caught her footing, and ran out of the bedroom. She managed to swing the front door open seconds before Roger grabbed her hair, yanking her back inside the apartment. She cried out and fought the terror threatening to take hold. “Let me go!” “Not until you stop and listen to me.” Chloe swallowed the bile rising into her mouth and struggled against Roger’s arms ensnaring her. He tried to close the door, but she cursed him and kicked the door wide again. “Stop it, Chloe. You’re going to listen to me one way or another.” “Get out of my apartment, you jerk.” “Hey! Let her go!” The struggle ceased, but Roger kept his arms wrapped around her. Chloe, on the verge of panic, took the brief reprieve to catch her breath. Mr. Ellis, her elderly neighbor across the hall, glared at them, his cell phone in his hand. “Let her go, son.” “Stay out of this, old man.” Roger tried to shut the door again, but Mr. Ellis stepped forward to stand in the doorway. Mr. Ellis, well into his eighties, shook his head. “I don’t think so. In fact, I think I’d better call the police.” Chloe pushed Roger’s arms off her, then staggered a few feet, putting distance between them. She fought against the fear and anger shaking her body as she shot her neighbor a thankful look. “Call the police, okay?”
www.samhainpublishing.com
9
Beverly Rae
Roger gritted his teeth, his jaws moving as he tried to pull himself together. “Now wait a minute. There’s no need for the cops.” “I’ll do whatever Chloe wants me to do.” Mr. Ellis lifted his phone, preparing to punch in 911. If she wanted Roger gone, the police could do it. But what would happen later, once they released him? Would his arrest make him even angrier? She bit her lip and struggled to pull herself together. “Roger, I want you out of my apartment. Now. I’ll pack up whatever stuff you have here and send it to your place. Just don’t come back. Ever.” “This isn’t happening, Chloe. Once you calm down, you’ll realize what you’ll be missing.” “I won’t miss anything about you. Not your clothes strewn all around the place. Not your crappy music and not your messes. And definitely not your freeloading.” She checked with Mr. Ellis who was still ready to call for help. “Make up your mind. Do you leave on your own? Or does Mr. Ellis call the police and I have you thrown out on your ass?” Roger was quiet. Too quiet. But after a minute, he grumbled a few curse words, then stormed out the door, almost knocking the old man over. Chloe rushed to steady Mr. Ellis, then gave him a hug. “Thank you for helping me. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t shown up.” The kind old man blushed, pink skimming up his neck and into his face. “Naw, don’t mention it. I was glad to help.” The ready twinkle in his eye was gone, replaced by a serious side she’d rarely seen in him. “Girlie, you’ve got to take better care. He’s a bad one.” Chloe looked down the hallway, fearful that Roger might change his mind and force his way back inside her home. “Yeah, I know. I don’t know why I put up with him as long as I did.” Would saying she’d thought she’d loved him make her mistake sound any better? But whatever she’d felt for Roger was gone. The old man’s pat on her shoulder made her feel safe, and she looked into his face, not for the first time wishing she’d had a father like him. She hadn’t known her father well, and time and distance had made them even more estranged. “You must be lucky in work.” She frowned, unsure of what he’d meant. “I’m sorry?” “I figure you must be lucky in work because you’re so damn unlucky in love. Although, I hope I’m wrong ’cause being lucky in love is a whole lot better than being lucky in work.” His face softened. “I hope you don’t mind my saying so. The wife’s always telling me to mind my own business, but I tend to open my mouth and the words just fall out. I don’t mean to go butting into your private affairs.” Chloe laughed, the turmoil of the past few minutes easing away. “Butting in? No way. In fact, I love you for caring. They don’t make men like you anymore. If you weren’t already married, I’d snatch you up so fast you wouldn’t know what hit you. I hope Mrs. Ellis knows what a terrific guy you are.”
10
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
His pink hue grew a shade darker and the twinkle returned to his eyes. “Well, if she doesn’t, I’ll make sure I tell her.” His chuckle warmed her heart as she was sure it warmed his wife’s. “Now, how about I call a locksmith and we get the locks changed before Roger has time to think about coming back?”
“Nina, isn’t this great?” Chloe smiled at her best friend, Nina Winters. “Check out the trees and the lush foliage. Oh, and look at the beautiful flowers. This is a painter’s paradise.” She inhaled, drawing in the fresh mountain aroma. “Yeah, it’s nice. I’m glad we got here before dark.” Nina tossed supplies out of the back of Chloe’s SUV onto the small clearing where they’d decided to pitch their tents. Her long, black hair fell to the small of her back and shone in the sun, sparkling almost as much as her dark eyes. Nina’s half Latino and half French heritage gave her an exotic look and her lovely oval face captivated everyone. Chloe often wished she could trade her cute girl-next-door looks for her friend’s more distinctive appearance. Not that she thought she was ugly. Her brunette hair, almost as long as Nina’s, complemented her athletic frame and often drew admiring glances. “Hey, Chloe, we’re sleeping in the dirt, right? So, tell me, wise wilderness woman, what am I supposed to do if I wake up with a snake in my sleeping bag?” Chloe already had her tent up and had started pitching Nina’s. “We’re not sleeping in the dirt. We’re sleeping in tents in sleeping bags on the ground with an air mattress, no less. Some campers would call that luxurious. And knowing you, the snake would be the one in trouble.” “Oh, ha-ha.” Nina rolled her eyes, but her half-smile showed her appreciation. “But you’re probably right.” Chloe had said it before, but saying it again wouldn’t hurt. “I’m really glad you came along.” Nina looked at the wooded area surrounding them. “You know I’ll always stick by you, and I know how much you like roughing it. Besides, who knows? Maybe I’ll get bitten by the camping bug, too. Although, let’s hope it’s not a real bug.” Chloe stretched, then tossed her a sleeping bag. “You are a true friend.” “And don’t you forget it.” Nina giggled. “But while we’re on the subject of sleeping, I still wish we could’ve brought along a little male companionship. You know. Kind of a sleeping-bag buddy.” “I think you can survive a few nights without a man in your bed, don’t you?” “Hmm, maybe. If I have to. But why can’t I sleep in the same tent with you?” “First, the tents are too small. And plus, I snore really loud and sometimes I even kick and thrash. One time I kicked Roger so hard he—” “Too bad you didn’t kick him hard enough to boot him all the way to the curb.” “Yeah, I know. But trust me on the tent thing. You’ll thank me tomorrow morning.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
11
Beverly Rae
The frown lines on Nina’s face deepened. “Don’t count on it. With my luck, an escaped ax murderer will find us in the middle of the night and choose my tent to visit.” Chloe wrapped her arm around her friend of ten years. “If he does, then tell him he has to see me first, okay? I’ll poke his wiener with the pointed end of my brush and throw turpentine in his eyes while you call for help. Deal?” “Deal. Of course, if he’s cute, then maybe I’ll let him stay awhile.” Nina’s bright laughter sent the birds in the nearby trees into flight. “Only you, Nina. Only you.” Chloe chuckled at her friend and finished preparing the camp. She picked up the sticks scattered around the area, dropping some into the fire pit for kindling and tossing the others into the brush. Fortunately, a previous camper had arranged a couple of sturdy logs for chairs next to the fire pit. They wouldn’t have to use the folding chairs she’d brought. Nina whipped out her cell phone. “Please tell me we get coverage out in these boonies.” She held up her phone and stalked around the campsite, looking for reception. “Oh, shit, Chloe, I’m getting one lousy bar. We’re totally cut off from civilization. There goes the pizza delivery option.” Leave it to Nina to think Domino’s would deliver to campers in the woods. “Then it’s a good thing I brought plenty of food, huh? Including your favorite double chocolate fudge brownies.” “Holy shit, you are my soul sister.” “More than you know.” Chloe studied her work, satisfied that she’d gathered enough kindling. “Hey, how about I get a fire going and you sort through the food? But save the brownies for later.” “Done. A fire does sound good. But then what do we do? Sit around and pick ticks off each other?” “We’ll do what we do best.” “Drink wine and gossip?” Nina opened the big cooler and snatched up a bottle. “Oh, no! Domestic wine? Urgh. Now that’s what I call roughing it.” “I think you’ll survive. And the sooner we get the camp set up, the sooner we can indulge.” “Then let’s get to it, Mountain Mama.” The two friends worked in silence for the next hour. Chloe did most of the work to set up the camp, but Nina chipped in by placing a lantern in each tent, then setting the wine and glasses next to the campfire Chloe started. Soon, their work was finished. Chloe could sense Nina’s eyes on her and knew what she would say. But, as Nina’s friend, she’d go ahead and let her say it. Just like she’d let her say it a million times before. She filled Nina’s glass, then poured a small amount for herself. “I told you he wasn’t good enough for you. I knew he was an ass from the first minute I laid eyes on him.”
12
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
“Yeah, I remember. But I couldn’t help it. He was so nice…at first.” Before he’d started using her. Before he’d cheated on her. “I thought I loved the jerk.” “Girl, you have the worst judgment when it comes to men.” Nina was right. The men Chloe chose always let her down, always broke her trust. Even worse, lately she’d gotten involved with men who had bad tempers. She shook her head, resolving never to go down that path again. “Come on, Chloe. You know I’m telling the truth. Plus, if you ask me, you never really loved Roger. You just got sucked up into his lies and his phony charm. I mean, how can you love a man you never really knew?” Had she known the real Roger? Apparently not. Had she ever really loved him? A couple of months ago she would’ve said she did. But she’d known the truth in her gut if not in her head. Why had she hung onto the relationship, anyway? Still, she needed time away from the apartment, time away from the bed he’d sullied with the waitress, time to exorcise the rest of the Roger demons from her mind. “When you’re right, you’re right, Nina.” “Don’t I know it.” Chloe’s life with Roger seemed like a bad dream from which she’d finally awakened. “I guess some of us just take longer to get a clue.” Nina downed the rest of her drink, then grew solemn. Her concerned gaze worked its way straight into Chloe’s heart. “I want you to be happy, you know.” Chloe poured her friend another glass of wine. “With you as my best friend, what else could I be?” “Sheesh, are we getting sappy or what?” Nina looked away, trying to hide her pleased grin, and surveyed the campsite. “Now what do we do?” “Whatever you like. Maybe we could take a walk down to the stream? Or a hike up the hill?” “Uh, have we met? Walking? Hiking? Those words are not in my vocabulary. Unless, of course, there’s a dance club at the top of the hill.” “Okay, then, what would you suggest?” “I would suggest you get some work done. You know, as in a little thing called a commissioned painting? I know you’re dying to see the water and sketch some ideas. So go on before it gets too late. We’ll be fine.” “We’ll?” Chloe made a show of bending over to check under her car. “Did you sneak in a hot stowaway?” “Ooh, I’m sorry I didn’t think of that. But, sadly, no. I meant Mr. Vino and me.” “Ah, now I understand. You’re hoarding the alcohol for yourself.” “Don’t worry. I don’t think we’re going to run out anytime soon.” Chloe swirled the wine in her glass. “You could come along with me.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
13
Beverly Rae
“Are you talking about physical exertion again? No way. I reached my limit getting this place set up. Besides, I’ve got the perfect thing for this situation.” She hurried over to the SUV and pulled out a box along with two compact discs. “I figured you might need some alone time to do your creative artist thing, so I brought along my DVD player.” She held up the CDs and grinned. “See? I’ve got my favorite movies of all time: Married Without a Husband and Brickster’s Big Day Out.” “Wow, talk about prepared. Were you a Girl Scout?” “Yep. And because you’re so thoughtful to worry about my boredom, I’ll let you take my flask with you. Just be careful. I put some pretty potent stuff in it.” She unhooked the flask from her belt, took a sip and handed it to Chloe. “Besides, you’ll need the alcohol to pour over any snake bites.” Chloe started to turn down the offer, but Nina shushed her. “No, don’t. You hardly drank any wine, and I know you’re not much on hard liquor, but if anyone could use a good stiff drink, it’s you.” Chloe took the flask, then scooped up her sketchpad and pencils. “So, are you sure you’re good? You really don’t mind if I go without you?” Nina pretended to give the idea another moment’s thought before waving her off. “I’m sure. Now get going and sketch your heart out. I’ll be perfectly happy with my movies until you get back.” “Great. And don’t worry. I’ll return before dark.” “You’d better or those brownies might disappear before you make it back.” “Don’t you dare. Think of all those carbs sticking to your hips.” “Yeah, but it’ll be totally worth it.” Chloe was still grinning when she strode out of the campsite and down the dirt path leading to the stream. Birds and small animals scattered at her approach, and she peered into the underbrush to watch them dash away, then took several sips of the strong, burning liquid. Maybe Nina was right. She could use something more than wine right now. Heat from the alcohol swept through her, releasing the tension in her neck and easing her mind. She paused to inhale the heady fragrance of the pine trees surrounding her, then took another sip. Although she liked living in the city, she’d trade her apartment for the mountains anytime. The mountains always made her feel free, able to forget about her worries and responsibilities. She sighed. The forest and her art were all she needed. She took a long drink and thought again. Okay, maybe they weren’t all she needed. Chloe let her mind wander, imagining a home on top of a mountain where she could paint beautiful landscapes while her children played around her. And of course she’d have a handsome hubby to warm her bed at night. She sighed and continued toward the water. Chloe heard the sounds of the stream ahead and quickened her pace to match the faster beat of her heart. If she could spend an hour sketching the wildlife as they came to drink, she’d sleep like a baby
14
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
tonight. Only through her art did she find contentment, and the fact that she was getting paid for it made everything even better. Chloe broke through the last bushes separating her from the water, closed her eyes, and let the sunlight drench her body with its replenishing warmth. The sun’s rays strengthened her, renewing her spirit and adding to the contented glow the alcohol gave her. If only I could stay here forever. A splashing noise startled her out of her reverie, and she ducked behind a tree. Parting the branches for a better look, she stared in disbelief. “Oh, wow.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
15
Chapter Two
Chloe slapped a hand over her mouth and squatted, making her body smaller. Fortunately, the man standing in the stream didn’t notice her. Instead, he kept his head down, his attention focused on the water, his arms stretched out in front of him and his hands open as though ready to catch a football. She squinted, unsure if she could believe her eyes. Finding a man standing in the stream was startling enough, but finding a naked man standing in a stream was incredible. And what a man he was! Her gaze traveled from the top of his head, down his long dark hair, stopping to slide her attention to the left, then the right, to take in the massive width of his shoulders. Her heart pounded, and for a moment she was afraid he’d hear it above the sound of the running water. Muscles rippled as he flexed his upper torso, twisting first to one side, then the other, and yet he kept his legs perfectly still. His back made her think of flesh-covered marble like a Greek statue come to life. His arms, remaining outstretched, were sharply defined, with edges where one muscle connected to another like rocks positioned on top of each other to form ribbons of human granite. She swallowed, replenishing her suddenly dry mouth, then prepared to let her gaze slide lower. His broad shoulders tapered to a lean waist, but it was the granite hardness of his chest that took her breath away. The strong, sturdy legs, as thick as tree trunks, supported him as though the water wasn’t the fast current rushing around him but instead a peaceful lake. She studied him, fascinated by his obvious comfort in the wilderness. He was a man born of the earth who had remained a part of the earth, a man fully aware of his place in the universe. Moreover, he was an unusual vision, an unexpected gift for an artist. Even if she hadn’t found him attractive, she would’ve appreciated his magnificence and would’ve known that she had to sketch him. To not do so would be unthinkable. Going to her knees, she put pencil to pad and began to draw. Within a few minutes, she had a rough sketch completed. He moved, striking his hands into the water and stunning her so that she dropped her pencil. Shouting a cry of victory, he straightened up to lift a large fish over his head, then tossed it to the shore. She froze and considered what she’d seen. Had he really caught a fish with his bare hands? An image of a bear fishing for trout flashed through her mind. He’d caught the fish just like a bear would. But how? Was he a true wilderness man like those she’d thought existed only in stories?
Clawed
A second later he assumed the position he had before, and she forgot her questions. She wouldn’t have thought it possible for anything to be more alluring than his body, but she was wrong. If she’d believed in mythology, she would’ve sworn a god from Mount Olympus had chiseled his face from stone. And then, upon completion, the deity had placed eyes in his face so piercing that she could see the intensity in them from yards away. A smile lifted the corners of his lips, softening his face. Instead of making him seem less manly, the expression only served to increase the power in his face. Here was nature personified in human form. If she could draw him and show his vitality, his magnetism, his raw essence, she would be capturing rugged beauty itself. She retrieved her pencil and started sketching again. Her pencil flew over the pad. The fear that either the man would stalk away or she’d realize it was all a mirage that would vanish into thin air propelled her urgency. First his face formed on her paper—albeit hardly doing justice to the masculinity of his features—then she glanced up, ready to take in the rest of him. His chest, tanned and smooth, was broad and barreled, reminding her of a professional wrestler. His dark nipples were brown boulders set on top of a mountainside. Strong ribs called for her to skim her fingers along them, then move on to ridge after ridge of his glorious abdomen. She studied his body like the artwork it was, examining the angles, the curves, the complex structures combining to become the simplicity of his form. She tucked her head again and drew. Praying that the vision hadn’t disappeared, she dared to lift her gaze. Once again, she started from his head and traveled downward, revising her sketch as she went along until, at last, she gasped at the width and length of him. Like every other part of his body, his cock was impossibly strong-looking and long. If that’s how he looks without an erection… Oh, my. She shook away the torrid thought, intent on making him come alive on paper. He was superb, a marvel of wilderness and mankind rolled into one incredible form, and she couldn’t let herself get sidelined with sex-filled fantasies. But damn, what amazing fantasies they would be! All at once his image blurred, and she cursed her overindulgence of alcohol. She rubbed her eyes, then looked again and squinted. The man’s image grew blurrier and his body appeared to change, covering the hardness of bone and flesh, and adding…fur? Her jaw dropped and her hand skidded the pencil across the page, scoring a black mark from one end to the other. The man before her was changing into something else. Something even larger than he was, wider, bulkier, with brown fur spreading over his body to replace flesh and hair. She gawked, unable to believe her eyes, unable to look away. His face was gone and instead a large snout sprouted with a black nose at the end and long, ferocious fangs extended from his mouth. His long, muscular arms changed, growing shorter, while his hands widened and produced sharp claws. “Oh, my God!” Still standing on two legs, the grizzly bear jerked his head up, stared straight at her and roared, the sound sending small animals scurrying through the woods. The huge bear dropped to all fours, splashing
www.samhainpublishing.com
17
Beverly Rae
water high into the air as he lumbered onto the shore. Chloe yelped, stumbled backward, and landed on her bottom. Her breath hitched in her throat and her stomach turned over in fear. Precious seconds ticked by as she stared at the massive creature, both terrified and awestruck by his ferocious splendor. At last, adrenaline flashed alive. Discarding her art, she scrambled to her feet and ran as fast as she could. Chloe pushed through low-hanging tree branches and bushes, her heart caught in her throat, ready to feel giant claws raking down her back. She didn’t dare turn around, didn’t dare stop, but raced on, her mind repeating one word over and over. Run! Sticking to the path leading back to the campsite, she no longer had breath to shout for help. Her pulse pounded in her ears and a stitch stuck her in the side, making her whimper, but she pushed on. The ground shook beneath her like a tornado thundering behind her, telling her of the monster’s proximity, and as though her mind had detached itself from her body, she wondered why he hadn’t already taken her down. Her calves tightened from the exertion, and scratches covered her legs and arms, but she ignored the stings of pain. Then she tripped and fell. She hit the ground, her hands keeping her from landing face-first in the dirt. She sprawled, the impact knocking the air from her lungs. Dirt billowed up to coat her face and fill her nostrils. Stifling a cry, she curled into a fetal position, covered her head with her arms and closed her eyes. Please don’t hurt me. A giant shadow fell over her, blocking out the sunlight filtering through the forest. Warm breath floated over her as the animal placed his muzzle next to her skin, traveling in a slow move from her ankles to her back. He snorted once, then placed his nose against the nape of her neck. Chloe gritted her teeth against the scream wanting to break free, scrunched her eyes tighter and waited, certain that death was near. Her cry did break out, however, when the beast laid a paw the size of a catcher’s mitt against her bare leg. He could have torn her to shreds, but he merely rested the paw on her leg—then shook her as gently as a mother would shake a sleeping child. She held her breath, pretended to be dead and hoped he would believe her. Maybe if she was lucky, he’d already slaked his hunger with fish. If not… She shoved the horrifying outcome away, deliberately ridding her mind of any thought save her plea not to be hurt. “Rrraar.” She released her breath, startled by the sound even though the noise hadn’t sounded dangerous. Instead, the rising inflection at the end had made it sound almost like a question. She dared to look, peeking past the bend of her arm covering her face. Even with fear closing out everything else, she couldn’t help but admire him.
18
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
He was even bigger than she’d thought; an incredible hulk of an animal. The hump on his back identified him as a grizzly bear. Although his brown coat could have passed him for the local brown bear, there was no mistaking the large hump. He moved, graceful for such a large creature, and placed his head near hers. Strange, amber eyes stared at her and she gasped, the shock of those intense eyes forcing her to react. Unable to tear her gaze from his, she looked into his eyes. She could see the intelligence in those golden depths and something more. Something that reminded her of…compassion. Then he lowered his head, sniffed her again and nudged her with his nose. She remained as still as she could. A growl rolled deep in his throat, and with a shake of his head, he whirled around to race down the path toward the stream. Chloe remained hunkered on the ground, her arms covering her head for several minutes. At last, the reemergence of the birds chirping in the trees gave her courage to sit up and look around. Other than the huge tracks covering the ground, she could see no sign of the bear. She stayed where she was, almost afraid to move lest the beast returned. Gradually, however, her heartbeat slowed and she could breathe easier. She had a number of scratches on her body, and her palms were dirty and scraped, but although her skin was slashed with bright red streaks, the bleeding was minimal. Sighing, she closed her eyes and gave a silent prayer of thanks.
Conan, goose bumps prickling his bare skin, knelt beside the sketchpad and studied the drawing. The beautiful woman who had surprised him was a fine artist, capturing his likeness with a skill that brought the image to life. But her skill didn’t make the picture any less troubling. “Damn stupid.” She’d seen him shift and he’d recognized her expression of disbelief. A disbelief that had abruptly changed to alarm. He’d known she would run from him, but he hadn’t anticipated her blind terror, flinging herself through the woods with no regard for her safety, and he’d worried she’d injure herself. Seeing no alternative, he’d chased after her, knowing he increased her panic but unwilling to let her flee without making sure she reached her destination unharmed. Only after she’d fallen could he keep her there, huddled in fear, but giving her time to regain her senses. However, the problem remained. She’d seen him change and he didn’t like it, especially since she could draw what she’d seen. He supposed he should be relieved that she hadn’t had a camera. But how could he handle this? Like most were-bears, he preferred to have little contact with humans. He could count on one hand the times a human had seen him shift and now, because he’d let his guard down, another one had.
www.samhainpublishing.com
19
Beverly Rae
His thoughts drifted and he remembered her scent. He lifted his hand to his nose and sniffed, extracting the aroma still lingering on his skin. Unable to resist, he’d pressed his nose against her and had taken a deep breath, forever committing her fragrance to memory. She smelled like a human, but her scent was different, more alluring…special. And her skin. Her skin was softer than any female he’d ever touched. Oh, how he wished he could’ve slid his hand, instead of the rough pad of his paw, over her flesh. Her leg was firm, yet supple. She had a runner’s legs, not the soft fleshy legs some females had. He closed his eyes and could almost feel his paw sliding over the swell of her hips and along her side again. If he could have touched her breasts… But he hadn’t let himself go that far. Conan tracked his fingers through his hair and groaned. He’d fought against the urge to stroke her lustrous hair, and somehow he’d denied the urge, knowing he would have frightened her more. Even in the filtered light of the woods, her brunette locks had shown their coppery highlights with glistening strands of blonde peeking through to tempt him. He clenched his fist, imagined taking the soft strands in his grasp, then letting them slip from between his fingers in a silky waterfall. He blinked, his gaze falling to the drawing, and let out an exasperated sigh. One last look, then he would tear the page from her book, shredding it and scattering the pieces to the wind. Yes, she was good. Too good. But at least she hadn’t sketched his transformation from man to beast. He destroyed the image, placed the pencil on the sketchpad, and set it on top of a nearby rock next to the flask of liquor she’d left. “Hmm. Now there’s something you don’t see very often. A naked guy with a sketchbook.” Billy Tyler, a were-coyote and Conan’s best friend, grinned at him and handed him his clothes. “I figured once I found your clothes, you couldn’t be far away.” “Looks like you figured right.” “Are you planning on inviting a lady friend back to the cave to see your sketches? Or have you enrolled in art classes in your spare time?” Conan arched an eyebrow and looked down at his friend, his narrowed eyes pointedly staring at the smattering of freckles across his nose. Billy hated it when anyone stared at his freckles. He frowned and rubbed his nose. “You aren’t as funny as you think you are.” Just to irritate him more, Conan ruffled Billy’s sandy hair and watched the irritation flare in his eyes. Nonetheless, Billy was never far from another grin. “Tell me, man, where’d you get the drawing materials? It’s not as though we have an art store out here.” He cast him a sly smirk. “Conan, did you have a run-in with a human?” “Never mind.”
