Brad heard the women telling one another good night. He’d really enjoyed all of them, but Cherry called to him. He wasn’t quite sure what it was about her, but both he and Cain had felt drawn to her from the moment she crawled out of the car looking tired but delicious. Thinking about her swollen lips and the soft sounds she made when he kissed her, he finished wiping down the bar and checking the kitchen to make sure the stove was off and everything was ready for morning.
He’d just hung up the damp towel to dry when he sensed someone near, looked out the front window, and saw Cherry standing on the deck, staring at the twinkling fairy lights in the forest. She looked lost in thought, leaning against the railing, her hands clasping the top rail.
He realized he wasn’t nearly as tired as he’d thought and spending some quiet time with Cherry was just what he needed. She had absolutely no idea how she affected him. Why was that so refreshing? It was definitely attractive. She wasn’t a doormat as far as he could tell, but she wasn’t hitting on him like he was some sort of male stud. She was more reserved than her friends, but he already knew she had a wicked sense of humor—he’d eavesdropped, and her story about the wolf in her cabin had cracked him up. He hoped Cain had heard her telling it.
Tucking some chocolate in his pocket, he poured a couple of glasses of dark port and carried them outside. Cherry glanced up and smiled at him, and he knew he’d never seen a lovelier woman. Her thick dark brown hair hung in glossy waves past her shoulders, and while she looked tired, he could tell she was still wound up, still excited about her first night here at Feral Passions.
He hoped she was having a good time. Hoped she didn’t feel bad about him kissing her earlier tonight. He honestly hadn’t been able to help himself. Kissing Cherry felt right, as if the wolf side of him wanted to claim her in some small way.
He’d heard a few of her comments, subtly self-deprecating, enough to know she thought she was overweight. She’d eaten very little tonight, and that bothered him. He hated to think that, even on vacation, she would be depriving herself. How did a guy tell a woman he barely knew that he thought she was absolutely perfect?
He walked out and leaned against the railing beside her. “Here. I brought you something.” It was a dark, rich wine, sweeter than the Chardonnay the women had been drinking earlier.
“Thank you.” She held up the goblet, admiring the dark, dark color, more purple than red. “What is this?”
“It’s late harvest port—a friend of Trak’s makes it. He’s got a vineyard near the coast.”
She took a small sip and sighed. “Delicious.”
He pulled the chocolate out of his pocket—two small bars wrapped in a napkin from the bar. “Try this with it.”
She reached for the chocolate, paused, and curled her fingers into her palm. “I can’t. But thank you.”
“You don’t like chocolate?” He took a small bite of his bar and then sipped the wine. The melded flavors exploded on his tongue, and he wanted to share the taste with Cherry.
“I love it, but it likes me too well.” She patted her hip. “It likes to stick around.”
“I don’t see that as a problem for you. I think you look pretty amazing.” He gave her a long look when what he really wanted to do was pull her into his arms, hold her against his chest so he could feel those full, tantalizing breasts, bury his hands in her beautiful dark hair. And kiss her. Kiss those luscious lips, nibble on her throat—tell her what he was, that he already knew she was perfect for them.
That he and Cain wanted her as their mate.
Except that wasn’t going to happen—couldn’t happen, at least not yet—though he loved the way she blushed over his simple observation.
They stood there, leaning against the deck, just talking. She told him a little about her life in San Francisco, he told her about going to college in Southern California and getting his degree in architecture, how he’d been asked to design the resort when Trak decided he wanted to build one on the preserve. Cherry seemed interested in everything. She was easy to talk to, with a sense of humor that synced way too closely with his.
He’d never met a woman before that he’d felt this comfortable with so quickly. He wondered what Cain thought of her, if he’d had time even to form an opinion.
He sensed movement, and turned just as Cain stepped out of the forest. He wore his faded blue jeans, beat-up moccasins, and no shirt. Brad knew the exact moment when Cherry noticed him walking toward the lodge.
