Suffering & Salvation (9 page)

“Who’s Isa?”

“Cougar,” Simi clarified.

“You named her?”

Simi smiled, glimpsing the wonder that she and Isa had felt not so long ago. “We can. You can. If you desire. We should listen more to our hearts. To the cougar inside all of us. We have much to talk about, little sister.”

Pride obviously divided, Dean stood before the Gathering. “Someone please
escort
our uninvited guests from here.” Alpha turned his attention to her father. “Never set foot on Pack lands again.”

Gavin stepped forward. “Or Flock.”

Her father sputtered. “B-But…but Flock controls most of the territory in this area. We’d have to move.”

Hawk tilted his head as if in acknowledgement. “So be it.”

Alpha turned his attention to Gavin. “I assume your father…”

Gavin nodded, eyes trained on Eama. “He will be. When he gets back, I’ll explain everything in detail to him. About what happened at the shelter…and what took place here today.”

“All right, then. I want them out. Now.” Dean focused on the defecting group of cougars around Simi. “Welcome to my home. Whichever family you choose, Pack or Flock, you’ll be well taken care of. We promise you safety and respect.”

The women shifted, feet scuffling, murmuring to one another, their uncertainly clearly evident. Simi caught snippets of their conversation, picking up on what worried them. She slid out of Brand’s arms and closed the gap between her and Dean, tugging his head down until she could whisper in his ear and convey their hesitancy.

He nodded and pulled the attention of the Gathering back to himself. Clearing his throat, Alpha raised his voice. “Excuse me, please. I’d like both Pack and Flock to remember that Pride’s ways are different from our own. No matter what, though they’re new to us, we must treat these women as equals.”

Gavin nodded as if in agreement, a wide, welcoming smile lighting up his face. “And I second it. And I know my father will as well.”

Directing his attention to the newly recruited, Dean added, “And here and now we vow, in respect to your bodies ladies, your word is law, your desires are first and they will never be disobeyed. The father of your cubs, the men in your homes, will be there solely at
your
choice.”

Simi breathed deep, her body tingling with the happiness she felt for her fellow cougars. Free women. So much hope shined in their eyes, their days of being passed around like chattel coming to an end. A tear slipped down Eama’s cheek, the soft features and belief in the promise her little sister had just heard reminding Simi so much of herself before she’d met Malcolm.

Simi kissed Dean’s cheek. “Thank you.”

Brand growled low, but the entire room heard and burst into laughter. Even Simi joined in, reveling in the simple joy of being cherished and wanted like a free willed woman, a person of matter and worth…and not like a fucking possession.

She hurried back to Brand’s arms and he swooped her up into a scorching kiss. One that Simi felt from her head to her toes, leaving her nearly breathless.

“Mine,” Brand said, passion in his eyes.

She stroked his cheek. “Always.”

He nodded and released her, the women tugging her into their circle, chattering like a small group of birds. Before long, one woman yawned and then another, each showing the wear that her father’s rule of Pride had wrought.

She waved her hand and got Dean’s attention. It was then that she noticed the Gathering had dispersed. She extricated herself from the women and approached her big brother.

“Dean, I’m sorry we ruined your—”

“Not at all, little sister. You showed your worthiness for Pack through your protection of what was important. And these women showed the same in choosing to leave Pride. Not an easy thing to do. Believe me, everyone, be it Pack or Flock, was proud to be here tonight. Can’t you hear the howls to the moon?”

She cocked her head, concentrating on the sounds coming from outside. There it was…the yips, howls and caws of happy animals…and all Simi could do was smile. They were her people now. Her family.

She nodded, agreeing with him.

“Good. Now, what can I do for you?”

“They’re tired, Dean. They won’t say anything, they’ve been taught never to speak their mind.”

“Of course, I can only imagine. Let’s get them settled for the evening, and tomorrow, we’ll start easing them into their new lives.”

Simi looked at them, different, yet similar versions of herself only days ago. It would take time, and love, to bring back their smiles. She was sure Pack and Flock would help them find the peace they so deserved. “Okay. They have choices to make…”

“And they’ll be given all the time they need. We’ll host a few get-togethers here, and also at Gavin’s father’s house. And hopefully, we’ll be able to make the transition easier on them.”

