Walker's Run (17 page)

Her gear was sitting next to a wall near them. The corner of her mouth lifted, she was touched.

Amber opened the lid of the washer and pulled out an arm load of clothing and tossed it into the dryer. “Guess he was thinking of you.” She switched it on and turned to her. “So, how are you doing?”

Casey heard the honest, caring emotion in the statement. The brunette truly seemed concerned. “I’m scared to death. I don’t even know how to act,” she admitted with a shake of her head.

“Be yourself. Some of the others will enjoy keeping you on edge, so try to relax.” Amber shrugged. “But I have to tell you, this has been the best place I've lived. Not everyone gets along all of the time, but it’s a
safe
place.” She stepped back and looked Casey over, then grinned. “I will tell you some of the women in the pack won't be too happy, but they'll get over it. Braedyn being the alpha, his word is law, and with me as your friend...well...let’s just say no one will mess with you.” The last part of the statement came out with a low growl.

Casey laughed. “Well, it’s nice to know I have at least one other person here who would go to bat for me. Thank you.”

Amber waved away the comment and gave her a somber look. “I’ll never be able to repay my gratitude to Braedyn for what he’s done for me. This is the very least I can do.” She cleared her throat and motioned toward the stairs. “Let’s go get some coffee, hmm?”

While she followed, Casey watched the catlike way Amber moved. Though the Tigress was large, Amber was tiny, maybe five feet. It made Casey wonder just how large her own wolf was in comparison.

Amber pulled two mugs down from a cabinet and poured the coffee. Sliding over a brown bowl, she lifted the lid and stirred two spoonfuls of raw sugar into her cup. Then she opened the refrigerator and poured in a generous amount of milk.

Casey raised her brows, watching the brew turn a creamy color and Amber grinned.

“What? Cats like milk and I like milk...a lot.” Stirring her coffee once more, Casey watched Amber close her eyes and take a sip, half expecting to hear a purr at any moment.

Shaking her head, Casey stirred some sugar and a splash of milk into her own mug. Setting down the spoon she turned to see Braedyn emerge from the bedroom, clad only in a pair of flannel pants, rubbing his eyes.

“Morning sleepyhead,” Amber said with a little too much enthusiasm.

Casey was sure it was more to annoy him than to appear chipper at the early hour. She couldn’t help but grin at his sour expression. “Coffee?”

Grumbling under his breath, he stalked into the kitchen. “The sun isn’t yet up, why are you two?”

Amber flashed a wide, cheesy grin. “You know we cats are nocturnal. I was out chasing a rabbit. Apparently my escapades woke the wolf in Casey, forcing her to investigate.”

Casey saw him shake his head. He pulled a mug down from the cabinet; then turned to look at her.

“Why did you go out instead of waking me?”

“The wolf sensed no danger. She was curious enough not to let me go back to sleep, but not alarmed or I would have woke you.” Fear flashed in his eyes briefly before they softened.

“It’s great you’re learning to communicate with your wolf so soon, but next time, wake me, please.”

His eyes roamed over her, turning golden. She felt the heat from his gaze, his nostrils flared. Casey tried hard to hide her smile. Wearing his robe seemed to be a definite turn on for him.

Amber cleared her throat. Her eyes peered through her long bangs, an entirely tiger-like expression. She took another long draught of her coffee and flashed a grin then rinsed the mug, setting it in the sink. “I’ll be back around nine to take you shopping. Thanks for the coffee.” She winked and sauntered over to the door where she grabbed her boots and jacket before slipping out.

Braedyn grinned and shook his head when the door closed.

Casey frowned looking up at him. “That was abrupt.”

Laughing, he shrugged. “Amber is very abrupt. She’s more succeptible to my being an alpha than she’d care to admit. The tigress would never admit to being submissive to a wolf.”

“I think the tigress knows what you’ve done for her and appreciates you anyway.” Casey raised a brow when Braedyn leaned closer. “If you want to confuse thanks for submission, then it’s entirely on you.” Her skin warmed, the fine hairs stood on end with his proximity.

“Hmm.” She watched the edges of his mouth twitch while he tried to hold down the smile his eyes were betraying. “So...submission bothers you?”

