Wolf Pack-Triad Mates

Laurie's Loves

Alpha Jace Beckett is not willing to commit himself to a mate— even if his hold on humanity is quickly slipping away without the grounding presence of the final member of his triad.

Jackson Scott is beta and triad partner to Jace. Jackson knows they both need that one woman to complete their triad, love them, and give them a future filled with tenderness, caring, and cubs.

Laurie Young is their fated triad mate—a human who knows nothing of their world. They need her to accept their wolves and their mating. Her children would be theirs, and they would do everything to protect her from her abusive ex. They just have to convince her to stay with them and accept that they were fated to share a life together. She has to know that they loved and wanted her even before they realized she was carrying their baby.

Note: This book contains double vaginal penetration.

Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among the men.

Genre: Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Paranormal,

Vampires/Werewolves

LAURIE’S LOVES

Beckett’s Wolf Pack, Triad Mates

Lynnette Bernard

MENAGE AND MORE

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LAURIE’S LOVES

Copyright © 2012 by Lynnette Bernard

E-book ISBN: 1-61926-367-X

First E-book Publication: March 2012

Cover design by Jinger Heaston

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This book is dedicated to a man who loved me unconditionally,

who respected my opinions, my humor, and my intelligence, and who

encouraged me to go for my dreams – my father.

LAURIE’S LOVES

Beckett’s Wolf Pack, Triad Mates

LYNNETTE BERNARD

Copyright © 2012

Chapter 1

Jace Beckett halted his advance on the group of guests as they exited the shuttle van to stand before the entrance of the Circle Three Ranch. He could smell her, damn it! He looked over the group of tourists with a critical eye. The last thing he needed right now was another complication in his life.

The small group looked around with barely contained excitement. The new arrivals consisted of two newly married couples, a family of four, and four single bookings. He had looked over the list that morning. Once again, he had to push down his anger. He had finally allowed his beta to introduce this new addition to his ranch. Jackson had said that the vacation getaway would be an instant success. But Jace hadn’t wanted to open his pack to the dangers of what humans could do them. He should have known better. He did know better. And it pissed him off.

Jackson, get your tail to the main entrance. Now! The anger in Jace’s voice was unmistakable. And he didn’t much care right then. Hell, he hoped his anger echoed in Jackson’s head and gave him a blinding headache. It would serve him right.

Jace? What’s wrong? Jackson’s concerned voice entered Jace’s head, and he had a brief moment of sympathy for his beta. But only a brief moment.

He stalked toward the guests, staring down at them, unwilling to play the cordial host. It was not his nature to welcome outsiders to his ranch, putting his pack in jeopardy. What had he been thinking?

“If you would all come inside and sign in, we’ll get you assigned to your room accommodations,” he told them gruffly. Reaching up to settle his black cowboy hat more securely atop his head, he looked them over with cool, hard eyes, the sky blue shade flashing briefly with anger as he tried to figure out which of the five women before him was the one who was sending his senses into overdrive.

He scanned the group slowly, seeing the fear in their eyes as they looked up at him. Two of the women looked at him with definite interest, but he found no appeal in either their looks or their demeanor. They looked like every one of the women in town who had tried over the years to trap him with their lies and phoniness. He had long since realized that no woman could be trusted. They had only one thing in mind—using him to live a life of excess, with no thought of contribution to his life or his pack. Well, he wouldn’t let that happen. No woman was going to get him to take care of her for the rest of her life.

He indicated the main entrance to the ranch and stepped back, watching the group as they made their way around him, obviously giving him a wide berth. He knew he was an intimidating bastard, and that made him immensely glad. His height of six feet five inches and his heavily muscled frame served to deter many would-be challengers to his position of alpha of one of the largest and strongest packs in Colorado. If his size and fighting skills didn’t deter the challengers, his disposition did.

Outside packs were not willing to chance a physical challenge against him. He had proven himself an expert and strong fighter, a determined fighter, who would not back down. He never lost a challenge. He protected his pack members with a fierce loyalty and would do so until the day he took his last breath. But even this was not something he was willing to do.

The guests walked up the front porch steps quickly, none of them even drawing any interest from him. He took in a deep breath, scenting her once again. The scent wasn’t coming from the group that had just passed him. His brow furrowed in confusion. He knew he scented her. Where was she?

He turned and saw one woman standing to the left of the shuttle, struggling with luggage from a car that was obviously on its last leg, its

make more than ten years old. She was reaching into the trunk and pulling her overnight bag out, letting it fall to the ground before she reached back in to pull a larger suitcase to the edge. It tipped precariously, and she used her body to hold it against the back of the car, awkwardly trying to keep it from falling. Her desperation was obvious.

Jace stepped forward, and in three long strides was by her side. Breathing in deeply, his heart raced. Her scent filled his lungs, and he barely contained the growl of possession that threatened to erupt from him. Damn, but her scent soothed him deep down to his very soul. Every bit of denial left him. There was no denying her.

He wanted to reach out and pull her into his arms and never let her go. And that pissed him off more than anything. Instead, he reached forward and took the bag from her. He looked down at her, unable to do more than stare at the voluptuous beauty before him. She was beautiful in a way that nearly hurt him. She had curves in all the right places, and he wanted to touch every bit of her. He wanted to lay her out before him and feast on her. And he wanted her naked. Now.

When she looked up at him and smiled openly, her large brown eyes bright with gratitude, his breath caught in his chest. How could that one small smile send him into such a tailspin? He struggled to fight down his wolf. Arguing with his wolf wasn’t an option right then. He pushed it down with every bit of strength that he had.

“Thanks,” she told him sincerely, reaching out to take the bag from him. She stopped suddenly, and he saw her take in a deep breath. His heart raced, and he found himself holding his breath as he watched her close her eyes and take in his scent, and he had no doubt that she was doing just that. Damn it! There was no mistaking it. If she caught his scent and recognized that there was a difference, even though she didn’t understand it, he was doomed.

“It’s really nice out here,” she told him finally, opening her eyes to look at him and smile, the softness of her eyes capturing his attention.

He watched her silently as she took another deep breath and closed her eyes in satisfaction, but when she opened them again and looked up at him, he could sense her sadness. He had to take a step back from her and clutch his hands into fists at his sides to stop himself from reaching out and pulling her into the safety of his embrace and holding her until her sadness abated.

His wolf paced restlessly and demanded that he take her in his arms immediately and claim her.

Before he even had a chance to decide how to handle his wolf or deny her as a man, she took a step away from him and tugged the large suitcase, along with her overnight bag, up the stairs. He watched her delectable ass as it swayed with each step she climbed, and fought back a growl as he envisioned grabbing onto the feminine flare of her hips as he plunged deep inside her warmth and lost himself in the feel of her wet and welcoming channel. The vision of his cock pumping in and out of her sweet pussy, spilling his seed deep inside her, flashed through his mind. The instant image of her filled with their child made his breath catch in his throat, bringing her delectable scent deep into his lungs once again.