She nibbled her lip. “Could they…could they switch?” Dean frowned at her. “I mean, if they choose Pack, but their mate is Flock…”

Dean pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You were Pride, dear one. And now you’re with us. Doesn’t that answer your question?”

A growl sounded in her ear and she leaned back into her mate’s embrace. “Yes, Dean, thank you.” She turned in Brand’s arms. “You growl
entirely
too much.”

He chuckled. “Says the woman who nearly tore Margot’s head off for
almost
touching me.”

Simi sniffed, acting as if her feelings were hurt, pleading her case. “She was trying to take what was ours. It was all Isa’s fault.” Isa perked up, only to settle back down when Simi added, “No. Wolfie’s fault…and yours…for being so damn attractive.”

“Very funny. Ready to go home?”

“Yes,
very.
”

“Good.” He tugged her behind him, stopping by the group of ladies on the way toward the door.

Eama stepped away from the small crowd, nibbling her lower lip. So much like herself. Her sister shuffled over, worry etched in every line of her body. Simi anxiously waited for a younger version of her to approach. “S-Simi? Can I…um…can I stay with you? I haven’t chosen yet, but I’d feel…”

Simi didn’t have to look to Brand for approval or his opinion. Not only because she was coming into her own, but because she knew Brand wanted her to be happy. So, without a second thought, Simi reached out for Eama and took her sister’s hand in hers, and replied, “Of course you can, dear. Brand and I would love to have you stay with us.”

“I haven’t decided…”

“Take your time, sis. You’ve already made a really important choice for one day. And the right one, trust me.” Simi waved to get Dean’s attention, letting him know she was taking her sister home.

The ride to the house was short and quiet, none of them rehashing the prior events of the evening. Simi could only guess her sister was hungry and exhausted, and thanks to Gemmie, she was glad they still had some food leftover in the fridge.

Walking to the door with her sister by her side and Brand bringing up the rear, Simi was elated when Gemmie met them at the door. “Oh dear, oh dear. Another little cougar for me to take care of?” She gave Brand’s cheek a pinch. “I’m gonna beat you silly if you keep bringing people home, half-starved and scared out of their wits.” Like a whirlwind, Gemmie turned her attention to Eama. “Now, what’s your name, sweet?”

Eama glanced at Simi and she gave her sister a reassuring nod and a smile.

“Eama.” Her voice was so soft, so shy and innocent.

“She’s my little sister, Gemmie.”

“Of course, of course. I can see the resemblance. Poor thing. You must be hungry and tired.” The good-hearted woman wrapped an arm around her sister’s waist, dragging her to what Simi assumed was the kitchen. Simi waited for Brand to lock up, watching her sister’s retreating back. “Come along now, little one. We’ll get you fed and cleaned up. Oh, and I have the perfect room in mind for you. Looks out over the backyard, but it’s on the same floor as your sister’s room. And maybe tomorrow you can go for a run.”

“Gemmie?”

Without breaking stride, and not turning back to look at her, the female wolf replied, “I know what you’re gonna say, hon.”

“You do?”

“Yes, I do. No need to thank me, dear. Being able to help you and your sister here, in any way, shape or form makes me feel needed again. And this old wolf, crazy as it sounds, loves it.”

“Thank you,” Simi called out, but Gemmie and her sister were already out of view by the time she finished. “Thank you so much,” she added as her eyes began to swell.

The older woman seemed to instinctively know just what she and her sister needed. She supposed any good mother would, any selfless person worth a damn. Like her mate, Brand. Simi stood in the entryway, staring off into space, willing herself to remember a single moment she’d shared with Eama. She couldn’t. Was Isa not letting her, or had it just been that long since…

She felt Brand standing next to her now, but he was silent and still.

“Do you think she’ll be okay?” Her voice was quiet, soft, filled with worry.

“Yes. And I think that goes for you, too. Maybe the two of you reuniting, even after this long, will help both of you heal.”

“I hope so. We have a lot of catching up to do. I can barely remember… I can’t for the life of me remember anything meaningful from the time we shared together.”

He scooped her up and marched them toward the stairs. “Just give it time, my love. What matters is—”

She interrupted, “Is that she’s here with me now.” Her lips curled into a half-smile as she believed the words she spoke.

