Untamed Shifter Love Page 3

“My mother passed when I was a little girl. My dad dragged me all over the world, which I will be forever grateful for. He’s actually in Europe right now or he’d be hounding the heck out of the area looking for me. I hope no one has told him I’m missing. He’d flip his shit.”

  Tarvor shifted and muscled a massive boulder away that was blocking an entrance. The tiny cave was too small for Tarvor who shifted again to human form after pushing the boulder back into place. They ventured in and he pushed at a small rock, then pulled on another, then using his foot, he pressed on a protruding stone. Carlin gasped when a door slid open.

  A home within the cave greeted her. The place was like nothing she had ever seen. Wood furniture, sanded and padded, was beautifully decorated. The floor was a light dirt color, but the substance was so hard-packed there was no dust. The walls were polished to a high shine, bringing out each rock’s lively individual colors.

  Tarvor took her to an equally beautiful bedroom. The rounded bed was enormous. A washroom was visible through an open door. Tarvor walked to double doors made of oak and flung open an elaborate closet, revealing clothes made for a woman. She cast him a confused gaze.

  “I always knew I was meant to mate. Sometimes when shifters meet the need to be together becomes intense. I wondered if I’d need to spirit my intended to safety. Thankfully, only your clothes are a bit ripped and dirty. This is the home we will raise our children in. There is nowhere safer.”

  “You’re locking me up?”

  “Never. The door is always open for you to come and go. I do have a home I use on the outside, but many shifters prefer a place in their own environment. When the children come your pull to remain here until they are weaned will be strong, and my instinct to be near will be...well, let’s just say I hope you don’t get sick of me.”

  Carlin explored. “There’s a shower in here,” she exclaimed. “How did you pull that off?”

  Tarvor gave her a cheeky grin. “We’re off the grid. There’s no way in hell the government can find this place. The water is fresh and comes from the mountain. Fluorescents light the place, and the temperature underground stays at a steady, comfortable degree. This cave has been home to many of my family. I have no idea how old the dwelling is but we keep up with technology. And don’t panic, any fur rugs or padding you see is fake.”

  Carlin took Tarvor’s hand when he reached for her. The motion was instinctive, but it surprised her. His hands cupped her face, and when his lips met hers she melted against him. She’d known his taste would be an aphrodisiac.

  “I feel as though I’ve known you my entire life,” Carlin whispered when their contact broke.

  “In a way you have. You are meant for me. We are destiny.”

  “Talk about taking prearranged marriage to a whole new level.”

  Tarvor took her open palm and pressed it against his heart. “Can you feel me inside you, in your heart, your blood? I don’t want you to be afraid.”

  The steady beat of his heart made the corners of her lips creep upward into a tiny smile. “I keep telling myself I’m with a huge man who shifts into a bigger bear and I’m in his cave. Not one inch of me is worried. I’m not sure if that should bother me.”

  Tarvor. She rolled the name within her mind. She’d never heard the name, and yet she knew him, and his name was perfect. He was perfect.

  “Is wanting someone as explosive to a shifter as it is with a human?” she wondered aloud.

  “If you’re feeling what I do, it must be. Every inch of me burns to claim you.”

  Every inch of her burned to be claimed.

  There were other lights beside the fluorescents, and Tarvor extinguished them, making the bedroom a sexy den of soon to be discovered delights. Carlin had no reservation when Tarvor backed her onto the bed. She kicked off her shoes as he dropped his to the floor, making a thump that sent a shiver running up her back. He lifted her higher onto the pillows and settled beside her.

  His thumbs stroked her throat and cheeks, and his touch made her flesh tingle. When his mouth claimed hers she kissed him back deeply. Her shirt found its way to the floor. Carlin never bothered with a bra—there really was no need—and Tarvor took full advantage. His beautiful hands squeezed her where no man had ever touched, roamed where she’d never before allowed another. Gentle thumbs stroked her nipples until they strained for him.

  Tarvor pulled his shirt over his head in a quick fashion. His jeans dropped to the floor, followed by his briefs and socks. She pressed her lips together as he dragged her jeans down, tossing them to the floor to mingle with his. Her lace panties followed, along with her anklet socks.