20
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Billy’s excitement was almost palpable. “You did, didn’t you? This after you told me a bullshit story about wanting to get away from both humans and your kind. You, my friend, answer the question everyone asks. Does a bear shit in the woods? Answer? Yeah, you sure do because you’re full of it.” “Your mouth’s going to be full of my fist if you don’t shut up.” Conan growled, a warning that didn’t faze Billy. “Yeah, yeah. Keep your pants on. Seriously, man, keep your pants on.” He chuckled at Conan’s menacing expression, then took in the pieces of paper scattered on the ground. “I guess you didn’t like the picture? What was wrong with it? Did he give you a four-pack instead of a six-pack?” He knew he shouldn’t, but somehow he always ended up telling Billy the truth. “A woman dropped the pad.” “A woman dropped it, huh? Like out of an airplane? Or did she just happen to walk by and thought this was a great place to leave her things?” Billy’s blue eyes zeroed in on him. “Or let me guess. She saw you fishing and took off, leaving everything to run screaming into the forest. Am I right? Shit. Did she catch you with your drawers off and your fur on?” His friend was intelligent if nothing else. “I didn’t know she was there.” Conan strode away, making the shorter man take two steps to his one to keep up. “Aw, hell. She did, didn’t she? So she saw you change, didn’t she? Why didn’t you check before you shifted?” Billy was right, of course, but having it thrown back in his face wasn’t helping his mood. “I forgot, okay? I was fishing, enjoying my time alone, and I shifted.” “So you just did it? Without making sure no one saw you? Tell me. How many times have you warned me against doing that exact same thing?” Digging in his heels, Conan pivoted, catching Billy before he had a chance to escape. He grabbed him under the arms and lifted him, bringing Billy’s face close to his. “Yeah, I get it. I screwed up. But what’s done is done, so let it go.” Thanks to a determination not to be as scrawny as most were-coyotes, Billy worked out, building up his physique. He broke Conan’s hold on him and dropped to the ground. “Relax. No harm, no foul.” Conan grunted, scooped up the fish he’d left on the shore and stalked into the water to stride to the other side of the stream. No harm, no foul was right. Or at least he hoped so. “So, man, what did she look like?” Billy followed him, squeezing the water from his shirt once they’d reached the shore, then danced around him, keeping up with Conan’s quick stride. “Was she hot?” Conan shot him a look that would’ve deterred anyone else from asking questions, but not Billy. Although he had a temper, Conan would never harm anyone unless he was in danger. A fact Billy knew well. “Yeah.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
21
Beverly Rae
“Yeah what? Yeah she was hot?” “Yeah. Brunette.” Conan envisioned her hair, saw the highlights and once again wanted to take a lock of her hair in his hands. “Long hair.” “Ooh, cool. Did she have a good rack?” He shot Billy a scornful glance and kept walking. “Yeah.” A good rack didn’t cover it. Her small breasts, firm and round in her tight T-shirt had quickened his pulse even before he’d started chasing after her. “Was she tall? Taller than me?” “Everyone’s taller than you.” “Ha-ha, bro. Funny you ain’t. But I’ll forgive you if you’ll just open up and tell me about her. What did she smell like?” Conan slammed to a stop and started to tell Billy to knock off the questions, but the memory of her scent highjacked his words. “Whoa.” Billy pointed at him, an awed expression on his face. “You liked her scent. You, Mister IDon’t-Like-Human-Smell, liked the way she smelled.” Since Billy already had his answer, Conan forged on, heading to the cave they shared. “She must’ve been something for you to remember her scent. Was she alone? Did she have a friend? Where do you think she came from? Her campsite has to be near the stream, right? Well, say something. Man, you really need to work on your communication skills.” Conan grabbed his friend and snarled. “Do not get any stupid ideas.” “Who, me? Of course not.” Conan studied him but failed to get a good read. Billy looked sincere enough, but that didn’t mean anything. The man could lie with the best of them. It didn’t matter. He’d make sure they stayed away. He shook his head, hating the tickle crawling up his spine. Still, if he was determined to keep away, why couldn’t he shake the feeling that he hadn’t seen the last of the beautiful artist?
“How are you feeling?” Chloe tore her gaze away from the fire, placed her mug of coffee next to her on the log and nodded at Nina. “Better.” She’d taken the first hour after she’d returned to the campsite to calm down, but now she was back to normal. Or at least on her way. “I’m sorry I left your flask. I’ll get it when I go back for my sketchpad.” “I’m glad you’re doing better and you’ve got some color back in your face. But don’t worry about the flask or your pad. Those things are replaceable. A good friend isn’t.” “Thanks, Nina.”
22
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
“You applied antiseptic to those scratches, right?” “Yes, Mom.” “Pff. If I was your mom, you’d already be sitting at home in a nice hot bath with the biggest glass of wine I could find. Do you think we should pull up camp and head back to civilization?” Chloe hugged the blanket around her. “No, it’s too late, and besides, I don’t like the idea of navigating those roads in the dark.” “But if there’s a grizzly bear on the rampage…” “I don’t think he’s on a rampage. I think it’s more likely that I startled him. I shouldn’t have run. I should’ve just backed away quietly, but I lost my head and blew it. Still, you moved the food away from the tents, right?” “As ordered. It’s hanging from that tree in a backpack.” “Good. But I think we’d better finish off those brownies before we hit the sack.” “I’m way ahead of you.” Nina tossed her a foil-wrapped package containing two of the brownies. “I guess you really are feeling better if you’re thinking about chocolate.” “I’m always thinking about chocolate.” Although Chloe was getting back to normal, she still couldn’t shake the way the bear had reacted. The way he’d stroked her, almost as though he was trying to calm her, just didn’t make any sense. Who’d ever heard of a bear comforting a human? “I can’t figure out what a grizzly is doing in these parts. They’re not native to the area.” “Maybe he escaped from a traveling circus.” “A circus?” Chloe scoffed, but couldn’t argue the fact since she didn’t have a better explanation for why a bear normally found in the upper northwestern states had somehow ended up in North Carolina. “Look, Chloe, I don’t mean to upset you or anything, but do you think maybe it wasn’t really a bear? Maybe it was a big dog or something. Maybe you drank too much crazy juice from the flask. I warned you that it was strong.” Chloe shook her head. “No. This was real. Not some alcohol-induced hallucination. I know what I saw.” “Hey, relax. I’m not saying you didn’t see something. I’m just questioning why you saw what you saw.” Nina poked the fire, then waved away the smoke. “Okay, so let me make sure I have this right. You went to the stream and found—wait for it—a naked man fishing with his bare hands.” “That’s right. And not just any man. He was an Adonis.” Chloe pictured his Herculean body and felt her heart speed up. She’d had no choice but to try to capture the strength of his thick arms and legs, not to mention the broad expanse of his chest that had narrowed to a sculpted waist. Her stomach had tightened with excitement in much the same way as when she’d viewed the creations of Michelangelo’s David and the beauty of the Venus de Milo. “And then you saw him change from a man into a bear? Am I getting this right?”
www.samhainpublishing.com
23
Beverly Rae
Chloe ignored the skepticism lacing Nina’s tone. Could she blame her for being skeptical? Would she have believed her friend if she’d told the same story? But she’d seen him change into the bear. Or had she? She frowned, no longer as sure as she’d been earlier. Could she have had too much to drink? After all, she wasn’t much of a drinker, and she’d had more than she normally consumed and at a much faster pace. But was it enough to make her see things? “And the bear chased you, but it didn’t hurt you once it caught up with you?” “That’s what I said, isn’t it?” Chloe scowled at her friend, but in reality, she was more irritated with her own lack of conviction than with her friend’s questions. Nina didn’t back down, even at the harshness of Chloe’s tone. “Well, then I think you got off easy. A bear has you down on the ground and doesn’t touch you? Wow. Talk about getting lucky.” But he had touched her. She just hadn’t told Nina that part. She didn’t know why, but she couldn’t. Chloe stared into the fire. He’d touched her, all right. With his paw and his nose. She’d felt the strength in his stroke and had known he could kill her with one blow. But why couldn’t she shake the idea that he’d comforted her?
“Hi.” Chloe jumped at the sound of a male voice and heard Nina utter a yelp before grabbing a nearby stick. Standing at the edge of the clearing stood a man, a big grin covering his face, and her sketchpad, pencils and flask in his hands. The threatening rumble of a thunderstorm overhead added to her already jangled nerves. “Are these yours?” He took a step forward, then stopped as though waiting for an invitation to join them. “I found them by the stream.” Nina held the stick in the air, ready to strike. “Is this him?” Her whisper, however, wasn’t as quiet as it should have been if the man’s widening smile was any indication. “No.” “Oh, good.” Chloe glanced at her friend. “My guy—” My guy? “The guy in the stream was a lot bigger.” “Hey, I’m bigger than I look. Besides, height doesn’t matter.” His grin took up most of his face as his gaze locked onto Nina. “Size does.” “Ooh, he’s yummy.” “Nina, he could be the ax murderer you were talking about.” Leave it to her free-loving friend to overlook his sudden appearance from out of nowhere. “I don’t think so. And remember which one of us is the better judge of character. Especially of male character.” Nina tossed her hair, a sure sign that she was attracted to the man.
24
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
“Okay, then, drop the stick. I don’t think he’s going to play fetch.” Chloe approached him, careful to stay alert. He didn’t look like he wanted to hurt them, but who knew? “I’ll play fetch if you want me to.” He glanced at Chloe, but again his gaze slid back to Nina who blushed and giggled. Oh, hell, she giggled. Nina’s silly laugh meant she was ready to flirt. Nina let the stick drop to the ground and returned his attention megawatt for megawatt. Chloe mumbled a warning, although she knew her sexually uninhibited friend wouldn’t listen. Once Nina set her sights on a man, she didn’t let go. Still, maybe if she got him away from their camp fast enough, she could keep Nina from jumping his bones. “Where did you find that?” Chloe pointed to her sketchpad and reached out her hand. He came closer, but she didn’t sense any danger. Instead, he seemed genuinely smitten with her friend and couldn’t keep his eyes off her. “I found everything down by the water sitting on a rock. Are they yours?” “Yes.” He still hadn’t given her the pad so she leaned forward and tugged it out of his hand. She scanned through the pages and searched for the drawing she’d done by the stream, but the drawing had been ripped out of the book. He continued to smile at Nina, oblivious to Chloe’s gasp of dismay. “I’m Billy Tyler.” Nina was by Chloe’s side in an instant, his introduction the only incentive she’d needed. “Hi. I’m Nina Winters.” Chloe waited for her friend to introduce her, too, but Nina and Billy didn’t seem to remember she existed. Unable to stand the way they looked at each other as though they couldn’t wait to touch, she took Billy’s hand and pumped it, hoping to break their connection and using the gesture to take the pencils and flask back. “I’m Chloe Long. Thanks for returning my stuff. But where’s the drawing I made? Did you tear it out?” Instead of answering, however, he kept his focus on Nina. “Do you think I could sit down? With you?” He inclined his head toward the fire, offered his hand to Nina, then led her to take a seat on the log. Feeling like the third wheel with Nina on the prowl was not an unusual situation for Chloe, but that didn’t mean she liked it any better. Circling the fire pit, she watched the two cuddle together as though they’d known each other for a lifetime. What had just happened? A stranger shows up and Nina goes all gaga for him? Sure, it wasn’t the first time, but meeting a man in the forest? Leave it to Nina to make such an unlikely event happen. Still, their attraction had gone ballistic so fast. Was everything out of whack today or was she still inebriated and hallucinating again? Again? An hour later Chloe’s third-wheel status was still intact. She’d listened to the couple talk about everything from nature to the possibility of life on Mars and had reached her limit. Excusing herself, she slipped into her tent and turned out the lantern.
www.samhainpublishing.com
25
Beverly Rae
Lying in the dark, she listened to the murmur of their voices. The attraction between them was undeniable. What had her grandmother once called it? Love at first sight? Until now, however, she wouldn’t have believed it could happen. Knowing Nina, it was probably more like lust at first glance, but who was she to judge? God knew she didn’t have the best track record with men. And Nina, well, Nina was another story. Her love life was simple and easy. And never had the rotten endings Chloe’s did. Maybe she should follow Nina’s lead from now on. Cushioning her head with her arm, she turned on her side and watched their silhouettes as they moved into Nina’s tent and sat on her sleeping bag. An arm reached out to touch the other shadow and she imagined Billy brushing a lock of hair away from Nina’s face. Billy leaned forward, joining their shapes, and she heard Nina gasp. Oh, man. If only… Chloe couldn’t begrudge her friend a night of pleasure. Just because her love life was nonexistent didn’t mean Nina couldn’t have a one-night stand. And Chloe would stay awake and watch, not to play voyeur, but to keep her friend safe. Yeah, right. That’s why. An ache of pure longing ripped through Chloe. How long had it been since Roger and she’d had sex? Of course now she understood why. All those nights he’d had to work late, all the times he’d claimed he’d been tired, he’d been cheating on her. If not with Jilly, then with someone else. Nina’s happy laughter floated on the air as she stripped, the shadows showing her clothing being tossed to the tent floor. Billy’s silhouette did the same and soon the two bodies converged into one again. Sighing, Chloe turned away from the sight. Nonetheless, she couldn’t block out the sounds they made. She gave up the pretense of trying to ignore what was happening in the next tent and turned over to watch. Nina’s giggles turned to moans and sighs, her shadow flat on her back with Billy’s dark form extending their length. Chloe listened to the sounds he made as he pleasured Nina and watched as Nina twisted in ecstasy, her shadow curving as she arched her back to rise and reach for Billy. The two shadows ebbed and flowed together, their breathing growing heavy, their panting accompanying the music of the forest. Suddenly the light went out in the other tent, and the show was now with sound effects only. Still, the churning ball of energy in Chloe’s stomach grew larger, sending out tendrils of desire to spread to her core. Her breathing quickened, her heart raced as her hands found the tender, aching parts of her body. She ran her hands over her skin, stopping at one curve, then skimming around another. How many times had she wished for a night of sexual play under the stars? How many times had she dreamed of a man who would take her while the sounds of the wilderness cocooned them? For years, she’d yearned for a man who was at home in the mountains just like the man at the stream.
26
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Sighing, Chloe let her mind wander back to him. Had she imagined him as well as the bear? After all, how could any normal man look like him? Could any man do what he’d done? Or had she just imagined an amazing piece of art-turned-human? She remembered his hard form, the way his body moved, so free, so confident. The rush of heat filled her again, stoking her imagination as well as the warmth between her legs. What would have happened if she’d made her presence known to him earlier? Would he have come to her? Would he have transformed? Would the man have offered himself to her as Billy now gave himself to Nina? And if he hadn’t, could she have grown brave enough to go to him, casting off the restrictions of civilization and her own inhibitions? She sighed, letting her mind’s eye recreate their meeting. Starting from the moment he’d turned her way, she could see the man raise his head and look at her.
Chloe rose from her hiding place and walked toward him. She watched him as he studied her, curious to see what she’d do, and she gave in to his curiosity. Sending him a smile that spoke of secrets she might share, she disrobed, taking her time with each piece of clothing. His eyes grew darker as she let the clothes slip from her fingers to fall to the forest floor. He met her on the shore of the babbling stream, his body showing his arousal, hers sending out the aroma of seduction. Not yet touching, they regarded each other, tentatively, playfully as though each deciding to delay the moment of contact.
Chloe slid her fingers into her jeans, found the wetness between her legs and massaged the throbbing nub of flesh. Her lips parted and her gaze fixated on the top of her tent, unseeing, instead materializing the man from the stream to hover above her.
“Please,” she whispered. He ran his gaze down the length of her, sending an unmistakable message of desire. He reached out and laid his palm over her breast, and her nipple peaked to attention. He took her other breast, then met her gaze and let the warmth flow between them. He stroked her, more than with his physical touch, but with his look, his need. Wanting to be sure he understood, she whispered, “I want you, too.” Words couldn’t convey how much she needed him, ached for him. He tilted his head in question, but his face remained a picture of lust that soon gave way to a knowing smile. Slipping his hands over her shoulders, he tunneled his fingers into the hair at the nape of her neck. “Tell me what you want me to do.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
27
Beverly Rae
His voice resonated into her, driving his power into her very essence. Here was the man she’d waited for, dreamed of, longed for. Although they were strangers, she knew him as well as she knew her own heart. She had no choice but to answer truthfully. “Do anything you want.”
Chloe rubbed harder, friction driving her to the edge of an orgasm. Closing her eyes, she continued the fantasy.
Taking her at her word, he enveloped her, lifting her from the ground. As easily as he carried her body, he carried the very soul of her desire. She melted against him, wrapping her legs around his waist, her body turning to smoldering embers against his flame. He pressed his mouth against hers and cupped her ass, holding her a willing prisoner against his brick wall of a body. She mewed, grateful for his touch, and matched his passion with her own. He swirled his tongue in her mouth, drinking her in as she prayed he would drink in another part of her. She wrapped her arms as far as they could go around his wide back, digging her nails into him, marking him, claiming him the only way she knew how. Making a sound that was more animal than human, he carried her into the stream. Water splashed on her feet, then on her legs until at last they stood waist deep in the chilly torrent. With a growl, he broke their kiss and silently searched her once more. His eyes, speaking more than words ever could, challenged her to take the temptation he offered. She accepted the challenge and he pulled her with him to sink under the water.
28
www.samhainpublishing.com
Chapter Three
Chloe cried out as the orgasm raked through her, her body jerking in wave after wave of release. She trembled, perspiration wetting her hairline even as her breathing slowly returned to normal. Eyes wide, she yanked her hand away from her crotch and searched the small enclosure for her fantasy lover. But her tent was as empty as when she’d entered it. If imagining him made her feel this way, what would having sex with the real man do to her? “Chloe, are you okay?” She sat up, color flaming her cheeks, and thanked her lucky stars that she’d brought two tents. “Yeah, I’m fine. I, uh, I guess I had a bad dream.” “Sounded like a good dream, if you ask me.” “Shh, Billy.” Nina’s chuckle didn’t help Chloe’s embarrassment. She covered her face with her hands and wondered how desperate she must sound to her friend and her…what? Her one-night stand? Her new lover? With Nina, who knew? “You are so bad, Billy.” “But good, too, right?” More laughter followed and the light came on again in the other tent. Chloe glanced at the shadows playing on the nylon, then abruptly turned her head. No wonder she’d gone overboard. How could she not after watching them? She needed to go to sleep and ignore the sexual playtime in the next tent. Sleep, however, eluded her until she finally gave up and decided to draw. Careful to be as quiet as possible, she gathered her pencil and sketchpad and sat on the log by the glowing campfire embers. The lantern gave her just enough light to see, and she once again began to sketch the sexy man of the stream. She let out a breath, grateful to have the tension flow out of her, and let her art become, as it always had, her refuge, her passion and her way to relax all rolled into one. Losing herself in the world on the paper, she attempted to capture the beauty of nature without the cruel reality often lying just under the surface. She soon forgot everything and everyone else as her picture took shape. Perhaps it was because she drew by the light of the lantern and the flickering glow of the embers that her work took on a life of its own, becoming more than a drawing. She could almost feel the warmth emanating from the paper, could almost touch the texture of skin, hair and fur. The picture had a heartbeat of its own, bringing her inside it, taking her to where the figure was, away from the campsite to a place she
Beverly Rae
hadn’t known existed. And unlike the drawing that had been torn from her sketchpad, this time she drew an image of two figures, one man and the other animal, their bodies intertwined into one. She had no idea how long she drew and it didn’t matter. The changing light had no effect on her. In fact, she found the early morning rays filtering through an overcast sky a welcome addition to her work as though the new day added another dimension to her subject. Sighing, she ignored the first pangs of hunger and continued to draw. She concentrated on the figure, not caring about a background. The sketch was not only about the man-beast, but somehow, for the man-beast. Vaguely she responded to Nina and Billy when they finally emerged, hand in hand, from the tent. Appreciative words—praise for her art—flowed over her, but she didn’t bother to acknowledge them. Although hungry, she refused the food and drink they offered. “Chloe?” “Hmm?” “Are you sure you don’t want to take a break?” “No.” “Is she okay?” She heard Nina murmur an answer to Billy but didn’t care to join in the conversation. What she was doing, the picture she was creating, was more important. “I’ve seen her immersed in her work before but never like this.” “Her drawing is amazing, but I’m afraid he won’t think so.” Chloe was aware of the abrupt change between them, strain suddenly erupting, but concentrated on making the man’s hair exactly the way she remembered it. She tried to block out their conversation, but it filtered in anyway, words with no meaning filling her head. “What do you mean? Who is he? Do you know who she’s drawing? Is he for real?” “Never mind. I shouldn’t have said anything.” A terse discussion followed that made Chloe tense and she hurried on as though the winner of the argument might somehow try to influence her work. Once she’d applied the final touch, she stopped and examined the picture, and found herself hoping that she’d find another way to make it better just so she could continue working on it. Unlike her previous work, however, she judged it perfect. Complete. Wonderful. The best sketch she’d ever done. She rubbed her tired eyes and blinked, surprised to find Nina and Billy watching her. “Hi, Nina. Billy.” Nina’s relieved face brightened with a smile. “Hey, welcome back to our world. Are you hungry yet?” Her stomach growled, answering on cue. “You bet. What do we have on the menu?” Nina pulled open two packages of foil-wrapped food and held them out for her inspection. “Bacon and eggs. I can see if I can warm them up again. And we still have a few English muffins left.”
30
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
“Only two pieces of bacon out of an entire pound? I guess I’m not the only starving camper.” She grinned at Billy, letting him know she was joking. “Sorry, but after last night I needed to refuel.” He bumped his shoulder against Nina. “You, girl, are an animal.” Chloe’s gaze dropped to her drawing. An animal. Yes, she’d drawn a half man, half animal, but was he simply a product of her imagination?
Conan surveyed the cozy scene. After finding Billy gone from the cave in the middle of the night, he’d assumed his friend had gone for a moonlight run. Once the sun had come up, however, and Billy hadn’t returned, he’d realized the were-coyote’s adventurous nature had taken him to a specific destination—a destination Billy had wisely kept to himself. Judging from the way the were-coyote and the smaller woman acted, he’d come to that realization too late. The wily shifter had already made an intimate connection with the human female. Conan had to give him his due. Billy had a way with women. His quick and easy wit managed to put them off their guard while his inherent animal magnetism lured them in. Conan had often envied the werecoyote his friendly nature, wishing he could relax and be as outgoing. He growled low and soft, saw Billy sit up and glance his way, then quickly return to his conversation. Billy wouldn’t acknowledge his presence until Conan wanted him to. He stalled, keeping his gaze on Billy and his woman. If he let his sight fall to the other female, he’d be lost. But it was inevitable. He had to look. She was more beautiful than he remembered. Her hair flowed softly around her shoulders to carry his focus down her back to the shapely curve of her butt. Unlike other human females he’d known, she didn’t wear any of the nasty-smelling makeup they couldn’t live without. Instead, her beauty was as pure as the nature surrounding her. The pink of her cheeks accented the soft red of her full lips while big brown eyes, reminding him of a young fawn’s, spoke of intelligence and spunk. Her neck was long and sleek, and her breasts were the size he craved to fill the palms of his hands. He gritted his teeth, warning himself not to let her charms overwhelm him. Sure, her legs were as long as a gazelle’s and his imagination led him to think of them wrapped around his waist, but he had to keep his head. Nonetheless, he could almost feel her tighten them, using the leverage to match her thrust to his as they edged toward orgasms. His mouth dried as he imagined her flat stomach pressing against his and the way she’d bring her sweet nipple to his mouth to beg him to suck on it. Her lips would part in rapture, her big eyes holding him hostage, and he would dive into them and never return. Conan shook, ridding his mind of the torturous ideas. He’d come to these mountains not only to explore, but to get away from humans and the demands of his kind. Not to bed a human female.
www.samhainpublishing.com
31
Beverly Rae
He’d finally decided to turn away, leaving Billy to have fun with the women, when his gaze fell on the drawing. He sucked air through gritted teeth, stunned at how precisely she’d captured both sides of him, how well she’d illustrated the transformation. Looking at the incredible drawing, he knew with absolute certainty that people would believe his kind existed. Anger, swift and sure, ripped through him. “You have no right.” The two women jumped as he broke through the bushes and into the campsite. “I repeat. You have no right.” Billy stepped in front of him, blocking his way. “Take it easy. We’re all friends here.” The gorgeous woman and her friend gaped at him, each with an incredulous expression. Billy’s woman was wary. He could see it in her face, in her wide eyes, in the way she reached for the other woman. But the beautiful artist fought the alarm he saw on her face, struggled with it and won. Her features hardened with a determination he admired. Placing the offending sketchbook on the log, she took two steps toward him, then fisted her hands on her hips. The beautiful brown eyes flashed with fire, proving he’d guessed correctly. She did have spunk. “We have no right to do what? To camp here? To eat breakfast?” Her eyes blazed with fury that was both intriguing and sexy as hell. “And who are you to tell us what we can or can’t do?” Billy jumped in, again trying to defuse an already antagonistic situation. “Hey, you two, let’s take it down a notch, okay? Ladies, this is my friend, Conan Cahill. Conan, this is Nina Winters and Chloe Long, two very special women.” Her name is Chloe. He longed to try it in his mouth, to see if it felt as good to say it as it was to hear it. “You have no right.” Chloe’s brows dipped between her eyes. “What the hell are you talking about?” She shook herself as though shaking off a bad dream “You know what? Never mind. Billy, I don’t mean to sound harsh, but maybe you and your friend need to leave.” “No!” Nina clasped on to Billy. “I don’t want him to go.” Conan walked over, putting his body within inches of Chloe’s. Heat rushed through him, lust pounded in his ears and he felt his shaft go to full alert, his erection pushing against the confines of his jeans. He’d never experienced as great a visceral need as he did with this female, but that didn’t matter. He had to destroy the drawing. “I have no problem leaving. But when I do, I’m taking the picture with me.” Chloe glanced at the pad as though checking to see if he’d already taken it. Lifting her gaze to his again, she ground out her words, her tone leaving no ambiguity behind her meaning. “Like hell you will.” “Yeah, I will.” Conan took another step forward, putting him in what humans called their “personal space” to challenge her. To her credit, she didn’t budge, didn’t even blink. The corners of his mouth lifted. Spunky didn’t come close to what she was. His shaft twitched again. “Hey, man, let’s not go there. Keep things under control, okay? Both of you need to calm down.”