He mentally shook the vision out of his head, knowing that Jackson saw exactly what he had just envisioned. He could feel his triad partner’s confusion but was at a loss to do anything but follow the retreating form of the unsuspecting female with his eyes. He watched in stunned silence as the woman dragged her suitcases across the front porch, disappearing from sight without an ounce of flirtation.

What the hell? Jace had never been more confused in his life. That little slip of a woman, with her beautifully expressive brown eyes, shoulder-length, dark brown hair, and a curvaceous body that he had an all consuming desire to feel beneath him while he plunged into her sweet warmth, had dismissed him without a thought.

Jace! What’s going on? Jackson’s voice resounded in his head. He could sense Jackson’s concern as well as his anger. But underlying it all, he could feel the spike of desire Jackson felt when he had shared the erotic vision Jace had unwittingly sent to him.

I found her. Jace’s voice sounded defeated as he spoke to the man who had been his best friend and second-in-command more years than he cared to remember.

Who? Jackson’s voice held only confusion. Our mate.

Chapter 2

Jace followed the group into the visitors’ lodge. He made no attempt to hide his irritation as he watched the women of the group flirt with the other guests as well as with his men, who were standing just inside the doorway waiting for their alpha. Jace ignored them and stalked across the large foyer to oversee the check-in, realizing that he had automatically taken his place beside the woman whose destiny was meant to intertwine with his and Jackson’s. He could see that Janine watched him curiously from behind the long desk where she was checking in their guests, but he ignored her, concentrating instead on the woman he had an overwhelming urge to protect and care for.

My brain is turning to mush! He was careful to shield his thoughts so that Jackson would not know the turmoil he was in. He would not give in to this. He had to fight it.

“Welcome to the Circle Three Ranch,” the young woman at the counter welcomed each guest, smiling at them as they stepped forward. “My name is Janine, and I’d like to welcome you on behalf of the Beckett family. Please don’t hesitate to come to me with any questions or concerns.”

Laurie smiled at the woman behind the counter. She was the perfect person to greet them. She was young, pretty, and outgoing. With beautiful blonde hair that curled slightly just below her shoulders, and vivid blue eyes, she was a heartbreaker and the type men drooled over. And she had the perfect body. Slim, with just the right size waist and proportions. Laurie was immediately intimidated by her. Always larger than other girls, she had lived a lifetime of insecurity that she was not the perfect petite person that every woman aspired to be.

Laurie put her bags down beside her gently and patiently waited for her turn to check in. She looked around the lodge, feeling a sense of peace overcome her as she took in the comfortable, dark brown, overstuffed

couches and the huge fireplace that was surrounded by beautifully cut gray slate. She could picture sitting before it with the fire within burning hot and bright as she sat there lost in thought and finally relaxing. She could envision the snow falling outside and the warmth and coziness of the lodge embracing her. The flash of this place being her haven from the world was vivid in her mind’s eye. How she wished that was a real possibility.

Jace watched her, unable to tear his gaze away from the woman who looked to be a thousand miles away. There was an overwhelming sadness that surrounded her, and he fought the urge to step forward and take her into his arms.

Jackson, where the hell are you? He couldn’t keep the panic from his voice.

I’m about five miles out.

Jackson’s voice was soothing as always, but it did nothing for Jace at the moment. He was used to Jackson being the voice of reason, the one who listened and guided with an understanding that was typical of his beta personality. He needed his friend beside him right now. He couldn’t deal with this alone.

Jackson, hurry. You need to deal with this.

Jace clenched his teeth and fisted his hands by his sides as he heard Jackson’s chuckle in his head. He would have a serious talk with him later.

“Miss Young?” Janine called to Laurie from behind the counter.

Laurie pulled herself away from her silent thoughts and turned to face the young woman. She stepped toward her, smiling despite the melancholy that had gripped her. “Hi,” she said warmly as she stepped toward the counter.

“You’re planning on staying for two weeks. Is that correct?” Janine asked her as she verified the information in the computer before her.

“Yes,” Laurie answered, nodding and accepting the pen from the young woman to fill out and sign the guest card.

Janine took the pen and card back from her and handed her the key to her room, along with a glossed piece of paper. “Here’s a flyer with the list of events this week. You’re welcome to attend any of them. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them.”

“Thank you,” Laurie said quietly, taking the paper and tucking it securely within her purse. She didn’t think she would be attending any events. She had come here to relax and maybe, if she were lucky, heal.

“You’ll be in 5B,” Janine told her. “Down that hallway and to the left, third door on the left.”

Laurie took the key from the girl and smiled warmly, happy that there would be no plastic electronic cards, just old fashioned keys and rustic surroundings. She wanted to lose herself in this vacation—her first in fifteen years. She hoped it would be just what she needed.

She turned and bent down to pick up her overnight bag, hesitating when the hulk of a man that had helped her outside reached for it at the same time. Their hands touched briefly, and she pulled back immediately, afraid and unsure. It wasn’t his size that intimidated her. It was his looks. A man had no right to look that handsome. With midnight black hair that fell in waves to the top of his collar, soft blue eyes that sparkled with a clarity that unnerved her, and a face chiseled to perfection, he was a walking wet dream. And so out of my league. The unbidden thought raced through her brain.

“Oh, that’s all right,” she told him quickly. “I have it.”

Jace looked down at her and smiled despite his resolve to remain devoid of emotion. He pushed his hat up with his index finger and gently took her bag from her, a jolt of electricity shooting up his arm as her hand brushed his. “It’s all part of ranch services, ma’am,” he told her quietly, reaching down to grab her larger suitcase as well. “Lead the way.”

Janine looked at her alpha in shock as he followed the woman down the hallway to her room. He turned back to look at her with such anger in his eyes that she looked down at the computer as quickly as she could to avoid his censure. She wasn’t going to mess with him today, if that look he just gave her was any indication of his mood.

Jackson, we’re heading toward 5B. Get your ass here and do something. Laurie walked nervously toward her assigned room. She did not want this man anywhere near her. She wished he had just let her go to her room alone.

She sighed audibly as she faced the door to 5B and reached out to unlock it, swinging the door open wide and stepping inside, aware that the giant of a man followed in behind her. She walked to the windows and

turned to watch him as he placed her bags on the floor in front of the double bed. When he straightened and looked at her, she felt a squeezing in her chest and had to shut her eyes briefly.

He’ll only be here a little longer. The thought did little to help her nerves, and she struggled to calm her breathing. The wonderful smell that invaded her senses made her feel a sense of peace and belonging that she didn’t understand, and it scared her a little. And all that male gorgeousness before her wasn’t helping the situation either.

“Thank you for your help,” she told him warmly, reaching to open her purse and take out her wallet to tip him.

Jace shook his head and reached out to touch her hand lightly. The brief contact made her shiver slightly. “No need for that, Ms. Young,” he spoke quickly, stopping her and stepping back for fear that he would pull her into his arms before he could control his wolf.

