His Captive Valentines

His Captive Valentines

By: Scarlett Gormley

ONE

Dakota Jackson loved his job more than anything else in the world. He took pride in everything he did and being a Park Ranger for the Great Smoky Mountains was the single greatest accomplishment in his life. It was a lonely life, but Dakota preferred it that way. He had never had much success when it came to interacting with people for too long.

That's what drew him to this job in the first place nine years ago. Fresh out of high school he knew he wanted to leave his small town and this was the first opportunity that came across his path. He had jumped on it immediately and quickly learned what it meant to be a Park Ranger in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

He was often prepared for anything, but the Polar Vortex that had gripped the entire eastern half of the country was not settling well with him or with the wildlife around. Now with a major winter storm threatening to blanket the entire area with at least a foot of snow he had to make sure things were ready.

That was the only reason he was out in this bitter cold as the snow began to fall nearly two hours ago. Widow Castleberry had called him earlier when she realized her pipes were frozen. He was no plumber, but he knew enough to get things worked out for her. He spent nearly an hour making sure the water was working and trying to get her to understand the need of a dripping faucet. The next hour had been her appreciation with more food than he could ever remember consuming at once.

Now, as he drove home through the blizzard, he was full and groggy. He hadn't realized how bad the storm had gotten and probably should have accepted the old widow's offer to wait out the storm with her. But he really thought he could make it back to his own cabin. It was only ten miles away and he'd driven through worse before.

Or so he had thought.

The road was solid white as he moved slowly down the trail. His truck inched further and further along as he kept things steady and even. Anything jolting in any direction would send him off into one of the ditches on either side of the road. He gripped the steering wheel tighter and continued forward.

Up ahead something moved. His attention jerked to where it was. A dark shadow against the white swirling blur of snow. Something big, four legs, and staring right at him with no fear whatsoever in her eyes. Yellow eyes.

A beautiful wolf stared at him. As Park Ranger it was part of his job to make sure the residents that lived and visited the Smoky Mountain National Forest were protected. Sometimes that meant doing things he preferred not to.

Not today though. He let his truck come to a stop as she stood there watching and gauging his threat to her. When she was satisfied that he meant no harm, Dakota watched as she bounded off through the snow covered trees. He knew she was hunting and probably had a den full of hungry cubs she was trying to feed and keep warm. Weren't they all just trying to keep warm and fed during this ungodly cold that had them all in a tight grip?

For the most part Dakota liked animals much more than humans anyway. If there were reports of the wolf he would investigate then, but now he just wanted to get back to the warm fire burning in his own cabin and forget about the cold outside for a while.

He only had a few miles left. Mostly deserted woods between where he was and his destination with the exception of one cabin that was often rented out to travelers. It was currently occupied by a nice couple he had checked in earlier that same day. He'd given them the same warning he had told Widow Castleberry, and so far they hadn't called him for help.

He let the truck start again down the white road and had nearly crossed the path the wolf had chosen when he saw it. A small pup that was looking for its mother. Ink black fur and bright yellow eyes. Barely big enough to be seen through the snow.

It all happened at once: Dakota slammed on the brakes which was a huge mistake. The truck pitched to the left and spun completely around. He gripped the steering wheel tighter holding on as he slowly spun out of control but the ice had taken him. The truck ended up in the ditch tailgate first.

"Damn it!" He shouted and slammed his palm against the steering wheel. It hadn't been a fast accident. He'd barely been moving, but the slope of the hill had added momentum when the brakes slammed on and the ice was too much to maintain a grip on.

He tried to get out of the ditch, but it only made the tires dig deeper into the frozen mud beneath them. He was going to have to be pulled out. He zipped up the heavy coat he was wearing and pulled the hat over his head to keep his ears warm. The air was a bitter, breath-taking cold when he shut the truck off and opened the door.

No sign of the wolf pup when he climbed out and back up to the road. At least he hadn't hit it. The snow and gravel crunched beneath his boots. His house was still three miles away. He wasn't made for this kind of weather. Tennessee didn't usually get multiple inches of snow with sub-zero temperatures.

He knew he'd never make it. The one cabin between here and there would have to suffice. He shoved his hands in his pockets and began hiking toward the nice couple he had met earlier in the day. He was barely half way there when he realized his entire face was numb. Snow gathered in his beard and he shivered from deep in his own core.