32
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Her rich brown eyes flicked to Billy, then back to him. “I can’t stay calm with him threatening to take my work.” Billy nodded, then shot Conan a pointed look. “I know, Chloe, and anyone can understand your position. But give me a chance. Let me see if I can reason with him.” Conan growled but allowed Billy to tug him to the side. Still, he kept his eyes on Chloe. Taking the hint from Billy, Nina pulled Chloe to the opposite side of the campsite, away from Conan—and away from the sketchpad. “Conan, what’s your problem? It’s just a drawing.” True enough. But Conan couldn’t find the words to describe his feeling. It was just a drawing but it was also so much more. “I’m the subject. Both sides of me.” “Yeah, but who’s going to believe that a half man, half bear is for real?” He cocked an eyebrow at his friend. “You mean, like how some people believe Bigfoot is real? Or werewolves? Hell, the damn vampires are showing up so much that people are imitating them. Even forming vampire clubs. What’s to say drawings like hers won’t start the same shit for my kind?” Billy narrowed his eyes. “Okay, I can see your position…to a point. But are you sure there isn’t something more involved here? Like maybe she gets to you?” He glared at the were-coyote. “You’re nuts. She doesn’t get to me.” He glanced at Chloe, then yanked his attention back to his friend. “Not the way you think.” “Sorry, but your actions say different.” “He’s not taking my drawing!” Conan and Billy turned to see Nina trying to calm down an agitated and very determined Chloe. Both women noticed the men watching them and grew silent, then continued their argument in hushed tones. “Billy, you don’t know what you’re talking about. Now let’s just grab the drawing and get out of here.” He slammed his mouth shut, keeping the next thoughts to himself. Wasn’t it bad enough that I dreamed of her last night? A slash of light brightened the world, followed by a clap of thunder that reverberated overhead, causing everyone to look toward the sky. Black clouds billowed and swirled, changing day into night, and without warning, the clouds opened up and let loose a hard, drenching rain. Chloe screeched, breaking away from Nina’s attempt to pull her into a tent. Billy blocked Nina from going after Chloe, then pulled her into a tent. Conan raced over to meet Chloe at the log where she’d left her drawing, her hair falling into her face as she held the sketchpad. Picking her up with one arm, he carried her into the other tent and flopped her down onto her sleeping bag. She remained where she’d landed, clutching the pad to her chest. “Are you all right?”
www.samhainpublishing.com
33
Beverly Rae
Alarm raked through him when she didn’t answer. Had she been hit by lightning? Sometimes lightning could travel through the ground and into an animal, but he couldn’t find any sign of injury on her. “Chloe, answer me. Are you hurt?” He knelt beside her, expecting her to either shrink away or to strike out. But she didn’t move. Figuring he had to do something to get a reaction from her, he touched her knee. Her head jerked at the same time he felt something—the remnants of an electric current?—sweep from her into his hand. He yanked his hand away. “No.” Her eyes changed, melting away the anger he’d seen before into a sad, soft brown. “I’m not hurt. At least not the way you think.” Relief washed over him. “Then what’s the big deal about a little rain?” He glared at her, annoyed at the emotions she stirred within him, but her gaze had returned to the sketchbook. “It’s ruined,” she whispered. “Totally ruined.” The drawing, soaked and tearing apart, was destroyed. Sadness swept over him and he realized he hadn’t wanted to destroy the drawing after all. Instead, he’d hoped to possess it, to keep it safe. Then he could have looked at the drawing and remembered the beautiful woman who’d created it. “I’m sorry.” “No you’re not. You wanted it destroyed and now it is.” If he could have reached out and taken her pain away, he would have. Instead, he sat at the edge of the sleeping bag and shook his head. “I did at first, but now I realize that wasn’t true. I wanted to have it.” Her eyes widened in surprise. “You wanted to keep it?” She appeared to study him, staring at him as though she could see into his very soul. After a few moments, she broke into laughter. Now it was his turn to be surprised. “What are you laughing at?” Although he preferred the laughter to the dismal sadness, it didn’t make sense. “Hell, if you wanted it so badly, why didn’t you just ask me for it?” “Would you have given it to me?” “No.” She shook her head emphatically. He liked the twinkle in her eye and the slightest hint of dimples in her cheeks. “Would you have sold it to me?” She shook her head again. “Nope. Not a chance.” He laughed with her this time until another clap of thunder drowned out both of them. A moment later he was on top of her, crushing his mouth to hers, driving his tongue between her lips, his hands tearing the wet clothes away from her breasts.
34
www.samhainpublishing.com
Chapter Four
Chloe yanked at his shirt, tearing at it and tugging it over his head. His hands were all over her, pulling, ripping her wet clothes away, grabbing her then releasing her only to grab her elsewhere. Her breath came out in bursts of air in between fervent kisses, never allowing her to fill her lungs completely, but she couldn’t, wouldn’t stop the kisses. Gone were her jeans in seconds, her thong flying after them. She struggled to unleash the hardness hidden by his jeans, finally having no recourse but to allow him to help. Within minutes, she lay naked on top of her sleeping bag with the mountain of a man towering over her, the realization of her fantasy come alive. He was amazing, a god come to life. His dark eyes bored into her, fathomless pools that beckoned to her, daring her to dive in and discover the man inside. His jaw made her wet with the need to lay her face against his and rake the prickly stubble over her smooth skin. Muscles rippled across his wide chest as he held his body over hers. She bit her lip, then cast her gaze down before forcing herself to look at him again. He studied her for a moment as though reconsidering, golden flakes flashing in his eyes, then let out a slow growl that both terrified and thrilled her. He took her mouth again, nibbling at her lips and sliding his hand along her neck to her shoulder, then down to caress the side of her breast. The move, at odds with the ferocity she sensed hidden within him, was gentle yet possessive. Her skin tingled at his touch and she wanted more of the sensation. She inhaled and arched toward him, pushing against him to get closer. Tunneling her fingers through his long hair, she kept his mouth to hers, his taste more carnal than any man she’d ever had. He swept his tongue inside, eliciting a sensual dance with hers. She breathed in, drawing in his aroma. His smell was wild, exotic and all man. Another scent, something she couldn’t identify, lay just below the surface. He deserted her mouth then, leaving her lips full and pouty, to travel his tongue between her breasts, then over the top of each one. Answering her silent plea, he took her nipple and pressed his tongue against her bud’s tender skin. He slid his hand between her legs, opening her, and she complied, unable to refuse him anything. Lifting her legs, she rubbed them against the taut muscles in his thighs as the hardness of him pushed against her. Every part of her body came alive, her nerve endings sensitized to the feel of his skin against hers, his mouth touching the most intimate parts of her. She closed her eyes to heighten her other senses, taking in
Beverly Rae
the heady scent their bodies made, the sounds they shared. Running her hands along his sides, she sighed with yearning. He was stone-like, an iron man. He groaned, then moved farther down to tease her belly button. She giggled, then inhaled sharply when he found his way to the crease between her torso and leg. Lifting her bottom with one hand, he stroked her, murmuring words she couldn’t understand. Yet he made the meaning of his words clear with his every move. He glanced up and shot her a look that melted her deep within her core. She studied his expression and wondered again at the bits of amber in his eyes. He gently pushed her legs, urging her to bend her knees and give him what he wanted. Her heels pressed against his broad shoulders, bringing her legs up and opening more of her to his command. The moan that spilled from him flowed over her folds, warming her with hot shivers that coursed through her. She reached out, her fingers slipping through his hair to fall helplessly to the sleeping bag. Gripping the bag, she held on, preparing for what would happen next. The moment his mouth found her she gasped. But her gasp soon changed to mews of lust as he drew her in, his teeth and tongue playing with her tender clit. Conan skimmed his tongue up and down the side of her, circling her, drinking from her. He continued exploring her even as she thrashed against the exquisite anguish. The whirlwind inside her grew, swirling into monster proportions until, at last, an orgasm sent her flying. She cried out, not caring if Nina and Billy heard her. She wanted Conan and didn’t care if he thought her easy or cheap. If she could have no other nights with him, she’d make this one last. Her body trembled under his attention, wave after wave of orgasmic pleasure rolling through her. She cried out again, this time more restrained but still filled with delight, fulfillment and wonder. He had her completely at his mercy. “Please.” Chloe wasn’t sure what she begged for, but she knew this was the one man who could give her what she needed. In the second after she’d uttered her plea, she wished she could take it back. Instead of answering her, he let her go, stopping the delicious torture. “No,” she whined. Why had she said anything? She met his strange eyes, searching them, and reached for him. Gliding her legs down his sides, she took him by the arms to draw him upward. Confusion etched lines in his brow, but she made her intentions clear by bringing his lips to hers and wrapping her legs around his waist. Impossibly, his eyes grew lighter, more yellow. When he growled, her heart thundered against her chest, alarm threatening to replace her lust. How could he sound so much like the bear? She held her breath, neither one of them moving. Had she made a mistake allowing him into her tent? She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but the chance was driven away as he curved his palm to fit her cheek. His touch, soft and tender, said more than words ever could.
36
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Her face went pale at his growl, ripping at Conan’s heart. He struggled, hoping to find the right words to calm her, and failed. Instead, he cupped her cheek and searched her wide eyes, sending every ounce of comfort into his gesture. She relaxed, color spreading back into her face, her breath releasing in a small huhh of air. She turned her face, cradling her cheek against his palm, and he almost climaxed. The movement, insignificant though it seemed, threw him, blanketing his mind with overwhelming and unfamiliar sensations. Raw emotion flooded him, drowning him until he struggled to breathe. Conan paused, instinct telling him to be careful. Not just for his sake, but for hers. To frighten her away would mean losing a precious gift. Nonetheless, his breathing quickened and the adrenaline of yearning surged through his body again. He took in her unique scent and shuddered, both from excitement and trepidation. She wrapped her arms around him, cocooning him. “Please.” Her plea broke the spell. He zeroed in on her lips, slightly parted, welcoming his. Groaning, he slid his hand to the back of her neck. Holding back the urgency to crush his mouth to hers, he traced his tongue over her lips. Suddenly, he thrust his tongue through her parted lips, moaning with the first taste of her. Her flavor mixed with her aroma, sweeping his senses to heightened awareness. The kiss deepened, then lingered. At last he broke away and stared at her, wishing he could read her mind. But it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that she was here in his grasp, in his hold. The desire to lie between her legs, to have her welcome him inside her, overtook him. Skimming his hand down her body, he enjoyed the smooth texture of her skin, the slope of each curve until at last he found the rise of her pussy. He kissed her again and she mewed, the hum of it echoing from her mouth into his. She pressed her breasts against his chest. He shuddered again, then pushed her folds apart and drove a finger into her. She was tight, tighter than anyone he’d ever had, as though she’d waited for him. He doubted she was a virgin, but he didn’t care. Whoever had come before him meant nothing. Now she was his. Plunging another finger inside her, he laid his body closer to her hers, keeping his full weight off her by resting on one arm. She wrapped her arms around his neck, mimicking the hold her legs had on his body, then rocked against him. She whimpered, the need in her voice egging him on. Palming her clit, he moved in circles, first large, gentle ones, then smaller, harder ones. Her eyes closed and she bit her lip, her body readying. He gritted his teeth, holding back his release. He was close to the edge, faster than ever before. He gritted his teeth, determined to feel, to savor more of her before losing himself.
www.samhainpublishing.com
37
Beverly Rae
Once more, he slid lower and pushed her legs apart. Her kiss had tasted wonderful, but he had to try her other flavors again. She tensed again but didn’t resist him when he put his mouth to her nub and sucked. He licked up and down, circling as his fingers had, and held her legs. She bucked, not to get away, but in uncontrollable jerks of desire. Increasing his speed, he licked her, then sucked, drinking her womanly juices. Her tension rose higher, and he slipped a hand under her bottom to massage the crevice between her butt cheeks. She moaned, long and low, and fondled her breasts. He added a finger to her pussy while keeping his tongue on her hot button of flesh. She lifted to him, giving him room to explore both sides of her. She came again, reaching for him as she cried out. Rising, he kissed a trail over the soft mound of her stomach, tracing a path along her belly button until he found his way to her breasts. She held him and tugged on his hair to keep him where he was. Palming one breast while nibbling at the other, he lavished attention on first one, then the other. She wrapped her legs around his waist again, and his hard shaft found her heat. She smelled like the forest and woman. The scent of graphite mixed with her natural smells, giving her the unique aroma that was all her own. He could find her anywhere by her scent. Her hands gripped his hair again, hurting and thrilling at the same time. Glancing at her, he saw raw emotion blazing in her eyes. Touching her clit, he repeated the circles he’d made earlier. She exploded again, her eyes glazing over, her face glowing with the release. Taking her hand, he guided her to his shaft. Her eyes widened, but she gripped it and didn’t let go. Knowing his size was more than most women had ever taken, he placed his hand over hers and paused, waiting for her signal to continue. She swallowed, then nodded. “I’ll stop whenever you say.” Or, at least, he hoped he could. She nodded, but the determination, the raw need he saw in her eyes told him she wouldn’t ask. Hands together, they placed his cock to her pussy. He pushed, moving carefully and as tenderly as he could. She froze, stopping him, but he started again when she slowly exhaled. She was tighter than he could have imagined, but her body gave way, stretching to fit him, and she bit her lip as she’d done before. Although she was ready for him, he could feel her walls protesting the invasion. The heat soared through him, and he continued pushing his way deeper. Chloe lifted her hips, helping to ease him inside. The ache in his belly grew stronger, and inch by inch, he slipped all of himself inside her. She blew out a breath, then tightened her legs around him. Rocking against him, she gave her breast to him and he cupped it, welcoming the taut bud to his lips. His mind stopped thinking, giving way to feelings and sensations, some familiar, others new. Holding her tight, he matched her rhythm, pumping into her as she thrust against him. At first, he thought his heartbeat had doubled in speed, then he realized he could feel hers against his chest. He slipped into her, then back out, the tip of his cock near her opening, but never losing his hold on her.
38
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Together as though they’d been born as one, they moved, flesh against flesh. She quickened the tempo, urging him to go faster, deeper. Delicious tightness assaulted him, heralding his release, but he held on, not wanting to let their time end. She peppered him with kisses, teasing him with her tongue on his nipples, her body trembling with desire. Taking her cheek in his palm as he’d done before, he sought out her eyes, hoping to see her come at the same moment he did. But it was her eyes, filled with tenderness and heat, that broke his resistance. Shudders racked through him as his climax roared out of him. When at last the tremors ceased, he closed his eyes and fell to her side.
Neither one of them spoke, instead lying together in a comfortable yet strange silence with part of the sleeping bag thrown on top of them. Somehow Chloe had worked her way under the crook of his arm into a cuddling position, and now she wasn’t sure how to extricate herself. Or even if she wanted to. Her body burned from his touch, from his shaft. Even now she could feel the memory of the size of him, pushing against her vaginal walls, and she tightened around him. She smothered a giggle and wondered if she’d walk funny. A frown replaced the smile on her face. They weren’t lovers. At least not like lovers in a real relationship. What had happened was extraordinary and wonderful, a wild ride both had taken willingly. But a wild ride was all it was. She dared to glance up and caught Conan watching her. “Uh, hi.” He blinked at her, a worried expression flashing across his face. “Hi.” Had he expected her to say more? And what was his part in the ensuing conversation? “I, um, don’t really know what to say.” He seemed relieved, but was it because he was tongue-tied too? Or because she hadn’t mentioned their sexual playtime? Did he want her to praise his sexual prowess? Should she sit up and put her clothes on? But what if he wanted to talk? Should she wait for him to make the first move? Start a conversation? “I mean, it’s a bit weird, don’t you think?” “Yeah.” She nodded, not knowing what else to say. Obviously the man wasn’t a big talker after sex. Great. Deciding any action was better than no action, she rose on one elbow, pushed back her hair and considered him. The dark eyes, now devoid of any amber color, stared at her. He expected her to say something, so she did. “I think the storm burst is over.” “Yeah. Guess so.” Wow, she’d worked him up to three words. “So, how did you get the name Conan? Was your mom a fan of Conan the Barbarian?” She winced and hoped he wouldn’t think she was making fun of his name. His half-smile put her at ease. “It’s a family name.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
39
Beverly Rae
Four words and counting. “I see.” This was going to be harder than she thought. “Does your family live around here?” She put on an interested expression, hoping it would encourage him to talk. “Nope.” Damn. He’d gone back to a one-word answer. “So you’re here on business? Or pleasure?” “Pleasure.” Again, one word. “Oh. Then I guess the fishing is good?” “It’s okay.” He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry.” She held her breath, fearful of the direction he’d taken the conversation. Was he sorry they’d had sex? “You are? About what?” “Your drawing.” “Oh.” Crap, now she was down to one-word responses. Getting him to open up was as difficult as getting Lassie to speak Italian. “It’s okay. It wasn’t your fault. I’m sorry I yelled at you.” “No problem.” She sighed and sat up, pulling on the sleeping bag to cover her nakedness. Her gaze fell to his uncovered crotch, drying her mouth and proving that the multiple orgasms she’d experienced hadn’t been her last. Just looking at the man’s impressive shaft sent a sexual burn to flare between her legs. “You saw me at the stream.” Startled, she stared at him, unsure how much she should reveal. He waited, his face open, eager to hear her answer. What would he say if she told him she’d thought she’d seen him change into a bear? Even she had a difficult time believing it. “Yes, I did.” She dropped her gaze lower and was once again stirred by his large shaft. Another rush of desire turned her legs to jelly. She might have fallen if she hadn’t been sitting. He pulled a small section of sleeping bag over to cover his crotch. Had he caught her gawking? She blushed and lifted her head, determined to keep her gaze high. “I’m sorry you saw that.” Was he talking about his package now? Or about what she’d seen at the stream? “I’m not.” His eyebrow arched, his stare intensified. “You’re not?” “No.” She nodded, admitting the truth to herself for the first time. “But I don’t understand either. Tell me, Conan. Tell me what happened.” The second she’d asked, she sensed him retreat behind an invisible wall. “What’s to tell? I like to fish.” His hard face lacked any emotion. Disbelief ripped her apart, but she hung on. She had to know the truth. “With your bare hands?” He laughed, an insincere snort of a chuckle that didn’t come from deep inside him. “No, not with my bare hands. I used a net.”
40
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
“A net? I didn’t see any net.” His lie hurt her more than any simple denial would have. Granted, they didn’t know each other, but hadn’t they shared a very intimate connection? After what they’d done, couldn’t he tell her the truth? He darted his eyes away, churning a hole in her stomach. “It’s a very small net.” Disappointment shot through her. He’d already withdrawn from her with his lie about the net. Why bother trying to get him to tell the truth when he refused to open up? “I see.” “That’s right.” His eyes grew cold and impenetrable. “Nothing more, nothing less.” Pushing her hurt away, she opted for a different topic. A topic she hoped would be a lot less dangerous to broach. “Do you have any family? Kids?” She paused and strengthened her resolve to know. “A wife?” He jerked his head up, his eyes narrowing. “Why do you ask?” “You mean about having a wife? Seems like a reasonable question after what we did. Although I guess I should’ve asked before we did what we did. And for the record, I hope you don’t have one.” “Why would it matter?” Was he for real? She gritted her teeth to keep choice words from slipping out. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because I wouldn’t like being the other woman.” This time his laugh was full throated and sincere, rolling out of his chest. “The other woman? Where did you get the idea that you’re the other woman?” Her ire dissipated for a moment as hope, ridiculous as it may have been, seeped in. “So you’re not married?” “No way.” He grabbed for his clothes and tossed hers to her. “Let’s get this straight, okay? This—” he glanced down at the rumpled sleeping bag, “—was great. I enjoyed the hell out of it. But it was just a fun time in the sack. A result of heightened emotions and easy opportunity.” Her breath got caught somewhere between her lungs and her nose. She found it along with a hefty dose of incredulous shock. “Wait? Easy opportunity? As in ‘slam, bam and thank you, ma’am’?” He couldn’t have shaken his head any harder. “What? No. That’s not what I meant.” “I hope the hell not. Because I’m not, you know. Easy, that is.” Great. She’d finally gotten him to say more than four words, but now she wished he’d just shut up. “Look, Conan, I’m not trying to start a romance here.” She wasn’t, was she? “I just thought it would be nice to know a little something about the man I just slept with. Like whether I helped him cheat on his wife. Unlike what you may be used to doing, I don’t hop into bed with every Tom, Dick and Beary.” They froze, each wondering if she’d actually said what she’d said. Conan recovered first. “I didn’t think you did, and for the record, I don’t have kids or a ma—a wife.” He didn’t have a wife. Thank God. Relief as well as joy did a little dance inside her. “But don’t get any ideas, either.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
41
Beverly Rae
Chloe closed her eyes against his worried expression and regretted the moment the joy fled and the anger set in. Who the hell did this guy think he was, anyway? She took a deep breath to steady herself and opened her eyes, sending him the meanest look she could. She stabbed her index finger against the middle of his chest. His oh-so-much-like-granite chest, damn him. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m not looking for a husband, and if and when I do, I won’t want a slug like you.” She hoped her mean look was as hard as the one he gave her. “Good deal.” Conan got to his feet, standing as straight as his height allowed in the tent, and fisted his hands as though trying not to strike her. “Yeah, good deal.” She stood, hands on hips, and glared at him. Did he just growl at her? “Hey, you two. The rain’s over.” Nina’s voice broke through their confrontation and Chloe stepped back to let Conan pass. He threw back the tent flap and strode out of the tent. Unwilling to let him get the last word—er, growl—in, she hurried after him. Nina and Billy scurried backward, hands linked, mouths gaping at them. “I thought they were getting along.” Nina shot Billy an exasperated look. Billy, on the other hand, shrugged it off. “You can never tell with Conan.” “I should’ve kicked you out in the rain.” Chloe wished she’d thought of a better comeback. Almost to the edge of the forest, Conan whirled around to find Chloe on his heels. “What the hell do you want from me?” She shoved her finger into his chest again, delighting in the way it made him snarl. “Haven’t you been listening? I don’t want anything from you.” “Great.” “Yeah, great.” Sudden awareness of his overwhelming physicality made her step back although she ached to touch him. Damn, but she didn’t really want him to leave. She’d handled trying to get information from him in the worst possible way, but she couldn’t do anything about it now. If only she could start over again. If she could, she’d stay cuddled next to him and keep her mouth closed. The memory of how she felt snuggled in his arms swept through her, washing away most of the anger. “Look, Conan, maybe—” “Billy, let’s get the hell out of here.” Sending her one last glower, Conan whirled around and stalked into the woods.
42
www.samhainpublishing.com
Chapter Five
“Hey, Conan, slow down, will ya?” Conan ignored Billy’s request, his mind filled with a tumultuous squall of thoughts and questions. Why the hell had he gotten involved with Chloe? He shook the odd word away. No, not involved. He wasn’t about to be involved with anyone, much less a human female. But the question remained. Why had he made love to her? Love? Shit, where were all these crazy thoughts coming from? He’d taken her; not made love to her. Right? Right. Sure, she was hot enough to make his balls ache, but he could’ve taken care of that problem by himself. Done anything, in fact, other than what he’d done. He’d lost control, that’s all. Plain and simple. Billy grabbed his arm, but he yanked away from the were-coyote, keeping his hurried pace. “Back off, Billy.” “What the hell happened with you two, huh? I mean, I know what happened first, but then what caused the blow-up? Argh!” Conan clutched his friend’s shirt, lifting him off the ground to let the smaller man’s feet dangle in the air. “I told you to back off.” “No.” The word came out as a squeak, but he could see the determination in Billy’s face. Placing his face an inch from Billy’s, he let out a low growl. “I’m warning you.” “Sorry, but I’m not giving up.” Conan narrowed his eyes, all while knowing it was useless to threaten him. Billy knew he’d never hurt him. Tossing the man aside like a rag doll, Conan barreled his way through a group of bushes, although he knew Billy wouldn’t be far behind. Tenacious little animals, these were-coyotes. Sometimes too tenacious for their own good. “Fine. It’s up to you. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” “Conan, come on, man. Tell me what’s going on. Anyone can see how much you like her.” Conan slammed to a stop and felt Billy bounce off his back before he swiveled to confront his friend. “She was good in the sack. Nothing more.” “I’m sure she was.” “Watch your mouth, dog man.” The fury took root in less than a second, surprising him as much as it did Billy.
Beverly Rae
But Billy still wouldn’t let up. “See what I mean? You’ve taken a lot of females to bed, but you’ve never acted like this afterward.” His friend peered closer as though searching for something. “Oh, hell. She got under your skin, didn’t she?” Conan had to look away then, the truth of Billy’s accusation striking him in the gut. Hadn’t he sensed it all along? From the first moment he’d caught her watching him at the lake, from the first second he’d laid eyes on her, he’d felt a pull, a longing for her that had nothing to do with sex. Almost as though he’d known her before actually meeting her. Then once they’d met… What did people say? They’d just clicked. Damn. More like exploded. “Wow. Conan, this is huge.” The awe in Billy’s voice matched the awe Conan was experiencing. He couldn’t, however, let himself feel anything for her, no matter how many times he’d thought about her. Hell, dreamed about her. She was human and he didn’t want anything to do with her. His life didn’t need the complication. “No, it’s not. It’s nothing. She’s nothing.” “I don’t think so. I think—” Conan, fists clenched, growled at his friend. “I don’t give a shit what you think. Now I’m going back to the cave, and if you’re going to stay there with me, you’d better not mention her again. Understand?” Billy backed away, taking the threat seriously now. “Okay, okay. Relax, big guy.” “Good.” The argument was over with Billy, but as Conan stalked through the forest toward the cave, his mind lost the battle to keep Chloe out of his thoughts.
“Color me confused. So I have to ask one more time. What happened between you and Conan? Why did he storm off?” Chloe kept her back to Nina, trying to ignore not only her friend’s persistent questions about Conan, but her own thoughts of him. Not that she was succeeding. Why couldn’t she stop thinking about him? He was a big, oafish lout who had taken advantage of her at a weak moment. She muttered a curse, then chastised herself for letting him intrude on her life. But her mind wouldn’t stop playing tricks with her, tormenting her with images of how he looked hovering above her, the expression on his face as he came and the way he’d wrapped his arms around her, comforting her. She moaned, remembering how wonderful he’d felt against her, inside her. Sure, he was a great lay, but it was more than physical chemistry. He’d been truly sorry about the loss of her artwork and his sincerity had tugged at her heart. Still, the man wasn’t her type. “Wow, Chloe, will you listen to yourself? Come on. Talk to me.”
