Wounds to Bear (Heart of The Bear #1)(14)

“Slowly, Jenna.” He moved inside her, every stroke touching her core. “I want to love you as long as I can.”

His mouth found hers, the kiss turning raw and almost violent when he rocked into her, his movements wilder as he finally started to lose control. Thank God.

She arched off the bed and he curled his hands around her hips, groaning against her lips as he traced his hands over her curves, then spread his fingers, holding her in place as he thrust harder, deeper. She held on, arching as the climax started, swelling with every stroke. She bucked against him, frantic for the release her body demanded.

Roman held her tight and drove her up and over, kept holding on as she fell. He followed her down, his cock throbbing as he emptied himself inside her.





Five





Corey forced himself to stay awake, to watch the wolf as he paced through the cave he’d herded them into. The younger kids were scared, tired, and hungry. He managed to get them to settle down, tucked in a niche behind him. Their captor didn’t seem to care, as long as they didn’t try to leave the cave.

With the last bit of jerky in his jacket pocket, Corey planned to do exactly what he wasn’t supposed to—escape, find Dad, lead him here. The wolf had become more and more angry as time passed, and Corey was terrified that he might attack one of the kids.

Finally, the wolf crouched next to the wall near the door, his head lowered. Corey inched up, keeping to the shadows as he moved along the wall on the opposite side. All he had to do was get past the wolf, and he could shift, hide in the trees, and wait for his chance.

He almost made it.

“You sneaky bastard.” The wolf grabbed his arm and slammed him into the wall. “I was waiting for you to do something stupid and heroic. Just like your uncle, aren’t you? He’s dead—wasn’t that enough of a lesson for you?”

Corey closed his eyes. He didn’t believe Uncle Roman was dead; he was too strong, too stubborn to die from a gunshot wound. He’d never leave Corey and the other kids alone—and he was the best guide, the best tracker in this part of the country.

“Look at me, you little shit.” Corey obeyed, scared by the rage in the wolf’s voice. “If I let you get away with this, one of the other brats will try.” He threw his knife at the ground, blade first. It quivered, buried in the soft dirt. “Time for another lesson.”


Corey scented the start of a shift, just as the wolf’s free hand changed, his fingers elongating, claws sprouting from the furred tips.

“No—”

“Your uncle managed to keep me from shifting completely, ever again. But I’ve learned how to compensate. Tell me you’re sorry, boy.”

“I’m sorry,” Corey whispered—and froze when the claws tapped his chin. One of the girls screamed. “It’s okay,” he said, raising his voice. He didn’t dare try and look at them. “Everything will be okay.”

“You keep telling yourself that. Now, tell me you won’t try and escape again.”

“I won’t escape again.”

“Liar. Just like your uncle, just like your entire forked tongue family. This is what happens when you lie to me!”

His claws slashed Corey’s left cheek.

Corey bit back a scream, knowing that was exactly what the bastard wanted. He held perfectly still, the side of his face on fire, blood dripping off his jaw. Another minute and he was afraid he’d faint from the pain.

The wolf snarled, and finally let him go. “Get back in the corner with the rest of them. Come near the entrance again and I’ll gut you.”

Corey stumbled away from him, using the wall to keep himself upright. Laura, one of the human girls, caught him when his knees gave out.

“I’ve got you, Corey.” She lowered him to the ground, and tore a piece off the hem of her shirt. “Who still has some water?” A bottle appeared, and she wet down the cloth, leaning in to examine his cheek. “Oh, Corey.”

“How—bad?”

“They’ll heal. You’ll be fine.” She gave him a shaky smile, and gently dabbed at the open slashes. He sucked in his breath, fresh fire roaring across his face. “Please, Corey—I have to clean them out.” She lowered her voice. “You know how filthy most wolf claws are.”

He swallowed, and nodded, closing his eyes. The pain left him lightheaded, Laura’s careful touch still ignited his cheek every time she touched it.

If he could shift, he’d be able to heal fast. But even if he did, he was still only a half-grown cub against a wolf shifter. One who didn’t care if he hurt his own captives.





Six





Roman was bent over, tying the laces of his boot when the pain lashed through him.

“No—damn him—” He roared and sprinted across the living room, nearly tearing the door off its hinges as he yanked it open. “Corey—”

“Roman?” Jenna appeared in the bedroom doorway, her low, husky voice like a balm on his rage. “What’s happened?”

“The bastard hurt Corey. I have to go.”

“We have to go.”

“No, Jenna.” He stalked to her, grabbing both arms. “He hurt a little boy. If he realized what you mean to me, he’d—” Just the thought left him shaken. “I can’t take that chance.”