  The bed dipped as he settled beside her, stretching to his full, long length. Carlin tingled when his mouth closed over a breast to suckle. He became demanding as her back arched to give him everything. The tug of her chain and pendant was at her throat, and she knew the necklace had slipped under her. She forgot about it the second his hand explored lower on her body.

  “I’ve never, Tarvor.”

  “A shifter mate normally hasn’t.”

  She was surprised he sounded so certain. Tarvor nuzzled her neck, and his warm breath flowed over her. His scent wasn’t an odor, it was a call. A familiar. Coaxing her to be with him emotionally. She answered his call when their lips met. Carlin was starving for him. The idea became scary and her body quivered.

  Guiding her hand with his, Tarvor whispered to her, urging her to feel him. She stroked her fingers up and then down his full, engorged length. His cock became ever harder under her touch. With him again guiding her hand, she traced his sac, and small, fine hairs tickled her.

  “I want you to—no, I need you to be ready for me,” he whispered, telling her she was setting the pace until she was ready.

  His hands stroked her belly to her hips and inner thighs, down he went until he reached her mound. He didn’t lack finesse. His fingers dazzled her flesh into awareness. Pleasure became a delicacy. Tarvor dipped his face and tasted, diving into her wet heat, tantalizing her with his tongue, lapping her with exquisite carefulness, kissing her, soothing her with whispered words and sounds until the fear quieted and evaporated to want.

  She’d never known the joy of panting with an ache that begged to be satisfied. Carlin slipped her legs apart when Tarvor rose over her. Her thighs quivered. Tarvor’s tanned hands were huge next to her white flesh as he soothed her again with his touch.

  Carlin gasped when two fingers gently probed her insides. Her panting deepened to slower moans of desire as his thumb caressed her bud. Tarvor nuzzled her neck, kissing over her flesh in a lazy fashion. Inexperienced, yet filled with desire, she trailed her lips over his skin to taste. He was warm, hard, enticing her to continue.

  Tarvor slipped his fingers from her, they glistened with dampness when he balled the sheets beneath them in a tight grip. She smoothed her hands over his broad chest before gripping his arms. His biceps bulged with his weight as he lowered over her.

  His penetration was slow, and she was grateful. Tarvor grit his teeth, she imagined for the control he kept in check. At times Carlin was embarrassed about being a virgin, but in that instant when the tip of him entered her she knew there was never supposed to be another and there would never be anyone but Tarvor.

  “Oh, it’s as though I know you and have been with you,” she said, and gasped as he probed deeper.

  “You have in mind and soul. It’s time our bodies met.”

  Too many demanding emotions filled her to care why she was suddenly in love. Tarvor became everything to her. The gentle strokes became demanding, and he encouraged her to wrap her legs around him. The motion gave him better access to her heat, and she throbbed with the power behind the thrusts. Tarvor pinned her beneath him, and his hand gripped her hair to arch her neck. Her throat exposed, she was vulnerable; she was his, and the idea consumed her.

  There was no verbal command to give herself to him; his call came from within the depths of her heart, her mind. His other hand release
d the death grip on the sheets and slipped under her ass to better his strokes, thundering now as she gasped for air. Carlin nipped at the flesh she could reach. Tarvor leaned down to bite and hold her throat. His grip wasn’t painful but welcomed.

  The power of her release came hard and unexpected. She cried out to him, and Tarvor released his grip and threw his head back. When he roared his release she shuddered. It was as though the entire mountain shook.

  Carlin was spent, and so was Tarvor. He rolled over and clutched her to his chest. He pulled the sheets up to her chin. Carlin fell asleep, safe and warm.

  Chapter 5

  Carlin didn’t know how long she slumbered. Her eyes fluttered as she woke. She yawned and gently moved Tarvor’s arm from around her waist. Her necklace had slipped to behind her back and she could feel it jabbing into her. She rolled to her side and sat up. There was a small ache between her thighs that made heat rise to her cheeks.