44
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Chloe organized her brushes—for the fifth time. Damn. Why couldn’t she shake him out of her head? “There’s nothing to talk about. It was sex. Pure and simple.” “But you don’t do sex. At least not with strangers. And not with someone you just met five minutes before. That’s what makes what happened so special.” Chloe whirled on her friend, anger mixing with her wounded ego and self-reproach. “Get over it, will you? What we did wasn’t special. He wasn’t special. I was upset and lost my head. That’s all.” Regretting her outburst the moment Nina winced, Chloe bent down and busied herself with her brushes again. She placed her brushes into her supply carrying case and snapped the lid closed. “Trust me. It won’t happen again. Now, can we drop it?” “I guess. For now.” Relieved, Chloe hoped her apologetic smile would convey everything she couldn’t seem to put into words. “Great. How about we talk about something fun?” “Do you mean fun as in Billy?” Nina whipped her hands up, palms outward to ward off Chloe’s scowl. “Hey, just because you regret your hook-up doesn’t mean I do. In fact, I’m very happy I did what I did.” Her grin grew wider. “Every time I did it.” Chloe could never stay angry at Nina for long. Besides, just because her whatever-it-was with Conan had ended in ruins, that didn’t mean she couldn’t join in her friend’s happiness. “Yeah, I could tell from the sounds coming from your tent.” “Really? I’m surprised you could hear us above all the noise you and you-know-who were making.” If heat was any indication, her face had just burned away under the rush of embarrassment scouring her cheeks. “Oh, uh, well, I— Hey, never mind. And don’t try to bring him up again, got it?” Nina grew serious and took Chloe’s hand, then led her to a log where she urged her to take a seat. “Look, I get how you feel. But I have to tell you something.” Chloe’s stomach made a sickening flop. Nina being serious was bad enough. But Nina taking her hand and acting this dramatic was worse. “Should I dial 911?” Nina not laughing at her lame joke only made Chloe’s stomach turn over again. “Only if you attack me after you’ve heard what I’m about to tell you.” “Oh, crap. Do I have to know? Because I’m pretty sure I don’t want to know.” The sting of the bark on the log poking into Chloe’s right butt cheek was nothing compared to the quick pain in her chest. “Billy and I agreed to meet later on today.” Chloe held her breath, waiting for her friend to spit out the rest of the news. After all, there had to be more than Billy and Nina getting together again. “O-kay. And this is going to upset me why?” She tried not to think about what the couple would be doing in the next tent. Nina dropped her gaze, then raised her head and met Chloe’s gaze head-on. Her friend’s determination sent a chill down Chloe’s spine. She was right. There was more.
www.samhainpublishing.com
45
Beverly Rae
“Because I promised to meet him down by the water. You know. Where you saw, um, what you saw.” “You mean where I hallucinated seeing a man—Conan—turn into a bear.” At least Chloe hadn’t made the mistake of telling Conan about her alcohol-induced vision. “So?” Nina shifted in her seat, her determination gone. “Well, you see… I mean, when Billy mentioned meeting him there…” “What did you do?” Chloe struggled against the awful truth she knew was coming. “I’m sorry. But yeah. I kind of told him.” When would her friend stop dropping emotionally charged bombs on her? “You kind of told him? Damn, Nina, please say you didn’t tell him about that. You didn’t, did you?” But Nina’s expression told her everything she didn’t want to know. Still, to be certain, she had to hear the words. She grasped her friend’s arm, keeping her on the log. “Tell me what you said, Nina.” “I just, well, I just sort of said you’d seen Conan before he came to our camp. Plus, that you couldn’t figure out how one moment you’re looking at him and then, in the next moment, you’re looking at a bear.” Chloe was on her feet and pacing as though she could get away from both her friend and what she’d revealed. “Oh, hell. I do not believe this. Isn’t it bad enough that the man thinks I’m after him for a relationship?” “He does?” “And now he’ll think I’m crazy in a whole different way.” Chloe ran a hand though her hair, her heart pounding against her chest. “Hey, don’t worry about it. I told him what happened. You know. How you were slightly inebriated at the time.” The expression oh, my God had never meant more than it did at that moment. “Terrific. Just terrific. Not only will he think I see things, but now he’ll think I’m a drunk.” “No. I’m sure he won’t. Besides, who knows? Billy might not even mention it to him.” Chloe tilted her head, tossing her friend a scornful look. “Really? You don’t think so? If the situation were reversed, wouldn’t you tell your best friend some juicy tidbits about his latest conquest? Especially if you thought the conquest was a nutcase.” Nina scrunched up her face. “I see your point. Damn, I’m sorry. I didn’t think.” “No, you didn’t.” How had her trip gone so wrong so fast? In less than a day she’d met an unbelievably handsome albeit bull-headed man who she’d not only fantasized about but who had also been the main character in a real-life hallucination. What next? An alien abduction?
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Chloe stopped to pull off her shoe and dump the dirt out of it. “No. But I don’t think I have a choice.”
46
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Nina waited until she slipped her shoe back on, then started down the trail again. “I guess I could try and explain the situation to Billy.” “We’ve already discussed this. I want to be sure he understands that you made a mistake in telling him about what I saw. What I think I saw.” Chloe gritted her teeth against the urge to declare what she’d seen was real. Without a doubt, the bear had been real. But the man changing into a bear? As much as she told herself she’d hallucinated, she couldn’t shake the feeling that even the amazing transformation had been real. “Okay, maybe I made a mistake by telling him.” Chloe rolled her eyes at her friend. “Ya think? I want him to promise not to repeat the story. Not to anyone, including Conan. And I want to actually hear his promise.” “Well, if you’re sure.” “Don’t worry, Nina. I won’t stay and intrude on your hook-up in the woods.” Chloe repositioned her backpack on her shoulder. “I’ll get some water for cleanup, then you two can have your fun while I find a location to paint.” The two friends continued in silence down the path leading to the stream. Every step brought her closer to the area where she’d first seen Conan and every step sent her excitement a step higher. Would Conan come with Billy? Doubtful. He probably wouldn’t want to risk running into her in case she’d tagged along with Nina. A flutter of sadness echoed inside her. Hell, what was she thinking? Conan had made it very clear that he had no real interest in her other than rolling in the sleeping bag with her. Why should she care? He was just someone she’d had a wild, impulsive fling with. Nothing more. Still, she couldn’t deny the chaotic feelings churning her stomach. Chloe groaned, the sound vibrating in her throat and reminding her of the noise Conan had made as he came. She’d shared her bed with him. That meant something. At least to her. But it had been a mistake. An act born out of emotion and opportunity, just as he’d said. She shook her head. To think anything different would mean she was only fooling herself. She’d had sex with a stranger. A stranger who hadn’t mentioned getting together again, much less talked about a future. But why did she sense he was destined to be more than a stranger? Why did she think he was someone special meant just for her? Stop it. Stop making a one-time thing more than it was. Chloe forced herself to think rationally. When had she ever let herself get so attracted to a man so fast? Annoyed, she mentally listed the reasons she and Conan could never be together. The man was rude. He’d shown that side of himself when he’d stormed into the campsite and demanded she destroy her artwork. Then he’d shown it again when he’d stormed out of her tent. He couldn’t hold a conversation. Could she have a relationship with someone who couldn’t keep a discussion going? The man answered in monosyllabic responses. Who could deal with that for very long?
www.samhainpublishing.com
47
Beverly Rae
He didn’t want a relationship. God knew he’d made himself perfectly clear. But she didn’t want a relationship either, right? Then why was the idea of never seeing him again tearing her apart? And yet he had another side to him. He was strong. Not just in his body, but in his mind, his heart. His eyes had shown her his inner courage. The way he looked at her, the way he studied her resonated with his strength. He was the type of man who would stick by his friends and his woman, no matter what it cost him. He was confident. He radiated a self-assured attitude. His movements, easy and graceful, spoke of a man who knew who he was and what he wanted in his life. He was kind, too. No matter how gruff he came across, she’d sensed an underlying gentleness in Conan. She’d seen it in the way he’d looked at her rain-soaked drawing, the anguish and remorse he’d shown seconds before the sorrow had turned to desire. She’d heard it in the comforting words he’d given her, in his understanding of her loss. He was gentle. She’d felt it in the way he’d made love to her. The caress of his touch. The brush of his lips across hers. The sudden rush of tears filling her eyes startled Chloe. Why was she acting this way? She’d just met the man, and the only thing he’d offered her was the package between his legs. She was being ridiculous and acting like one of the stupid heroines in a silly romance novel. Get over it, Chloe. Now. Chloe struggled to keep the tears in check. Ducking her head, she set her gaze on Nina’s shoes and trudged beside her, wiping everything from her mind except the noise of her friend’s feet. She sensed more than felt when they broke through the tree line and stepped onto the edge of the stream. “Oh, shit.” Chloe brought her head up at Nina’s sharp exclamation to find Billy and Conan standing next to the water. Her heart pounded, adrenaline rushing through her in record speed. She bit her lip, keeping the smile that wanted to form on her lips from taking over. Nina pivoted to her, dismay widening her eyes. “I didn’t know he’d be here. I swear.” Chloe let her gaze sweep over Conan from the top of his dark hair down his rugged body, pausing briefly to enjoy the outline of his six-pack abs under his tight shirt, then let her gaze flow along his sturdy legs to his feet. She swallowed, trying to replenish her dry mouth. His gaze met hers and weakened her legs, pushing away every concern she’d had about him. She scanned him, her heart thundering in her chest as she took in his strong body. She jerked her attention back to his face, searching to see inside the man for the answers his outside appearance couldn’t give her. She gasped at the light in his eyes. No matter what he’d said as he’d stormed out of camp, she could see the truth in his eyes. He was happy to see her. “Hi, Nina.” Billy’s grin faltered as he shifted his attention to Chloe. “Chloe.”
48
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Nina squeezed Chloe’s arm, then rushed over to take Billy off to the side. She bent her head close to his and spoke in whispered tones. “Chloe.” Conan dipped his head toward her. “I didn’t know you’d be here.” Suddenly she remembered why she’d come along. Her temperature rose and she could imagine her face turning red under his perusal. Had Billy already told him what she’d seen at the stream? Correction—what she thought she’d seen? “Same here.” Damn. So he hadn’t come hoping to see her? Somehow she kept the disappointment masked, her features controlled. An awkward few minutes passed as they regarded each other in silence. “Actually, I came along to paint.” She shifted the backpack on her shoulder as if to prove her statement. “Okay.” Back to one-word answers again. She nodded, glanced at Billy and Nina who were still deep in quiet conversation. “So, uh, I’m not sure how to ask this, but did Billy happen to mention, uh, something about the first time I saw you?” She might as well get the humiliation over with. “The first time?” His brows did swan dives toward his nose. “You mean…here?” She nodded. Had Billy told him or not? “No. He’s talked about Nina since we left your camp. And not much else.” She almost wiped her forehead in relief. “I see.” “Was there something you wanted to tell me about that time?” His eyes hardened, as though he expected her to insult him. No, it was more. He looked as though he expected her to threaten him. But why? How could she ever be a threat? “No. Nothing.” The tension flowed out of him. “So…you’re going to paint.” Not exactly stimulating conversation, but at least he wasn’t yelling. “Yeah. If I can find the right spot. You know, a beautiful place unmarred by campfires and the other things people leave behind.” “Hey, I bet Conan would know a spot. He’s been all over these hills,” Billy offered. Conan and Chloe pivoted to stare at the grinning Billy who had entrapped a very willing Nina in his arms. Nina lifted her eyebrows in question at Chloe. Renewed embarrassment flushed through Chloe. Had their friends set them up? Turning toward Conan, she opened her mouth to give him a way out, then heard the words tumbling out of her mouth. “Would you? I mean, I could use the help.” She inhaled, stunned at what she’d said. But she’d meant what she’d said. In fact, the idea of Conan helping her buoyed her spirits.
www.samhainpublishing.com
49
Beverly Rae
Conan blinked, obviously thrown by her quick acceptance of Billy’s idea. “You want me to help you?” Chloe smiled and tried to keep her enthusiasm for the idea at a reasonable level. No need to scare him away. “Sure. If you want to.” She narrowed her eyes at him, sending him a challenge she prayed he wouldn’t miss. “But I wouldn’t want you to get the wrong idea. You’d be acting like a tourist guide. Nothing more.” “Yeah, Conan. You’re just a guide. Go on and help her.” Conan’s intense stare shifted from Billy and Nina back to Chloe. Please. Let him say yes. She waited, her breathing shallow as though taking a deep breath might influence his decision. Of course he’d say no. After the scene at the campsite, what other answer could she expect? Terrified of hearing his refusal, she crossed the distance between them and reached out her hand. “Come on. Show me someplace spectacular.” Conan’s gaze dropped to her hand and she could’ve sworn he started to lift his hand to reach for hers. Instead, he leveled his confused gaze at her. Chloe lowered her hand, sure she’d made a mistake in offering it to Conan. “On second thought, don’t worry about it. I’m sure I’ll find—” “I know a place.”
50
www.samhainpublishing.com
Chapter Six
Had she heard Conan correctly? Chloe glanced at Nina and Billy. Their surprised yet pleased expressions, however, confirmed that she could trust her ears. “Really?” Taking a step closer, she stopped herself from giving him a hug. “Yeah.” She took a breath, happy to hear this particular one-word response. “What’s it like? Is it far?” “Not far.” His eyes glazed over as though seeing a vision only meant for him, and his face softened. “A small pool of water, so clear and blue you can see the bottom, is surrounded by the tallest trees in the area. Moss and ivy cover the cliffs on either side of a small waterfall and the grass around the water is softer than any I’ve ever touched. Birds make their nests on the branches overhead and the last time I was there, a family of rabbits had tunneled their home below the rock outcrop next to the falls.” His eyes cleared as they fixed on her. “It’s beautiful.” Mesmerized by the dreamy expression on his face, Chloe wanted to stroke his cheek. If only he thought about me that way. Aware of where her drifting mind had wandered, Chloe shook the idea away. “You make it sound like a Disney movie, man. With Thumper and his family, no less,” Billy joked. A pale pink traveled up Conan’s neck and into his face. He cleared his throat and glared at his friend before bringing his attention back to Chloe. “I may have exaggerated a little.” He paused, his expression a mask of reflection. “Or maybe not.” She hoped he hadn’t. Either way, she had to see it for herself. “Would you take me there?” “Now?” “Now would be terrific.” Taking her backpack from her and slinging it over his left shoulder, he tilted his head toward Billy. “See you back at the—uh, back at our place.” Then he swiveled around and started up the trail in the opposite direction of the flow of the stream. “Okay. You two have fun,” Billy called. “And be nice to each other.” Nina shook her finger at Chloe, a bemused expression dismissing the harsh tone. I will if he will. Chloe hurried after Conan, too excited to let the tickle of anxiety take hold. She had to sprint to keep up with his long strides, puffing as he pushed his way through bushes and trees in an ascending path up the hill.
Beverly Rae
At last, however, she couldn’t help but fall behind. “Hey, hold up, will you?” Conan turned to her, a frown marring his forehead. “Why?” “Why? Are you serious?” Chloe tried to catch her breath and motioned toward a large rock. “I have to sit.” “Was this a bad idea?” She glanced at him, her hands planted on her knees as she leaned against the rock. “No. But I can’t keep pace with you. You’re going to have to slow down.” “No.” “No? What do you mean— Hey!” Her shout was barely out of her mouth before Chloe ended up resting on Conan’s right shoulder, her head and arms flopping against his back. “Put me down!” “No.” He shifted her to a better position and hurried up the hill. She had no choice but to grab his shirt and hang on, letting the backpack bang against her arm. “Conan, I swear if you say ‘no’ again, I’m going to—” “You’re going to do what?” He had a point. “I don’t know, but when I figure it out it’s going to hurt, big-time.” Did he just chuckle at her? Jostled up and down, her hair streaming in front of her face, she tried to lift her head, tried to twist her body to get free, but couldn’t do anything except hold on. Conan took even larger steps than before, making the ground below her pass by at an impossible speed. However, with each step he took, the more comfortable she became. Although she felt safe in his hands, she slipped her hands a little lower and clutched the waist of his jeans. Hmm. If she forgot about how she’d ended up on his shoulder, she could enjoy the great view of his firm, rounded butt. Add that to the way his hands molded around her bottom and the ride wasn’t so bad. Not bad at all, in fact. Her thumbs slid under the waistband of his jeans. If she wanted to, she could pull the material away from his back. Just a little. But enough to get a glimpse of the sexy curve of his rump. “What are you doing?” “Just trying to keep from falling off and landing on my head.” “Yeah, right.” “Hey, don’t forget I’m not the one who put me in this position.” Conan came to an abrupt stop and tugged her over his shoulder, his hands slipping along her sides, then onto her arms. He let her ease down the hard length of him in a deliciously slow descent, then settled her gently on the ground. Her breasts pushed against his chest, her body close enough to feel the warmth radiating off him.
52
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Chloe lifted her gaze to his. The heat she saw there rushed through her, scorching its way to her abdomen. She swallowed, her focus dropping to the lips she’d dreamed of, the lips she’d kissed time and again in her fantasies. “Chloe?” She ran a tongue over her upper lip, hoping to entice his mouth to hers. “Yes?” “We’re here.”
The fact that she didn’t pull away from him pleased Conan more than he could have imagined. She stayed close to him, her arms linked behind his neck, her gaze fixed on his mouth. He’d had to struggle to speak. But if he hadn’t said something, he would’ve already had her on her knees while he plunged his shaft deep inside her. Several moments passed before she blinked, then stepped away from him and turned to take in the beauty around her. He immediately regretted having said anything at all and missed having her body next to his. But the urgency to say more wouldn’t let him remain silent. “Chloe.” She stared at the wondrous scene in front of her, her lips parted in awe. “This place is amazing. The waterfall, the pond…” She shook her head. “How did you ever find it? It’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.” Her smile set her face aglow as she turned to him, delight making her big brown eyes sparkle. Her hair shone under the bright light filtering through the trees. He let his gaze fall to take in her slim athletic body and the way her shirt curved in all the right places. When he’d had his fill, he lifted his gaze to study her face again. Her dimples drew him in, taking away every other idea as one thought struck him. I’ll do anything to make her look at me like that. “Chloe?” But she had already taken the backpack from him and started unpacking, laying out her paints and propping her canvas on a small tripod on a nearby rock. “Chloe?” “I can’t wait to paint this place. I only hope I can do justice—” “Chloe.” The harshness of his tone finally caught her attention. She froze, a paintbrush clutched in her hand, a moment of alarm dulling her eyes. He ached to reach out and tuck her hair behind her ear. “What?” She did a quick scan of the surrounding area before coming back to him. “What is it?” “I need to tell you something.” Damn, finding the right words wasn’t easy. “Stop and listen to me.” A flash of irritation flew across her features and was gone. She set the paintbrush down on the rock and fisted her hands on her hips. “Yeah?” He almost smiled at the gesture. “I don’t want to argue.” Suddenly aware of how she looked, she dropped her arms. “Neither do I.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
53
Beverly Rae
So far, so good. “I’m sorry.” A silence ensued, one where they studied each other as though trapped in time, until at last a bird’s song broke the spell. Conan shifted from one foot to the other and resisted the urge to ask her if she’d heard him. Why didn’t she say something? He’d never said those words to anyone, much less a human female, and they hadn’t come easily. Didn’t she realize how difficult it was for him to apologize? Especially when he wasn’t sure he was the one—or at least the only one—who should do the apologizing. He’d expected some kind of a reaction. Instead, Chloe remained the same, unmoving, unreadable. “What are you apologizing for?” Before he could answer, she continued. “I’m the one who should apologize. I mean, what did I expect? A marriage proposal?” Her hands came up as she realized what she’d said. “I’m not hinting at anything this time, either.” “We both let things get out of hand.” She released a huge breath of air as though she’d held it for a long time. “Exactly. I’m not even sure how the argument began.” “Agreed. So let’s just put it behind us.” “I’d like that. But I hope you don’t think I’m that kind of girl.” “What kind of girl?” He’d never understand females, but he had a feeling that this one was even harder to fathom than the rest. “You know. The kind that sleeps with a man she just met.” He smiled, liking the obvious discomfort she was in. “But you did just sleep with a man you just met.” Conan smiled when the flash of anger clouded her face. He shouldn’t have baited her again moments after burying the hatchet, so to speak, but an angry Chloe was as sexy as a happy Chloe. The way her eyes flashed and she stood taller, matching her smaller stature to his, was an out-and-out turn-on. She waved her hands about, her voice rising in pitch. “That’s only because I was upset about my drawing. And I thought you were different. After I saw you by the stream—” She sucked in a breath as though trying to suck her words back in, then hurried on. “You’re special. That’s all.” Her eyes widened, then she tucked her chin, avoiding his stare. “Chloe.” “Uh-huh?” “You’re special, too. And I don’t think any less of you. In fact—” he paused as her startled eyes met his, “—I think more of you after…you know.” “You do?” “I do.”
54
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
The way she looked at him, so vulnerable, so open, so desirable, left him unable to answer. He fisted his hands to keep from grabbing her and taking her. But now was not the time. When at last he’d found his voice, he asked, “Your painting?” She glanced at her easel and canvas, and he could sense her hesitation. “Uh, yeah, my painting. I’d better get to it.” “That is why we’re here.” Chloe studied him a moment longer, and he was afraid she would mention what she’d seen at the stream again. Should he confess what he was to her? Could he stand to see the fear in her eyes? He waited, unsure what he would do. At last, however, she turned and began setting up her palette and brushes. She was soon lost in her art, unaware when he moved to sit on another rock closer to the edge of the pond where he could watch her face.
Chloe peeked at Conan, the mountain of a man who sat on a nearby rock, content to let her paint. Almost as though by silent agreement, they remained quiet, lost in the world of the forest. She ached to include his image in the painting. But would he let her? Or would he react as he’d done at the camp? Unwilling to break their easy camaraderie, she discarded the idea and returned to painting the landscape. She sensed him move off the rock. Trying not to get noticed, she watched him soundlessly step to the edge of the water. Holding the brush poised in the air, she waited, mesmerized. Conan knelt beside the water and spoke to a small brown animal entangled in the scrub brush. Shivering in fear, the rabbit stared at him with unblinking round eyes. Conan’s tone grew even softer. Oh, my God. He’s cooing at it. And it’s listening. Chloe held her breath, amazed at the tenderness of the giant man as he comforted the frightened animal. He reached out, and holding the rabbit’s leg as gently as one would hold a baby, he snapped the vine that held it captive with his other hand. The rabbit jerked once, then surprisingly quieted again. Conan touched the back of the rabbit and it hopped a couple of feet away, and as though thanking the man, turned to blink at Conan. “Go on, little one.” The rabbit twitched its nose, then sped away, disappearing into the underbrush. Conan stood, turning back to where he’d sat. Chloe offered him a soft smile. He frowned, diverting his gaze from hers. “Wow. You’re amazing.” He’s not a brute of a man. Underneath all the bluster is a kind and gentle soul. He settled back on the rock, but this time he looked toward the pond and not at her. “Naw. He was caught up, that’s all.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
55
Beverly Rae
She couldn’t explain the sensation, but a different kind of warmth, one having nothing to do with desire, spread through her. “I’ve never seen anything like it. You kept it calm so you could help. How did you do that? It’s like you’re a bunny whisperer.” She chuckled, but part of her wondered if what she’d said could be true. He almost pivoted toward her, then instead straightened his back as though determined not to let her see how she’d touched him. “I have a way with animals.” And with me. “More than just a way. It’s like it understood you and knew you didn’t want to hurt it.” He shrugged. “Animals sense those things.” Yes, they do. They know you’re a good man and not just what you seem like on the outside. They see inside, where it really counts, and they know you’re a caring man. She ached to tell him what she’d thought and more, but didn’t, afraid that he wouldn’t want to hear. Still, she couldn’t keep all her thoughts to herself. “You have gentle hands.” She flushed, suddenly aware that she wasn’t talking about the rabbit any longer. He grumbled, but it was too low for her to understand. She paused, unsure if she’d already said too much. After several minutes of silence, she returned to her work. Her concentration, however, wouldn’t stay on the painting. “What’s your life like, Conan?” “What do you mean?” He pivoted toward her and caught her unprepared for his hard perusal. He seemed wary of her. But why? Flustered, she regrouped, then continued. “Where do you live? Do you have brothers and sisters there? A big family?” His confused expression brought a lump to her throat. Why did her questions bother him? “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be nosy.” She laughed, unable to deny the truth. “Actually, that’s a lie. I do want to be nosy. But it’s only because I think you’re very interesting. I mean, you’re this great big guy who’s as strong as a bear, but you can be so sweet and loving, too.” She flushed, surprised by how much she’d revealed. But what she’d said was true. “As strong as a bear, huh?” Did he almost smile? “Stronger. Tell me. I want to know.” “There’s not much to tell. I grew up in the Rocky Mountains, and yes, I have both a brother and a sister. My parents are gone, killed by…” He clenched his jaw, then turned away from her. “We didn’t come here to talk.” Had she gone too far? Asked too many questions? She tried to stop, but couldn’t keep what she had inside from breaking free. “I can’t help it. I think…” She ducked her head, thankful that he was staring at the water and not at her. “I think you’re very special. And not just because of the rabbit.”
56
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
She sensed him turn toward her, but she couldn’t raise her head. What if he thought she was hinting at a relationship? What if he thought she wanted more from him than sex? She lifted her brush to the canvas, forcing her stiff arm to work, when the most incredulous thought struck her. What if she did want more? She bit her lip, fighting back the tears threatening to fall. Knock it off. He’s not interested in more than sex. Stop fantasizing. Stiffening her back, she concentrated on her work. She fought to regain her regular breathing, and when she no longer thought he stared at her, she let out a sigh. Keep your mind on your work. She checked the composition of the painting and was satisfied that she was going in the right direction. That’s it. Just keep your mind on your work. “You, too.” She slipped, skimming her brush over an area already filled with a different color. But for once, a mistake didn’t matter. She noticed her arm shaking as she faced him. “W-what did you say?” “I said, I think you’re special, too.” His scowl conflicted with what he said. Was it so difficult for him to speak those words? Chloe’s pulse thundered in her ears, making her wonder if she’d heard him correctly. “You do?” Again she bit her lip, but this time, she did so to keep the smile from her face. Bracing herself, she struggled against the joy urging her to run into his arms. He was next to her before she could take another breath. “You heard me.” She couldn’t suppress her grin any longer. Leaning against him, she saw the confirmation of his words lighting his eyes. “When did that happen?” “Dunno.” “Well, I dunno either.” Figures. Just when she had him opening up, he reverted to one-word answers. “So what do we do now?” His mouth drew closer to hers and she held her breath, waiting for him to kiss her. Looking at his lips, she parted hers and waited. Please, oh please. Kiss me. She was lucky he held onto her when he pulled away or she might have fallen over. Shaken, she searched for an answer in his stoic expression. Finding none, she lowered her gaze to the wet line of paint marring his shirt. “Oops. I think my brush slipped. I can try to get the paint out if you want.” “Chloe?” “Yeah?” “Get back to your painting.” No. Her refusal stayed in her mind, never saying it out loud. “Are you sure?”
www.samhainpublishing.com
57
Beverly Rae
Didn’t he want her as much as she wanted him? “Yeah.” His intensity tore into her. She quivered with delight. He does want me. “Work now.” His eyes flashed with unconcealed heat. “Play later.”
