Tales of the Were 004 - Rocky Page 10

  The next day, it was impossible to hide the change in their status from Rocky’s parents. Marissa and Joe were all smiles and knowing winks and Maggie knew she blushed a few times by the heat scorching her fair cheeks. Rocky seemed to take the teasing in stride, though he was also happier than Maggie had ever seen him. He took every opportunity to touch her, stroking her hair as he passed her chair, taking her hand as they sat side by side.

  And he was smiling a lot. More than he’d ever smiled before. Each and every smile touched her heart, knowing she was responsible—at least in part—for putting that joyful expression on his face.

  Come to think of it, she was smiling a lot too.

  “Why don’t you two take a walk?” Marissa said after lunch. “I’ll look after the cubs, and Rocco can show you a little more of the mountain. You must be tired of being cooped up in this house all day.”

  “Great idea, Mom,” Rocky grinned, kissing the top of his mother’s hair as he passed her. “Want to do a little sightseeing, Mags? We’ll stick close to the house, within the security perimeter.”

  Maggie liked the idea of being alone with him. She hadn’t been away from the babies since they were born, but she knew Marissa would keep them safe.

  “I guess it would be all right. And I’d like to see more of the area around the house. I haven’t gotten to see much except the driveway and what I can view out the windows.”

  “Great.” Rocky took her hand and led her toward the hall closet. “Allie gave me a parka for you since she didn’t think you have much cold weather gear when you got here. She also sent along gloves and a scarf, I think.”

  Rocky kitted her out in short order and they left, heading for the woods. Rocky led the way, showing her paths she hadn’t really realized were there. They weren’t marked, but once she knew what to look for the pathways were a little easier to spot. The one he took her on first led from his house out a ways and down the side of the mountain a little.

  “That’s the Lords’ house. Allie, Tim and Rafe live there,” Rocky pointed to a lovely building set in the woods farther down the trail.

  A smaller trail branched off from the main one they were on, leading down into the Lords’ front yard, but Rocky didn’t take it. Instead, he led her onward toward a destination only he knew.

  He stopped a few times to point out neighboring homes, but he stayed on the main trail that led around the side of the mountain and slightly downward. Finally, he took one of the smaller trails that branched off from the main and they entered a stunning forest glade. One minute they were in the cold sun, the next they were in a warm, shaded, almost magical spot that was filled with all the colors of green, from light to dark. Growing things defied the winter outside, prospering in this small, protected glade.

  “Betina’s house is through there.” Rocky pointed to a small trail marked with bursts of color. On closer examination, Maggie realized they were red berries on holly bushes growing on either side of the trail.

  “But what I wanted to show you is right through here.” Rocky lifted a trailing vine so Maggie could step under.

  She stopped short. Beyond the sheltering vines, there was a pool of water fed by a trickling waterfall that sent cold water into what must have been a hot spring beneath. Steam rose from the pool, causing a mist to cover the ground. The warmth seemed to be held in by the surrounding greenery, which was much more lush than the winter world outside.

  The warm steam that drifted out of the grotto made this protected spot comfortably warm in an otherwise cold, wintery world. For the moment, they’d left winter behind and found a pleasant space between seasons, beyond time. A space where they could be together in a stolen moment, away from their cares and worries.

  “It’s like a little oasis of summer in the middle of a cold world,” Maggie whispered, feeling as if this place was sacred somehow.

  “That’s a good description.” A new voice caused her to turn sharply. Rocky was right behind her, but the new man spoke from off to her left somewhere.

  “Stop skulking, Slade. Come out and meet Maggie.” Rocky’s tone was friendly, even teasing, so she took her cue from him and relaxed a bit.

  The man who stepped out of the leafy cover to their left was one of the most exotic beings she’d ever met. He was as tall as Rocky and just as muscular, though built on the leaner side. He looked sleeker somehow. And more deadly.

  “Honey, this is Slade. He’s in charge of security on the mountain.”

  “Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” Slade nodded and smiled slightly, but it didn’t help him look any less dangerous.