“No, not when necessary.” Casey looked up at him and felt his wolf rising. She could sense his desire and was trying hard not to show hers but knew his nose was far more trained at picking up cues.

Since he’d walked from the bedroom her desire for him had increased by the moment. Shirtless, barefoot, clad only in flannel pajama bottoms that hung low on his hips, with his long black hair flowing over his shoulders...Braedyn was a dream to behold.

“So, you’ve no problem with submission when necessary?” His hand dropped to the belt of the robe.

“No.” Casey set her mug down on the counter and fixed him with a firm look, trying hard to keep herself in control. His hand inched its way toward the knot she’d cinched at her waist. Resting his fingers just behind it, she expected him to yank it loose and was surprised when he pulled her to him with a gentle tug.

His finger caressed her cheek. He looked in her eyes. “Which role would you rather play this time? The dominant or submissive?” he asked, trailing a finger down her jaw.

She struggled to control the shiver of desire his caress and words caused, but could feel the goosebumps rise. “I played the dominate yesterday morning, I don’t mind switching roles on occassion.”

His fingers traced the edges of her mouth. “I have
never
let anyone have the power over me you had yesterday.” He gave a small grin. “I enjoyed it very much.” Leaning forward, he gave her a gentle kiss and pressed his body against hers.

Her body trembled when Braedyn leaned her against the counter and dropped his hands to her waist. He lifted her and set her on the counter so they were eye to eye.

She gasped, finding herself seated there and barely registered his intentions before he leaned into her, kissing her until all rational thought was burned away by her desire. Her fingers burrowed into his hair, pulling him closer while he nibbled on her bottom lip.

Closing her eyes, Casey felt him slowly pull the knot from the robe and let it slide down her shoulders. “I’ve craved you since we walked in the door,” he whispered. His hot breath and tongue caressed her ear. He pulled the lobe into his mouth, giving it a little nip.

Casey’s hands roamed over his muscular shoulders, feeling them ripple at her caress. He nibbled down her throat, his large hands cupped her breasts. His hot tongue scorched her nipples. Biting her bottom lip, she ran her fingers through his silky hair.

With a soft growl, Braedyn picked her up. Casey wrapped her legs around his waist in order to maintain contact while he carried her to the bedroom and laid her on the bed. She was very still when he opened the robe and sat back on his knees, looking at her.

Never in her life had Casey ever felt so exposed. She was unable to read the look in his pale eyes while they slowly took in every detail of her body. Grinding her teeth, she waited what felt like an eternity before he showed any reaction.

His hand gently stroked her leg. He leaned down and placed a tender kiss there. Between his hands, lips, and tongue; she was sure he hadn’t missed a single place on her body. He more than made up for making her wait. She hissed when he worked his way up to her mouth, and she held him to her.

Using his magic, he rid himself of his pajama bottoms. She felt the hot, hard length of him press against her, and they groaned in unison.

“I've never wanted anything as much as I’ve wanted you,” he whispered when her lips captured his.

“Neither have I,” she answered, with a gasp. Stroking hair from his face, she looked in his eyes again. Casey saw his love for her, felt it in his touch.

Once more, she felt Braedyn’s restraint. He tried to be gentle and found she didn’t have the patience for it. She knew with a few murmurs and deep kisses he’d come around to her way. They changed positions briefly before they rolled back again. She felt the difference in him. He held her close. It was like her insatiable nature had rubbed off. Casey rocked her hips in time with his thrusts.

Pulling him closer, she nipped his shoulder. His growl made her shudder. Their movements were a blur amidst the groans and murmurs. Casey’s head spun with pleasure and her toes curled, her nails dug into him. The rapturous howl that burst forth surprised her. His lips sealed to hers, and he gave one last deep thrust. His body shuddered when he discharged his torrent inside her.

He nuzzled her cheek, holding her almost too tight.

She heaved a contented sigh. “I don’t ever want to leave here.”

“I hope you never do.” After another gentle kiss, he laid his head on her shoulder.

Turning toward him, she pressed her cheek against his. “I couldn’t if I wanted to Braedyn,” Casey whispered. “I love you too much.”

She felt his grip ease a little, his arms drooped to circle her waist. He closed his eyes as the weight of her words registered. “So, the hand-fasting is out the window now?”

