“What the hell for? Pete’s already had her and I want my time alone with her. She makes me feel…whole. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Isn’t that what our mate is supposed to make us feel?”
“Yeah, bro. What more proof do you need?” Pete clamped a hand on Raine’s shoulder. “He’s right. She makes me feel the same way. Before and after I took her.”
They were right. He’d experienced the same odd but wonderful sensation. “I want to be sure it’s not a matter of our lack of female company for the past two years.”
Pete growled out his words. “This isn’t a case of being horny, man.”
“He’s right. Besides, we all agreed that our lack of libido during that time was a result of our getting ready for her. Like The Universe telling us that she was coming.”
“Yeah. Two years is a long time to go without the sacrifice meaning something.”
“If that’s the case, then where’s the rush? We’ve waited this long for her. We can wait a little longer.” He focused his gaze on Pete. “Or at least Raine and I can.”
“Speak for yourself, man.”
Blue grabbed his younger brother behind the neck. “Okay, hot dog, let’s agree to leave her alone for tonight at least. She’s probably tired, anyway.”
Pete’s grin blasted onto his face. “You can count on that. I think I wore the girl out.” He almost didn’t move fast enough to dodge Raine’s punch. “Hey, hate the game, man. Not the player.”
Blue crossed his arms and watched as his brothers roughhoused their way closer to their tent. But they weren’t fooling him. “This way, guys. Let’s get a run in tonight.” If anything could distract them from Callie, it’d be a long run through the woods.
Tearing off his shoes and clothes, he let the wolf inside him roar to life. The change came swiftly, racing through his body to break bones and reform them in new lengths and angles. His skin tingled as fur replaced flesh. A quick stab of pain accompanied each claw and fang that erupted from his skin, but soon his world changed to amber as his wolf vision took over. He raced by his brothers, bumping into Raine and knocking him off his feet. Pete’s laughter at Raine’s expense followed him as he loped into the underbrush.
* * * *
Raine didn’t like breaking his word. But he hadn’t agreed. He hadn’t said he’d stay away from Callie. Still, he wouldn’t like it if his brothers ditched him like he planned to do to them.
But he couldn’t help it. He’d had a difficult time staying off her on the walk back to camp. But when Pete had arrived with her sweet fragrance on him, an aroma that reminded him of cinnamon rolls, he thought he’d go crazy. He’d never know how he’d managed to keep from running to her and throwing her to the floor of their tent. Now his restraint was shattered and he had no choice but to listen to his lust.
Slowing his pace, he let his brothers take the lead. That wasn’t unusual for him to do so. He often let them charge ahead on a run. At times, when another trail or the scent of another animal touched his nostrils, he’d take off on his own.
Blue surged ahead as he always did with Pete doing his best to keep up. They’d get so immersed in competing against each other that they’d never miss him. He slowed down again, putting even more distance between them. Then, as they turned a corner, he slammed to a stop, spun around, and headed back to camp.
He was back and standing at the edge of the forest when the first drops of rain fell. Shifting, he took his human form again then snatched up his clothes he’d left there. Checking around to see if anyone was watching, he hurried on bare feet to the entrance of the tent.
What if she’s asleep?
He hadn’t thought about that. Would he frighten her by coming in without warning? Especially if he startled her out of her dreams?
I wonder if she’s having wet dreams.
His cock twitched to life. He’d make sure she had a wet dream after he was through with her.
He brought forth his wolf’s sensitive hearing, stirring the animal inside him again. But he wouldn’t let it take control. Not while he was with her. The sound of steady breathing was all he heard.
I wonder if she’s dreaming about me.
“Can I go home now?”
He almost jumped out of his skin at the sound of Luke’s voice. The big guy, a werebear of considerable size even for one of them, rambled toward him from around the back of the tent. He put his fingers to his lips, warning Luke to get quiet.
“I forgot you were watching her.” His whisper was husky and filled with the lust inside him.