Her heart rate picked up and the sweet scent of her arousal filled the air. He’d sensed it a while ago when he’d walked out onto the deck, and now for Cain? This was looking better by the moment.
“Hey, Cain. I wondered when you’d show up. Where’ve you been?”
“Checking on the den by the creek. Mama wolf has three beautiful new pups. Two females and a male.”
“Really?” Cherry’s eyes actually sparkled. “Did you see them?”
“I did, sweet Cherry.” He took the steps up to the deck two at a time and stopped in front of Cherry. He looked to Brad and they shared a look; sometimes it was like Cain could read his mind. “I might even tell you about their birth and my heroic, lifesaving rescue … for a kiss.”
“A kiss?”
Her eyes went wide. Brad inhaled the addictive scent of her arousal. From the look of surprise on Cain’s face, he’d caught it, too.
“Just a simple kiss,” he said. Then he leaned close and kissed her before she had time to duck, even if she’d wanted to. Brad didn’t think she wanted to miss Cain’s kiss, but he couldn’t help throwing a rather possessive arm around her waist.
She gave him a sidelong glance that told him she knew exactly what he was doing, but she smiled.
Cherry was smiling, and Brad was falling hard and fast. But what if she wasn’t right for them? What if he was reading all the signs wrong? It wasn’t as if they’d had much contact with human women or even mated couples. Even in the old days, mated members of the pack lived in their own communities, raising their sons and doing their best to fit into the human population. That left the single males on their own. Now, except for a few much older mated couples, the guys here—both young and old— were all that were left of the Trinity Alps pack. Single males, surrounded by a whole pack of other single males.
“Thank you, Cheraza.” Cain stepped back after their kiss and leaned on the railing beside Brad. “I helped her deliver the first pup. It wasn’t ready to leave such a nice, warm place.”
Cherry sighed, but Brad caught Cain’s fear, the sense that if he’d not been there, they might have lost the pup, possibly the mother, and the entire litter. “She okay?”
Cain nodded. “She’ll be fine. The pups look good.” Frowning, he said, “I did a little chest compression and mouth-to-snout resuscitation, and by the time the first one was breathing and squirming to find Mama she’d delivered the other two.”
“I’m glad you were there.” Brad clapped Cain’s shoulder.
“Me, too.” Cherry watched him with her heart in her eyes. It appeared she was as big a softy as Cain. At least when he wasn’t acting all badass. “How did you know she needed help?”
Cain merely shrugged. “We keep an eye on them, make sure everyone’s healthy. This is her first litter, so I’ve been checking on her. Plus, they’re used to us. We can get close enough to help when there’s a problem.” He described the den under a fallen tree near the creek, the way the mother had licked her pups and nuzzled them close against her to nurse. Cherry hung on every word.
Brad leaned close and kissed her cheek. “Be right back,” he said, and stepped inside the lodge to grab a goblet for Cain. When he got back, Cain and Cherry had moved to the big picnic table, Cherry at the end, Cain on her left. Brad sat on the other side, across from Cain and next to Cherry, and poured a glass of port for Cain.
“Here’s to new life,” he said, raising his glass. Cherry and Cain raised theirs. The crystal chimed softly when they touched glasses.
“Where’s the chocolate?” Cain stared at Brad and shook his head. “Don’t tell me you shared some of Trak’s port with Cherry and didn’t offer chocolate!”
Brad shrugged. “I did, but she didn’t want any.” He dug it out of his pocket—only he’d added a couple of extra pieces and put one in front of Cain, another in front of Cherry, and kept one for himself.
“You’re trying to sabotage my diet.” Cherry sipped her port, but she stared at the small piece of dark chocolate in front of her.
Cain picked up the chocolate and held it in front of her lips. “You don’t need to diet. I love the way you look. Your breasts are begging for my attention and my hands really want to clasp those incredible hips You are a voluptuous woman, Cheraza DuBois. You would not be the same without your curves. They make you absolutely perfect.”