Laurie looked up at him and smiled, her eyes filling with sincere gratitude as she sighed and nodded. “Thank you, I appreciate it,” she told him honestly. “I’m Laurie.” She introduced herself, reaching out to offer him her hand.

“Jace Beckett,” he answered, taking her hand in his, immediately feeling her warmth and caring, unable to stop the emotions that her touch pulled from him.

“Nice to meet you, Jace,” she told him warmly as she smiled up at him, and she really did have to look up at him. Being five feet five inches tall, she was used to having to look up at men, but this mountain of a man was unbelievably tall and built like an Adonis. She couldn’t help the blush that crossed her cheeks as she looked up at him, quickly looking away shyly to study the carpet as she tried to pull herself together.

Jace nodded, smiling as she pulled her soft hand from his, feeling the loss of her touch immediately. He removed his hat to hold it in his hands, turning the brim slightly before catching himself and stopping the nervous habit he hadn’t resorted to in more years than he cared to remember. This woman had already reduced him to a randy teenager. And he didn’t like it one bit.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Jackson’s voice invaded their space as he entered the room, smiling openly at the woman Jace feared was destined to be theirs,

unable to stop himself from walking toward her. His wolf recognized her immediately.

He looked at Jace and nodded. Mate.

Jace felt his stomach tighten. He didn’t want to acknowledge it. He didn’t want to accept it. He had hoped he had been wrong. But Jackson knowing it the moment he walked into the room sealed their fate. Laurie Young was their mate.

Laurie smiled at the man who entered the room, her breath catching at the sight of him. He was nearly as tall as Jace, with a body that rippled with muscles, but his hair was a deep brown that flowed in soft curls to his shoulders. His brown eyes held a mischievous sparkle to them, and she found herself smiling and stepping forward, drawn to him just as much as she was drawn to the serious man beside her. She closed her eyes momentarily, taking a deep breath to calm herself. Her forehead furrowed in confusion, and her eyes opened slowly to look at the two most gorgeous specimens of the male gender she had ever seen.

“Do you smell that?” she asked of both men.

“What?” Jackson asked, smiling as he gazed at her, transfixed by the gentleness that poured from her and already soothed his soul. He could barely contain himself. Goodness and kindness radiated from her, and he knew he and Jace had finally found the one who would complement them, love them, and be the gentle soul that would nurture their pack.

“I’ve never smelled anything like it before, but it’s the most wonderful smell,” Laurie tried to explain, stepping closer toward the men without realizing it. “It’s stronger than before,” she told them, stopping suddenly when she realized just how close to the two men she had gotten. She stepped back and blushed, lowering her head to hide her total embarrassment.

“I smell it, too,” Jace told her quietly, needing to ease her discomfort. He inhaled deeply, his eyes dilating with sudden passion and hunger.

“I’ve never smelled that before either. It sure does smell great doesn’t it, big guy?” Jackson asked him, his voice filled with humor.

Jace growled, fighting the attraction, fighting the proof, needing to deny with every ounce of his being that there was the most delicious scent linking them together. At Laurie’s light touch on his arm and the sound of her gentle laughter, his body couldn’t hold on to his denial. He found himself relaxing, enjoying her touch and her humor.

“At least it’s a good smell,” Laurie teased, smiling up at Jace briefly before turning to Jackson and winking good-naturedly.

Jackson nodded and smiled at the two of them. He wanted nothing more than to reach out and hold this adorable woman in his arms, trapping her between him and Jace, smelling her, touching her, bonding with her. He had to make that happen. He knew Jace had no idea what to do.

His friend was already losing his grip on his emotions. Laurie had come to them at the time that his alpha needed her the most. The Fates always knew what they were doing. Now it was up to him to help nudge their destiny along.

“I’m Jackson Scott,” he told her, reaching forward and extending his hand, wanting to touch her more than he could have ever thought possible.

Laurie smiled and reached out to shake his hand, feeling the warmth of his touch all the way down to her toes. What was it about these two men that pulled long-buried feelings of longing from her? She had to pull herself together. She couldn’t let her imagination and her secret desires lead her to the deep sorrow she knew she would feel when she realized once again that reality did not hold such things for her.

“Laurie Young,” she told him, smiling softly as she gently pulled her hand from his. She hadn’t been touched in kindness for so long, she actually felt uncomfortable feeling it. And she couldn’t risk feeling the kindness only to have it disappear when she left, leaving her more alone and hurt than before. She had to be careful.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Young,” Jackson told her quietly, shaking his head slightly at Jace as he turned his attention toward him, “but I’ve just been told that we’ve overbooked these next two weeks, and this room has already been assigned to another couple.”

Laurie’s head snapped up. Panic filled her eyes at the thought that her vacation might end before it had even begun. Her shoulders sagged as she looked at both men sadly. Looking around the room, she was overcome with loss that this comfortable haven would not be hers. Once again, the reality of her life slammed into her, and she knew a sadness deep down to her bones. Tears welled up instantly, and the soft brown of her eyes filled with a deep sadness that tugged at the two men’s hearts as they saw the glistening of unshed tears that she fought to hold back.

“Please,” she said in a pained whisper. “I can’t go back home. I’ve waited forever for this vacation.”

Jace stepped toward her, his wolf tearing at his chest as he fought to get out to comfort their woman. He took a steadying breath to calm his wolf, but the scent of her made him all the more determined to protect and cherish her. Fix this! He looked at Jackson with an anger that would have fallen any other man, but Jackson only smiled and reached out to gently brush the stray tear that slid down their mate’s cheek with the pad of this thumb.

“Darlin’, don’t cry,” he told her soothingly. “You don’t have to leave. We just have to relocate you, is all.”

Laurie smiled through her tears and took a soothing breath. “Really?” Jackson nodded and brushed his thumb across her cheek, closing his eyes briefly as the warmth from her soothed his heart. “We have to move you to the private compound. We have a room there for times just like these when we have an overflow of lodgers. You’ll have your own balcony that looks out over the ranch. You can even see the lake from there. And we’ll comp your stay to show you how sorry we are for the inconvenience.”

“Oh, no,” Laurie protested. “You don’t have to do that.”

“It would be our pleasure, darlin’,” Jackson told her, winking. “No arguing now. Let’s get you to your new room.”

He reached forward and lifted the heavy bag, leaving the overnight bag for Jace to grab. Jace winced in pain as his shoulder twinged when he lifted the bag.

“Are you all right?” Laurie asked him, reaching out to touch his arm lightly.

Jace straightened slowly and looked down at her. There wasn’t one bit of deceit in this woman. She saw his pain and reacted to it with genuine concern and kindness. A picture of her massaging his shoulder flashed through his mind, and he saw Jackson turn toward him and smile knowingly.