Casey laughed and kissed him. “I don’t think we need one, especially considering how things are. I’ll be pregnant before the month is out.”

His expression held surprise when he pulled back to look in her eyes. “Is that what you want?”

“A baby?” She thought about it for a moment. “I’m not opposed to having children. If it’s meant to be, it will happen. That’s how I’ve always looked at things.”

She watched the shadows of thought drift through his eyes.

“So...you wouldn’t be upset if we conceived a child?”

“Why would I be? If God chose us to become parents, it means he has a plan for us. How could I be disappointed in that?” She stroked a strand of hair from his cheek.

His brows drew together. “You have that much faith?”

Casey frowned when she realized they may not share the same religious beliefs. “You don’t? From what I’ve been taught, He doesn’t give us anything more than we can handle. It’s just up to us to use the tools He provides. He brought you into my life for a reason. If He decides to bless us with a child, I have nothing to be upset over.” She grinned and stroked his cheek. “I mean, it’s not like we’re trying to prevent anything.”

His gaze left hers a moment, and he sighed. “We’re not...supposed to be able to conceive unless it’s with our life mate. A Were can’t just mate with anyone and have children. There is only one person for each of us.”

Casey suddenly felt cold. The thought of not being the one chosen for his life mate chilled her. “How do we know if we are?”

“I’ve been told we’ll know when it happens. It’s a moment where we’ll feel one another like nothing before as our souls bond. From then on, we’re only completely whole when we are together.”

“What if that doesn’t happen?”

“It will.” He gave her a tender smile. “I have faith in that.”

She nodded and laid her head on his shoulder, snuggling against him. Braedyn pulled the covers over them. Closing her eyes, Casey tried not to dwell on it. Having children was something she figured would eventually happen. It hadn’t been something that worried her. But now, the thought of not being Braedyn’s life mate meant she wouldn’t be able to have children with the man she loved...

With a mental shake of her head, she tried to push the thoughts from her mind.

Amber smiled when Casey slipped into the passenger seat of an enormous SUV.

“Uhm...wow, nice wheels,” Casey said buckling her seat belt.

Grinning, Amber backed out and turned the large vehicle around. “I’d always wanted one of those military grade ones, and with the terrain around here, I needed something practical for the environment...but I just couldn’t resist this.”

Casey looked out the passenger window. “Is it always like this? So peaceful?”

Amber frowned, looking around. “For the most part. I’ve only seen it get bad once, and honestly it didn’t last long. Five years ago a few members of my former clan didn’t think too highly of me coming to live with the wolves. Four of them came to try and force me back...where they swore I belonged.” The young woman clenched her hands on the steering wheel, stilling herself against the shiver that worked its way up her spine. Clearing her throat, Amber shook her head. “I’d never seen a wolf go up against a tiger before. Things didn’t end well for those members of my former clan. I watched Braedyn take out three
himself
.”

Casey’s eyes widened. “And I thought wolves were supposed to be territorial.”

Amber gave her a grin with absolutely no humor in it. “Tigers can be vicious and cruel to one another when they see fit. So can wolves for that matter. But not here. Braedyn doesn’t allow it. This is one of the safest Were sanctuaries in the world. When new leaders and Alpha’s take over their packs and clans, most turn to Braedyn for advice.” Amber’s hands clenched the wheel again.

Casey’s gaze settle on her hands. “What is it you’re not telling me?”

A few strands of dark hair fell over Amber’s shoulders, and she shook her head. “I don’t know. I just have the feeling something’s coming. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you. It’s not like I’m psychic or anything.”

“I’ve...had some odd dreams since the attack,” Casey admitted. “I heard you talking to Braedyn the other morning about Tamara’s dream, and you mentioned his uncle, Harlan. I’ve had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach ever since I heard his name, and Braedyn hasn’t said much.”

Amber stiffened. “I don’t know a whole lot about that. I’ve only been here five years. All I know is, Harlan’s an evil bastard who tried to kill Aquene, Braedyn’s mother, after his father died. Braedyn stepped in and was able to fight him off, barely. Then the alpha powers from Collin surged through him. He was able to back Harlan off at last. But Aquene...was injured. That was twenty years ago. She’s up in age now and has to use a wheelchair more often than not to get around.”