Cody (Cowboy Wolf Book 2) Read online

  Copyright © 2020 by BJ Wane

  All rights reserved.

  This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Illustrator: Joe Dugdale

  Editor: Sandy Ebel

  Table of Contents

  Copyright Page

  Cody (The Cowboy Wolf Series, #2)

  Disclaimer

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Epilogue

  More books by BJ Wane

  CODY

  Book 2

  Cowboy Wolf series

  BY

  BJ WANE

  Disclaimer

  This contemporary romantic suspense contains adult themes such as power exchange and sexual scenes. Please do not read if these offend you.

  Dedication

  I would like to thank my cover designer, Joe Dugdale, who worked with me to get the cover I wanted and to Sylv, my PA who keeps me sane, I view her as my personal publisher but I have complete control.

  You can contact them yourself at Sylv.net www.sylv.net

  Prologue

  “Would you shut up already?” Cody McCullough slid an irritated glance toward his partner in the passenger’s seat of their sheriff’s cruiser. “I swear, if you tell me how great this woman is one more time, I’ll belt you.”

  “Nah, you love me too much.” Doug smirked as they drove down the highway. “Besides, it’s your fault you weren’t at the club last weekend to meet her when I did. When I introduce you to Olivia, you’ll be sorry you didn’t hook up with her first.”

  Doubtful, Cody thought with a sigh. Until he met his mate, that one woman his parents assured him would complete him and his wolf in every way, he was content playing the field with the willing submissives at Boise’s private BDSM club, Spurs.

  “I was at the ranch, spending time with family, you moron. You should try it sometime.”

  Doug snorted. “Then I wouldn’t have met the perfect woman for me. Pretty, sweet, submissive to the bone...”

  “Yeah, yeah, I get it. She’s perfect. I bet you tire of her as fast as all the others. Speaking of morons.”

  The dash radar went off as they came up on an SUV, clocking the driver at fifteen miles over the speed limit. Doug flipped on the sirens, grinning at Cody.

  “Not this time, buddy. I think she might be the one.”

  “After one week?” Cody sent Doug a derisive look as he came to a stop behind the pulled-over vehicle and grabbed his ticket pad.

  “Let’s just say, for the first time, I’m considering it.”

  As they got out, Cody had to admit, just stating that was a huge concession for his best friend and partner, piquing his curiosity about Olivia even more.

  Tipping his Stetson down to shield his eyes from the sun’s glare, he squinted across the highway, spotting a herd of shaggy-coated bison grazing in a field that stretched as far as the eye could see. He never tired of looking across Idaho’s vast prairies with the mountains looming in the backdrop and the land blanketed by an endless blue sky.

  He cited the teenage driver for speeding and got back on the highway before turning to Doug with another question. “Is Olivia so special, you don’t plan on sharing?” Not long after the two of them joined the club eight years ago, they discovered how much they enjoyed menage scenes with submissives interested in experiencing two men, and often planned those scenes together.

  “She is special, but if she’s interested in exploring that aspect, I’m willing to indulge her.” Doug shrugged, as if one had nothing to do with the other.

  As much as Cody relished doubling up with his friend to please a woman, he couldn’t imagine sharing his mate, which made him silently question whether Doug was all that serious about his new girl. Still, he would give him the benefit of the doubt and play along.

  “I plan to be at the club tomorrow night, so you can introduce me to Olivia then.”

  “Sounds good. So, how was your family? You’ve been making more trips than usual to Snake River Valley since Gavin moved back to the ranch.” Doug reached for his bottled water and took a swig before offering a drink to Cody.

  “Thanks.” He took a long swallow and handed it back, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Everyone is fine. Mom and Dad made the trip down from their mountain cabin, and my sister, Jan, also showed up for the weekend. We had a good time.”

  Cody always enjoyed getting together with his whole family and letting his wolf run with them through the woods at night. Gavin, his older brother, had been in a good mood until Jan showed up with her mate and two kids. Then he had turned brooding, the same as he’d been doing off and on since returning to run the ranch last year after their father retired. He often wondered if the change in Gavin’s disposition was due to the woman he hooked up with on at the club on a regular basis, but whenever he asked, Gavin refused to answer.

  “As a spoiled only child, I can’t imagine the chaos of getting together with such a big family. I’ll have to take you up on your invitation to join you some time,” Doug stated as Cody pulled into the station and parked.

  “I’ll hold you to that. Come on, let’s clock out and grab a beer before heading home. It’s been a long day.”

  “You don’t have to ask me twice.”

  ****

  Staying behind at the station to book a drunk and disorderly the next evening made Cody late getting to the private club on the outskirts of Boise. Entering the two-story log structure, he paused inside the door, his gaze sweeping across the large gathering space as he searched for Doug. He figured he would get the introduction to his friend’s girl over with before finding a willing partner for the evening. He was more than ready to wield his flogger and give a willing sub the pleasure/pain she craved.

