27. Shane
Chapter 27
Shane
W alking away from Kaycia isn’t the hardest thing I’ve had to do, but it’s right up there with it. I didn’t think I’d ever feel as broken as I did leaving my pack and family behind, but this misery is awfully close. I saw the indecision on her face once I’d finished speaking. I didn’t want to make it harder on her by sitting there staring at her like a puppy she left on the side of the road when she walks away from this mess I’ve pulled her into.
The wind blows from the forest as I stare up at the sky, watching the stars I’ve missed so much blink into existence in the dark. The moon is nearly full again, but I’m empty inside. I usually find peace here, but tonight nothing will bring me comfort.
Closing my eyes against the burn of tears, I breathe in the scent of the forest and the clear pond behind the cabin. In the distance, Max’s truck doors open, then slam shut. The engine roars to life and the gravel crunches under the tires as he backs out of the driveway. I listen to the truck all the way down the drive, knowing in a few more moments they will be on the road and heading toward the city.
Soft steps are barely audible behind me. I can’t smell her scent with the way the wind blows, but I would have heard Quel’s bike start and follow the rest if she’d left.
“She ride back with J and Max?” I ask over my shoulder when the footsteps stop behind me, keeping my attention focused on the twinkling sky.
I don’t want Raquel to witness me break.
“I’m not leaving.”
My heart stutters—nearly stops—at the sound of Kaycia’s gentle voice. Raquel’s bike starts, then revs once, twice, before gravel flies and she’s down the driveway after the truck, leaving me with Kaycia.
“What are you doing, Kaycia?” I whisper, spinning to face her.
“Staying with you.”
“I–” I don’t have words. I want to argue with her and send her away, but Raquel and the others made it impossible for her to leave unless I take her. “I don’t understand. I told you it’s not safe.”
“I don’t care. I’ve spent my entire life playing it safe. I played it safe through college, through the years afterward in a job that stole my soul. I’m playing by my rules now, choosing my own path. And I choose you.” Her eyes are glassy with unshed tears as she speaks, her voice trembling. With a little laugh and half-hearted shrug, she adds, “If I’m already wrapped up in this why wouldn’t I stay where I want to be? If I’m going to be collateral damage for whatever revenge plot these people have out for you anyway, I might as well enjoy my time with you instead of running away to be miserable alone.”
Two strides are all it takes before I have her in my arms, holding her close and kissing her. Her mouth, her cheeks, her throat. Breathing in the scent I thought I’d only have in memories.
“Are you sure?” I ask, offering her another opportunity to leave, to make the smarter decision.
“I’m sure. Now, kiss me under the stars again.”
I oblige, cupping her cheeks and pulling her mouth to mine. When we break apart, I wrap my arm around her shoulder, tucking her in tight to my side while we stand in the silence of the woods. The breeze is pleasant and the sky is clear, putting the stars on full display. While it’s much quieter than in the city, the insects and night dwellers are out, chirping and singing to one another.
“It’s beautiful here,” Kaycia whispers. “Thank you for sharing it with me. For sharing all of it, Shane.”
“Let me show you the house. You can shower if you want, or we can sit by the fire?”
“Let’s shower,” she replies, turning her face so I can see her wicked smile and the gleam in her eyes. Taking that as an invitation I scoop her up, carrying her in my arms back to the cabin.
Without pausing to show her the living space, I march us straight to the small bathroom and put her on her feet so I can get the warm water running. When I turn back to face her, she steps forward pulling my shirt over my head and tugging at the button of my jeans. “You better not hog the hot water, McKinley,” she jests.
While I remove my boots and jeans, she strips out of her clothes until she’s only in her thong. My nostrils flare at the scent of her arousal, making my cock ache with want. “Gods, you’re beautiful. You remember what happened to the last pair of lacy panties that got in my way,” I taunt, prowling closer to her and pulling her against me. “Unless you want these torn off you, I suggest you strip and get in the shower.”
“Mmm, is that a threat or a promise?” She grips me in her palm, stroking over my length until I groan, but then steps back and takes her panties off, sliding past me with a hairsbreadth between our bare skin, and stepping into the heat of the shower. “Now, get in here.”