"Just a little bit more." He told himself over and over. The mantra driving him the last few steps when he had almost given up. His feet were numb, his nose was probably gone from what he could tell.

Then he saw it. Finally. Smoke billowed up out of the chimney and the lights were shining bright from inside the cabin. It could have been heaven itself for all he knew. Perhaps he had died and the cold hell was finally giving way to a warm oasis. He trudged toward the sanctuary one frozen step at a time.

"Hello?" His voice was scratchy and lost to the wind that whipped around the edge of the house. He knocked on the door but nothing happened. They had to be there, the car was buried under at least six inches of snow right there next to the cabin. He tried again, "Hello!"

Still nothing.

He walked around to the edge and felt the wind bristle against his face. It took his breath away for just a second and his lungs nearly burst when he gasped filling them with cold air. He stepped back around the corner and caught his breath before plunging himself back around the edge toward the back of the house.

On the back side of the cabin was the enclosed porch he had helped the owners build last summer. They had added a lot of other amenities before they began renting it out again to visitors. One of those upgrades had been a hot tub. The motor of the tub was running and he knew that's why they hadn't heard him. They were enjoying the warm porch and hot water while watching it snow.

It might have been better if he wasn't a frozen humancicle. He continued on around and heard the voices. Thank God!

"Please help me." He scratched out again and coughed loudly.

"Oh my God!" The woman screamed and jumped out of the warm bath. Water splashed over the edge as she reached for a towel to cover up her very naked body.

"What the hell?" the man said standing up in the tub. He was just as naked as the woman, but he made no move toward the towel before Dakota fell against the stairs leading up to the porch and crashed through the door.

"Help me." He gasped and everything went dark.

TWO

Mallory Roche loved her husband Beckett. If she didn't know anything else in life, she knew that for a fact.

She hated that he felt the need to work so hard to show her how much he loved her too. Was it so much extra effort for him to love her?

He had gone to all of the trouble of renting a beautiful cabin out in the wilderness of the Smoky Mountains. A romantic Valentine's Day get away. The perfect escape for both of them to forget all of the demands on their lives. Careers, families, and her mother continually badgering her about getting pregnant.

Yes, she was ready to forget about all of that. At least for now.

Beckett looked so handsome in the soft glow of light that came from the fire. The fire that he had built! She didn't know he was so good with his hands. But here they were, nice and warm, a thin sheen of sweat coming from his skin in such close proximity to the fire.

It was perfect. The cute cabin with so many modern day amenities, the crackling from the fireplace, the snow coming down outside.

Almost perfect enough to forget about the ghosts in her husband's eyes. He still had his secrets. Things he refused to admit to himself, let alone her.

That was something else she was trying very hard to forget about -- at least for now. There was a lot riding on this one weekend for her. A special Valentine's weekend that she knew would be the turning point in her life.

The beginning or the end?

She needed to know she had given everything to this marriage. All that she had. She wouldn't look back and wonder `what if.' No. Not her. She would do whatever it took to save this marriage if there was any way at all to do it.

"There is a lot going on in your eyes, beautiful." Beckett's voice shook her.

"Just looking at my handsome husband." She smiled.

"Oh yeah?" He smiled back at her. "What are you thinking?" He moved closer to her. The wood scent of his cologne wrapped around her and she inhaled it to fully submerse herself in the memory. His blue eyes were playful again. It had been so long since they were unburdened.

"The weekend is perfect." She said softly and then brushed her lips across his.

"It's just the beginning, lover." The nicknames were new. It felt forced but she would do everything. She had promised herself. "Let's get into that hot tub."

"That sounds wonderful." She said following his eyes to the back porch where the large tub waited for them.

Mallory sat there waiting for him to make the first move. His desire to be intimate was somewhat surprising to her. It had been a long time since they had done anything in that department.

At first she blamed their busy lives, then the pressure their families were putting on them to make babies, but recently she had wondered if there wasn't something else.

Someone else?

"I didn't pack our suits, but I don't think that will be a problem." Beckett said standing up and then extending his hand back to her. His smile was that same one he used to have. Back when they were first together. Back when they were still in love. Weren't they still in love now?

