“No, you haven’t. You made a vow, and you kept it. You’ve taken care of my mate, as much as she’d let you anyway.” He grinned. “I know she’s hurt right now, but that woman is a force of nature. She’ll always do whatever she thinks is right. You couldn’t have stopped her from going to Alaska.”
“I know.”
“Connor, you know me. I’ve always spoken my mind. I never meant to die. That day when the Alpha Brethren attacked the lodge, I thought I had it handled. Even with the rest of you fighting them at the compound, I figured I could deal with the few guys who took the lodge. There was no way in hell I was going to let them hurt Lia and Charlotte. But then one of those sons of bitches got me right in the heart. All I could think in that moment was I’d never get to kiss my mate again. I’d never get to hold my kids. Even then, when the breath was fading out of my body, I knew you’d look after them. That thought gave me a lot of comfort at the end. I didn’t feel quite so alone. That’s down to you.”
“Jesus. Are you trying to make me cry?”
He laughed. “No. In fact, I came here to give you a gift.”
“What gift?”
“Can’t you see? The gift is right here on this table.”
From out of nowhere, Elaine materialized on the table. She was completely nude. Writhing in apparent desire, she held a hand out to Connor.
“Ah, fuck.” Connor backed away. “What crazy shit is this?”
“Hear me out,” said Lloyd. “I know you’re conflicted, but I can tell you care for Elaine. A lot. I see the way you look at her. Truth be told, you’ve always looked at her that way.”
No. Fucking. Way.
This was the worst nightmare ever.
Was it possible he’d always harbored an affection for his friend’s wife? Sure, he thought Elaine was amazing, but had he been so transparent with his interest that he’d offended Lloyd?
Had Lloyd noticed all of Connor’s surreptitious glances?
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.
“It’s okay. Dude, I know you’ve always been honorable, and I know you never put the moves on my mate, but I could still tell you cared.”
“Lloyd, I’m sorry. I never meant—”
“I know. Look at her, Connor. She’s beautiful and smart and fun. I fell in love with her, too.”
Connor dared a glance. She arched her back, displaying her breasts. Her mouth was curled in an inviting smile.
Jesus, God.I am in hell.
“I want you to know you have my blessing. With you, Elaine and the kids will always be safe and they’ll be happy. In the end, that’s all I ever wanted for them.”
Lloyd began to back away. The details on his suit, the buttons and pinstripes, began to fade.
“No, don’t go. Lloyd, please. We need to talk about this.”
“She’s yours, Connor. Fulfill your promise to me and make love to my wife. Protect her and share your life with her. If you don’t, I’ll come back and haunt your ass.”
“Lloyd, no!”
Elaine wiggled her hips. “Connor, make love to me.”
As Lloyd disappeared, Connor’s hands moved of their own volition. They tore at his belt buckle and pushed his jeans over his hips, taking his underwear with them. His cock, ramrod straight now, aimed at her. She spread her legs, and his mountain lion issued a low, gargling growl.
The vision flashed and vanished.
Connor awoke with a shout. He hurled his legs off the side of his bed, all too aware of the hulk between his legs, and cradled his aching head. Reaching for the light, he flicked it on.
No table. No naked Elaine.