  Tarvor remained sleeping. He was peaceful, and she didn’t want to wake him. The urge to kiss his full, pouting lips was hard to resist, but she was mindful to a stickiness and needed a shower. Carlin picked up her clothes from the floor then changed her mind. The clothes were torn and smelly after two days in captivity and then on the run.

  She went to the closet to grab some new clothes. There was an array of everything, all different styles from glamorous dresses to everyday apparel. It was apparent though Tarvor knew he’d mate he wasn’t sure of the size of his mate. Clothes from the very small to buxom were at her disposal. When she fingered an obviously plus-sized shirt she realized why her small size didn’t bother Tarvor. He didn’t care what his mate looked like, only that she was his. The idea was endearing, being wanted for only who you are.

  Carlin picked out jeans and a t-shirt. She saw panties of different sizes and picked out a light blue satin pair and made her way to the shower, hanging the clothes on the door handle. Turning both faucets to full blast, she clutched her necklace and eased it over her head, setting it aside. The water was clean and sweet when she quenched her demanding thirst. The soap frothed deliciously, and she cleaned every inch of herself, caressing her hands down her flesh, remembering what Tarvor had done.

  When Carlin turned off the faucets and stepped out she reached for a fluffy, white towel to dry. Scrubbed clean and barely damp she lifted her t-shirt and pulled the tags from the clothing. She dressed. The last item she put on was her necklace, which she nestled under her shirt between her breasts.

  Tarvor was waking when she entered the room. He smiled then looked puzzled as he sat up.

  “What is it?” she asked, worried he might be sorry they’d slept together.

  “Your scent isn’t as strong.”

  That made her blink. “You mean I used to stink and now stink less?”

  He chuckled. “No, I mean without all the other shifter scents and mine on you I can scent something else. I always knew I would find my mate and would know immediately who it was, but there’s something I can’t put my finger on. I was always told by my grandfather it was harder to make a connection with a human.”

  “So are we still a couple?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, that’s good news.”

  “You saved yourself for me. Thank you.” He fingered a lock of her hair when she sat down next to him. The sheets were around his hips. Spatters of dark hair dotted his chest to dip beneath the covers. The outline of his cock was visible. She wasn’t mistaken last night—he was big everywhere.

  “No one has ever caught my eye. And from a young age the kids called me mouse. Not because I was chicken but because of my size.”

  “I think you’re perfect. You’re no mouse to me.”

  Tarvor kissed her hard, leaving her breathless. Kicking off the sheets, he stood and strode to a different closet where he pulled out a hunter green t-shirt and camouflage pants. Next came black socks and dark brown, heavy boots. He looked as sexy dressed as he did naked. Carlin thought only a knife at his waist was missing, then realized with his numerous sharp claws the weapon would be redundant.

  “Are you leaving?” she asked.

  “Balor is still out there.”

  “He was pretty pissed the last time I saw him.”

  Tarvor smiled. “Good. My granddad’s favorite quote was from Eleanor Roosevelt. She said anger is one letter short of danger. It’s time the Kodiak was caged.” Tarvor came to her and pulled her to her feet, locking her in his arms.

  “What do you do with a shifter? I mean, you can’t lock them up in a human jail, can you?” Carlin asked.

  “We have our own laws. Balor has done some nasty shit, but he crossed the line kidnapping you. A shifter’s mate is not to be taken lightly. He broke one of our more serious laws.”

  “What will happen to him?”

  “I’m going to stop him. Permanently. It’s my right. All human laws are now off the table. You must be starving. There’s a ton of food in the kitchen. Help yourself to anything you want. I’ll grab something later.”

  He kissed her forehead and released her. Tarvor looked grim as he strode from their home.

  * * * *

  “Balor and his gang have been cornered at the river.”

  Tarvor opened the door to Jake’s truck and climbed in. They met every morning at the same location to discuss important shifter news and where Tarvor was needed most. Today his mate needed him most.

  “Who has him?” Tarvor asked.

  “The grizzlies came together in bear territory. Balor is too much for one to handle, but now he’s facing five of them, and he won’t dare harm any of them.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “They’re all female shifters.”