It wasn’t a fantasy. Both could sense the rightness of it. Laurie would be the one to give them caring and comfort. Even though both men knew that Jace’s shoulder would be totally healed by the evening, it didn’t stop them from knowing that she would ease their aches in both body and spirit. More than anything, they appreciated her genuine concern.

“I’m fine,” Jace told her calmly, unable to stop himself from scowling down at her.

“No you’re not,” she told him quickly, ignoring his bad temper. “Your shoulder is hurting. Have you had someone look at it?”

Jace straightened and looked down at her. He was amazed that she could pick up on his pain but even more surprised that her eyes held no fear when she looked up at him. His shoulder did hurt from his morning run when he had stumbled and had collided into a fallen tree. It angered him that things like that had been happening to him more and more lately. Jackson had told him that the reason he was having more difficulty containing his emotions in order to keep his anger in check, and was finding himself stumbling more often and nearly losing control of his wolf, was because they hadn’t found their mate. Once they found their mate, she would ground them both. She would be the warm and loving force that would center them. And now they had found her.

Jace scowled down at the woman, unwilling to give in to the need he had to crush her to him and claim her. He fiercely pushed aside the feelings he was beginning to have for her. He didn’t want her to understand him. He didn’t want her to sense his pain. He didn’t want to appreciate her real concern. He didn’t want to need her. But he did—every one of those damn things. He did want them all. And it was scaring the hell out of him.

Laurie looked up at him and smiled sadly. She could sense the pride in him, but she could also sense the pain. “Stubborn man,” she finally whispered, exasperation evident in her voice. She shook her head as she faced the man called Jackson, hesitating slightly as she saw him smile. Her stomach did a little flutter as she found herself between these two very masculine men.

Down, girl. The admonishment whispered in her head. Don’t get caught up in thoughts that could never be your reality.

Jackson couldn’t stop himself from chuckling as he turned and led the way out of the room. This little spitfire was going to be just what Jace needed. Just what he needed, too.

Laurie followed behind Jackson, ignoring the growls coming from behind her. “And you can stop your grumbling,” she warned him. “I have some liniment in my bag. You can use it on your shoulder before you go to bed tonight.”

Jace said nothing. He just rolled his eyes and followed them out of the room, admiring the view of Laurie’s beautiful curves as she walked before him. How he wanted to reach out and squeeze that delectable ass.

What room do we have for the overflow of guests, Jackson? The one across the hall from mine and next to yours.

Chapter 3

Laurie walked into the kitchen of the main house and looked around. The two elderly women standing before the stove looked up at her entrance. The taller one faced her and smiled at her with welcome in her eyes.

“Hello, Ms. Young,” she greeted her warmly.

“Please, call me Laurie,” Laurie told her quickly as she made her way across the kitchen to stand beside them.

“Martha Gregg,” she answered, smiling. “This is our housekeeper, Vera Moore. It’s very nice to meet you, Laurie.”

Vera nodded abruptly at Laurie, stepping back and facing Martha without addressing the young woman. “I have duties to attend to, Martha,” she said quietly. “I’ll speak with you later about the staff schedules.”

Turning, the small woman left the kitchen without another word. Laurie looked at her retreating form and frowned with concern. “I’m sorry to have disturbed you, Martha,” she said sincerely. “I don’t want to interfere with your jobs.”

Martha laughed and reached out to touch Laurie’s arm lightly before returning her attention to the many pots on the stove. “Oh, don’t worry about that,” she assured her. “This isn’t a job for me. This is my family.” She looked at Laurie and winked. “Don’t mind old sourpuss,” she whispered conspiratorially. “She’s never been one who likes to deviate from routine. The amount of guests this week is overwhelming her, and she doesn’t want to make a mistake. Don’t take it personally.”

Laurie smiled at her, feeling instantly welcomed by the kind woman. “I would like to help if you don’t mind.”

Martha looked up, startled. She could feel the goodness in this one. And she could smell her alpha and beta on her. Even though the scent was faint, it was there. Both men had touched her. She wondered if there was

something going on that she was not privy to just yet. It had to be something. They had put her in the bedroom near theirs.

No human had ever shared the private compound with them before. It was just for pack. And now this woman was suddenly here instead of in the lodging assigned to guests. Something was definitely up. She could feel it in her bones that this was the woman who would be the mate to her boys. Though they weren’t her own children by birth, she loved Jace and Jackson as if they were, and she worried that they were destined to never find their mate. Maybe the Fates had finally smiled on them and had sent them this woman.

“You don’t have to help,” Martha told her sincerely. “You’re a guest. Tonight there will be a big dinner at the main dining hall to welcome all the lodgers. They’ll have lots of activities set up for all of you to enjoy your time with us.”

Laurie stepped back and looked away. “I really don’t want to participate in any activities. I just wanted some time away to relax. I haven’t had a vacation in fifteen years.”

“Why ever not?” Martha asked, shocked.

“I was alone with my kids,” Laurie explained, shrugging slightly. “I was too busy raising them. And no money to do anything for myself. Now that they’re older, I have some time to myself, and I’ve saved up so I could come here and just enjoy the beautiful country and have no responsibilities for a little while. Actually, I didn’t really have the money now, but after this past month I just had to get away.”

“What happened?”

Martha watched silently as Laurie averted her eyes slowly, unwilling to allow her to catch a glimpse of the tears that threatened to fall, but the older woman recognized her pain immediately. She could see there was much sadness in this young woman’s life.

“Not much to tell,” Laurie told her softly, shrugging her shoulders slightly. “One day is pretty much like every other.” She was not about to embarrass herself and tell this kind woman the misery of her life. The constant harassment and abuse of her ex-husband had really worn her down. He had been especially cruel to her lately, and she was really at a breaking point. She was barely holding it together.

“How many children do you have?” Martha asked, changing the subject. She was curious about the woman she thought might be the one destined to be the mate of her alpha and beta.

“Two,” Laurie answered proudly. “They’re twins. A girl and a boy. They just graduated from high school. They’re the best kids, and I love them to death. I’m very lucky.”

“Luck has nothing to do with it,” Martha told her knowingly. “A mother guides her children to be the people they are. We aren’t always lucky enough to have our children be the upstanding people we all wish they would be, but our influence has to have something to do with how they turn out. You must be a wonderful parent.”

Laurie blushed lightly. No one but her best friend Nikki had ever given her credit for how she had raised her children. Certainly not her ex, who continually told her she was worthless and did everything wrong.

“Why don’t you go out and sit on the deck while I finish getting dinner ready,” Martha told her quietly. “Just relax. Maybe you can help me tomorrow after you’ve had tonight to rest after your travels of today.”

Laurie smiled and nodded. “That would be nice. I would like that.” “Don’t worry if you find two wolves come up onto the deck and sit with you,” the matronly woman told her as Laurie made her way out through the glass doors that led to the back deck. “They’re tame and often come up to sit on the deck with us after a long day.”

“Okay,” Laurie’s voice drifted back to her as she walked out onto the deck and sat in one of the extra wide lounge chairs, settling back to enjoy the crisp afternoon air.