Two hours later, she was still working. But Conan didn’t care. He’d settled back, content to watch the emotions mixing with the ever-present concentration she gave her work. Neither one of them had spoken since they’d admitted their feelings and he couldn’t imagine disturbing her. Had, in fact, enjoyed the easy silence between them. The sun had worked its way across the sky, and although the area was partly shaded, the heat of the day filtered into him, making the cool water next to her all the more enticing. Chloe wiped her neck with a rag, then lowered her brush and sent Conan a soft smile, a contented smile. “Would you like to take a peek? I mean, it’s not finished, but it’ll give you an idea.” She tilted her head and arched an eyebrow in a playful manner. “But you have to promise not to try and take it from me.” He liked her spunk and her humor. Still, when she turned the painting around for him to see, he had to resist the urge to ask to keep it. She’d captured the idyllic scene around them better than he could have imagined. The blue of the water was perfect, and somehow she’d managed to take the soft haze of the waterfall’s spray and place it on the blank canvas. She’d even included the path of moss-covered rocks that led from the water’s edge inward to the small patch of exposed land in the center of the blue pool. The green of the surrounding forest wasn’t complete, but he could tell that once her work was finished, the painting would be even more amazing. “Exquisite.” A pleased expression brightened her face, and the corners of her mouth tipped higher. “Wow. Coming from anyone, but especially from an art connoisseur like you, that means a lot.” “I’m not joking, Chloe. It’s incredible.” Her blush was intoxicating. She tucked her head and answered in a tone too soft for human ears to hear. But he heard her. “Thanks.” “You’re welcome.” Standing and stretching, he nodded toward the water. “Follow me.” He didn’t bother removing his shoes, but stepped on the first rock in the stone path serving as a bridge to the center island. Taking the rocks two at a time, he jumped the final yard onto the grassy island, turned and motioned for her to do the same. “Are you kidding?” Chloe touched the first rock with her shoe, then pulled back. “I’ll fall off.” “No you won’t. Come on. You need to see the view from the middle of the pond.” He took the path again, stopping halfway to balance between two rocks. “See? It’s easy.” “For you, maybe.”
58
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
He could see how much she wanted to join him. “Chloe, trust me. I’ll help you.” She bit her lip and placed her foot on the first rock. “You promise?” “I promise. Now come on.” “I will if you stop ordering me around. You’re making this harder than I already think it is.” The nervousness in her tone almost hid the humor behind her words. “Yeah, I know. Doesn’t mean I plan on stopping, though.” He grinned at her surprise and waved her to him. “Ready whenever you are.” “Okay, here I come.” She was on the second rock before she knew it and snagging his hand in three more quick steps on top of the rocks. “See?” He held one arm out to steady himself while keeping hold of her hand. “Let’s take the rest of them one at a time.” Setting up a system of him stepping back and taking her hand again to help her to the next rock, they moved one at a time toward the island until he reached the final two stones. Jumping backward he landed on solid ground, then reached out for her. Chloe, however, stayed on the next-to-last rock, her arms stretched outward and wobbling like a trapeze artist on a high-wire. “Oh-oh-oh, I’m going to faaaall.” Conan reached for her the second her foot slid off the wet rock. But he’d gone off balance trying to get to her. His hand gripped hers, but she was already plunging sideways—and taking him along with her. He fell with her, the coolness of the water sending shudders through his body. Coming up sputtering, he pushed the hair out of his face and glared at her. “Why the hell didn’t you wait for me to take your hand?” Chloe tossed the hair out of her eyes, then shoved him. “Why didn’t you catch me? You promised you wouldn’t let me fall in.” “How was I to know you couldn’t stand on one rock for two seconds? I had my hand out. All you had to do was take it.” She glowered at him, her chest heaving with her anger until, at last, she stopped and looked around her. “Why didn’t you tell me the water was this shallow? I’m standing up.” “So? You’re still wet.” “I don’t know. If I was going to get wet, maybe I should’ve just waded across.” Her sudden burst of laughter echoed around the small clearing. What the hell? Dumbfounded, he watched her cover her mouth in a useless effort to control her mirth. “Why the hell are you laughing?” What had he done that she found so humorous this time? Chloe covered her mouth, trying to stifle some of her snickers. “If you could’ve seen your face…” “You mean before or after you fell in with your mouth hanging open?” He could give as good as he got. “I’m surprised you didn’t catch a fish.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
59
Beverly Rae
At least her riotous guffaws subsided into giggles. “Oh, really? A fish? At least I didn’t look like a fish with your big old mouth flapping like a trout hooking onto a—” He muffled her words with his mouth. She gave a soft whimper and pressed the palms of her hands against his chest. But he wouldn’t let her go. Not when he ached for her so much he could barely stand. The taste of her rocked him, transforming the simple lust searing through his body into something more, something meaningful that filled him with joy. Chloe’s kiss sent shockwaves through him, churning the heat smoldering inside into a roaring flame. He groaned, realization hitting him harder than a landslide. She was the one for him. Unable to think while his lips touched hers, he pulled back and studied her. The cool water dripped from her hair, making it cling in a frame around her. Her brown eyes were round with wonder, with droplets glistening on the tips of her lashes. Her pink, full lips parted as though waiting for another kiss. Her wet T-shirt formed around her breasts, outlining her peaked nipples to perfection. His gaze met hers, silently asking the question he prayed he wouldn’t have to say out loud. She swallowed, then pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it to the island. Conan did the same, throwing his shirt on top of hers. Her breasts, buoyed by the water, glistened with moisture he longed to lick off her. Lifting her, he brought his head down to accept the taut buds as she wrapped her legs around him. He flicked his tongue over her nipple, catching a drop of water. She made an enticing sound that changed from a whimper to a moan. Gripping her round, firm bottom, he held her against him, delighting in the way her slick, wet body met his. She peppered his shoulders with kisses, murmuring soft words of encouragement, telling him she was ready. But he didn’t need to hear the words. The way she held him, rubbed against him, spoke of her eagerness. A soft breeze drifted over them, making Chloe shiver. Conan hugged her to him. “Let’s get you warmed up.” Pushing through the water, he stalked onto the island, keeping her body close. Rivulets ran down her back, sliding over her skin and through his fingers. The droplets on her skin sparkled under the filtered light, and for a moment, he paused to take in the dewy brilliance of her skin. “Conan.” His name was all he needed to hear. Sliding her to her feet, he rushed to tug their wet garments from their quickly drying bodies. At last they were free of their clothes and she stepped away from him. He inhaled, charmed by her beauty. She was like a mystical creature, a water nymph welcoming him to her secret island. Her eyes widened at the sight of him, then she lifted her gaze to his. Her chest rose and fell in quickened breaths, and when she opened her arms for him, he couldn’t believe his luck in finding her. He slid his arms around her waist and took her with him to the grass. Lying by her side, he skimmed his hand along her body, reveling in every curve and valley. Her eyes shone with desire, turning the lust he felt into a power all its own. “You’re beautiful.”
60
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
She blinked, the corners of her mouth tipping up. “I bet you say the same thing to all the girls you dunk in the water.” He shook his head, playing along with her joke. “Nope. Just the ones who almost drown me.” Chloe cast her gaze down, then brought it back to him. “So you’ve brought others here?” She bit her lip, her nerves showing. Conan shook his head, knowing she was no longer toying with him. “I’ve never brought anyone here. This isn’t my home, remember?” He shuddered, loving the way she ran her palm along his arm, then down his chest. “Do you like living in the Rocky Mountains, Conan?” He didn’t want to think of the mountains he’d left behind right now. Not when he could think of her. “Yeah.” Conan wanted to bite her lip the same way she’d just done. “Is your home as beautiful as it is here?” Her timid look spoke of a need for more than a simple answer. “No. It never could be.” “Really?” Her big doe eyes locked on to him. “Why not?” He paused, but the flowery words of love he sought wouldn’t come. Instead, he spoke from his heart, giving her the only answer he could. “Because you’re not there.” Her pleased expression was his reward. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it and instead pulled his mouth to hers. He leaned into the kiss yet only grazed her lips with his. Holding his desire in check, he promised himself that this time wouldn’t be like before. He touched a strand of her hair and brought it to his nose, savoring the fragrance. Her scent was as fresh as the morning air, and he closed his eyes to imagine letting her hair stream over his chest. How had she come to mean so much to him? Was he making more of their time together than was real? He opened his eyes, seeking the answer in her face and finding it in her smile. Slipping his hand along her flat stomach, he paused and leaned back to take in all of her. She reached for his hand and guided it between her legs. She opened to him, bending one knee. Her wetness, smoother, silkier, unlike the slick wetness of the water, covered his finger with warmth. Cupping his neck, she urged him to take her nipple. She was his heaven. She was the one person he’d waited for, yearned for, but had never allowed himself to believe existed. A long, slow moan rumbled in his throat as he dipped his fingers into her pussy. Chloe arched her back and grasped his arms to pull her body toward him. He slid his hand behind her, supporting her. First with one, then with two, he worked his fingers against her sweet nub. She cried out and spread her legs wider, giving him the freedom to plunge his fingers deeper. Licking from one breast to the other, he rubbed his palm against her clitoris, moving faster. She inhaled sharply, startling him, then pushed away in one abrupt movement. “Conan. No.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
61
Beverly Rae
“No?” Conan couldn’t fathom the word. How could she say no after what they’d already done? Fear that she would turn him away made his heart beat faster. Chloe grabbed his hair and tugged. “I don’t mean no. Not really. I only meant—” She looked first one way, then the other. “What if someone sees us? Are we far from where we left Nina and Billy?” Relief swamped him, leaving him shaking. “Doesn’t matter. Billy knows better than to bother me.” He glanced around the area. “As far as anyone else is concerned, they can either watch or get the hell out of here.” He took her chin, making her understand that he meant what he said. “I don’t care. Unless you tell me you don’t want me, I’m going to have you. Right here. Right now.” Chloe bit her lip, her eyes taking on a mischievous glint. “Not if I take you first.” Laughing, she locked her legs around his waist. “Gotcha!”
62
www.samhainpublishing.com
Chapter Seven
Conan grunted and threw his body on top of hers, pinning her to the ground. Chloe squealed but made no effort to get away. She kept her legs firmly around him and marveled at the expressions that swept over his face, wondered at every flex of his muscles. She opened her mouth to tell him how amazing he was, then changed her mind. Words could never be enough. He kissed her neck, feathering his lips across her skin. She shivered, a tremor born of lust and not the chill in the air. He cupped her breast, then pressed against her and eased the tip of his shaft inside her. She gasped, stiffening at the size of him. She’d remembered how large he was, but she hadn’t had time to think about his size, hadn’t had time to prepare. Could she handle him again? She’d never seen anyone as impossibly long and thick. She had, in fact, felt raw after the first time. Raw in the best way possible. The kind of raw she wanted to feel again. Her vaginal muscles tightened in anticipation. He caught her looking and understood her thoughts, a frown creasing his brow. “I should make sure you’re ready.” He tried to slip lower, but she clung to him and shook her head. “I’m ready.” He arched an eyebrow, a cocky expression on his face. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to hurt you.” A second later and the cockiness disappeared. “No, I’m serious.” “I know.” She palmed his cheek, loving the way his stubble tickled her skin. “Hey, I was fine the first time, remember?” “Yeah, but—” “Conan, are you ever going to finish what you started?” He chuckled, then repositioned his body. “Look at me.” Doing as he asked, she held him, both of them locked in a spell of their own making. He pushed his shaft farther into her vagina. She stiffened, once again surprised at his size, as though it was the first time he’d entered her. Maybe she wasn’t as ready as she thought. He stroked her hair, comforting her. “Breathe, Chloe.” She let out a breath, then took deep breaths. Breathe. “That’s it. Relax and let it happen.” Chloe kept her gaze glued to him and concentrated on clearing her mind of everything else except Conan. She drank in the musky scent of him, an aroma that was part male and part wilderness. Wanting to
Beverly Rae
taste his scent, she traced kisses along his shoulder, then flattened her tongue to feel the strength lying beneath the tanned skin. She ran her hands down his arms, letting her fingers slide over the swell of muscles. His breathing was steady, and she tried to match hers with his, but her heart raced too fast to do so. He stroked her, gently, lovingly, making her ready. But it was the tenderness she saw in his face, in his eyes, that rushed the wetness between her legs. She blew out air and gripped her legs tighter around him He pushed in, her walls welcoming him, cocooning him. She tightened around him, the pain easing to heat, her body opening to him as her heart welcomed him. Easing farther inside, he gripped the sides of her head, his hands stroking her hair. Chloe arched against him, drawing him deeper than she’d thought possible. Conan nibbled his way from her earlobe down her neck to slip along her chest until he could latch onto her nipple. She clutched his hair as zings of lust ripped through her. Conan moaned against her breast, the vibrations of the sound traveling into her. He sucked and nipped at her bud, tormenting her. Without warning, he tracked his tongue along her skin into the hollow between her breasts, then under the ticklish curve. She held him tightly and rocked against him. Wetness flowed from where they’d joined, making wet sounds that drove her desire higher. He cupped her bottom, fondling her cheek, and rammed into her harder than ever. She cried out as an orgasm broke free. Throwing her head back in a wild scream, she sent the birds in the nearby tree soaring into the air. “Easy, baby. You don’t want anyone to hear you.” Conan’s chuckle warmed her lips seconds before he closed in on her. The kiss smothered her retort and softened her mouth. He toyed with her, dancing his tongue at the roof of her mouth, and a groan flowed from her throat. And still he plunged into her, releasing her only to plunge again. Breathless, she fought to keep pace with him. The kiss ended, and she opened her mouth to speak. But her breath was swept away once more when Conan rolled over, taking her with him. If she’d thought him big before, she now wondered if he would tear her apart. But, oh, what a way to die! Conan filled his hands with her breasts and she mimicked him with her hands on his pecs and reveled in the hardness of his chest. He thrust upward, pounding into her. Keeping her arms straight, she cushioned her breasts as they bounced with each of his pushes. She lifted her face to the sky and closed her eyes, loving the way her hair danced around her shoulders as the warmth from the sun tried to match the heat between her legs. He released her breasts to take her ass in his hands, spreading her cheeks apart so he could play with her bottom. She lost the battle to remain silent as another shout of release echoed into the air.
64
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
She couldn’t think any longer and closed her eyes, focusing on the way he held onto her, the way his arms felt under her grasp, the way he kept her upright when it felt like her body could have dissolved into a molten pool. Her body reacted to his by instinct alone, calling on an inner primal hunger. Her exclamations of “oh, oh, oh” played accompaniment to his thrusts and she held on to him, to her consciousness. Another orgasm, more intense than any other, ripped through her. Her body jerked, letting wave after wave sweep her along for the ride. She cried out, unable to care any longer if someone heard her. He shouted along with her, his release coming seconds after hers. Conan grew still even as the sweep of orgasms rolled on, and as the last one quieted, she opened her eyes. “Oh, my God, Conan.” She smiled, a woman satisfied, and looked down at his face. Shock drove every thought away. Conan’s face was contorted, his eyes glowing with a strange, amber hue. His mouth had extended and his lips were drawn back, exposing long, sharp fangs. Chloe screamed and threw her body off his, then scrambled on hands and knees to the other side of the small island. Staying in a crouched position, she whirled around, terror filling her lungs. She clutched her clothes to her chest, not only for cover, but for something to hold on to. Something real to cling to. Conan sat with his head in his hands, his elbows resting on his knees. His shoulders rose and fell with an obvious effort to breathe. Chloe swallowed, dislodging the fear clogging her throat. “Conan?” Hurriedly, she dressed, pulling her clothes on in quick movements. Several moments passed before he finally raised his head. She inhaled, surprised to see his face had returned to normal. “It’s okay, Chloe.” “What the hell did I just see?” Her voice was a whisper. “Am I losing my mind? Tell me what happened just now. And don’t tell me I imagined what I saw.” She saw the struggle on his features. Saw how he battled with himself to decide what to tell her. “You didn’t imagine it.” Now that she had confirmation, she wasn’t certain she wanted it. “No. I can’t believe it. I saw…” He nodded, encouraging her to continue. “Go on.” “I saw your face change. You looked… You looked like an animal.” She waited for him to laugh and tell her she was hallucinating. Maybe hallucinating was better than the truth she didn’t want to hear. “I know.” She stood, ready to run. From him. From what she’d seen. From her heart telling her to stay. “I don’t understand.” What possible explanation could he give her? “Will you let me say what I need to say? Without running away?”
www.samhainpublishing.com
65
Beverly Rae
She glared at him, at once angry. Why did something always go wrong with the men in her life? How could he do this and take away what she’d found in him? What she hoped he’d found in her? She didn’t want to understand. Instead, she wanted to believe everything would be all right. But the burn in her stomach stole away the hope of her dreaming coming true. She gritted her teeth and gave him the best answer should could. “I’ll try.” “Do you remember that day by the stream?” Oh, please don’t. Don’t tell me what I don’t want to hear. But she had to know. “Of course I do.” Her anger faded, replaced by fear—and, God help her, curiosity. “You saw me.” Again, she couldn’t stop from answering. “Yes.” I should run. Why am I not running? His gaze nailed her to the spot. “You saw me change.” She licked her lips and tried to swallow in a mouth gone dry. Her heart beat faster, pounding in her ears. “I saw you. Then I saw a bear.” Conan stood and took a step toward her. To her surprise, she held her ground, ready to face whatever came. He nodded. “You saw me change into my other side. Into the animal side of me. You saw me shift into a bear.” Even the birds had stopped singing as though they, too, prepared to hear the unbelievable. “No.” “Chloe, don’t. You know what I’m saying is true.” “I was drunk. I hallucinated.” “No, you weren’t drunk. I smelled alcohol on you, but not enough. Not enough for you to see something that wasn’t there.” Conan took another step toward her, but halted when she raised a hand to ward him off. She had to go in, all or nothing, daring him to make her believe. “I don’t believe this. What you’re saying is impossible.” Prove it to me. Torn, she wanted him to refuse and yet prayed he’d take her unspoken dare. “Then I’ll show you.” She stared at him, then tasted the blood on her lip where she’d bitten too hard. Wiping it away with her fingertips, she held herself tall and took his challenge. “Okay. Show me.” He backed away, his naked body exciting her even as a different kind of excitement shot adrenaline though her. She waited, ready to see the truth. “Please, Chloe, promise me one thing.” Even with fear chilling her, she would have promised him anything. “What?” “Promise me you won’t run.”
66
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
She laughed, the sound blurting from her lips in an effort to keep it contained. “I don’t know. I’ll try not to.” He nodded. “I understand. But just remember that whatever happens, whatever you see, I won’t hurt you.” His expression jolted and thrilled her. “I’d never hurt you. I care too much to ever harm you. You believe me, don’t you?” He cares. For a moment, only his declaration mattered and her pulse slowed. Did she care for him? She searched her feelings and found the answer. Yes, she did. She struggled to explain the why of it, then gave up. She cared. Why else would she have stayed? “Do you trust me, Chloe?” Did she? Could she trust this man she’d known for such a short time? Once again, her answer came swiftly. “I do.” They regarded each other, and if he had asked, she would’ve gone anywhere with him. Surprised, she dipped her head, hiding the emotions she knew played across her face. How had she come to care for him so much, so fast? Think, Chloe. Think with your head and not with your heart. Regaining control, she lifted her head to find him still staring at her, his own emotions playing over his features. She took a deep breath. “Like I said. Show me.” He nodded again, closed his eyes, then put his back to her. At first she wasn’t sure he was doing anything because he stood so still. But then, as she narrowed her eyes, she noticed a subtle change coming over him. His skin, smooth before, became less distinct. She blinked, wondering if her eyes had clouded over. But the hazy outline covering his arms continued to spread over the rest of him. His broad shoulders grew wider, spreading outward as his torso thickened, becoming larger than any man’s could, even a giant of a man like Conan. Soon, the changes became clearer as coarse brown hair—no, fur—covered him. Crack after teeth-gritting crack split the air and Chloe pressed her hand to her mouth against the painful noise. How could any human withstand the torture? She reached out for him, then drew back her hand as the man gave way to the beast. First one limb broke, then another as some limbs shortened and bent into odd angles while others thickened. Chloe gasped and stumbled backward. Conan dropped to his hands seconds before his hands no longer existed. Instead, huge paws with deathly claws dug into the ground. A torture-ridden moan erupted from his thickened neck and he turned toward her. His eyes glowed, the darkness giving away to a liquid golden that overtook the black. A large snout filled the bear face, the lips pulled back to expose deadly fangs. Conan, the grizzly, shook his head and shuddered, moving his fur in small waves from his large head to the blunt tail.
www.samhainpublishing.com
67
Beverly Rae
Only moments had passed, and yet Chloe’s life had changed forever. A low growl rolled from the bear’s mouth, awakening her from her trance. “Conan?” Unsure whether he’d heard her whisper, she tried again, forcing her voice louder. “Oh, my God. Is that really you?” Conan took a step forward, his claws digging into the grass. That small movement sent her stomach leaping into her throat. She’d seen him change and knew the animal before her was the man she’d made love to. But had his mind, his thoughts changed along with the rest of him? Did he still think like a man? Did he remember who she was? She had to clench her fists to keep from fleeing. Taking the biggest risk of her life, forcing herself to trust him more than she felt she should, she knelt to the ground and reached out her hand, her palm turned toward the sky. The bear cocked his head, then shifted on his paws as though deciding whether to charge at her. At once, he quieted, stopping in his tracks and snorting. Chloe held her breath as he moved forward, slowly padding his way toward her. Her arm shook and a fine mist of perspiration formed on her forehead. She had no doubt that he could rip her apart with a single swipe of his paw. Fighting to keep from squeezing her eyes closed, she watched the giant animal lift its head and place its face against her palm. He stretched his mouth open, and fear once again shook her. Was he going to bite her? Would he show his ferocious fangs seconds before tearing into her arm? A low, slow rumble reverberated into her hand. Although similar to his growl, the sound was different. Softer, almost soothing like a mother cooing to her child. Chloe stared in amazement as the corners of the massive mouth curved upward. Was he smiling? Tension seeped out of her. Conan the man was still in control. How else could he have given her a smile? She touched the other side of his face and he snorted again, startling her, but she didn’t pull away. Steeling herself, she skimmed her hand just low enough to run her thumb over his nose, letting the cold wetness dampen her skin. He opened his mouth, the hot air of his breath flowing over her fingers, and she slipped her hand back from his mouth and over the side of his face again. She gasped at the touch of the coarse hairs against her palm, then slid her hand up to rub the tip of his ear. A satisfied rumble rewarded her for her affection as he tilted his head, leaning into her caress. “So you like that, do you?” She scratched the other ear and received another happy moan. “Just don’t expect this much attention every time, okay?” Every time? Would there be more times? Could she stand watching him change again? The pounding of her heart had slowed to a near-normal rate and the heat of her fear had cooled on her brow. Seeking the man inside, she couldn’t help but feel the presence of the animal too. “You wouldn’t hurt me, would you, Conan?” She shook her head, as much as to reassure herself as to answer for him. “No, of course not. You said as much.”
68
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Although not complete, the trust within her grew. She sat on her knees, nervous tension keeping her body taut, and studied him. “You really are amazing. Scary as hell, but amazing.”
Conan whined his disappointment. Why was she still afraid of him? Couldn’t she see past the beast to the man within? He’d been careful not to move in a way that would frighten her, but he could sense the underlying panic she held at bay. True, sometimes the bear would take over, shoving the human side of him down, but those times were rare and happened only when he was pushed too far. He would never allow the beast to harm her. Her touch on his ears was intoxicating, reminding him of the way she’d touched him as they’d made love. Her caress soothed her, easing the alarm he could sense lay just below the surface. Tension left her body as she accepted him, learning about him as no other human had. Nonetheless, he could still feel her hesitancy to believe, to turn loose her anxiety along with her need to flee. As gently as he could, he bumped his muzzle against her chest. She jolted, and he heard the beat of her heart speed up, smelled the fresh fear taking hold. Easing out a soft breath against her skin seemed to quiet her, but her initial reaction still bothered him. She hadn’t run from him as he’d feared she would. In fact, the moment she’d lowered her body to the ground, he’d celebrated. Then he’d frozen to the spot when he saw the panic his prancing had caused, how she’d misinterpreted his movement. He inhaled, long and slow, taking in her fragrance. Her aroma flowed into his nostrils, the scent of her renewing his desire to shift back to human form and take her again. She possessed an arousing bouquet that was hers alone. Leaning his head against her wrist, he listened for the rush of her pulse. To hear it calm brought another smile to his lips, one he hoped she’d recognize. The noise in the bushes behind her kicked in his instincts and he abruptly lifted his head to search past her. Chloe fell backward, her hands flattening against the grass as the snarl formed on his lips. Her eyes widened, and although he jerked his head toward the forest in hopes of telling her where to look, she didn’t understand. Instead, she crab-crawled backward, the panic on her face wiping out the trusting expression she’d held moments before. The hunter breaking through the trees sent Conan into a defensive posture. Although Chloe was safe, he couldn’t restrain the wariness he felt toward the man. Too many encounters with hunters had taught him to fear them. He reared up on his hind legs and roared. Chloe yelped and plopped down on her bottom, her face stricken, her mouth gaping. The hunter lifted his rifle and aimed at Conan. “Conan! No!” Chloe scrambled to her feet, her attention still not focused on the hunter, her hands raised defensively.
www.samhainpublishing.com
69
Beverly Rae
Uttering an oath, the hunter lowered his gun when Chloe blocked his view. Turning his head to the side, he called into the woods behind him. “Hey, boys, get the hell over here. Hurry! This grizzly bear’s about to attack a girl.” Finally aware of the man, Chloe whirled around. “No, no! You don’t understand. He’s not going to-” The shot rang out and Conan heard the whiz of the bullet rush by his head. Fear erupted into anger for Chloe’s safety and rushed through him. He roared, ready to charge the hunter. Although his animal nature told him to attack, Conan did the only thing that would keep Chloe safe. He spun around and dashed into the water, barreling through to the other side of the pond and the woods beyond.