"No problem at all." She bit her bottom lip and placed her smaller hand into his. He helped her to her feet and then pulled her tightly against his body. She gasped at the sudden movement but then his mouth took hers. He kissed her deeply and furiously. For that moment she could forget about everything else and just enjoy the time with him.

He unzipped the back of her top and pulled it off. She stepped back only far enough to let the clothing fall away and then his warm hands moved down her body and pushed her pants down to the floor too.

He took a step back when she was only left in her underwear and looked at her. She wasn't embarrassed, he had seen her countless times. The desire was back in his eyes and when they met hers again the spark was back. This was the husband she had missed for so long.

He slid out of his own clothing, but he didn't stop at underwear and then he was naked before her. Naked and more than half aroused. Need pooled warm in her belly.

"Wait right here, gorgeous." He kissed her lips. "I'm going to turn the tub on."

Most surprising to herself was the fact that she didn't feel like she needed to cover up when he walked outside. Even when the cool outside air rushed around her. She knew that would be too much so she grabbed two large towels out of the cabinet beside the door and got them ready for when they were finished.

Age had brought experience. She remembered the time when nothing would have mattered but being with Beckett. Now she was more practical in laying out towels for when they were finished.

Beckett still had some of his youth and she enjoyed how carefree he could be. Even running outside into the snow completely naked and turning on a tub for them. She laughed and felt her chest lighten.

Yes, she would do everything for this marriage.

The lights flickered once when he turned the tub on and the jets made the water bubble. He raced back inside and rubbed his palms together. "Let's let the water heat up."

"Yes, please." She grinned, but then he was there. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her again. His naked body pulling hers against him and they kissed like they used to. Her head swam with desire and fantasy.

His tongue was magic when he teased her lips with it, and then his teeth moved to her throat where he nipped at that special place he knew she loved. She sighed in his arms and he smiled trailing small kisses down to her breasts. His fingers unclasped the bra and it fell away before his mouth covered her nipple. His name was a breath on her lips and her fingers stroked through his hair as he treated himself to both of her breasts.

"The water is hot now." He finally said pulling back and taking her hand. He led her outside where the bitter cold air almost had her racing back into the heat.

She would do everything.

The water was hot and perfect when they both slid under the bubbles. This time she pulled him to her and they kissed again. His hands moving down her body to remove her panties and let them float away on the suds. Her own fingers teased across his shaft and he took a sharp breath straight from her lungs when she wrapped around his girth.

He pulled back and they both looked when something seemed to crash just beyond the tree line outside. The large glass windows didn't keep much of the cold out, but nothing else moved as they stared in the direction of the sound.

"Don't worry, Mallory. I'll protect you from those bears in the woods." Beckett teased turning back and kissing her again. She let herself sink back into the moment. She couldn't let it pass. Not another half a year before her husband would touch her again.

He was right there. Her fingers teased him and then he was inside of her. She gasped and he swallowed her every thought as he took her. Her nails dug into the hard muscle in his back and her body opened for him. The cold winter air was fought off by the fire in her veins. Pleasure from her husband had her legs wrapping around his waist as he pushed again. He kissed her and loved her. His powerful body claiming hers.

"Please help me." A voice shook from behind her.

She turned and saw a familiar face. The Park Ranger who had checked them in that morning was stumbling across the path toward the porch. He looked dead and frozen like a zombie.

"Oh my God!" She untangled herself in such a rush. Water spilled over the edge of the tub as she jumped out and grabbed a towel.

"What the hell?" Beckett called out standing up and pushing himself in front of her shielding her from whatever was coming at them.

The Park Ranger stumbled up the stairs and crashed through the door leading to the room where they stood. "Help me." He gasped and then rolled onto his back unconscious.

THREE

Thousands of tiny needles were stinging him everywhere. He felt like his entire body was on fire but so cold at the same time. He couldn't seem to get warm no matter where he turned.

"What was I supposed to do, Mallory? Leave him out there to die?" A deep voice said just outside of his consciousness.

Where was he? Why was he wrapped together so tightly that he couldn't move? And where the fuck were all of those needles coming from?

"Shut up, Beckett. I think he's waking up." A female voice trailed the deeper one. Far less concern laced through hers.

Everything had been so cold but now it was warming up and somehow that seemed even worse. He brought his hand up to his head and rubbed it against the ache of his temple. Slowly he slitted his eyes open and found two very concerned faces staring back at him.