  He didn’t know what to expect when he saw Olivia for the first time, but when he spotted Doug sitting at the bar in the far corner with an auburn-haired, slender woman perched on his lap, the sudden heated sparks of awareness pricking Cody’s skin caught him off guard. Shrugging off the odd sensation, he started toward the bar, nodding to friends before halting halfway as the strange heat spread to his groin the moment his wolf stirred. Cursing, he moved forward, his animal going crazier with each step, digging his claws into his abdomen until the truth slammed into him with the jarring force of running into a brick wall.

  My mate.

  Shaken, Cody paused to take a breath and reel in the primal urge gripping him by the balls to snatch her away from his partner. As the truth and ramifications became clearer, his wolf went into a feral frenzy, demanding he do something. Like what, my friend? Snatch her away from my best friend and partner, bend her over and start pounding into her until she screams in pleasure? Yeah, his wild canine liked that idea... the rutting beast. Fuck. He was so screwed. Everything in him rebelled and raged against the injustice staring him in the face.

  His parents had never explained how he would recognize his mate—the one woman meant for him, and the only woman he would offer a commitment. Whenever he or one of his siblings would ask, their parents had always given them the same vague ‘you’ll know.’ He’d been looking forward to finding her for years, and the euphoric rush that heated his blood to the point of boiling cooled instantly as he pondered his situation. She was not only in a relationship with his best friend
, but was human. Could the obstacles standing in his way of claiming her be worse? He and his brothers were raised on lectures from their parents regarding the importance of keeping their heritage secret from human society. The poor choices two great-great uncles made in choosing human mates who were unable to cope after learning about their shifter abilities had caused a huge rift in the pack and accounted for their current low pack number

  Cease, he ordered his wolf, whose feverish reaction when Doug turned on the stool with his arm wrapped around his girl caused Cody too much discomfort. Seeing no way out of it, he tugged down the brim of his Stetson, hoping it shielded the turmoil he was suffering and was likely reflected on his face.

  “Cody, meet Olivia.” Doug pulled her against him as Cody watched her pearl-gray eyes widen and her pale face flush. “Babe, this is my partner and best friend I’ve been telling you about.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

  Olivia held out her hand, surprise and uncertainty turning her gaze stormy as soon as he touched her. Her fingers trembled against his, her quick deep inhale heard by both men. He could tell she didn’t understand the instant attraction or the sudden lust responsible for tightening her nipples against the red camisole top that matched her satin shorts. Her soft voice washed over him like a caress, releasing more frissons of heat to crawl under his skin, his mouth watering to take a satin-covered nipple between his teeth. His wolf growled with renewed aggression, stirring again before Cody stilled him with iron control.

  “The same, Olivia.” He gave her hand a quick squeeze and let go, that light touch enough to sear his palm. Looking at Doug, he came up with a fast excuse to leave. He had to get away before he did irreparable harm to their relationship. “I’ve had a long day, so I’m going to cut out early. I just wanted to stop in and meet Olivia. You two enjoy your evening.”

  Doug frowned at Cody’s sudden withdrawal after just arriving, his gaze turning speculative before he replied, “We’ll see you tomorrow at the game then.”

  Unable to come up with a feasible excuse to back out of their Saturday baseball game, Cody nodded, spun on his booted heel, and strode out of the club without looking back, the flash of hurt in Olivia’s eyes causing an uncomfortable ache in his chest.

  ****

  Cody high-fived his teammates as they walked off the field, his pleasure in being part of the sheriff’s undefeated team and his two homerun hits slipping as Olivia jumped off the bleachers and rushed forward. Her wide grin revealed two dimples as she beamed up at both him and Doug when they reached the exit gate. He looked away as she threw her arms around his partner and plastered that slender body against Doug.

  “Congratulations,” she whispered against Doug’s mouth before he covered those soft lips with a deep kiss.

  Swinging his bat over his shoulder, Cody kept walking, struggling to keep himself in check. Today he’d been prepared for his volatile reaction to seeing his mate with another man, but that hadn’t stopped his muscle-cramping, cock-hardening response.

  Doug thwarted his intention to slip away unnoticed by calling after him, “See you at Pizza Joe’s!”

  Shit. He had been hoping to get out of following his teammates to the popular beer and pizza joint, where they always congregated after a game. Giving Doug a thumb’s up without pausing or looking back, Cody got into his truck with a sigh of resignation. He would have to find a way to accept the obstacles keeping him from pursuing his intended mate. Even if she weren’t human, she was with his best friend, and he held to a strict rule of never poaching on another’s relationship. He still didn’t know what he would do if Doug asked him to scene with the two of them. Could he walk away after touching her, bringing her to orgasm, then stand by while Doug fucked her? God help him, he didn’t know if he possessed the character or strength to do that.

  He stalled as long as possible after pulling into Pizza Joe’s parking lot, waiting until he saw the last of his teammates entering before following them inside. As soon as Doug waved him over to the empty chair on the other side of Olivia, he realized the delay tactic had failed. Procrastinating hadn’t resulted in an empty seat away from the woman who should have been his. He clenched his jaw as he sat down, and his wolf’s deep rumble shook Cody’s insides.

  Doug looked around Olivia and glared at him. “What took you so long?”