  His black hair shone with health and vitality. His blue eyes seemed to dance in amusement when he realized she was struck speechless by his abrupt appearance.

  “Don’t let him scare you, Mags. He’s on our side, thank the Goddess.”

  “Oo-rah,” Slade commented quietly, and both men chuckled. “If there’s anything you need, you know where to find me, Rock.”

  “Thanks, buddy. For now, I’m just giving Maggie the nickel tour. Tim and Rafe filled you in?”

  “You know it,” was his cryptic answer. “We’re as ready as we can be.”

  “Good. Thanks for helping with this.”

  “It’s my honor.” The expression on Slade’s face went from humor to seriousness in the blink of an eye. He stepped forward and lifted Maggie’s hand. She’d apparently been struck dumb by the man’s presence. Why couldn’t she think of anything to say?

  “Your cubs will be safe here, ma’am, if I have anything to say about it. They’re the future. Thank you for bringing them here.” Slade bowed over her hand and sniffed once, then kissed her knuckles lightly.

  It was an odd gesture, but she figured it had to mean something among shifters. Maybe he was learning her scent for some reason? Maybe that would help him protect her babies? The idea intrigued her and she knew she’d have a bunch of questions for Rocky when they were alone again.

  She nodded, still not speaking to the strange man. He confused her senses and made it hard to think of anything to say that wouldn’t sound rude. So she kept silent. He seemed amused again as he let go of her hand and turned to leave. Between one blink and the next, he was gone.

  What in the world was he?

  Rocky was chuckling when she turned to look at him. She hit his shoulder.

  “Stop laughing.”

  He laughed even harder. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you speechless before.”

  “Well…” She didn’t know what to say to that. He was right. “There’s something odd about that guy.”

  “You could say that.” Rocky’s chuckles subsided but the smile didn’t leave his face as he drew her into his arms. “Slade’s a tricky one. Ex-military, like a lot of our best warriors, but there’s something about him even spookier than most of the Special Ops guys.”

  “You can say that again.”

  “There are all kinds of rumors about his origins,” he went on conversationally, stroking her hair away from her face.

  “What rumors?” She grew breathless as the look in his eyes mesmerized her.

  “Do you really care?” He drew closer, lowering his head to tease her lips with his. “Slade isn’t the man for you.” He moved his mouth to her neck, making her shiver.

  “I know.” She gasped as Rocky’s teeth teased the sensitive skin behind her ear. “You are, Rock.”

  He growled and bit down on her earlobe gently. The sensation went straight through her, making her yelp in surprised pleasure.

  “I’ll never get enough of you, Maggie mine.” His lips found hers again and his kiss was an assault of the senses that she welcomed.

  Nothing else existed for her but this man, this moment, this loving embrace. She was surrounded by him, enveloped in his passion and she wanted to give him all she was and more. She felt her heart open up, as it did every time Rocky was near, and pour out love for him.

  He popped the snaps of her parka open as he moved her backward and pinned h
er to the trunk of a wide, sheltering conifer. The scent of pine surrounded her, making her very aware of the untamed feel of the setting and the way the man who kissed her fit so well in this wild, sacred place.

  Rocky unbuttoned her shirt and pulled down the cups of her bra to cup her bare breasts in his big hands. They were sensitive, but he knew just the right pressure to use to make her squirm with arousal.

  Maggie let herself bask in the moment, enjoying every touch, every exciting caress. She’d never made love outdoors before, but she had a feeling that was about to change. She’d never been so daring in her life.

  Rocky dipped his head to her neck, grazing his slightly pointed teeth over her sensitive skin in a way that made her moan.

  “That’s right, honey, let me hear how much you want this. We can be as loud as we want out here. The babies won’t hear.” His words were gasps against her throat as he slid his hands lower, lowering her pants with impatient, arousing motions that drove her wild with desire.