She leaned her head back and relaxed, closing her eyes and giving in to the total beauty of the world around her. She could hear the rustling of the wind as it blew through the trees that surrounded the main house. Opening her eyes, she looked out toward the tree line and held her breath as she saw two wolves making their way toward the deck. They were both huge, one slightly bigger than the other. Both had dark fur, one black, the other dark brown. They advanced toward her slowly, and she couldn’t help the fear that gripped at her as they stepped up onto the deck and made their way toward her.

She held her breath as they took up spots on either side of the lounge chair she was sitting on and sat down on their haunches. Very slowly, the

larger, black wolf leaned forward to rest his chin on her left thigh. The dark brown wolf did the same to her right. Their eyes held hers, waiting for her acceptance. She didn’t know how she knew that, but she did. And, once again, she smelled that wonderful smell she had experienced earlier. It was a combination of sweetness and muskiness, and it nearly made her drool.

Reaching out slowly, she touched their heads gently and began to pet them. The softness of their fur was a wonderful feeling under her hands. She soon relaxed, forgetting that they were wolves, and just enjoyed their companionship, smiling as she felt their rumbling of contentment beneath her touch.

“You’re both so beautiful,” she told them softly. “I bet you could just steal someone’s heart with your gorgeous eyes and beautiful fur.”

The black wolf chuffed, and the brown wolf rubbed his face across her leg. Both raised their paws to jump up onto the lounge, and she couldn’t help but laugh out loud as she was suddenly surrounded by their big, heavy, and warm bodies. The night was quickly gaining on them, and the temperature was turning cold. She welcomed their heat, the thought never crossing her mind that she should be afraid. They were gentle wolves, and the rumblings in their chests were almost purrs of contentment—if a wolf could purr, that is.

“Oh, you guys are heartbreakers for sure,” she told them, laughing as they both laid their heads on her chest and looked up at her with their beautiful eyes.

Martha looked through the window at the wolves as they sat so comfortably with Laurie. She felt a sense of rightness.

Yup. She was definitely the one.

Martha hummed a sweet song to herself as she turned to concentrate on the meal she was preparing, her heart light with happiness.

* * * *

Laurie took the seat that Jace held out for her, settling comfortably to his left as he sat at the head of the table. She leaned back and placed a maroon, linen napkin on her lap. She looked across the table and smiled shyly at Jackson as he sat at Jace’s right. She couldn’t help but think that he belonged there at Jace’s side. It confused her, but she sensed that there was a

hierarchy of power that the men shared. Her thoughts drifted to how powerful they both were, and couldn’t stop herself from imagining what they could do to a woman. What they could do to her. She blushed and lowered her eyes, chastising herself for thinking anything about any man— especially these two men.

Get a grip, Laurie. No one would ever desire you in that way. Especially the two men who are sitting beside you. Her inner voice did not mock her. It was the voice of reason and acceptance of what her lot in life was.

Jackson and Jace had come in from outside shortly after she had left the deck. By that time, Martha had taken Laurie into the circle of her family and had introduced her to her daughter Janine, her sons Alexander and Adrian, her daughter-in-law Julia, and her four-year-old granddaughter Tammy. Colin and Butler, the two other men that seemed to complete the family, were also introduced to her. Laurie couldn’t help but feel the warmth of their family and felt welcomed and at home with them immediately.

She saw that Julia and Adrian were a couple and was a bit confused by the third man Colin, who also seemed to be a part of their relationship. Even though it was not something she understood, she couldn’t deny the genuine caring that the three of them seemed to have for each other.

Martha’s son Alexander and his friend Butler were nearly as massive as Jace and Jackson. Laurie watched them with caution as she saw how they stood inside the kitchen, reminding Laurie of sentries who remained on alert for an impending attack. Despite their obvious seriousness, she couldn’t help but feel comforted by their presence. Even more than that though, she saw how all the men treated Martha and Julia with obvious caring and respect. And they touched her heart with the way they teased and showed love to the little girl.

Sitting at the table, she looked around it to the people who made up the Beckett family and was impressed by the ease with which they interacted with each other. She couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face as she became immersed in the love that they seemed to feel deeply for each other.

She felt calm. She felt content. These were unique feelings for her. She could picture herself sitting here with this family and experiencing the warmth of this home. Her time outside on the deck, looking out at the beautiful land that surrounded the ranch and sitting with the two wolves who

had come up to spend time with her, seemed to settle her and feed a need that she had to connect with something that she couldn’t quite put into words.

She thought of the two wolves who had already wormed their way into her heart. What sweet animals they were. She hoped that they would come up on the deck often. She would be sure to be out there every night in case they decided to share their time with her again.

Both wolves made her feel good. Their warmth and their contentment as they settled themselves beside her on the lounge chair made her feel a sense of peace and security that she hadn’t felt in her life—ever. And she looked forward to feeling that way again.

“So how do you like it here so far, Laurie?” Jackson asked her as he passed the mashed potatoes to his alpha, smiling at the growling man. He was enjoying this way too much, and he knew Jace would eventually make him stop, but he was having too much fun to care.

“I really like the peacefulness of your ranch,” Laurie told him with obvious honesty, smiling at Tammy as she sat beside her, handing the sweet child a dinner roll with a wink. “Here you go, honey,” she told her quietly, smiling as the little girl shyly accepted the roll.

“Thank you,” Tammy answered, giggling and leaning forward to bury her face in Laurie’s shirt, hugging her tightly before looking up at her. “You smell like Unca Jace and Unca Jackson,” she said quietly, smiling brightly.

“Do I?” Laurie laughed, hugging the child quickly and helping her scoot her chair closer to the table. “I’ll take that as a compliment, because they sure do smell good,” she whispered, kissing the top of her head lightly.

Jace and Jackson looked at each other briefly. Although Laurie had whispered, they had heard her perfectly, and what she said pleased them both.

Tammy’s mom laughed and reached forward to cut up the chicken on her daughter’s plate. “Sorry if she’s a bit forward, Laurie,” Julia apologized quickly, looking at her alpha and beta worriedly.

“She’s adorable,” Laurie spoke up immediately. She gently pushed the little girl’s hair back from her face. “I think she’s already stolen my heart,” she told them honestly.

Julia smiled at Laurie, genuine happiness shining at Laurie’s acceptance of her child. Tears filled her eyes, and she found that she was unable to talk, so taken by the genuine kindness and caring of this young woman.

“Unca Jace, are you gonna read me a story tonight?” Tammy spoke up, looking at Jace with all the innocence of youth.

Jace smiled at the little girl with obvious caring in his eyes. His expression was one of tenderness as he looked at her, and Laurie felt her chest squeeze with emotion at the sight of this obviously powerful man looking at this child with such love.

“Have you been good today, cub?” he asked her seriously.

“I have, Unca Jace, I promise,” she answered him quickly with a seriousness that made Jace smile, her light brown curls bouncing as she nodded her head enthusiastically.