"Sorry folks." He said swinging his legs over the edge of the couch and sitting up. "I hope I didn't scare you too bad. My truck got stuck and this was the closest shelter to where I was."

"You gave us quite a startle." The woman said wrapping her robe tighter around her body and pulling the top together again.

"Mallory, be nice." The man said looking over at her and then back to Dakota. "How are you feeling now? We could heat up some soup or something? Coffee?"

"You're very kind, but I just need to get warmed up and then I'll let you fine folks get back to your weekend." He said standing up and walking over to the fire. He stumbled a little bit as his knees nearly buckled beneath him and he had to grab onto the mantle to stay up right.

"You're not going anywhere." The man said walking over to him and then helping him back to the sofa. "Mallory, make some coffee. You're going to stay with us until this storm passes at least."

"Beckett, may I see you in the kitchen please?" The lady said with a sharp edge to her voice.

"I'll make the coffee." He rolled his eyes. "Do you need anything else, sir?"

Sir? "Please, call me Dakota. But no thanks, some hot coffee does sound great."

"You sit here, Dakota, by the fire. I'm Beckett, this is Mallory. We'll be right back." Beckett smiled softly at him, but when he glanced up at the woman there wasn't the same kindness.

She nearly pulled Beckett out of the living room, but the cabin was only so big. Even though they tried to keep their voices down, he heard every single thing.

"What are you doing, Beckett?" Mallory whispered.

"Making coffee."

"You know what I mean. This is our weekend."

"Mallory, what the fuck was I supposed to do? Leave him out in a blizzard to freeze to death?"

"Well, no. But can't we help him get back to his truck?"

"He said it was wrecked, and there's no way anyone is moving in this weather."

Dakota felt like he was intruding on more than just their weekend. This private conversation about him was more than uncomfortable. Unfortunately there wasn't a way to make it end. The arctic air that had gotten lost and wandered down south made it impossible to spend any time outside. He'd already suffered that once.

"Here you go." Beckett said coming back into the living room with a large mug of coffee.

"I'm sorry for messing up your plans." He said looking up at Beckett and then over to Mallory.

"Hey, it's no big deal man." Beckett smiled and sat down on the sofa across from him. "It's a bitch out there."

"That it is. And it's only getting worse." He looked past the couple toward the window where the biggest snowflakes he had ever seen in person before were piling up.

"Well, you're staying here with us." Beckett said as Dakota took the first long drink of hot coffee. It was rich and dark just how he loved it. "At least until this weather clears."

"We don't have enough food." Mallory said shooting her eyes over to her husband.

"We have plenty." Beckett responded and gave her a look that said much more than his words did.

"Whatever," Mallory said standing and moving past both of them before closing the door that led off into the master bedroom.

"Hey man. I'm sorry." Dakota said. "I didn't mean to mess up your romantic weekend or anything."

"You didn't. I promise." Beckett smiled again. It was that soft smile that struck Dakota deeply. He could see why Mallory would be upset at him for ruining their weekend.

STOP IT DAKOTA! He quickly chastised himself. That kind of thinking had never gotten him anywhere good. He chose a life of loneliness for a reason!

The look that Beckett was giving him was not helping though! How could he keep his thoughts clean when those baby blues wouldn't let him go. Maybe Dakota could give into a thought or two?

"There's plenty of room here for you to crash with us. I know the extra bedroom is already made up by the host of this cabin. You're more than welcome to use it."

"Thanks, Beckett. I know the owners and they're pretty good people." Dakota said finishing the coffee and realizing the needles had finally disappeared. Everything was feeling better.

Much, much better.

"I promise as soon as the weather clears up tomorrow I'll be out of your hair."

"No rush, really." Beckett said. Dakota felt the heat as the other man looked up and down his body. He returned the favor and felt the room heat up rapidly.

"Well, if it's no problem, I really could use a shower and get out of these wet clothes." Dakota said standing up feeling much stronger now.

"Yeah, sure. Right this way." Beckett joined him and led him in the opposite direction of where Mallory had left. He showed him to the bathroom through the extra bedroom. "Everything you need is right here. I'll make some dinner while you're cleaning up as well."

Dakota thanked him and the hunky, married man smiled before leaving him to shower. How horrible was he for thinking the man would want to join him? Maybe one thought too many had been allowed free.