  She’d had to be so careful not to scream his name when he took her before. She’d wanted to, but there had been the sleeping children to consider, not to mention his parents. But out here, in the secluded grotto, it almost felt as if they were the only two people in the world. Sure, that other very disturbing man had been here, but he was gone now, disappeared into the sheltering trees, and the feeling of being locked away from everything and everyone was pervasive. Maggie let her spirit rise to Rocky’s challenge and would not hold back this time.

  No, this time was for them alone. No children. No parents. Only the two of them alone in the woods that were Rocky’s natural habitat. It seemed fitting that he make love to her here, taking her in that special place in the light of day and the presence of the tall, protective trees.

  Maggie toed off her sneakers, helping Rocky rid her of her pants and underwear. They made a nice pile of insulating fabric to stand on, but Rocky probably wouldn’t leave her on her feet for long.

  Maggie’s hands went to his waistband while Rocky’s mouth returned to hers, the fire between them flaring hotter and higher with each second that passed. She unbuttoned and unzipped to find him bare beneath his soft jeans. He didn’t seem to like underwear, and that was fine with her at the moment. One less barrier to what she wanted.

  Rocky broke the kiss and reached into the pocket of his shirt. His jacket was open, but his flannel shirt was still buttoned, rubbing enticingly against her nipples when he kissed her. He produced a foil wrapped condom from the shirt pocket and ripped it open with his teeth.

  She’d never seen anything sexier than his impatience. Maggie took the condom from him and rolled it onto his thick cock, caressing him as she did so, loving the way he growled when she squeezed him.

  “Any more of that and this’ll be over before it starts, Mags.” He swooped low to put his hands under her bottom and lift.

  He was so strong, he lifted her as if she weighed nothing at all. The parka she still wore protected her back from the rough bark of the tree as Rocky slid her upward. She wrapped her legs around his waist when he had them aligned.

  Rather than the quick claiming she had expected, Rocky held her gaze with great solemnity as he directed his cock into her waiting, eager pussy. He slid in, inch by inch, watching her expression, his eyes saying more than words ever could about the specialness of this moment.

  When they were fully joined, he paused, continuing to hold her gaze.

  “You are my heart, Maggie. My soul. My whole life. I would die if I lost you now.” She saw the stark truth of every single word written on his rugged face. “Please say you’ll never leave me.”

  “I won’t ever leave you, Rock. Not voluntarily. You are my home,” she answered simply. It was a truth she felt down to her toes. Finding him again. Being with him… She had finally come home.

  Rocky’s eyes filled with emotion and he leaned forward, sealing their declarations with a brutal kiss that aroused her even more. He pinned her against the tree with his body and began to move in long, languid motions that made her pant and gasp, moan and sigh. She even growled a few times when he took her to the precipice of pleasure, only to back off before she could tumble over.

  Their lovemaking was primal. Eternal. Rough and wild, just like Rocky. She loved it. She loved him.

  And this time, she did scream his name when he made her come.

  “I hate to interrupt something so obviously enjoyable,” Slade’s voice came to Rocky from behind. He’d known the damned cat shifter hadn’t really left.

  Maggie gasped and fought to be let down. Rocky complied, lifting her off him and lowering her feet to the pile of her clothing still on the ground at their feet.

  “It’s okay, honey. He can’t see much of anything,” he whispered, then lifted his head, directing the rest of his words to the sharp-eared cat. “And if he comes any closer, he’s going to have one very angry bear to contend with. Damn your hide, Slade. Can’t you see we’re busy?” Disgust filled his tone, but it was tempered by amusement as Maggie tried her best to hide against his chest.

  “They need you back at the house and I was asked to escort you there. There’ve been some developments.”

  What the cat wasn’t saying got Rocky’s attention. Nobody had ever needed to escort a full grown grizzly shifter anywhere. There must be danger in the woods and the damned cat was trying to tell him there would be safety in numbers. For Maggie’s sake, Rocky agreed.

  “All right.” Rocky tried to sound nonchalant, but all his senses were on alert. “Go wait outside the grotto while we get decent. We’ll join you in a minute.”