“Then I guess I’ll have to read you a story,” he told her calmly as he picked up his fork and speared his steak.

“I love you, Unca Jace!” Tammy told him happily.

“Love you, too, cub,” Jace answered her immediately, smiling at her with open caring.

“Hey, what about me?” Jackson chimed in, pulling the little girl’s attention to him.

Tammy smiled at Jackson. “Oh, Unca Jackson!” she told him, giggling. “I love you, too.”

Jackson smiled at her, winking. “All right then. Just don’t you forget it.” Laurie felt herself smiling despite her resolve to remain aloof. She couldn’t help it. The men’s honest love and caring for the little girl touched her heart and nearly made her cry. I guess it is possible for men to really love children. Her inner dialogue was interrupted when Tammy leaned over and spoke to her in a voice that would rival any stage whisper.

“I have to tell Unca Jace and Unca Jackson every day that I love them.” “You do?” Laurie asked, matching Tammy’s whisper with her own. “Why?”

“Because they don’t have a little girl to tell them that.”

Laurie looked at the two men quickly, unsure of their reaction. She saw the flash of sadness that consumed them as they looked at her before they carefully schooled their emotions. But she had seen the raw pain and loneliness that had consumed them, even if it had only been for a brief

moment. Her heart went out to the two men. She knew what it was like to be so sad because of isolation. It seemed to her that the men desired their own family. And her heart softened toward them because of it.

“Even when they do have a little girl to tell them, you should still tell them that you love them,” Laurie finally whispered back to Tammy.

“Why?”

“Because it would be nice for them to know that the people they love, love them back.”

Tammy looked up with wide, soft brown eyes. “Do the people you love, love you back?” she asked Laurie with obvious concern.

“Yes, my children love me very much,” Laurie answered immediately. “Just like you love your parents.”

Tammy smiled and giggled as she lifted her miniature fork and speared one of the pieces of chicken that had been cut up for her, looking at her parents and smiling as she popped it into her mouth and chewed.

“You’re very lucky to have her,” Laurie spoke quietly, reaching out to touch the small child’s head and gently stroke her hair before turning her attention back to her own plate.

“Yes, we are,” Julia’s husband Adrian answered, taking the bowl of mashed potatoes from Martha.

“She is wonderful,” Colin agreed, reaching out to touch Julia’s hand. Laurie watched the three of them and couldn’t help but smile at the love the three of them seemed to share. When she had first seen the three of them together, she had been confused by the relationship, but as she saw how they were together, she realized that they made a truly loving team. Throughout the day, she had seen the same three-person relationship throughout the group of people that worked and lived at the ranch. She had quickly realized that it was the norm here, and she had come to accept it without reservation. They all seemed so happy and so supportive of each other. Who was she to question it?

“Can you be any more nauseating?” Janine complained as she took the bowl of potatoes from her brother.

“Janine!” Martha snapped, horrified at her daughter’s rudeness. “It’s okay, Mom,” Adrian spoke up, trying to placate his mother. “No, it’s not,” Jace spoke up, his voice deep with anger as he looked at Janine.

“I’m sorry, Alpha,” Janine whispered, lowering her head and placing her hands in her lap.

“Do not disrespect anyone in this family again, Janine,” he warned her quietly.

The anger he felt at Janine’s uncaring comment to her brother, his triad partner and their mate, as well as her mother, nearly made Jace lose control of his wolf. His eyes glowed golden as he struggled to calm himself. Janine’s constant and ever-growing coldness and cutting remarks had hurt the people he loved and protected, time and time again. He would not tolerate her insolence for much longer. Only his love for Martha had caused him to show any lenience toward her at all.

Laurie looked from Jace to Janine. Some of the words Jace used confused her, but she was more concerned with the fact that he was so upset with Janine. She was worried by the way she saw Jace trying to control his anger. Without hesitation, she reached out and touched Jace’s hand as it lay clenched on the table. Jace’s fist slowly opened, and she moved to cover his hand with her own, gently stroking across his knuckles with her thumb in a soothing fashion.

Jackson watched as Laurie reached out to Jace, and his heart melted at the unconscious need Laurie displayed to soothe Jace. When he saw Jace finally open his hand to take hold of Laurie’s and gently wrap his fingers around hers to hold her hand, he knew at that moment that everything was as it should be. He could feel the way Jace relaxed under her touch, and he in turn felt the same relaxation. He reached out his own hand and touched Jace’s forearm, feeling the link between the three of them, their triad, immediately.

Jace looked at Jackson and smiled before turning to look at Laurie’s hand that gently held his. Raising his eyes to look up at Laurie, he couldn’t help but smile at the concern that shone in the softness of her brown eyes. He squeezed her hand gently and loved the blush that crept across her cheeks as she carefully pulled her hand from his.

He looked at Janine briefly, his eyes reflecting the anger of his wolf, flashing a warning before he turned to look at Martha. He saw the concern that the older woman had for her daughter and nodded to her. They would talk about Janine later. He would not let her ruin this night for them.

Martha looked at her children as they sat around the large table with their chosen triad partners. She was happy they sat with Jace and Jackson, the two men that she loved like her own sons. She was content that her son Adrian and his triad partner Colin had found happiness with their mate Julia. She was proud that her son Alexander and his triad partner Butler had found their calling as lieutenants for the pack. It would only be a matter of time before they found their triad mate, too. Now that Jace and Jackson had found their mate, she was even more content with the way her children were living their lives. Just Janine was her source of frustration. She didn’t know why her daughter had become such an unkind and bitter young woman.

Jackson got up from the table and retrieved the large pitcher of water, returning to place it on the table in front of Laurie. Leaning down, he kissed her cheek lightly and straightened to wink at Jace before returning to his seat. Jace smiled and looked at Laurie, loving the adorable blush that covered her cheeks as she looked across at Jackson in absolute shock.

Couldn’t resist, Jace. Jackson explained calmly as he winked at Laurie. I know her scent proves she’s our mate, but the way she reached out to calm you proved to me without a doubt that she was meant for us.

Unable to control his thoughts, Jace couldn’t help but project the image that flashed in his mind to Jackson. It was of Laurie, sitting on the deck in the lounge chair, waiting for them, smiling and rubbing her very swollen belly. The sight stole his breath for a moment, and his chest constricted with emotion at the thought of this woman filled with their child.

Jackson’s breath caught in his throat at the mental image Jace sent him. He looked at Laurie, and his heart pounded as he watched her gentleness with Tammy. He looked back at Jace and nodded, his eyes flashing golden for a brief moment as he sent back the image that appeared in his mind of Laurie holding one of their babies to her breast while her womb was swollen once again with another of their children.

Jace closed his eyes briefly and then looked at Jackson with the same golden glow in his own eyes. Raw need and want flashed in them, and Jackson had to stop himself from reaching out to touch Jace’s forearm, then join his other hand with Laurie’s, forming the triad of love that was destined to be.