  “Sorry. I had a call. Did you order me a beer?”

  “Here it is now, along with our pizza.”

  Doug’s disgruntlement made it sound as if it were Cody’s fault the kitchen and their regular server knew they placed the same order every week. Ignoring him, he smiled at the waitress as he sipped his brew, then reached for a slice of the all-meat pizza.

  Olivia’s soft voice filtered through the raucous laughter and talking going on around the table as she placed one delicate hand on his forearm, halting the bite from reaching his mouth.

  “If I’m the reason you’re keeping your distance, I’m sorry.”

  Surprised, he looked over her head at Doug, who raised one brow and shrugged. A frisson of guilt slithered through Cody, her light touch warm on his skin as he replied, “What? Why would you think that?”

  Dropping her hand, she didn’t look away from his probing gaze. “You left rather abruptly last night and have looked at everyone today except me.”

  If he was that obvious, he would have to come to terms with this situation sooner rather than later. Since Olivia wasn’t wolf, she knew nothing about their connection. He wasn’t sure what she felt, only what was going on with him.

  “I apologize if I gave you that impression. My partner is happy with you, that’s all that matters to me.” Cody reached up and squeezed her hand, glad to see relief erasing the cloud darkening her bright gaze.

  “And I’m very pleased with her.” Doug squeezed Olivia’s nape in affection.

  Cody picked up on the soft sigh that escaped her lips as she leaned into Doug’s grip. Her tense shoulders relaxed under the blue blouse, a telltale sign of how deep her submissiveness went. She’s perfect for me. Looking away from those smokey gray eyes, he took a long pull on his beer, shoving that observation aside.

  “I’m glad.” She smiled at Doug, then said, “I’m pulling a double tomorrow, so I’ll have to leave shortly.”

  “No problem, babe.” Doug released her and picked up his pizza. “Olivia is a pediatric nurse at St. Luke’s,” he told Cody. “She’s got to go in early, so we’re going to cut out soon.”

  Damn, another point in her favor. He could easily see her caring for sick babies with compassion and skill. “That must be difficult at times.”

  “Yes, but rewarding when we see a patient go home in good health. And not as difficult as working in the shelter.”

  Boise only had one shelter Cody knew of, a halfway house for women trying to get out of an abusive relationship or back on their feet from a financial or substance abuse problem. “Do you mean the Angel’s Wings house?”

  “That’s the one,” Doug answered with a proud look.

  Lifting a slice of chicken and spinach pizza, Olivia averted her gaze from both men as she bit into it, chewing with a little hum that went straight to Cody’s cock.

  Doug chuckled, winking at her. “Pizza is dining out for both of us. She’s into fast food as much as I am. Cody has an obsession with healthy eating,” he told her. “I have to listen to his lecture every time we break for lunch.”

  Cody met his partner’s amused gaze with a bland expression. “You also have high blood pressure and high cholesterol in your mid-thirties.” With an unrepentant shrug, he finished off his own slice and spoke with Mike sitting across from him. He didn’t relax until Doug and Olivia stood to leave fifteen minutes later, freeing him from the distraction of her soft voice and the occasional brush of her arm against his. If her eyes clung to him a tad longer than they should have given her relationship, he refused to read anything into it.

  ****

  Olivia forced her gaze away from Doug’s part
ner and walked out of the pizza place, struggling not to look back. She’d never experienced such a quick, strong reaction to a man, and her inability to either understand the draw or get it under control both baffled and annoyed her. She was happy with her first Dom. Doug had been patient with her questions and demanding in exposing her sexual submissive needs thus far. So why was she constantly thinking about Cody, getting hotter and more bothered after one intense look from of his blue eyes than she did when Doug touched her?

  Her physical attraction aside, the spasm of hurt that tightened her chest whenever he avoided her made no sense. She hadn’t even had time to wrap her head around the alternative lifestyle she was drawn to, let alone get to know either man well enough to find herself plagued with dreams about the one she wasn’t involved with.

  “Everything okay, babe?” Doug asked, holding the car door open for her.

  She worked up a reassuring smile, wishing the longing to go back inside and spend more time with his best friend wasn’t so strong.

  “Just tired.”

  “Then let’s get you home.”

  ****

  Cody put the truck in park and sat staring at the front doors of the club as if they led into hell. I can’t do this anymore. How many times in the past few weeks had that phrase run through his head whenever he saw Doug with Olivia, caught a look of longing and uncertainty crossing her face as she glanced at him, or she gave a hint of her submissive need? He had made up excuses to stay away from the club the last two weekends but couldn’t get out of their baseball games or attending the charity auction for underprivileged kids the department sponsored every year.

  He had learned a lot about her just from their limited conversations and observing her from a distance, the most telling that they shared little in common. She loved sushi—he hated it. He preferred late nights—Doug insinuated she was a morning person. She confessed to never owning a pet or wanting one—he grew up around animals and loved them. He would rather keep busy with a physical activity until turning in for the night—she teased him and Doug about loving to curl up in the evenings with a romance novel or chick flick. Picking up fast food was a rarity for him—a regular habit for her.