  The moment Slade slinked off into the woods, Maggie crouched to retrieve her pants. She shook them out before sliding into her panties and pants, then shoved her little feet into the sneakers she’d kicked off before. She was moving fast and her color was high. She was cute when she was embarrassed.

  “I can’t believe we were seen.” She sounded shocked as she concentrated on the knot of her shoelaces.

  Maggie had taken a seat on the soft pine needles beneath the tree. Rocky wanted to join her, but he dared not be caught on the ground. He knew there was danger in the woods, thanks to Slade, and he wouldn’t let his guard down again.

  “It’s not that bad, Mags. He really couldn’t see anything, except maybe your ankles and my butt. And thankfully, Slade doesn’t roll that way.” Rocky had to chuckle at that thought as he pulled up and zipped his pants. “It’s not uncommon among shifters to be caught naked in the woods. It’s natural for us, more or less. Not something to get upset over. I’m sure he’s seen much more flagrant displays in his time. For that matter, so have I.”

  Maggie stood and punched his arm. It didn’t hurt. She was so small compared to him, but he played along, shying away and then pouncing, wrapping her in his arms to fold her close to his heart.

  “I didn’t know I was getting involved with an exhibitionist.” Her words were muffled against his shirt. Then she looked up at him, laughter in her eyes. “And you better not be watching any more flagrant displays or I’ll poke your eyes out.”

  “Ooh. I like it when you’re feisty.” He kissed her, unable to stop himself.

  Slade was watching their backs and there was no one better in the Pack to do so. Still, Rocky couldn’t do what he wanted—which was to back her up against that tree again. So he made do with a quick kiss and a cuddle, then let her go.

  “Much as I hate to, we should get back to the house. Our voyeur is waiting.” Rocky held her hand and began walking out of the secluded grotto.

  “I heard that.” Slade’s voice drifted back to them from just outside the circle of trees.

  Thankfully, Maggie laughed. Rocky knew then that she’d be okay once she got used to the shifter lifestyle.

  Slade took point as they began the journey back toward the house. Unlike the trip here, they didn’t pause or talk much. Slade’s sense of urgency communicated itself even to Maggie, and Rocky was saddened to see the lines of worry retu
rn to her lovely face. He held her hand, keeping her close to his side and kept a sharp lookout with all his senses on the surrounding woods.

  He sensed the other shifters loping, flying and walking through the woods on either side of the trail. Slade had called out the cavalry to guard them as they made their way back to the house. That didn’t bode well. Something was most definitely up.

  It was a relief to see the house when they stepped into the small clearing in front. Slade walked them right up to the door but didn’t enter. He gave Maggie a wink and a devilish smile that made her blush, and Rocky was glad his comrade had made the effort to put thoughts of danger out of her mind, if only for a moment.

  Rocky shook his hand, letting Maggie be ushered away by his mother who met them at the door.

  “I got a call after I met up with you at the grotto the first time. Strangers were spotted at the base of the mountain,” Slade said in a hushed voice. “My men are positioned throughout the woods around your house. We’ll stay on high alert until we figure out where the strangers went and if they pose any problem. I already called your dad and gave him the heads up. He and your mom are going to guard from inside the new construction. That area is vulnerable if someone is able to get too close to the house.”

  “Thanks, Slade.” Rocky let go of the ex-soldier’s hand. “Did you call the Lords?”

  “Not yet. This could be nothing, but I thought it better to get your lady under cover, just in case.”

  “Good thinking. And thanks for the escort.” They both knew Rocky was referring to the dozen or so shifters who had guarded their path from grotto to house. They’d come in force to help him protect his mate, which meant a lot to Rocky.

  Slade nodded and left, slinking into the woods as only he could. Damned cat. Rocky smiled as he shook his head and went into the house.

  His mom and Maggie were dealing with the cranky twins, which gave Rocky a moment to gather himself. The sight of strangers near their territory might be nothing—or it could be the showdown he’d been expecting.