Do you think it’s too soon to claim her tonight, Jace? Jace looked at Jackson and scowled. What do you think?

Jackson blushed slightly. I think I can’t think at all with my cock as hard as steel!

I know. Jace’s voice was tired. But we have to do this right or risk losing her, and we can’t have that happen.

Jackson smiled at his friend then looked across to their mate. He was glad that Jace already felt the bond beginning to form with Laurie and didn’t want to risk losing her. He had been afraid that Jace’s stubbornness would cause him to reject the woman and seal their fate to a lifetime of loneliness by refusing to accept the mate the Fates had destined to be theirs. They would never have another. Laurie was their one. And he couldn’t wait to claim her and start their future.

“Is your room all right, Laurie?” Jace asked her, drawing her attention to him. He forgot what he asked when she turned to him and smiled with such genuine happiness. The woman’s total openness and lack of guile was refreshing. She didn’t flirt, didn’t play. She made him feel comfortable and happy just to talk to her. And he had never experienced that before when talking with any woman.

Women in general made Jace uncomfortable. Those that flirted with him did so with ulterior motives. Whether it be for improving their rank in the pack by mating with the alpha male, or wanting to experience sex with him and, in turn, bind him to them. Either reason left him cold and untrusting.

“The room is beautiful.” Laurie’s answer drew him back to the present. “I’ve never had such a nice room. But the reason I’m here is for the peacefulness of the ranch.” She helped Tammy spoon some corn onto her dish then turned to face Jace once again. “I was on the deck before, and two wolves came up and sat with me.” The sparkle in her eyes showed her excitement and happiness.

Jace couldn’t keep the smile from his face as he watched her talk about him and Jackson. “Were you afraid?” he asked her quietly, holding his breath without realizing it as he awaited her answer.

“At first,” Laurie admitted, “but they were so calm and gentle. They were absolutely beautiful. And when they climbed up onto the lounge chair with me and I held them, it was amazing. I have never felt so calm and protected in my life.” She looked at Jackson and then back at Jace, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Does that make sense?”

Jackson smiled and lifted his glass of water to her, winking playfully. “It makes absolute sense,” he told her warmly, his deep voice making her shiver slightly.

Laurie looked from Jackson to Jace again and blushed lightly, unable to keep the desire she was feeling under control. If they knew that she was thinking about them and that she was attracted to them, they would laugh at her, and she would have no choice but to leave the ranch in humiliation. She would not allow that to happen. She wanted to enjoy her time here. Her private fantasies would remain just that. Private.

Jace inhaled sharply, the scent of her arousal reaching him and making his already achingly painful erection throb. When he looked at Jackson, he knew that his friend was suffering a similar fate.

I’m not going to be able to hold back much longer, Jace.

Jace looked at Laurie and smiled. He would do what it took to have this gentle woman accept them. And he needed to do it soon. Time was important.

Jackson, we will claim our mate together within the next few days. Jackson nodded slightly, knowing both he and Jace needed Laurie with an urgency that she had no way of understanding. Looking at Laurie as she spoke quietly with the rest of their family, he knew she was going to be everything they had hoped for and more.

He settled back in his chair, relaxing as the realization that they were finally going to be part of a mated triad came over him. Laurie may be unaware of what he and Jace already knew to be true, but they would enjoy every moment of helping her to accept them and the future the Fates had planned for them. Their triad mating was going to happen, and it was going to happen soon. It may be fast from a human’s perspective, but not from a wolf’s.

He looked at Jace and barely contained the growl of possession that threatened to escape him. He had only one thought.

Mate.

Jackson’s voice was strong and sure as it resounded with conviction in Jace’s mind.

Jace nodded and smiled slyly. More than that, Jackson.

Jackson’s eyebrows rose in question as he watched Jace look over at their mate, drawing her scent into his lungs with a slow inhale. Smiling, Jace turned his attention back to Jackson.

Chapter 4

Laurie sat silently beside Julia and her husbands on the oversized, brown, suede couch, watching Tammy as she climbed awkwardly onto Jace’s lap. She couldn’t help but smile when she saw Jace’s unmistakable joy as he reached down and helped the adorable girl climb up his legs and settle comfortably within the safety of his arms.

“Story time, Unca Jace.” Tammy giggled as she shoved the little storybook she had in her hand against his chest. “You promised.”

“Yes, I did, cub,” Jace told her warmly, taking the book from her and settling her back against his chest as he opened the little book.

Laurie found herself pushing back tears as Jace read the story about a little puppy to Tammy. The way he pointed to the pictures as he read and had her talk about each one showed that this was a common occurrence with the small child. It touched her in a way that scared her. And when she saw Jackson leave his recliner to sit on the floor beside Jace, to tenderly touch Tammy’s hair as she giggled about the story, she almost lost her composure.

“Look, Unca Jackson,” Tammy told him happily, squealing with delight as she pointed to the picture in the book.

“I see,” Jackson told her, smiling as she looked at him with such happiness.

“The little puppy is so cute!”

Jackson laughed as he leaned over and kissed Tammy’s cheek quickly. “Not as cute as you, darlin’,” he told her, smiling at her.

Tammy reached out and grabbed a handful of Jackson’s hair, hanging on tightly as Jace finished the story. Laurie watched them silently, amazed at the honest comfort level both men had with the little girl. There was an ache in her chest as she saw the way Tammy snuggled against Jace’s chest, and her eyes went from the book to Jace and then to Jackson as she enjoyed herself so totally.

When Jace finished the book, Tammy let go of Jackson’s hair and twisted her little body to turn into Jace’s embrace, giggling as she kissed his face sloppily.

“That was a good book, Unca Jace,” she told him sweetly before turning and jumping into Jackson’s arms, tumbling him to the floor before kissing his cheek as well.

Jackson laughed as Tammy quickly scrambled off of him and ran to the couch to climb up quickly onto Laurie’s lap. Both men grew immediately serious at the sight of Laurie opening her arms and cuddling the child to her quickly, leaning down to kiss the top of her head.

The men looked at each other, neither able to put into words the feelings that rushed through them as they watched the warmth that Laurie shared with a child she barely knew. As Tammy settled against Laurie and they watched their mate tenderly stroke the little one’s hair, they both flashed a picture to the other of Laurie cuddling their own child against her. It was a beautiful image that made them feel a desire so strong for the scene in their minds to be their future reality.

Jace sat back in the big leather recliner that sat at an angle to the fireplace. Jackson stood and walked back to the matching black recliner that sat at the opposite side of the fireplace and leaned back to lounge comfortably. They watched silently as Laurie slowly pet Tammy’s hair, lulling the child to sleep and holding her tenderly as she snuggled against her chest. Laurie held her gently, rubbing her shoulder lovingly as she slept peacefully.

“She’s such a great kid,” Laurie spoke softly to Tammy’s parents as they sat next to her on the couch.