  “Female?”

  “Yep. It would seem your mate has a friend, Stacy, who has a friend that’s a shifter, a female grizzly, and when she saw how upset Stacy was she went ballistic. When she learned that Stacy’s friend was a mate to a shifter she and her sisters and friends went after Balor. Now you know if a female grizzly is furious no one gets in their way. But you better believe their fathers and brothers are right behind them. Or worse, their mothers.”

  “Are they waiting for me?”

  “Yup.”

  They traveled deep within the forest until the vehicle could go no further. Together they shifted and raced on. Everyone had gathered in a clearing. Balor was cornered with a raging river at his back and a sheer drop-off over a falls. Five angry grizzlies took swipes at all four of the gang while others watched. Tarvor thought if a plane flew over they would be amazed at the sight. All walks of animals had gathered together for one purpose—Balor and his brood. The masses parted to let Tarvor through.

  “You think you’re dangerous?” Balor spat.

  “You’re about to find out.”

  “Some bounty hunter you are. You needed everyone to corner us and can sit back and watch as they get rid of us.”

  “This is my fight. If anyone here wanted you dead, they would have killed you by now.”

  The grizzlies slipped back. Tarvor raced for Balor. A huge stag came at him. Tarvor grabbed the antlers in a massive, furred arm and swung the beast into the river. Neck broken, the animal changed into Buck’s human form and floated downstream and over the falls where he would be fished out and disposed of.

  “Who’s next?” Tarvor shouted.

  There was no stopping Tarvor. He didn’t miss a step and all stood back as the path Tarvor chose was apparent and his right. Death and blood would run its course. The other shifters drifted out of sight into the foliage, but none left.

  Patch, the older grizzled bear missing an eye, came next. The short-faced bear towered over him and ran right through him, sending Patch straight up high into the sky. Knocked out, he changed to human form. The landing killed him.

  Animal, the wolverine and the last of Balor’s gang, sprang. The ferocious beast went for Tarvor’s throat. Tarvor was angry, but remembering his grandfather’s favorite quote, he refused to let the emot
ion rule him. If he didn’t win, Balor could kill Carlin. If he killed Tarvor’s mate, he would destroy any heir Tarvor might have. That was why mate killing was one of the shifter’s most heinous crimes. Male or female, you took with it the chance of offspring.

  The wolverine’s nasty claws dug into Tarvor’s throat. The beast stunk. With a giant claw Tarvor ripped down the wolverine’s back, exposing his backbone. Animal went limp. Tarvor smashed him into the dirt. Animal shifted to human form...he was dead. There was no one left to stand in Tarvor’s way as he and Balor squared off.

  “You see, Tarvor murdered three shifters. And he claims he can because of his mate. What about us and our mates?” Balor roared.

  “You have no mates.” This was sneered by a female grizzly.

  The statement was true. All four shifters wore the stench of the untouchable. It was why they banded together to begin with. They were unwanted. Balor was aware of his situation, that was apparent by the heavy scowl on his shaggy face.

  Balor looked up at Tarvor who was heaving in rage. There would be no hope for Balor if he was caught within the massive claws. The Kodiak turned and ran. Tarvor gave chase. Both shifters charged forward, muscles rippling under their bulk. Both bears were fast hurtling down the banks of the raging river. Hot on his heels, Tarvor reached out to trip Balor’s back leg. Balor dove off the cliff into the falls. As he barreled down into the frothy waters Tarvor lost sight of him.

  Though three men were down, it wasn’t enough. The Kodiak was the most dangerous when wounded. Killing Balor’s gang had wounded him and left him vulnerable. Tarvor and the others followed the edge of the mountain to spread out and find Balor’s scent. Carlin was in grave danger if she had left the safety of the cave home.

  Chapter 6

  Carlin had little trouble leaving the cave. Tarvor, true to his word, made certain she could get past the massive boulder. She wasn’t trapped. The florescent lighting aided her toward the entrance. She gazed long and hard in each direction of the forest. Carlin needed to get back and tell Stacy she was fine. Her friend would be pleased she had found a man—well, sort of a man.