No man had ever said she was perfect. Not ever. Now, tonight, two hot as hell men had told her just that. “Just a taste,” she said, and she wasn’t sure what gave her the courage, but she nibbled at the piece Cain held for her.
“Now the port,” Brad said, smiling at her over the rim of his glass.
She took a sip, closed her eyes, and moaned. And to think she’d almost missed this. “Amazing,” she said. Brad held a piece to her lips, and she nibbled that one as well, sipped her port, and then yawned. And blushed. Damn. She so wished she didn’t blush over everything.
“I think someone’s sleepy.” Cain stood. “I’m going to find one of the wolves, have him walk you to your cabin. Is that okay? I need Brad to help me with some stuff before he gets too cozy with the rest of Trak’s port.” He leaned over and kissed her and, just as quickly, disappeared around the back of the deck.
Brad wrapped a curl of her long hair around his little finger.
Cherry’d never been with men who kissed and touched so easily, so naturally. She took a sip of port and merely enjoyed the slight tugging as Brad played with her hair.
“I hope you don’t think we’re running you out,” he said. “Cain asked me earlier to help him with a couple of projects tonight, and I totally forgot.”
“No. I think I just hit the wall, anyway.” She yawned again, covering her mouth with her hand, her skin flushing hot and probably beet red. Again. “Trak’s port is better than sleeping pills.”
The silver and gray wolf trotted up the steps and sat beside Cherry and she quit worrying about blushing.
“It appears Cain found my escort. He’s so beautiful.” She stroked her hand over his head and down his shoulders. The wolf rested his chin on her knee, but Brad leaned close and kissed her, pulling her to her feet with his strong arms wrapped around her, his lips moving over hers.
He tasted of chocolate and wine.
After a moment, he broke off the kiss and rested his chin on top of her head. Her heart was pounding in her chest, her breasts felt as if they might burst from the bra she wore, and she knew the taut points of her nipples were obvious even through the fabric.
“I think you’re right,” he said. “I’m tired, too. I just hate to think of you leaving.”
She laughed. “I’m only going about fifty yards, and I’ll see you in the morning. Does my escort have a name?”
“This guy?” Brad scratched behind his ears; the wolf leaned against his thigh and moaned. “He may not act like it, but he’s a wild wolf. We don’t name them. We’ve all learned to recognize the ones who like to hang around the lodge, but it doesn’t seem right to give them names. I’m sure they have their own.”
“I like that.” She stared at Brad for a moment, losing herself in his dark brown eyes, thinking of what he’d just said. He was telling her they had enough respect for the wolves not to treat them like pets.
She had a horrible feeling she was falling for a guy she’d only known for a few hours.
But then she thought of Cain and realized she felt almost as drawn to him after merely a few minutes in his company. She wanted to laugh at the surfeit of male riches suddenly thrust into her life. She couldn’t wait to tell Christa and Steph what they’d missed by leaving early. “Go help Cain, Brad. This guy will get me back to my cabin. Thank you for the port.” She glanced away. “And the chocolate. That was amazing.”
“I’m glad.” He rested his hands on her shoulders. She had no idea what he was thinking, but she was almost certain it had something to do with kissing. The fact that he seemed to enjoy kissing her so much sent a small jolt right through her midsection.
When he kissed her again, when those talented lips molded hers and his tongue made a swift foray across her lower lip, she didn’t even try to suppress her needy moan. He nipped gently at her lower lip and ended the kiss.
Tonight had been like a fairy tale, but she had absolutely no idea what to say. Brad and Cain were unbelievable, and— The wolf caught the hem of her dress in his teeth and tugged. “It looks like my chaperone wants me to go to bed.” She smiled at Brad and wished she could just invite him to join her in that big bed.
“Good night, Cherry. Sleep well.”
The wolf tugged. “I’m coming.” Laughing, she glanced once more at Brad and then followed the wolf down the steps. When they reached the edge of the forest, she looked back, hoping to see Brad once more.
The deck was empty.