Julia smiled at Laurie then turned to her husbands Adrian and Colin, and touched their hands gently. “She is at that,” she agreed, whispering her fingers across her mates’ hands lovingly. “She’s the sweetest baby, just like her daddies.”

Adrian smiled and held his mate’s hand, squeezing it tightly before bringing it to his lips to kiss it lightly. “She’s just like you, honey,” he argued, smiling.

“Hopefully the next baby will be just as sweet,” Colin added, reaching out to touch Julia’s belly gently, leaning in to kiss her cheek tenderly.

Laurie looked at Julia and smiled, her eyes sparkling at the joy she felt for the three of them. “Congratulations,” she offered sincerely. Her eyes filled with tears at the news. She couldn’t help the emotions that filled her as she watched the loving trio as they sat cuddled against each other.

Unable to stop herself, she reached out and touched Julia’s hand, squeezing it lightly. Julia looked at her with such happiness that Laurie couldn’t stop the tears from falling down her cheeks. How wonderful that this young woman could be so happy with these two men, who obviously were just as happy as she was at the prospect of having another child.

Adrian stood and gently pulled Julia to her feet, kissing her cheek lightly as he tenderly covered her growing baby bump. Turning to Laurie, Colin reached forward and lifted his sleeping daughter into his arms.

“It was nice meeting you, Laurie,” he told her quietly, touching his daughter’s face gently as he spoke. “See you in the morning.”

Laurie nodded and smiled at them as they walked away, their arms around each other. She sighed sadly, wishing it had been that way for her. But it hadn’t been. Standing slowly, she turned away from the three of them to find both Jace and Jackson watching her silently.

“Do the majority of the people here end up in relationships of three people?” Laurie asked them curiously, not one hint of judgment in her voice.

“Yes, Laurie,” Jace answered her instantly, his voice strong. “Does that bother you?”

“Bother me?” Laurie asked, her brows furrowed in confusion. She hesitated briefly, wanting to choose the right words as she worked out exactly what she felt about these uncommon relationships. “No, it doesn’t bother me,” she answered slowly. “It’s just so different. But it seems to be right for them.”

“Yes, it is,” Jace agreed, the sureness in his voice never wavering. “It’s the way it should be.”

“I think so, too,” she agreed, looking back at the doorway that the happy family had just exited through. “I’m glad for them,” she admitted softly.

She turned toward Jace and Jackson and smiled sadly.

“How’s your shoulder?” she asked Jace, suddenly remembering his injury. The surprise on Jace’s face made her smile. She couldn’t help but

laugh as she stepped closer to him. “I never forget anything,” she explained to him quietly, turning to Jackson to smile at him.

Jackson stood and walked toward her, unable to stop himself from being as close to her as he could. Jace turned in his chair and watched as Laurie made her way toward him. He couldn’t have spoken if his life had depended on it. Just the fact that she was looking at him and smiling as she came closer to him made his heart race. Her scent encompassed him, and he wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless.

When her hand gently touched his shoulder, he closed his eyes and turned his face into her arm and breathed in deeply. When she laughed, he opened his eyes and looked up at her, embarrassed at having been caught.

“I know. I smell it, too. What is that smell? It smells so good.”

Laurie looked at Jackson and smiled as she caught him taking in a deep breath as well. “We’re all crazy!” Laurie laughed and reached up to wipe the tears from her cheeks. Taking another breath, she turned to walk away. “I’ll go get the liniment for you,” she told him as she left the room.

Jackson turned to Jace and was happy to see the look of contentment on his triad partner’s face. “She’s perfect for us, Jace,” he told him quietly. “She makes me smile all the time.”

Jace nodded and leaned back in his chair. “She’s already made the members of the pack feel comfortable with her. I would have never believed it if I hadn’t seen it.” He turned to Jackson and sighed. “They seek her out. It’s as if they know she’ll comfort them and accept them.”

“It’s amazing,” Jackson agreed. “Every moment we spend with her makes me calmer and more centered. My wolf is so calm, I can’t believe it. He actually purrs when she touches us.”

Jace stood up and began to unbutton his shirt. Pulling it from his body, he threw it on the chair behind him and reached down to grab the hem of his T-shirt, pulling it up and over his head to throw it on the chair as well.

“What are you doing?” Jackson asked him, smiling.

“Getting ready for Laurie to rub the liniment into my shoulder,” Jace told him, winking at him quickly and schooling his features as Laurie came back into the room.

She stumbled slightly as she walked through the doorway and saw Jace with no shirt on. The muscles upon muscles that graced his body made her mouth drop open in awe. Placing the tube of liniment on the side table near

the couch, she stepped back and looked at both men before quickly lowering her eyes. “Use as much as you need,” she told Jace quietly, her face blushing hotly as she forced herself to look up at him. “Good night.”

With that, she turned and left the room as quickly as her legs could take her. She fought the urge to turn around and gaze at the stunning loveliness of his body. She wanted to touch him, kiss him, and lick every inch of his body. Once she made it to the stairway, she took the steps two at a time and quickly ran to her bedroom, closing the door behind her and locking it quickly. She leaned her back against the door and struggled to control her breathing.

Jackson turned to Jace and shook his head. “Too much?” Jace teased, grinning devilishly.

Jackson burst out laughing, holding his side as he struggled to contain his laughter so Laurie wouldn’t hear him. He had never, in all the years he had known Jace, seen him so carefree and happy.

Chapter 5

Jace leaned in and kissed the side of Laurie’s neck, opening his mouth and scraping his canines against her body where her neck met her shoulder. Laurie moaned and reached out to clasp her hands around his neck to pull him closer to her. He reached up and covered her mouth with his, coaxing her lips open to accept him, gently thrusting his tongue into her mouth and sweeping its sweetness, moaning his approval as she responded shyly with her own tongue.

One of his large hands was holding the back of her head as he leaned in to claim her mouth once again while the other swept her body to feel the silkiness of her skin and settle gently against her breast, circling her already taut nipple.

“Laurie,” he moaned as his mouth left hers, and he trailed kisses down her body to her full breast before taking the rosy nipple into his mouth and sucking hard before laving it gently with his tongue.

“Jace,” she gasped, her body arching up toward his touch. Wanting. Needing. “Please don’t stop,” she pleaded. “I need you.”

“Oh, baby,” he groaned, laughing, his voice gruff with passion, “I have no intentions of stopping until you scream my name as you come.”

Laurie moaned and reached out to grip his head, threading her fingers through the silkiness of his black hair and pulling him back toward her breast. She lost herself in the sensations of his mouth suckling at her breast and his hands petting her body. She was floating in sensations as her body received such total gentleness and love.

Her legs were slowly parted, and she felt Jace kiss his way down to her inner thigh. She reached down and touched his head lovingly as he leaned back to look up at her.

“I’ve been needing to taste you since the moment I saw you,” he whispered, gently spreading her lower lips to reveal the shiny pinkness that