“I can’t believe this.” Nina dropped a stick into the flames of the campfire. “You’re both saying that Conan can transform into a grizzly bear. But how is that possible?” She tilted her head and arched one eyebrow. “You’re punking me, aren’t you? Come on. Confess, you guys. Did you really think I’d believe you? Although I’ve got to admit you had me going for a bit.” “No, babe. We’re telling you the truth.” Billy reached over to take Nina’s hand. “My friend Conan is a shape-shifter.” Chloe met Billy’s eyes and saw the determination mixed with sadness in them. She struggled to believe what she knew to be true. What she’d seen with her own eyes, not once but twice. Conan could change into a grizzly bear. Her gaze dropped to the flames. She saw Conan there, his body morphing, twisting and bending into another form, a huge animal. Her gut clenched as it had before, fear that the beast inside him would take over, leaving nothing of the man behind. Resolving to control the panic, she stared into the fire and again experienced the curiosity and fascination that had come on the heels of that first terror. The bear within the blaze took shape and she had to resist reaching out to touch him. She could see the dark brown fur giving way to a lighter shade around his eyes, then growing darker again with the curve of his body around his dark hump. Her hands itched, remembering how rough his fur had felt, and even now she could sense the pinprick of his bristles along her palm. She smiled, recalling the sensation of her thumb skimming the edge of his long snout, then running along his mouth. Wincing, she imagined herself next to Conan as she moved her hand away, alarm spreading through her when he’d pulled his lips back. Even as she pulled away, she’d been certain he’d meant her no harm— until he’d reared up on his back legs. If only she hadn’t let her panic send her scrambling away. She had to know more about the mananimal. How did he live? Where did he sleep? When would she see him again? I should’ve sensed the hunter behind me. If I had, I could’ve shielded Conan from danger. I could’ve done something more than watch him run away.
70
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
She could still hear the hunters gathering around her, asking her if she was hurt. Their concern, however, quickly turned to boasts for saving her from the ferocious animal. I thanked them, for God’s sake. The knot in her stomach tightened. But what else could she have done? Told them they’d shot at a man who could change into a bear? No. Thanking them and promising to be more careful was all I could do. That and keep my mouth shut until they’d taken me back to Billy and Nina. “Chloe?” Nina’s shake of her arm brought her out of her reverie. “Yeah?” She hated her friend’s bewildered expression and recognized the struggle to understand. One glance at Billy confirmed that Nina needed her help to believe. “We aren’t kidding, Nina. Conan’s a shapeshifter.” Nina’s tenuous smile faltered. “You’re serious, aren’t you? So when you saw him change at the stream…” “It was real. It’s all real.” Or was it? Conan changing into an animal was real. But was the intimacy they’d shared as real? They sat in silence, the sounds of the night mixing with the crackling of the campfire. Chloe waited, knowing Nina would soon want more answers. “I want to see him change.” Chloe refilled her glass of wine, swishing the liquid around in her mouth before swallowing. “I figured you would. But I don’t know where he is.” She pivoted to face Billy. “Do you?” Billy averted his gaze from hers and dug the toe of his boot into the dirt. “He’s probably at the cave where we’ve been staying.” “A cave? You two are living in a cave?” Nina ran a hand along his shoulder. “But why not stay in a tent? Or with me where you’ll be more comfortable? Not to mention safe.” She clutched his arm. “Not to say anything bad about Conan, but what if he changes while you’re asleep? Aren’t you afraid he might hurt you? After all, he’s a wild animal with animal reactions, right?” Billy laughed, once again sending Chloe an unmistakable message with one look. “Conan wouldn’t hurt a fly unless he thought he didn’t have any other choice. The guy’s a big teddy bear, if you get what I mean. Besides—” he paused to take a breath, “—I’m kind of an animal, too.” Nina’s eyes went wide and Chloe sputtered her drink. She’d never thought about Billy being a shapeshifter, but didn’t it make sense? Nina’s hand dropped away from his arm. “Oh, my God. Are you a grizzly bear, too?” Her whisper held both fear and inquisitiveness. “Me? A grizzly? With a big hump on my back? Puh-lease.” Nina released a pent-up breath. “Wow, what a relief. Talk about having a heart attack.” Billy squirmed in his seat. “Well, uh, you see…”
www.samhainpublishing.com
71
Beverly Rae
Nina may have missed seeing his uneasiness, but Chloe hadn’t. “Why do I get the feeling that there’s more you’re about to tell us?” “Because there is.” A flash of worry crossed his features. “Ladies, I’m not a grizzly. I’m a coyote.” Nina’s laugh was cut short when neither Billy nor Chloe made a sound. Nina leaned away from him, her intense regard skimming him from head to toe. “A coyote?” She hopped up, strode to the other side of campfire and glared at him. “Is everyone in these hills a shape-shifter?” The same thought had occurred to Chloe. “I guess it kind of figures that Billy might be since he’s with Conan. Although I would’ve assumed Billy was a bear too.” Nina paced back and forth in front of the fire. “I’m not buying any of this. First one guy’s a bear and now you’re claiming to be a coyote. Are we in some kind of freaky Twilight Zone episode?” Billy’s face clouded over. “I’m not claiming anything. I am a were-coyote. You can believe me or not. Either way, it doesn’t change what I am. And guess what, babe, I don’t care whether you buy it or not.” “Then you won’t mind showing us, will you?” “Fine. I will.” Billy stood and started shedding his clothes. “Whoa, hold up.” Chloe bolted away from him. “What’s with the no-clothes routine?” “I have to take my clothes off or they’ll get shredded in the transformation. Shifters aren’t like Superman. Our clothes don’t change along with our bodies, ya know.” “No, I don’t know. How would I know? Conan didn’t exactly give me how-to manual.” Chloe covered her eyes as Billy started to unbutton his jeans. “It does make sense, though.” Chloe could hear the curiosity in Nina’s voice. She kept her gaze on the ground at her feet. “Yeah, it does. Just tell me when your private parts are no longer human so I can look up.” A groan was her answer, but Chloe recognized the cracking sounds she’d heard when Conan had changed. “Oh, my God. Billy, are you okay?” “I know it sounds awful, Nina, but he’s all right. Just keep watching.” “I don’t know if I can.” Nina’s voice sounded small. “H-he’s twisting, changing. Oh, hell.” Billy’s groans, however, soon changed to whimpers accented by low growls. “Holy shit. Are we safe? Will he hurt us?” Chloe sensed Nina picking up the large stick she’d used before. “No. Don’t hit him. He’s still Billy inside the animal.” Nina dropped the stick next to Chloe’s feet. The fear she’d felt coming from Nina changed, the tension in the air lessening as her friend accepted what she was seeing. “Chloe, you should see this.” “Not until he has fur on his body.”
72
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
“Look, Chloe. Now.” Chloe raised her head to find a large coyote on the other side of the fire. His golden eyes, reminding her of Conan’s eyes when he was a bear, narrowed as his wide mouth lengthened, the tips curving into a smile that was not unlike his human one. Gray fur, growing darker toward his hind legs, led to a swishing tail tipped in black. “Did you see him change?” “Yeah, I did.” Nina’s voice was filled with awe. She grabbed Chloe’s arm, tugging her attention away from the animal. “Is this crazy or what?” Chloe nodded. “Crazy? Yeah, it sure is.” Nina dropped to her knees in front of Billy. Reaching a tentative hand out to him, she tunneled her fingers through his fur and sighed. “Wow, he’s so soft. Come on, Chloe, touch him.” She shook her head, preferring to retrieve the wine bottle and refill her glass. “No, thanks. I think I’m going to sit by the fire and see if more wine will help me believe everything I’ve already seen.” “I can’t believe this. I’m touching a coyote. No, nix that. I’m touching a man who changed into a coyote. Holy shit.” Nina’s cooing sounds echoed Billy’s soft growls. The envy crashing through Chloe surprised her. If only the hunters hadn’t shown up, she could’ve spent more time with Conan the bear. She took a long drink, letting the warm liquid wash away the knot in her throat. “Come on, Billy. Let’s get inside where I can watch you change back into a man.” Chloe watched as Nina led the coyote into her tent. “Hey, don’t forget his clothes.” Chloe giggled, then took a sip. Was she really telling her best friend not to forget her coyote-lover’s clothes? Could things get any weirder? “I don’t think we’re going to need them anytime soon,” Nina answered. The shadows of Nina and the were-coyote played against the side of Nina’s tent. Soon, however, the smaller shadow began changing, growing taller as Nina’s awed exclamations filled the air. Chloe poured the last of the bottle into her glass. Where was Conan? Had the hunters frightened him away for good? And if they hadn’t, what would happen between them now?
“What do you mean you’re going home?” Conan grumbled and repositioned the duffle bag over his shoulder. “I mean I’m going back to Colorado.” “What the hell for?”
www.samhainpublishing.com
73
Beverly Rae
Conan’s patience was wearing thin, but it was his own fault. He shouldn’t have mentioned leaving until this morning. Instead, he’d mouthed off and told Billy his plans when the were-coyote had shown up late last night. “I can’t stay.” “Will you stop and talk to me?” Billy grabbed Conan’s arm, trying to force him to turn his way. Letting his inner beast a small bit of freedom, Conan turned on the small man, his teeth bared in the same way he’d bare his fangs. “Watch it, pup.” Billy backed off—at least physically. “I don’t get it. You and Chloe are getting along right now, right? She even knows what you are. Hell, she knows what I am. So why cut and run, big guy?” “What do you mean she knows what you are? What happened?” Billy’s shrug wasn’t as nonchalant as he tried to make it seem. “Hey, you exposed yourself to Chloe so I figured I could do the same and show my inner handsome self to Nina. Chloe was there for the unveiling, too.” Damn, he knew he should’ve stuck around after following the hunters and Chloe back to the campsite. But who knew Billy would decide to bare all for both women? “Great. So now they both know.” “Yeah, and now we can both stay and be ourselves around them. What’s wrong with that?” “Nothing, I guess. Except the more people who know, the riskier it is for us.” And for Chloe and Nina? Did knowing put them at risk, too? “Look, man, don’t blow this. I know you’re not into finding your mate and all, but I want to spend more time with Nina.” “Then you stay. But I’m done.” “Really? Then why are we headed toward their camp?” Conan glued his attention on the path in front of him, unwilling to look at Billy. His friend would no doubt see the truth written on his face. “I want to check on them one last time. To make sure you didn’t upset them last night by showing your scrawny ass.” “My scrawny ass? Trust me. When they got a glimpse of my fine tail—” Shouts startled Conan and Billy, halting them in their tracks.
74
www.samhainpublishing.com
Chapter Eight
Conan tossed his duffle bag onto the ground a second after he’d broken into a hard run. Billy ran behind him on the narrow trail. A few minutes later they came to the edge of the girls’ campsite. Conan skidded to a stop, bracing his arm out in front of him to keep Billy from running past him. He held his finger to his mouth, then whispered, “Hold up. Let’s find out what’s happening before we barge into this.” Billy nodded, then tilted his head at the scene in front of them. “Roger, get the hell away from me!” “I just want to talk to you.” Chloe faced the wooded area where Conan and Billy hid. Feet planted apart, she fisted her hands and glared at the man trying to take her by the arms. Every time he tried, she yanked out of his grip. Nina took a similar fighting stance and tapped a large stick against her palm. “You heard her, dirtbag. Leave before I bash your brainless head in.” Chloe held up her hand, warding Nina off. “Hang on. Let’s let him talk.” She thrust a finger at the man. “But once you’ve had your say, Roger, you have to get out of here.” “Come on, sweetie. Be reasonable. I’ve missed you.” “Oh, sure you have. What’s the matter? Did Jilly wise up and kick you to the curb?” Although Conan couldn’t see Roger’s face, the sudden stiffening of his body relayed his anger even if his tone hadn’t already done so. “That bitch was never anything but a quick fuck.” He noticeably relaxed his body. “You’re the one I want. No one else was ever as good as you in bed.” Chloe’s surprise resonated in her harsh laugh. “So that’s all I ever was to you? A good fuck? No, wait. I was more than that, wasn’t I? I was the idiot who fed you and gave you beer money. Crap, I can’t believe how stupid I was to think you ever loved me.” She stalked closer to him. “No, that’s not right. I was stupid to think you ever deserved me.” The growl came from deep inside Conan, and without thinking, he began to take off his clothes. Billy started to unbutton his shirt, but Conan shook his head. “No. You stay out of it.” Although his animal instincts alerted him of the impending danger, Conan couldn’t believe it when Roger grabbed Chloe around the throat. He was naked and shifting before the next growl erupted from between his fangs. Roaring, he broke through the bushes and barreled toward Chloe and her attacker.
Beverly Rae
Chloe couldn’t scream. Not when Roger wrapped his large hand around her throat and not when Conan burst from the forest, shifting from man to bear as he ran. Nina yelled at Roger, but her cry died when she saw Conan pounding toward them, each hand-turned-paw striking the ground to send dirt flying into the air. Chloe gripped Roger’s hand, struggling to peel his fingers off her neck. She fought to breathe, gasping air in short, agonizing breaths, but the vise he held on her grew tighter. She struck out, landing blow after blow against him, but he acted as though she were merely a pesky gnat. Roger, his focus centered on her, followed her gaze as it shifted to the side. He twisted his head to the left, a smirk plastered on his face, and froze. Shock undulated through him and his mouth dropped open. At last he loosened his hold on her. “Shit! What the hell is that?” Taking her chance, Chloe wrenched him off and stumbled toward Nina. Nina caught her seconds before she would have fallen to the ground. Roger, his expression almost laughable, gawked at Conan and turned his body to face the charging animal. Conan, now fully transformed, rammed into Roger, knocking him several feet in the air to land on his back. He lumbered over to the terrified man and growled, baring fangs dripping with saliva. Rising up on his hind legs, Conan towered over the dazed man, claws extended, ready to tear into flesh. His fur stood on end as he shook his massive body. Anger rippled off him in waves. Chloe gasped, fear warring against the need to believe Conan wouldn’t hurt Roger. She’d never seen such ferociousness, such brutal strength. Conan was a predator, a wild, untamed beast that could kill with one blow. Would the man inside realize what the animal might do? Would he care? “Help!” But Roger’s shout was stifled as he clutched his fist to his mouth. His eyes, wide with panic, locked on to the bear. “No, Conan! Don’t.” As much as she disliked Roger, as much as she might want revenge, she couldn’t let Conan hurt him. To do so would take her down to Roger’s level and involve Conan in a problem not of his making. But how could she stop him? The furious bear roared an ear-splitting sound and she clamped her hands over her ears. Nina stumbled backward, away from the fight, and seeing Billy motioning for her at the edge of the clearing, dashed toward him. Chloe’s feet seemed rooted to the ground. Her pulse thundered in her ears. Unlike the gentle giant at the pond, this Conan embodied all that was predatory, all that was wild. Her mind pushed her to run, but another part of her, the part that had seen the gentler side of both man and beast, couldn’t leave. Was she willing to place herself in danger to help Roger? Gritting her teeth, Chloe rushed over and placed her hands above her head and tried to reach Conan’s paws. Fresh alarm hit her as the hard amber gaze met hers and his mouth pulled back into another snarl.
76
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Did he recognize her? Did he understand her? And even if he did, would he stop because of her? Or would his temper overrule his human side? Would he want Roger’s blood enough to hurt her, too? “Conan, don’t.” Her breath hitched as the smell of the bear’s heavy breath swamped her. Somehow he was larger than before, as though his fury had added bulk to his already immense frame. “Let him go.” Roger lay on his back, his hands held in front of him in a feeble attempt to thwart a blow. “Get that thing away from me!” Conan roared again and swiped his paw at Roger, raking his leg and drawing four lines of blood. Roger screamed, his features contorted in pain and panic. “Please, Conan. No.” Conan growled, this time lower and softer, the sound reverberating in the air around them. The growl seemed more ominous than any of the others. If she could do anything to stop Conan from hurting Roger again, she had to do it now. Stepping toward the bear, she closed her eyes and put herself inches from his belly. “Please, stop,” she whispered, then laid her body against his. She stretched out her arms in a hug and found she couldn’t reach around his massive torso. But it didn’t matter. If she meant anything to him, if she could reach the man inside the beast, her touch would be enough. Fur tickled her cheek and the heat from his body soaked into hers. His breaths pushed his chest against her, filling her nostrils with the scent of animal, woods and more. Keeping her eyes closed, she concentrated on listening to the rapid beat of his heart and waited. Conan moaned, a small sound for such a large creature. The sound pulsed into Chloe’s body before it filled her ears. He understands. Relief swelled with gratitude. She gave him a squeeze, opened her eyes and backed up. Dropping to his paws, Conan shook his entire body in a bear-like denial of her request. She touched her palm to his jaw and sought the man she knew was inside the animal. “Please, Conan. You’ll leave him alone?” He shook his mighty head again, denying her once more, then took a step forward and bared his teeth at the cowering Roger. Bouncing up and down on his front paws, he shook his head and roared, the sound deafening to her ears. “Please. Stop.” His fur bristled and she sensed the terrible war raging inside him, the man fighting to control the beast. Almost as though she could see the cold predator side of him, Chloe stared into the ferocious face and prayed the gentle man would win the battle. Biting her lip, she sent a plea. “Conan, listen to me. Leave him alone. He’s not worth it.” The giant bear stopped, tilted his head at her, spittle at the corners of his mouth. Then, as though giving in, he snorted and answered with a grumble much like the ones she’d heard him make while in human form. Spewing out saliva, he backed away.
www.samhainpublishing.com
77
Beverly Rae
“Thank you.” “Chloe, please. Help me.” Roger wailed, begging her again. “Please. Help me.” She smiled at Conan, then turned to her ex-boyfriend. “I already have. Not that you deserved it. You’re a jerk and I’m sick of you.” She paced a few feet away, then whirled toward him. “Oh, hell, I tried, but I just can’t stop myself.” Giving in to temptation, she kicked Roger in the uninjured leg, eliciting another round of cries. Chloe thrust her arm outward. “Move, Roger, before I decide to let him eat your sorry ass.” Roger, looking from bear to woman, relief seeping through the tormented expression, gaped at her. “He’ll kill me if I run.” “Trust me. If he wanted you dead, you’d already be dead. Now didn’t you hear me? Move!” Roger scrambled, crawling and stumbling until he could stand on his feet. He made it to the forest line and turned back, disbelief scrunching his face. “I saw it. I know I did. He—that man—changed.” Chloe shook her head, unwilling to give him the truth. “You’re hysterical. Do you understand me? You didn’t see a thing. Not a damn thing.” Holding his bleeding leg, Roger glanced back once more before racing down the path away from the campsite.
“I told you, Conan. I’m fine.” Chloe tucked her chin, unwilling to look at him. Conan, back in human form, tipped his head to see into Chloe’s eyes, but she turned her back on him. Although several minutes had passed since Roger’s departure, she couldn’t push down the anxiety stiffening her neck. Roger’s departure had left her shaking. How close had Conan come to killing Roger? She couldn’t face the animal, the man who had frightened her. How could she when the sight of Conan’s cold eyes still haunted her? But that was while in his bear form. In human form, she had no reason to fear him, but what if the animal took over? Still struggling to rid herself of the lingering doubts, Chloe took a breath and forced herself to face him. Soft brown eyes met hers while worry etched a line in his brow. Relief seeped out of her in slow waves until her body shook. “You’re not fine. You’re shaking.” Nina, her hand enclosed in Billy’s, studied Chloe. “Nina’s right.” Conan took her by the shoulders, and for a moment, she resisted. Then, swallowing the last of her fear, she allowed him to pull her into his embrace. She closed her eyes as she’d done against the bear’s chest and inhaled. The scent, although not as strong or wild, was similar, as though the animal aroma had gone into hiding to be replaced by the musk of a human male. His breathing came in long, slow draws, comforting her enough for her to admit her fears. “You frightened me.” He stiffened, but didn’t lessen his embrace. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
78
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
“Chloe, you’ve got to know that Conan would never hurt you. He only did what he did because he didn’t want to see you harmed.” Billy’s voice grew mean. “If I thought someone might hurt Nina then, yeah, I’d want to rip them apart.” She could feel Billy and Nina’s presence but kept her eyes closed. She didn’t want to see their concerned faces, didn’t want to have to comfort them. “I was scared, too.” Conan’s tone was low and soft. Surprised, she saw the sincerity in his face. “But why? Roger wasn’t armed. He couldn’t have hurt you if he’d tried.” Conan’s eyes darkened and a sad smile played on his lips. “Not for me. For you.” She’d known that he’d thought she was in danger. But she’d believed his only emotion had been anger. “You thought he’d hurt me.” “He was hurting you.” She nodded and could almost feel Roger’s hands around her throat again. “Yes, he was.” “I couldn’t let him harm you. I had to stop him.” “You shouldn’t have changed. Maybe if you’d stayed in human form, you wouldn’t have hurt him.” “I couldn’t help it. I shifted without thinking.” The intensity in his tone made her look away, unable to handle the fierce emotions overtaking her. “Chloe, would you come with me?” She hesitated again, and hated herself for doing so, then nodded. Easing out of his hug, she looked into Conan’s face, then took his hand and squeezed. “All right.” Conan returned her squeeze. “Give us some time. Okay, guys?” Billy and Nina murmured their agreement as she let Conan lead her into the woods. “Where are you taking me? To the pond?” She quickened her pace not only to keep up with him but in her eagerness to reach the place where they’d made love and she’d felt closest to him. The place where he’d shown her what he was. Her mind not on the path in front of her but on the memory of his body changing almost sent her stumbling to her knees, but Conan caught her, his strong arms swinging her back onto her feet. “It’ll be safer and faster this way.” Lifting her off the ground, he tucked one arm under her thighs, the other wrapped around her torso. She locked her hands behind his neck, her excitement heightening. Making sure she was securely in his arms, Conan broke into a run. “Oh, my God.” She cuddled into his chest even as she rocked up and down with every step. She listened, expecting to hear his heart doing double-time. Instead, it was as though the run with her in his arms didn’t affect him.
www.samhainpublishing.com
79
Beverly Rae
Flashes of light flickered over her as they raced through the forest, into small clearings, then back into denser foliage. His body tilted forward as they moved in an ever-increasing incline up the hillside. She glanced around, watching the trees around them flow by until sunshine blinded her. Conan grunted as he jumped over several rocks to land near the mouth of a small cave. She brushed the hair away from her face as he lowered her to the ground, then took her hand. “Wait. We’re going in there?” “We are.” He paused and regarded her as though only now realizing she might object to entering the dark recesses of the mountain. “It’s not as scary as you might think.” Although she opened her mouth to refuse, she couldn’t resist the gleam in his eyes. If she turned him down, would he ever want to show her anything ever again? “I’ll take your word for it. But what is this place?” A rare grin brightened his face. “It’s my home away from home.” She peered into the entrance and tried to imagine sleeping there. “Billy told us you were staying in a cave, but still…” “Seems Billy’s been flapping his mouth quite a bit lately. I should’ve known he would. Most werecoyotes have a hard time keeping secrets.” Chloe took a deep breath and started into the darkness. “Okay, then. Show me.” Conan bent forward to keep from bumping his head against the top of the entrance and led her inside. Chloe paused to let her eyes adjust to the dim light, then scanned the interior. A small duffle bag sat against the wall, and two beds made of leaves and twigs lay on either side of a campfire pit. She walked around the small area, taking in the lingering smell of a recent fire mixed with the familiar aroma of Conan. “This is it? This is all you have?” Conan shrugged. “What did you expect? A flat-screen television?” “No, but…” She knelt down to pat the nearest makeshift bed. “Hmm. This is softer than I would’ve thought.” Conan moved to her and squatted beside her. “Try it.” She snorted, then closed her hand over her mouth. “Me?” “Why not?” Why not? Curious, she sat on the bed, her legs crossed in front of her. “Hey, not bad.” “Not bad at all.” Conan sat down beside her, taking the rest of the bed. His arm brushed hers, a movement both intimate and comforting. “You frightened me.” She needed to repeat what she’d said earlier. If only to stress how much he had. “I know. I’m sorry you saw that part of me.” “The bear part?”