Simi wrapped her arms around his neck and relaxed into his strength. He carried them through the house and to their room, the large space being illuminated only by the moonlight.

He released her and she slid down his body, feeling every ridge and line of his muscular frame. When her feet found solid footing, she laid her head against his chest, listening to the beat of his heart—one that she knew beat solely for her.

Brand inched away from her, but she pulled him back, not wanting to lose touch with the man who already helped right so much wrong in her life. Isa paced from within, anxious to seal the bond they’d begun earlier that day.

“Brand?” she whispered, the calmness of the memorable night seeming to deserve the respect.

“Hmm?”

“I’m ready.” She made sure her attention stayed focused on his eyes, wanting him to see the sincerity in hers, all as he heard the truth in her candid words.

“You sure? So much has happened, Simi. Isa—”

She shook her head. “No, Isa’s anxious, but she’s not pushing me.
I
want this.”

“Oh, Simi. You stop me if I do something that frightens you, okay?”

“Nothing you do could ever frighten me. I trust you with my life and the life of our cubs.”

Cubs, she still couldn’t believe she was having cubs. Mixed bundles of joy for her to love. Then and there, she swore she’d dedicate her life to always be the mother she never really had. And with Brand by her side, she would do her best to cherish them for the rest of her days.

Words suddenly stopped being necessary. Full, tender lips captured hers in a gentle kiss, a loving caress. She leaned into him, allowing Brand to take her weight, to do as he willed. Her trust in him was implicit and all consuming. Isa purred in agreement, tail flicking, shudders of excitement rippling along her fur from within.

Brand moved slowly, his hands skimming the thin fabric of her dress. He stroked her abdomen, palms cupping the weight of her breasts. Her weak hold on her emotions coming undone, Simi trembled, breath coming out in a rush.

The desire, the need, caused her breasts to ache, the juncture of her thighs to tingle in sheer anticipation. And that need of hers grew with every kiss, every touch he afforded her.

“I want you, Brand.” Isa batted her eyelids, giving kitty kisses to the man about to claim them.

He captured her lips again, his hands exploring her body with tender care, kneading her breasts, thumbs circling the hardened nubs through the outside of the dress she wore. She twined her arms around his neck, pressing her chest against his talented hands, pulling him closer, fusing them together.

Tongues twined and tasted, and as she sucked on his, she reveled in his response, the pleasant mix of growl and groan that rumbled deep in his chest. She explored on her own, touching and rubbing every part of him she could reach. Measuring his shoulders, squeezing his muscles, she discovered her mate anew.

Brand pulled out of their kiss, nibbling and suckling his way across her jaw, then down her neck, causing her knees to buckle. He moved onto the juncture of her shoulder and neck, licking and biting, but not breaking skin. Isa purred and Simi squirmed in delight, that action shooting straight to her core. She whined, “Brand, oh, Brand.”

“Like that?” He licked and then bit again, harder this time, claiming but not, at the same time. She wiggled in his embrace, needing something, but not knowing exactly what.

It had never been like this with Malcolm. And to think, that asshole had been her first. Never any pleasure, sex with him had always hurt. Fast and painful, she’d hated every second of it.

Brand moved slow, as if wanting to savor every inch of her body. Simi shifted her hands to his shirt, tugging and pulling it free of his slacks, spurred by the desire to taste and bite his skin. She yanked and pushed the fabric up his abdomen, getting stuck when she reached his arms. She growled low, hands moving fast to the V of the shirt instead, ready to rip it off of him and tear it to shreds if need be.

Chuckling, Brand released her long enough to whip the polo over his head. Simi’s mouth watered, teeth aching to bite, Isa yearning to finish what they’d started. He bent down and quickly undid his boots and stepped out of them, then slipped his socks off. Practically shooting up back to his feet, Brand stood still, and a few seconds passed before she realized he was waiting for her to make the next move.

Understanding, Simi reached out, traced the bottom curve of one of his pecs, then followed the strong line until it disappeared beneath his arm. She chose a new line, this one bisecting his well-defined abdomen, the deep groove easing farther south, beneath the waist of his slacks. She wasn’t ready to go there, not yet. She stepped forward, both hands exploring, mouth kissing and licking, biting and suckling the skin of his firm chest.