Sighing, she followed the wolf along the path lit by sparkling fairy lights.
They were almost to the cabin when a second wolf joined them. He was big and dark, his coat streaked with russet and gold, and he planted himself in the middle of the trail, blocking their way. Cherry let out a startled squeak and buried her fingers in her companion’s thick ruff of fur. “I really hope you’re friendly.”
Her wolf wagged his tail and yipped, and the new wolf went down on his front paws as if he wanted to play. “That looks promising. C’mon, boys. Take me to my cabin, and then the night is yours.”
The porch light was on, but the cabin was dark. She opened the door and the russet-colored wolf walked in first, almost as if he was checking to make sure she’d be safe. Cherry followed him, flipped on the light by the door, and followed him.
She left the door open in case the wolves wanted out, grabbed her nightgown. and took it into the bathroom. After she’d changed and brushed her teeth, she stepped back into the main part of the cabin.
Both wolves were curled up on the braided rug beside the bed, almost as if they planned to spend the night. She sat on the rug between them and looped her arms over their backs. “Boys, I would love to have you stay with me, but I know you’d probably want out in the middle of the night, and I’m tired.”
The russet wolf whimpered and rested his chin on her knee so he could stare at her. It was unnerving, to say the least. His eyes were dark brown, darker than the chocolate she and Brad had tonight, just as dark as Brad’s beautiful eyes.
She glanced at the silver and gray wolf. His eyes were green. The same color as Cain’s.
No. She was just tired, and these were merely wolves. Beautiful wolves. Wolves who, somehow, reminded her of two very sexy men.
It had definitely been a long day. Cherry stood and walked to the open door. The wolves watched every step she took. When she stood by the door, she could have sworn they glanced at each other, but then both of them slowly stood.
Cherry held the door open. “Time for bed, fellas. You two need to go out.”
Tails and heads down, the two of them slowly walked out the door.
The russet one glanced her way as he stepped onto the front porch. She heard him sigh. The other wolf was right behind him. Cherry waited, watching as they faded into the forest.
She closed and locked the door but left the porch light burning and crawled into the big comfortable bed. The big lonely bed. But she couldn’t get her mind off the wolves. That was just too weird for words. The feeling they were more than they appeared would not leave her.
She picked up the romance she’d been reading. Dying Room Only—not a sexy title, but the werewolf and vampire heroes in the story were two of her favorites. Actually, the werewolf was her favorite, but she loved the ménage fantasy. Funny, how she loved stories where two sexy men fell in love with the woman. She didn’t even have one.
She stared at the cover for a moment, at the wolf standing beside a woman with his amber eyes glowing, and thought of her two wolves. Yawning, she set the book aside. It had been a very long day. Dreams were about all the excitement she could handle tonight.
They did not disappoint. Dreams so graphic, so real, that when she awoke she was actually surprised she didn’t have four legs and a tail. She’d spent the night racing through dark forests and moonlit meadows with the two wolves—wolves her dream self knew as Brad and Cain in their human form.
It might have been a bizarre night of crazy dreams, but the sense of running beneath a full moon with the granite mountaintops gleaming silvery beneath its light, the steady thunder of wolven feet racing beside her along the hard-packed, shadowed trails, had felt so real.
They’d even howled, all of them standing on a hilltop, howling at the moon. She’d awakened with tears on her cheeks, overcome by a sense of belonging.
She’d come awake a number of times throughout the night, sometimes breathing hard, as if she’d truly been part of a small pack of three, the two familiar wolves on either side. The last time before dreamless sleep finally claimed her, Cherry awoke sprawled crosswise on the big bed with pale moonlight slanting across her body.
It was only a quarter moon. In her dreams, the moon had been full, hanging directly overhead. That slice of moon left her sighing in relief. She hadn’t run as a wolf. No, that had all been the result of an overactive imagination, thank goodness.
Relieved, yet oddly disappointed, Cherry straightened out on her bed, punched the pillow a couple of times for effect, and finally rolled over and went back to sleep.