80
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
He waited a long time before answering her. “No. You would’ve needed to see the animal part of me again at some point. I’m sorry you saw the violent side of me. Of either side of me.” She sighed, her body slumping against his. “Then why didn’t you stay a man? You could have stopped him without changing. Now he’s seen you. Now he knows.” “I couldn’t help myself. When I saw his hands around your neck, I just reacted.” He touched his fingertips to her neck, then yanked them away when she winced at the pain. “The bruises are already showing.” “Great. And me without a scarf.” Her attempt at humor fell flat. Hardness overtook his face. “I wish I could have kept him from… To see the marks he left…” He clenched his teeth. “Hell, I still want to tear him apart.” She jerked away from him, her heart picking up speed. “That’s what scares me. That’s why you scared me. I thought you were going to kill him.” “I wish I had.” Chloe clutched her pillow to her chest. “No, stop. I’m still afraid.” “Of him?” He blinked, suddenly grasping what she’d meant. “Of me?” The hurt on his face brought an apology to her lips, but she held back. “Yes, of you. Tell me. Do you have control when you’re in your altered form? Can you stop yourself from acting the way a wild animal would? How can I trust that you won’t get angry, change and hurt someone I love? Or me?” He reached out for her, but she leaned away. Determination tightened his jaw, and he tried again, this time cupping her behind the neck to pull her closer. “You can trust me because I say you can.” “Other men, including Roger, have said I could trust them.” She sat rigid in his grasp. “I’m not Roger and I’m not other men.” He looked away, then back at her. “But it’s true. I sometimes have a hard time controlling that other part of me. But it rarely happens and only when I’m very angry. You can trust me, Chloe. I swear it. I’ve never hurt anyone I cared for and I never will.” “That doesn’t tell me why.” She wanted to believe him. Ached to believe him. “Tell me why I can trust you. I need to know.” His dark eyes flashed amber and she wondered if she’d pushed him too far. What would she do if he lost control? Then the irritation she’d seen was gone as quickly as it had come. Slowly, he brought his face an inch from hers and looked into her eyes. “This is why.” Conan brushed his lips across hers, the tip of his tongue barely touching the parting of her lips. His thumb traced a path from her temple down to the curve of her cheek and the fluttering in her stomach, like a thousand butterflies taking flight, increased. She leaned into the kiss, wanting to crush her mouth to his, and was suddenly rocked with love for this stranger who had come to mean so much in so little time. He ran his gaze along her body, then slipped
www.samhainpublishing.com
81
Beverly Rae
his fingers underneath her shirt to pull it upward. She did the same for him, tugging his shirt over his head. Needing to touch him again, she brought his mouth to hers. This time his kiss was stronger, more urgent, and she answered his fervor with her own. Conan fumbled with the zipper on his jeans, making her laugh as she took over for him. His shaft, ready and full, spilled out, and although she remembered the size of him, her eyes grew wide and her heart sped up. Conan wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her, and laid her back against the soft mat. She whimpered, not from fear but from need. “Conan.” “Shh. Just let us be.” He kissed her again as his hands cupped her breasts. What fear remained was washed away by his touch, and she slipped her palms over his chest to play her thumbs against his nipples. His tongue entered her mouth, filling her as she wanted him to fill her elsewhere. He groaned, spilling the sound into her. The kiss slid to her neck, feathering tenderly over the bruises. He swept his tongue along her earlobe and teased her with soft breaths. She shivered as the coolness of the cavern met the wet path along her neck. A yearning burst within her as wild and untamed as the animal within him. Giving in to the yearning, she arched, pushing her breasts against his hard body, and slid her legs along his taut thighs to wrap them around his waist. He growled, stilling her, but she shoved the fear away. Feeding the need, she ran her hands along his valleys and curves, her nails digging into his flesh. He nibbled her shoulders, the slight pain urging her to tilt her neck. Their breaths, hers an echo to his, punctuated the air. He continued to nibble his way south, pausing to caress her breast with his tongue, quickening her already speeding pulse. Chloe closed her eyes, letting emotions and sensations take over, her mind going still. Conan’s body rested on top of hers with just the right amount of pressure, not too hard, not too gentle. She lifted her hips against him, signaling him to enter her, but he resisted, instead pushing his shaft against her mons. She groaned her frustration until his mouth found her nipple once more. He lashed his tongue over her bud, followed by quick nips with his teeth. Chloe murmured and caressed him, then slid her hand along his side, going as low as she could. He kept his shaft from her, teasing her, and instead reverently whispered her name. He skimmed his fingers along her side, making her shiver. But her shivers were lost in her gasp as he spread her folds wide, using his thumb to massage her aching nub and his fingers to delve inside her. Chloe pushed against his hand, loving the feel of him inside her, wanting more of him. She clenched her vaginal walls around his fingers, tugging on them, telling of the pleasure he’d know when he replaced them with his cock. He moaned, letting her know her ploy succeeded. She matched his torture with her own, daring him to deny her.
82
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Without warning, she climaxed, whipping her head side to side as thunderous waves rolled through her. Explosions of light and dark erupted behind her closed eyelids, and she released again, melting her body to his. She screamed his name, harsh and filled with need, then inhaled sharply as he pushed her legs toward her chest. Taking her by the chin, he forced her to open her eyes and look at him. No words were needed. She understood his desire, knew his meaning behind those amber-flaked eyes. The beast within him was close to the surface. But she didn’t care. Clutching the hair framing his face, she rocked against him, demanding all of him. He answered, pushing inside her until she was sure he could go no higher. But she was wrong. He drew back, then pounded into her again. Again she cried out, his name dissolving into indecipherable sounds. Sweat glistened on his skin as he took her nipple in his mouth. A growl escaped him, sending sound waves to rush over her breast. Her heart filled with the knowledge that he was the one she’d wanted, the one she’d dreamed of, the one she’d thought couldn’t exist. Her cries melted into murmurs of joy. Slipping his hands under her arms, he leaned back on one hand, bringing her upward to sit on top of his legs. Impossibly, his shaft drove deeper inside her, rubbing against her inner sweet spot, and another orgasm swept her, taking the last of her strength. He held onto her with his other hand, supporting her as she bounced with each of his thrusts. Sweeping his tongue from one nipple to the other, he hammered into her. She laid back her head, her hair tickling her skin, and gripped his shoulders. She inhaled, committing his scent to memory, the way his slick skin felt under her hands and against her body, the way his soft grunts accented each thrust. As blackness edged toward her, she clung to him, content to cling to him now and forever. His release came with a giant roar that reverberated against the walls. Chloe held him as his body shuddered, first in short, quick moves and then to slower, longer ones. Sweat dripped between them to dampen the forest bed. He rested his head against her shoulder and she slid her hands along his broad shoulders to enclose him in a hug. They stayed, together, each unmoving as their breaths slowed to normal. Time passed and yet stood still even as the shadows in the cave grew and lengthened. Tipping her chin up, he looked at her, the amber gone from his eyes. He placed her back on the bed, smoothing the hair away from her shoulders. “Do you trust me, Chloe? I need to hear you say you trust me.” She placed the tip of her fingers to his cheek, her gesture meant to convey the love in her heart, in her soul. Another part of her, however, still held back, unable to believe in him, in them, with every part of her. “I do.” Yet that other part wouldn’t be silenced. “As you are right now.” “You mean as long as I’m a man.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
83
Beverly Rae
The disappointment in his tone stabbed her, making her wish she could take his pain away. “Yes.” She lowered her eyes, unable to see more hurt. “But when your other side comes out…” Could he understand? How could she trust his animal side? Her mind jumped to an image of Roger, his eyes narrowed, the hate wafting off him. She’d trusted Roger and he’d betrayed her. If a man without a beast inside him could do her wrong, how could she trust Conan not to hurt her more? The awkward silence between them almost broke her heart. He answered as though he’d heard her thoughts. “I promise I won’t hurt you. Or anyone.” She wanted to tell him she believed him. And she did believe he meant what he said. But could he really control his animal instinct to attack if pushed too far? “We belong together.” She wouldn’t, couldn’t disagree. “Yes, we do.” She started to tell him the rest, that she was still unsure whether he could keep his promise, but she couldn’t. “You still have doubts. I can see them in your eyes.” Chloe tugged on her clothes, buying time. He didn’t try to stop her, instead taking her lead to get dressed. She turned to him to rest her hand on his leg. He relaxed toward her for a kiss, but she resisted the urge to accept it. Instead, she flattened her hand on his chest. “I just don’t know.” “I won’t let you down.” She smiled at him and did the only thing she could. “Let’s talk about this later, okay? It’s getting late and Nina’s going to start freaking out if I don’t get back to the camp soon.” “But—” He gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. “Please, Conan.” Opening his eyes, he nodded, then stood, helping her to stand along with him. He curved his hand around her neck, and for a moment, she thought he would kiss her again. He didn’t and she ached from the yearning he’d left unanswered. “Maybe you and Nina should stay with Billy and me tonight. In case the jerk comes back.” Chloe laughed, pleased that he’d asked her, but she refused to let Roger change her life. “Thanks, but there’s no way Nina’s going to sleep here. I barely got her to camp out in a sleeping bag with an inflatable mattress under her in a bug-free tent.” Her humor, however, didn’t lessen the worry lines marring his features. “Then maybe she needs to stay in town and you can stay with me. Billy would be happy to stay in a hotel with her.” “No. We’ll be fine. Don’t worry, okay?” “If you say so.” The concern came and went across his features, contradicting his words, but he took her hand and led her out of the cave.
84
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
“Will you quit fidgeting?” Conan grumbled, then pulled himself to his full height, hooked his thumbs in his jeans pockets and faced the forest. The afternoon sun warmed his bare shoulders, and not for the first time, he wondered how Chloe had talked him into posing for her. Billy, of course, had teased him unmercifully until Nina finally persuaded his friend to go into town with her. Conan shifted from one foot to the other and again received Chloe’s silent glare of warning to hold still. He stole a glimpse at her from the corner of his eye. “Can’t I at least turn toward you? I think your picture would be more interesting with me looking directly at you. You know, to get the full effect of my handsome face.” Chloe lifted her gaze, the surprise at his rare show of humor lighting up her features. “Modest much?” He shrugged. “I got it, I flaunt it.” She giggled and bowed her head over her art. Regardless of his complaints, as long as he could watch her, then he could tolerate the torment of standing in one place for so long. After all, he’d remained motionless for most of the night as he’d spied on her from the branches of a nearby tree. Conan hid the stiffness a night sitting in a tree had given him. Although spying on her had seemed creepy in a stalker kind of way, he hadn’t been able to resist keeping watch over her. The idea of her ex coming back and harming her had driven sleep from him. He never would have forgiven himself if he hadn’t been there to protect her. Of course, he had no intention of telling her about his night-long surveillance. Another interminable length of time passed before Conan was willing to admit he’d had enough. How did models do it? “Chloe, I’ve got to take a break.” Hopefully, he thought, for good. She glanced up, a quizzical expression knitting her brow. “Already? Have we been at it for a long time?” He relaxed and sat on the log beside her. “Long enough.” He leaned his shoulder against hers, enjoyed the sudden burst of excitement radiating out of her, and studied the picture. Once again, she’d captured his image, showing the broad expanse of his chest and the long trunks of his arms and legs. Somehow she’d even managed to make his hair look like it moved with the breeze. His jaw appeared angular and strong, and the way she’d drawn his eyes, catching just the right amount of dark and gold during a transformation, stunned him. But his pride wasn’t for the way she’d depicted him— strong, virile, heroic—but for the skill she had. He sat straighter, pride making him puff out his chest. “So, would you reconsider letting me draw you in your bear form?” He frowned, wishing she hadn’t brought up the sore subject again. “Doesn’t it scare you when I’m…that way?” He saw the flicker of fear in her eyes and felt a stab of pain. If only she would trust him in every way, in either form.
www.samhainpublishing.com
85
Beverly Rae
She diverted her gaze from his. “It does. But maybe if I see you—” she shot him a glance, then looked away again, “—that way more often, I’ll get used to it. Unless, of course, there’s no need for me to get used to seeing you as a were-bear.” Conan took her hand, halting her sketching and making her meet his gaze. “As far as I’m concerned, I want you to get real used to it. You’re the one who hasn’t decided how long we’re going to stay together. Or have you?” She stiffened and took her hand out of his, but ignored his question. “So? Will you shift?” Conan fought back a grin. Instead, he nodded solemnly, stood and started disrobing. He dropped his clothes on the log, loving her rapt attention, and laughed. “You like?” She giggled, then rolled her lips inward to stop her tittering. “Well, duh.” “Hold that thought, okay?” “You got it, big guy.” Conan closed his eyes and let the transformation churn in his stomach. As it always did, the turmoil signaled the change at his core then flowed swiftly outward. He shivered as a cold rush traveled through his veins, along with the tightening of his muscles. His body tensed in anticipation. The world around him blurred as pain erupted. But the initial pain was nothing to the excruciating agony of his bones breaking, shortening in one place only to lengthen in another. The blurry image of Chloe stood and backed away, her tenuous hold on her fear wafting to him with the subtle change in her scent. A different type of ache, one not coming from broken and reformed bones, ripped into his gut. He tried to speak to her, to soothe the fear he could smell coming from her, but his mouth was no longer human. Fangs and a thick tongue garbled his words. Still standing on his hind legs, Conan bent his head and saw his reflection in the bottom of a metal dinner plate. He paused, studying the partial transformation rippling through him, and understood Chloe’s alarm. Half man, half bear, he was a hideous creature. Yet the change wouldn’t last much longer. The pain was growing dimmer and the world around him started to grow clearer. Dropping to all fours, he lifted his head and shook his body, ridding himself of the last of the agony. “Shit!” Conan and Chloe whirled to face Roger.
86
www.samhainpublishing.com
Chapter Nine
“I knew it. I did see him.” Roger took a couple of steps forward, elation propelling him. Then awareness swept over him, changing the jubilation to alarm. Backing up as fast as he could, he gripped his rifle and called over his shoulder. “Guys, hurry up! He’s here.” Chloe stood frozen to the spot, terror snatching her voice from her. Roger was here and he’d brought reinforcements. She should’ve known he would return. She should’ve known he’d want revenge. Conan roared, breaking her out of her trance, but held his ground. “No, Roger, get out of here while you can.” Roger’s eyes darted from her to Conan and back again. “And leave you with that monster? I saw him change from a man to a bear. I saw him.” He hefted his gun to his shoulder. “I’m not leaving without you.” Chloe motioned for Conan to stay back, then started walking toward Roger—placing her body in a direct line between the two of them. The growl from behind her blew warm air over her but she didn’t dare turn her back on Roger. “I don’t know what you think you saw, but you need to let it go.” Roger snorted and narrowed his eyes. “Don’t even try to talk me out of this.” He jerked his rifle to the side. “Get out of my way.” Three men burst from the woods behind Roger, their rifles lifted and aimed at Conan. They skidded to a stop beside Roger, their wide eyes locked on the huge bear. “That’s him, men. That’s the man-animal.” Chloe heard Conan move toward her and had no choice but to swing around to confront him. Using her tone as much as the plea in her eyes, she held up her palms and whispered, “No, please. Conan, run. I’ll be okay.” His amber eyes sparkled at her, and with obvious deliberation, he shook his head and growled, denying her plea. Knowing she wouldn’t dissuade him, she turned back to the men and hoped he’d stay behind her long enough for her to do…something. “That’s one damn big grizzly bear, Rog, but I don’t see no man.” The hunter, small in comparison to Roger, shook his head and switched his gun from one hand to the other. “Are you calling me a liar, Mac? He changed. I’ve seen him do it twice now. Once we fill him with lead, we can haul him off this mountain. We’ll put him in a cage where he belongs and show the world. He’s going to make us rich.” “You’re planning on caging him?” Chloe gaped at her ex-boyfriend. “Are you kidding me?”
Beverly Rae
“That’s right, bitch.” Roger checked his men, making sure they were ready. “Remember. Shoot him in the legs. He’s worth more alive than dead.” Conan inched closer. She could hear his short pants, heard his paws digging into the ground and smelled the dirt flung in the air. “Please, Conan, you promised not to hurt anyone. Let me handle this.” Mac lifted his gun a little higher, his nervousness showing in the way he danced on his feet. “He’s a big one. Bigger than I’ve ever seen. You didn’t tell us he was this big. How the hell are we going to get him loaded in the truck?” Roger paused, searching for an answer. “Never mind. We’ll figure something out once we have him muzzled and chained. Chloe, get the hell out of the way.” He cocked his gun and aimed. Conan roared, the sound a physical entity that covered Chloe in a tangible blanket of air and shook her into action. “No!” She threw herself at Roger in the instant he fired. A hot burn flamed in her shoulder as the impact knocked her backward, spinning her around. Conan, his forelegs lifted, claws extended, snarled, saliva dripping from his fangs. Chloe tried to reach out, still intent on stopping him from charging the men, but she’d lost control of her body. Instead, her knees buckled under her and she fell forward, darkness taking her the moment she landed in a soft bed of fur.
“Chloe, please open your eyes.” Pain scorched along her shoulder to fire tendrils of agony through her chest and head, then through the rest of her limbs. She whimpered and fought the gray haze that kept her imprisoned. A pressure pushed against her shoulder, causing more pain, and she wanted to fight it but couldn’t. She had no strength, no way to make it all stop. She moaned, unsure if she’d made any sound. “I know it hurts. But I have to stop the bleeding. Hang in there, do you hear me?” She moaned again, unable to form words, and gave in. She couldn’t fight the grayness teasing its way back into the darkness, and when she felt her body rising, she let it happen, her arms dangling like a broken doll’s. Just make the hurting stop. Her last thought was lost as the blackness took hold again.
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Nina.
88
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Her friend’s voice called to her but along with her voice came the pain. Chloe groaned, cried out as someone pulled her body upright, then leaned her back to let the sun shine on her face. Fighting against the desire to find the darkness again, she opened her eyes. Nina’s frightened gaze met hers. “Chloe? Chloe, sweetie, don’t worry.” Nina glanced away. “Take it easy, Billy.” Billy was here? Chloe turned her head to see where Nina was looking, but could only see the back of a car seat. Where was Conan? “I’ll try, but we need to get to the hospital as fast as we can.” Billy’s tone was strained. A tear dropped from Nina’s face to splash on Chloe’s cheek. Nina wiped her eyes and placed a wet rag on Chloe’s forehead. “Is she awake?” Conan. Chloe wasn’t sure if the smile she felt made it to her lips. But it didn’t matter. He was safe and that’s all she needed to know. “Yes, but just barely.” Conan’s face appeared next to Nina’s. Eyes flaked with bits of amber locked onto hers, and for a moment, the hardness of his features softened. “Chloe, you’re going to be okay. Just hang on.” Why was he telling her to hang on? Hang on to what? She almost giggled, but grimaced as a bump jolted her, adding to the torment in her shoulder. She cried out, and this time, the tear sliding down her cheek was her own. Nina held on to her as though trying to steady her rocking body. “The bumps, Billy. Watch out for the bumps.” Billy grumbled something she couldn’t understand. Chloe closed her eyes, giving up the struggle to stay awake. Why fight it when the darkness took the pain away? “No, don’t close your eyes. Look at me, Chloe. We’re almost there.” As much as she didn’t want to, she opened her eyes. She had to see Conan one last time. His eyes, returned to the deep brown she loved, held her, refusing to let her slip away. “Don’t leave me.” His simple appeal rushed through her, spreading a delight that was stronger than the agony. She never wanted to leave Conan. Not now. Not ever. Bright lights assaulted her eyes as the car slammed to a stop. Car doors opened and hands gripped her gently but firmly as they slid her body along the backseat of the car and onto a gurney. Chloe laid her head to the side, and seeing the entrance of the hospital, sighed and closed her eyes.
www.samhainpublishing.com
89
Beverly Rae
“You shouldn’t be out of bed.” Nina took the wheelchair from the attendant and continued pushing Chloe down the hallway. “It’s okay for me to go into the sunroom. My doctor said so. Besides, if I have to lie in bed a minute longer, you’re going to have to call the men in white coats to come and lock me away.” “In case you haven’t noticed, all the men are in white coats around here.” Chloe chuckled, then winced at the sharp stab the small gesture caused her. “So where’s Conan and Billy?” Nina settled her in front of the window that spanned the entire side of the sunroom and jutted toward the street running in front of the hospital. Chloe could see the people hurrying about their day and glanced longingly at the door leading out into the green yard. Sitting under the sun with the smell of flowers comforting her was her favorite time of the day. “Billy went back to the cave to gather their things, and Conan’s buying more magazines.” “More magazines? I haven’t even read the first bunch he gave me.” Nina pulled up a chair next to the wheelchair. “Who cares? He has to find something to give you, right? After he got caught sneaking a Quarter Pounder for you, the head nurse gives him the once-over before she lets him near your room.” “Yeah, right. She’d just love to pat him down.” “Well, ya can’t blame her, can you? He is hot.” Nina opened her purse and took out a brush to begin running through Chloe’s hair. “Will you stop it? I’m not an invalid. I can brush my own hair.” But Nina slapped her hand away. “Not without moving your injured shoulder, you can’t. So just let me do this for you.” “I’m supposed to move it, remember? Besides, the wound wasn’t really that bad. I just lost a lot of blood, is all.” “I know, but still…” Nina paused, and stopped the brush in midstroke before going on. “You scared the crap out of me, damn it. If Billy and I hadn’t been driving up that road and seen Conan carrying you… Well, I don’t even want to think about what could’ve happened. Do you know that he carried you for five miles? All while running as fast as he could.” “I know. He’s amazing. But I wish I could’ve enjoyed the ride.” Nina smoothed the last stroke, then put the brush back in her purse. “I think it’s better that you weren’t conscious.” “Yeah. You’re probably right.” Chloe scanned the street, looking for a giant among men. “I wish he’d hurry back.” Nina’s warm eyes searched Chloe. “You love him, don’t you?” Chloe blinked, opened her mouth to deny the question, then realized it was no use. “Yeah, I do. Do you think I’m crazy?”
90
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Nina’s eyes twinkled as she tipped her head and grinned. “Maybe. But not any crazier than me loving Billy.” “Then I guess we’re a couple of crazy ladies.” A woman’s scream jerked Chloe’s attention back to the street and the crowd forming around two men. “Conan!” Roger and Conan faced off as the activities on the street came to a stop and people gawked at the scene. Conan, his hands held up in a defensive gesture, tried to thwart the advances of Roger. Roger, however, wouldn’t back off. Instead, he kept thrusting a long pole at Conan. Roger kept bouncing around the larger man, stabbing him with each lunge. Conan jerked at the jab, but remained silent. “What the hell is Roger doing?” Why wasn’t Conan defending himself? “Oh, my God, he’s using a cattle prod on Conan.” Nina grabbed the phone from her purse. “I’m calling the police.” Again Roger struck at Conan, and again the large man reacted to the electric jolt but didn’t attack. Roger, his face contorted with rage, grew bolder with each advance. “Change, damn you! Change into the animal you are.” Roger’s face grew redder with each prod. Nina finished explaining the situation to the police. “Shit. Roger’s trying to get Conan to shift into his bear form.” Chloe, her throat constricted in fear, could only nod. Roger poked Conan three more times, then turned to confront the crowd yelling at him to stop. Others in the mob, however, were videotaping the scene with their cell phones. Roger shouted louder, his voice becoming shrill. “I can’t stop. You don’t understand. He’s a monster. I saw him. He changes into a grizzly bear. I saw him!” He grew angrier when people laughed, their disbelief then erupting into jeers. “You’re all idiots. He’s a shape-shifter. An evil creature. Help me put him in a cage.” Enraged, Roger drove the cattle prod into Conan’s stomach and held it there. Breaking his silence, Conan roared, the agonized tone tearing Chloe’s heart. At last defending himself, Conan ripped the prod out of Roger’s hand, then fell to his knees. Roger jumped on top of him, pummeling him with his fists and urging the onlookers to join in. Chloe grabbed the arms of her wheelchair and struggled to stand, but Nina grabbed her and eased her back into her seat. “Let me go, Nina. I have to help him.” “No way. I know what you’re feeling, but I also know Conan would have my head if I let you get out of this chair.” Chloe pushed against her friend, leaning to the side to see Conan. Roger kept circling him, adding kicks to the beating he showered on Conan. Conan rose to his feet, but only blocked the smaller man’s advances.
www.samhainpublishing.com
91
Beverly Rae
“Why doesn’t he knock Roger on his ass?” Chloe’s throat closed up. “Because he promised me he wouldn’t hurt anyone. Even Roger. Nina, help me. I have to get to him.” She reached for her friend’s hand. “Please.” Nina couldn’t resist her this time and helped her get out of the chair. Leaning on her friend, Chloe hurried outside. “Conan!” Conan turned to face her, and she gasped at the welts covering his face and arms. Roger kicked him in the back, forcing Conan to take a step toward her. Amazingly, he shot her a smile before scowling at Nina. “Get her back inside.” “No way. I’m not leaving.” Roger snatched up the cattle prod and rushed over to Chloe. Knocking Nina aside, he grabbed Chloe by the hair and yanked back her head. Sneering at her, he placed the prongs next to her cheek. Conan growled and started forward, his arms outstretched as though to throttle Roger, his eyes filling with amber. “Let her go.” Conan’s demand was low, the threat unmistakable. “Change.” Roger ran his tongue over his mouth and glanced at Chloe, then Conan. “You show everyone what you are and I’ll let her go.” The animal was close to the surface now. Chloe could see the struggle on Conan’s face to keep the bear restrained. “No. Don’t do it.” Conan lowered his head and took a look at the crowd surrounding them. When he turned back to her, he nodded at Roger, then took another step closer. “Look at my eyes.” Roger stared at Conan, his attention focused on Conan’s eyes. Roger’s hand trembled, whether in anticipation or in fear, Chloe wasn’t sure. Conan locked gazes with his attacker, took another step closer, and whispered, “It starts in the eyes. Watch.” Roger was mesmerized, ready to see the proof of his claims, ready for the crowd to see that he was telling the truth. “Shit. His eyes are turning yellow.” Jubilant, Roger lowered the cattle prod and jerked his head toward the crowd. “See? I told you. Do you see it?” Conan’s hand was on Roger’s neck before he could utter a scream. Wrenching the prod out of Roger’s hand, Conan took Chloe’s arm and gently but firmly pulled her away from Roger. A terrified Roger clutched Conan’s arm, struggling to get free, but Conan’s hold was a vise he couldn’t break. “Police. Everyone back away.” Chloe, supported by Nina, took a deep breath and pointed at Roger. “That man attacked my friend with a cattle prod and then beat and kicked him.” Murmurs of agreement echoed around her, reinforcing her claim. “He’s also the man you’ve been looking for. The one who shot Chloe.” Nina nodded at Chloe.
92
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Conan released Roger, who dropped to the ground, clutching his throat and sucking in big breaths. The two policemen paused to take in the scene, then reached down and yanked Roger to his feet. “Turn me loose. He’s a monster, I tell you. A monster. He changes into a bear.” But Roger’s struggles only intensified the hold the policemen had on him. “He changes into a bear. You have to believe me.” “A bear, huh?” The older officer chuckled, then quipped, “Are you telling me he’s a real, live bear?” Roger’s face lit up as he clutched the officer. “That’s right. He’s a bear. Arrest him. He needs to be thrown into a cage.” The other officer snorted. “Sure. You bet. But first, I’d like you to meet a friend of ours.” Placing Roger in handcuffs, the policeman shoved him toward the police vehicle. “His name is Dr. Wilson. He’s a psychiatrist and he’s Winnie the Pooh’s good buddy.” “What? No, you’ve got it all wrong. I’m not crazy. He’s a shape-shifter.” Roger’s shouts continued, muffled only after he was placed into the back of the squad car. Conan wrapped his arm around Chloe and held her close as he answered the older officer’s questions. Promising to come down to the precinct within the hour, Conan thanked him for his help. Chloe watched Roger in the back of the squad car, still shouting for help as the police drove him away. Shaking, she was grateful when Conan gave her the support she needed. “Why didn’t you do something when he first attacked you?” Conan led her to a bench in front of the hospital and helped her sit before he sat down beside her. “What did you want me to do? Shift? In front of all those people?” Frustration and relief mixed together to burst the words from her. “No. But I was hoping you’d wipe the ground with him. You could’ve done that as a man.” Conan’s eyes widened in feigned surprise. “But you said not to hurt anyone. And I promised I wouldn’t. I assumed that meant even in human form.” “Well, yes, but—” “Hmm. But weren’t you the one who wasn’t sure I could keep my promise?” Conan’s mouth quirked upward at the sides. Chloe couldn’t help but roll her eyes at him. “Okay, okay. I get it. I was wrong to ever doubt you.” “Yes, you were.” He snaked his arm around her, careful not to hurt her shoulder. “Fine. I admit it. But tell me. Do you always keep your promises?” Chloe’s heart picked up speed, a different kind of fear beating it. “I do.” The heat from his body warmed her almost as much as the look he gave her. “Do you?” “I try not to make many promises but when I do, yes, I keep them.” She cast her gaze downward, shyness overtaking her.
www.samhainpublishing.com
93
Beverly Rae
“So now do you trust me to keep mine?” His expression was open, possessing a strange new vulnerability she’d never seen. She wanted to stroke his face, to comfort him any way she could. “Do you trust me to always be there for you?” He was promising more than to not harm anyone. He was promising his life to her. At last, she reached out to press her palm to his cheek. He closed his eyes, leaning into her touch, then opened them again. His eyes held a sparkle that hadn’t been there before. “Yes. I trust you. About everything. With every part of me.” Conan swallowed, and for a moment, she imagined she saw a tear at the corner of one eye. “Good.” “I want to make a promise to you, Conan.” Amber showed with the joy in his eyes, but she wasn’t afraid. “Yeah?” She nodded, then placed her hand against his chest. “I promise to always love you.” At first, when he didn’t answer, she wasn’t sure if he’d heard her. Or had she said too much? Afraid to speak, she waited for what seemed like a lifetime. “Do you understand what you’re saying? What it’s like to love a shifter?” She twisted toward him, the ache in her shoulder nothing compared to the ache in her chest. Had he decided to let her go? Did he think she couldn’t handle loving him? “I know what I saw. I know that it’s painful to change. I also know your life is different from anything I’ve ever known. But I don’t care.” He gritted his teeth, then pushed the words out. “Shifting never gets any easier. It’s always the same.” She gave his words the time to sink in, giving them the respect they deserved, before answering. “I know and I understand. I want to be with you in every way I can. Not just as your lover, but as your mate. Is it possible, Conan? Is it possible for me…to become like you?” The uncertainty in his expression tore at her. “Some of us are born, but some of us are made, too. We live apart from humans, visiting only when we have to. But I can’t ask you to do that. I won’t ask you to give up everything you have.” “You’re not asking me.” She skimmed her fingertips over his lips. “I want to. I want to run in the woods with you. I want to sleep on a bed of leaves with you.” She couldn’t help but chuckle. “But most of all, I want to learn how to catch a fish like you.” “Oh, so it’s really all about my fishing skills, huh? That’s why you want to be with me? Because I can keep you in an endless supply of salmon?” Her laugh matched his. “Well, duh. So what do you say, Conan Cahill? Will you be my mate?” Conan paused too long for comfort, then grunted as he moved closer to her. “I can’t think of anything I want more.” He slipped an arm around her waist. “Now, let’s get you back inside before the head nurse gives me hell.”
94
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
“You ready?” Chloe’s head snapped up, tearing her gaze away from her painting. “Almost.” She smiled, then turned her attention back to her artwork. “I just want to get this one part exactly right. Once I’ve finished, we can run the painting to the tourist bureau headquarters and pick up my paycheck.” She smiled and motioned for him to take a seat next to her. “Thanks again for bringing me back here.” Conan plopped down beside her, his hand grazing her back in the familiar gesture she’d grown to love. “I don’t know how you could make the painting any better. Unless you could capture the sound of the waterfall.” She cocked her head to the side. “Actually, that’s kind of what an artist does. I want people to look at my work and hear the sounds of the forest as well as the sound of the water.” She had it almost perfect, even by her own standards. Conan had been very patient with her, bringing her back to the pond with the waterfall once she’d fully recovered from her wound. She’d treasured these past days of enjoying the forest and painting. And the nights? Well, the nights spent making love with Conan had been the best part. But she could feel his patience wearing thin. He sighed, then lay back, one hand behind his head while the other traced patterns on her back. The patterns he drew teased her, tempting her to drop her brush and move the canvas aside. She reached for him, her gaze sliding down his body. “How about tomorrow?” Keeping her attention on his crotch, she traced a trail around his ear and laughed when he swatted her hand away. First I’ll tickle him here. Then I’ll tickle him there. “Tomorrow?” Although he tried not to show it, she heard the anticipation in his voice. “Yeah. I think we should leave for your home tomorrow. If that’s okay.” “Sure.” He’s back to one-word answers again. That’s my Conan. She resisted the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Then it’s settled. Tomorrow we leave for Colorado. Do you think Billy will change his mind and come with us?” “No.” She let her smile take over this time. “He and Nina are getting along great, aren’t they?” “Yup.” “Not in the mood for talking, huh? That’s okay. I’m kind of in the mood for something else anyway.” Sending him a seductive look, she unbuttoned his jeans, then tugged the zipper down and spread the flaps wide. Amber flashed in his eyes, signaling the awakening of both his desire and his beast. Pulling the sundress she wore over her head, she tossed her hair back, knowing his hot gaze would take every inch of her in. She heeled off her sandals, leaving on only the lacy black thong that he loved.
www.samhainpublishing.com
95
Beverly Rae
Conan ran his hand along her arm, slipping toward her shoulder, then taking a different route to cup her breast. “Come here.” “Uh-uh.” She shook her head and shoved his shirt toward his chin until he sat up and dragged it over his head. He kicked off his boots as he helped her rid him of his jeans. Slowly, she leaned over him, teasing him with her mouth an inch from his erect shaft. He groaned and slid his hand under her cascading hair to cup the back of her neck. “You’re killing me.” “Hmm.” She studied his length, his width, the intoxicating curve leading to the tip. “You look alive to me.” She arched an eyebrow. “Very alive.” Chloe wrapped her hand around his cock, letting her palm run to the base, then back up again. Precome showed at the opening, tempting her to taste. Instead, she inhaled, long and slow, drawing in the scent of him. “Chloe.” He tugged at her to coax her lower, then moaned in dismay when she released him. “Don’t worry. I haven’t even started.” Slinking between his legs, she smiled provocatively at him, then dipped her head. Her hair flowed over his abdomen, falling around his shaft. She shook her head, moving the silky strands against him. He gasped, his abdomen tightening, muscles rippling. Leaning forward, she slipped her hair over his stomach and pressed her breasts on either side of his shaft. Conan lurched upward, but she shoved him back. Loving the control she had over him, she took her breasts and enveloped his cock between them. “Oh, my God.” The grittiness of his tone made her wet, making it harder for her to resist sliding on top of him. Moving her breasts in opposite directions, she worked his shaft while blowing warm breath on the tip that played peek-a-boo between her breasts. Conan reached for her, taking her hair with both hands and massaging her scalp. He tried again to pull her on top of him, but she resisted. “No, Conan. Just lie back and enjoy.” “Oh, I am, I am.” Lust and love mixed in the colors of his eyes to melt her heart. “But I want more.” “And you’ll have more.” Resting her shoulder on his thigh, she ran her hand under his leg to grasp his butt cheek. Taking his shaft, she tracked her tongue down the underside of him, tracing a blue vein from the cap to the base and back again. His butt tightened as he lifted his pelvis. She cupped his balls, loving the weight of them. She knew the way he fit inside her and now she would learn how he would fit into her mouth. Taking it slowly, she parted her lips, closed her eyes, and circled the mushroom cap. His breathing quickened, his body tightening as she teased his slit with her tongue.
96
www.samhainpublishing.com
Clawed
Chloe took her time, focusing on the way his shaft twitched when she traced her tongue there…and then there. She would remember the way his skin warmed under her touch, the texture of the dark hair curling over the side of her hand, the primal aroma he exuded. He was her man, and she was his woman. He lifted his upper torso, tensing his stomach muscles so that he could reach between his legs to fondle her breasts. He teased her nipples, tweaking them as he murmured words of need, of lust, and love. Chloe paused, then plunged him deep into her mouth. Conan shouted and clutched her, then dropped his hands to tear tufts of grass from the ground. She held him, using her tongue to explore every ridge, every vein. Using both hands, she pumped him, drawing his taste from him, then returning for more. Her pulse quickened, the sun warming her back as delight rushed through her. She pulled him to the edge, releasing just long enough for him to recover, then started all over again. Pumping him, she fondled his balls, torturing him as he’d so often tortured her. His release was near and she found herself unable to decide whether to let go or to take him to the finish. Conan, however, made her decision for her. Emitting a growl that was so animal-like that she had to look up, he sat up, lifted her by the arms and tossed her onto her back. She yelped, then giggled until his mouth found her taut nipple. Taking her hardened pebble in his teeth wiped her giggle away, replacing it with a gasp. Heat, hotter than ever before, flashed inside her, at once turning on the flame while drenching her with her own juices. He swept his hands under her shoulders, taking her in a hold that told her he’d never let her go. Her pulse beat erratically, skipping a beat, then pounding in a staccato rhythm. Conan’s breath on her skin burned her but it was a fire that matched the one burning within her. He swiped his tongue from one nub to the other, finding valleys between her breasts she hadn’t known existed. She wrapped her legs around him and arched toward him, pressing her crotch against his shaft, urging him to take her. He didn’t need any other urging, and he plunged into her. She cried out and clutched him, possessing him as he did her. She pulled on his hair to bring his gaze to hers. Golden eyes stared back at her, and for a second, she let the old fear sneak in. But then she saw him, the real Conan, through the glassy haze of lust, through the beast-like need. “Conan, make me yours.” He gritted his teeth, his body shaking with the effort to keep his shaft unmoving inside her. “Are you sure?” She smiled and arched against him, driving him deeper, forcing him to thrust again. He couldn’t refuse her sex. But had he changed his mind about making her his mate? “It will hurt.” Worry clouded his eyes. “A lot.” “Haven’t I proven how strong I am?” She tightened her vaginal walls around him. “Do it.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
97
Beverly Rae
Conan slipped his hands to frame her face and studied her. She met his concern with determination and resolve he couldn’t argue with, and he didn’t. The golden of his eyes took them over, and he shifted just enough to bring out his fangs. Growling, he shoved into her again, harder, more urgent than before. Chloe renewed her hold on him, her muscles moving on instinct to draw from him what was hers. She smiled, giving him silent permission, then inhaled as she let him turn her head to the side. The lust-fire burst free again, rising within her, searing her until the pressure within was too much to hold back. Calling his name in the same moment he roared his release, she clung to him, their bodies inseparable. Wave after sweet wave flowed through her, dousing the lust until only embers of their desire remained. Conan held onto her, still enclosed by her. He bent his head, gave her one last look, then sank his teeth into her neck. Chloe screamed and at first struggled against the agony that felt like her shoulder was being torn apart. She fought against him, but Conan wouldn’t let go, his fangs buried in her flesh, his hands holding her head still while she pounded him with her fists. Blackness offered relief but she held on, her mind fighting to push the panic away. At last, she accepted his bite as she’d accepted his love, and stopped resisting. Clinging to him now, she moaned as her body trembled and shook. A strange sensation rushed through her, empowering her with strength. The world around her changed, the colors of the forest trees and slanted sunbeams muted with an overlying haze of amber. She groaned, but the groan soon changed into a growl. At last, her body jerked with the final spasm, then relaxed. Minutes later, he withdrew his fangs but kept her in his arms. Her heart threatened to break free of her chest even as her breasts pressed against his. The pain continued for another few agonizing minutes, then subsided to a throbbing ache that traveled from her neck down her arm. Conan’s grip on her softened. He brushed a strand of hair away from her forehead and kissed away the tear that had trekked down her cheek. Rolling to the side, he kept her with him, enclosing her in a comforting bear hug. “Sleep, Chloe. I’ll take care of you.” She lifted her head, searched his eyes, hoping he’d understand her question. “Don’t worry. You’ll heal by tomorrow.” He nodded, giving her the answer she wanted, the one she needed to hear. “We’re together. Mated forever.” Her hand shook as she touched her fingertips to the mouth she loved, to the man she trusted with all her heart. “Tomorrow we’ll go home.” He kissed her fingers. “Until then, just rest.” She tried to speak but found her voice stolen by the dryness in her throat. Instead, she sighed, cuddling closer to him. Safe and happy, she let exhaustion take her.
98
www.samhainpublishing.com
About the Author
To learn more about Beverly Rae, please visit www.beverlyrae.com. Send an email to Beverly at
[email protected] or join her Yahoo! group to join in the fun with other readers as well as Beverly! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Beverly_Rae_Fantasies/.
Look for these titles by Beverly Rae
Now Available: Touch Me Wailing for Love To Fat and Back Magical Mayhem Wild Things Cannon Pack Howling for My Baby Dance on the Wilde Side Running with the Pack Magical Sisters Magical Sex Para-Mates I Married a Demon I Married a Dragon Wild Things Cougar Wild Cat
Coming Soon: Magical Sisters Sex with a Hex
She’s a real wild cat…in and out of bed.
Wild Cat © 2010 Beverly Rae Wild Things, Book 2 Alexandra’s brother has changed since his mate’s death, but she’s certain he’s no cattle killer. When she gets the chance to track down the real culprit, she jumps at the opportunity to clear the suspicions hovering over his head. And maybe ease her own grief. Connor would do anything for Alex—even be her mate if she would only ask. Instead he settles for coming with her, ready to protect her from the rogue as well as human hunters. When another tracker shows up accusing them of the crime, though, there’s no stopping Alex’s instant attraction to the lone werewolf. Dirk is on the same mission, but for a different reason: His pack owes one of the ranchers a favor. Once he finds Alex examining the latest bovine victim, though, he shifts his goals to include her mile-long legs wrapped around his waist. If only he can get past her interfering friend. Trigger-happy hunters send them all into hiding, where huddling for warmth turns hotter than expected. The heat burns away any pretense that this is a sexual romp. It’s a destined love that a killer could destroy…unless Alex makes a heartbreaking choice. Warning: Beware of claws, fangs and weapons of a very personal nature. The sex is hot and raw, including the kind of threesome you’d love to have. Oh, yeah, and a heart-wrenching plot.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Wild Cat: Alexandra sighed, enjoying the warmth surrounding her. How could she not think of sex with two very masculine, very well-endowed men sandwiching her? Conner’s wide chest rubbed against the tips of her nipples which, of course, reacted in a perfectly natural way. With Dirk’s hard pecs pushing against her back, she developed a whole new meaning to the phrase, “caught between a rock and a hard place”. Not that she was about to complain. Trying to keep from touching anything too personal, she tucked one arm under her head and rested the other along her leg. Soon, however, her legs grew stiff and she needed to move. Trusting Conner more than the wily werewolf edging ever closer to her, she lifted her leg and gently laid it on top of Conner’s. He tensed at her touch, then relaxed, his breathing evening out. If only she could sort out her feelings for Conner. She loved him, adored the friend she’d grown up and knew he’d make a caring and supportive mate. Logically, he was a great choice. Yet, although she was sexually attracted to him, would take him to bed if he wouldn’t make more out of it than merely a sexual
romp, she couldn’t, wouldn’t take a mate until she found the extra sizzle simmering right below the surface that meant a lifetime of passion. She sighed and wished Conner thrilled her that way. Something hard bumped into her buttocks, coming to rest in the cleft between her cheeks. She inhaled, knowing exactly what that something was. Her first instinct was to slap it away as she’d done his arm, but she held back, enjoying the way the long rod grew even longer and thicker against her sensitive backside. Dirk’s shaft was impressive. Impressive and very insistent. Hoping he’d think she was moving in her sleep, she arched her back, pushing her breasts harder against Conner’s chest and wedging Dirk’s cock deeper into her butt crack. He groaned, making her freeze. Was that a good groan? Or a frustrated one? She took a peek at Conner. His eyes were closed, but his lips were parted, almost as though— She gasped as Conner’s tongue snaked out to lightly touch her mouth, then slowly glided toward the corner. Squeezing her eyes closed, she wondered if Dirk could see what Conner was up to. Suddenly, the rough texture of a different tongue tracked along the curve of her neck. Alex shuddered, pleased, excited and a little guilty. What would Conner do if he knew? She didn’t think the werewolf would mind sharing, but her friend would. She’d heard about werecats having sex with werewolves, but she’d never considered it—until Dirk. But what about sex with both a werecat and a werewolf? Her heart pounded at the idea. Dirk’s hand found her left buttock, then fingered its way under her T-shirt and along the curve of her waist. Moving her arm barely enough for him to slip under it, she remained motionless and waited to see where he’d stop. He paused, then let his hand fall, coming to rest over her belly button. Conner scrunched closer and placed his hand on the side of her breast. Fearing that Dirk would move his hand higher and run into Conner’s, she feigned a stretch over her head and, keeping her eyes closed and her breathing even, rolled onto her back. Both men stirred and she waited to see if everything was good to go. When neither man complained about the other, she let out a small sigh. Almost in sync, each man took hold of a breast. Dirk scooted closer, his dick pushing hard against her leg and his face close to her cheek. She could smell his breath on her, and slowly drew in his scent, relishing the musky aroma. Conner removed his hand from her breast to pull her leg over his, catching it in between his two, and spreading her apart. Gently, he placed his hand over her crotch. Alex wondered how much longer this enticing interplay would go on, then prayed that it would. Dirk’s thumb caressed her already peaked nipple and she fought to keep from squirming. At first, he pressed lightly, then increased the pressure until, at last, his thumb rubbed slow forceful circles over her bud. She bit the inside of her mouth to keep from moaning. Conner undid her jeans, tugged them wide and snaked his hand between her legs. His fingers found her sensitive spot, one rubbing her nub while the other fingers massaged the sensitive skin beside it. She couldn’t stop her moans any longer. Wetness flooded her, oozing over his rapidly moving fingers.
She glanced at Conner’s face, the dim light of the moon aiding her heightened senses. Checking Dirk’s face, she found his eyes closed, but a soft smile curving the ends of his mouth. Did they know? How could they not? She bit her bottom lip, resisting the burning compulsion to lick the corners of Dirk’s mouth. But if she did, he’d know she was awake. Silently, she sent a prayer skyward, praying for them to keep their eyes closed. She shut her eyes again, eager to find out where they would take her. Dirk’s tongue flicked across her nipple and she couldn’t squelch a tremor. To cover, she stretched again, pushing her breast into his face. She silently urged him to suck her aching bud, harder, stronger. As though he’d heard her unspoken command, he brought her nipple into his mouth and suckled. She moaned again, unable to suppress her pleasure any longer. Conner rubbed harder, more insistent, and she spread her legs wider. Giving up the pretense of sleep, she lifted her butt, signaling Conner to slide her jeans down her legs. With a hard kick, she freed her legs. “So you were awake all this time, Alex?” She felt more than heard Dirk’s quiet chuckle at Conner’s question. “Well, duh. Who can sleep with you two touching me?” “Wait. Both of us?” The irritation in Conner’s voice flowed over her. “Yes, both of you. Now get back to business, boys.” At once, guilt washed over her. “Conner, if you don’t want to, I’ll understand.”
She needs their courage—and their bodies. The feeling is mutual…
Shifters’ Storm © 2011 Vonna Harper Law enforcement warnings be damned, nothing will stop Rane from returning to the Chinook Mountains to discover who murdered her mother, a fellow forest ranger. Except maybe the fact that her elk shifter lover, Songan, is in the middle of rut season. The delay is just long enough for a newcomer from the far north to enter the picture. A massive grizzly shifter with his own need—for Rane. His dark, brooding presence feeds dreams so erotic, she feels like she’s losing her mind. Yet keeping him at arm’s length isn’t an option. She needs his heightened senses, along with Songan’s, to follow the cold trail of her mother’s final hours. With winter closing in, the threesome heads for the mountains, where, in a cramped cabin, their mutual lust explodes. But the mountains can't shield them from deadly danger. Yet the intense heat can’t burn away the doubt pestering the back of her mind. That the gap between their ages is too large, even for the most determined leap of faith… Warning: Menage with complications. Shape shifting with complications. Outdoor sex, cabin sex, dream sex with ropes. Woman on a mission, and men with muscles upon muscles answering the call of the wild.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Shifters’ Storm: He needed a haircut and hadn’t shaved for days. His thick, long, red-black hair had been combed by the wind. The way he stood with his legs spread and his arms out from his sides made her wonder if he felt as if the world was tipping under him. She could only guess what changing felt like. He gave no indication he was aware of her as he took in the meadow with its slender, white-barked aspens and the large pines surrounding them. Obviously he was reluctant to leave his animal half. Songan had an erection. She’d never seen a more potent cock, all dark prominent veins and thick foreskin ringing the base of his cockhead. Thinking about how she loved to slide the sleek foreskin about made her hands sweat. “Songan, it’s me, Rane.” “I know.” His eyes no longer had that faraway and unfocused look, but his unemotional tone told her he hadn’t completed the transformation. He’d once explained that he felt as if he belonged nowhere while morphing from human to animal or back again, and although he’d said nothing about being alarmed by the experience, she didn’t see how it could be otherwise. He didn’t want to be touched until he was fully in one body or the other.
She’d waited long enough. She had to remind him of what they’d once had. Otherwise, he might never understand her need for him. Her legs had grown weak. Either that or knowing what she was asking of them had stripped strength from them. Whichever it was, she had to concentrate on walking. As a result, when she looked up at him, she was closer than she thought she’d be. Warmth flowed from his naked form to reach and caress her skin through her clothing. If the cool mountain air had made an impact on him, he gave no indication as he placed his broad, strong hands on her shoulders. She’d left her backpack and rifle behind. Except for the clothes she suddenly wanted nothing to do with, she and Songan were equals. Hopefully alone. Will you help me? was what she’d believed would be the first thing to come out of her mouth once they stood face to face. But sex had always defined their relationship. It still did. “You’re back,” he said. “My mother—you can’t be surprised to see me.” “I’m sorry, Rane. Sorry about what happened to her and what’s happening to me right now.” Letting go of one shoulder, he cupped his cock. “This time of year, I can’t fight the elk in me. I wanted to be there for you, but—” “I know.” Strangely, staring at what she could see of his cock was easier on her nerves than looking into his eyes. All except needing to have it buried inside her. “Remember, I was here when you matured. The first fall when the rut hit you—” “I wanted to fuck your brains out.” “Not just want. You did.” Maybe he was no longer interested in going down memory lane. More likely sex held the upper hand as he pulled her against him. Her face mashed into his chest. Even as she turned her head so she could breathe, his cock grinding at her belly loosened and moistened her pussy. Clouds were starting to gather, a brisk wind pushing them and bringing a faint, distant scent of snow. Except for acknowledging the cool air, she paid little attention to the change. It would take a lot more than a breeze to kill the desire tearing at her. Songan’s hold let up a little. Freeing her arms, she wrapped them around his neck. No doubt about it, being in rut added bulk and muscle to his human form. As a wildlife biologist, she was familiar with the creatures that inhabited the Northwest forests. Songan was at his sexual peak. Depending on how well he took care of himself and how many bull-to-bull battles he got into, he could stay like this for years. Be everything she wanted in a man. In a distracted way, she knew she had no business letting his body take control of hers, but she’d been fantasizing about this moment for too long, when she could be free of grief. Needed it too much. She’d gone looking for him because she wanted justice for her mother, but even that would have to wait.
First and maybe always came feeding this awesome hunger. A low whimper escaped her as she stood on her toes, tilted her head and raked her teeth over the side of his neck. Grunting, he lifted her off her feet. Since moving away from Forestville, she’d engaged in rough sex with two men, but they hadn’t outweighed her by over a hundred pounds and weren’t more than a foot taller. They weren’t half animal. “What’s this?” Smiling slightly, he turned his head so she could see the red marks she’d left on him. “Some point you’re trying to make?” “Impulse. Craziness.” “Caused by what?” My mother’s murder. “It’s not like we’ve ever set any limits set on what happens between us. Let me down.” Smiling, he shook both his head and her. “Like you said, no limits or boundaries.” He’s in his prime, dangerously so. Don’t do something stupid. Despite her warning, however, she lightly pressed a knee to his groin. “Things haven’t changed with you. You still insist on being in control.” “Human nature.” Giving her a look she couldn’t fathom, he lowered her to the ground but kept his hands on her waist. Her fingers dragged over his neck. “You aren’t human, not all the way.” “And you can’t handle it. That’s why you left.” “That wasn’t the only reason, and you know it. It was time for me to find out who I was. In part to break the addiction between us.” Any other woman would probably be too intimidated to say what she just had, but Songan brought out something strong and wild in her, something she didn’t understand or trust. “You also wanted more than any elk shifter can give,” he said. “Me being there all the time.” “Not now. That’s not what I—” “What then?” he demanded. “Damn it, Rane. I am what I am, just as you are.” “What are you saying?” Lightning hadn’t struck. Songan and Songan alone was responsible for what raged through her. “That I don’t live up to your expectations because I’m not a shifter?” “I’ve always accepted you. I just wish you felt the same way.” “It’s easier for you. You don’t have to deal with human emotions all the time.” The words weren’t out before she wished she could take them back. “Look, I’m sorry. This is hardly the time to—what brought you here?” She nodded in the direction of the dead elk. “Did you sense—maybe you heard shots.” “I don’t know.” Letting up on the pressure around her waist, he started stroking her there. Her nerves jumped. “Maybe you’re responsible.” He was talking about the powerful connection that had once existed between them, a connection she’d believed she had to sever if she was ever going to live her own life.
These mountains had once been part of her world, but they no longer were. She had to remind herself of that, somehow. But later. When her body no longer cried out for him. She’d intended to beg for his help in finding out who had murdered her mother, not beg him for sex. As early as this morning, she’d believed, or told herself she believed, that her need for justice would see her through seeing Songan but not wanting to fuck him. What a damnable liar she’d been.