The hot water was better than an orgasm when he stepped under the shower. When the heat finally sank into his bones he grabbed the soap and took care of business. He didn't know how much hot water was available and it would be more than rude to use it all, so reluctantly he rinsed off and shut the faucet off.

The towel that had been left was much more luxurious than what he kept at his own place. He'd definitely have to find out what kind this was so he could stock up his cabin. A few luxuries in life were never a bad thing.

He stepped back into the bedroom but something wasn't right.

"Um, Beckett?" He called out, but no answer came. He walked over to the door leading back out to the main area. "Hey Beckett?"

"Yeah man!" The voice was pretty far off.

"Um, where did my clothes go, man?" Dakota asked looking back at the empty floor where he had left them.

"Yeah, here you go." Beckett walked closer and let himself into the bedroom pushing past him and walked over to the bed laying out some clothes that did not belong to Dakota. "I threw your stuff in the wash to get it cleaned back up, but until then here's some of mine to just wear around here..."

Beckett turned and found Dakota very, very naked.

FOUR

Mallory felt the cold first. It was the worst way to wake up. Cold and alone. She reached for her husband, but he wasn't there. The sheets were cold.

She slowly opened her eyes not wanting to face reality, but there it was staring her in the face. The bed was still made, he hadn't even come to bed last night. Despondency reached deep inside of her. Had she really messed up that bad?

This was not how this weekend was supposed to go! It was the time she needed to save her marriage, but instead it had been crashed by the Park Ranger. A very handsome Park Ranger, but still. She shouldn't be thinking like that! She is a married woman! She mentally scolded herself before rolling out of bed.

Her fuzzy slippers were the much warmer option against the cold harsh floor, and the fluffy robe would be nice. However, with an unexpected guest she chose the sweatshirt and jeans before leaving the cold bedroom.

The door opened across the cabin from where she entered the living room. Cold air rushed in quickly dropping the temperature. Two men entered and closed the door behind them before turning. They both looked surprised to see her.

"Good morning, sweetheart." Beckett said shrugging out of his coat. The other man followed his lead, but didn't speak. "Dakota and I got some wood chopped for the fire. Well, Dakota chopped, I stacked." He said turning back to smile at his new friend.

"Many hands make light work, as they say." The Park Ranger smiled at him and then glanced at her. She tried to smile, but his eyes changed too quickly. What was that in his eyes? Knowing? Curiosity?

Sympathy?

"I'll make some coffee." Mallory said turning toward the kitchen unable to bear anymore.

"Thanks, babe." Beckett said. He was in a very good mood. She listened to the two men talk as she scooped grounds and poured the water.

"The storm really did a number on us. It's been probably thirty years or more since Tennessee has seen this much snow." Dakota said. "With the temps still below freezing it won't be going anywhere soon."

Great. So, they were stuck here?

"Well, at least the power stayed on." Beckett said. She turned to see her husband crouched by the fireplace as he stacked the wood. Another unknown skill of his. How much did she NOT know about her own husband?

Her eyes met Dakota's and she saw it again. That same look like he knew everything, even Beckett's secrets. She had to look away when anger began to grow inside of her. How could a complete stranger know more about her husband than she did?

"Well, I think I'm going to go see if I can get my truck moved now." Dakota said standing back up. She didn't look at him but relief flooded through her. Maybe they could still salvage what was left of their weekend.

"Already?" Beckett nearly jumped up. "At least stay for breakfast."

She didn't need to look to know Dakota's eyes were on her. She could feel the heat, but it had nothing to do with the fire growing in the hearth.

"No, I think I'm going to go ahead and see how bad it is. You two have been more than gracious, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay here in the wilderness." Dakota pulled his jacket back on. "I really appreciate you guys letting me stay here through the weather. Here's my card if you need anything. I can bring some extra food, water, whatever." He flipped his wallet open and handed a small card to her husband.

"We're probably okay." Beckett said glancing back at Mallory. "Unless you can think of anything?"

"I think we'll be fine." She said and then turned to both of them. "Alone."

"Well, alright then." Dakota said with another look at Beckett and then turned to the door and left.

"That wasn't very nice, Mallory."

"What is going on, Beckett? Why didn't you wake me up this morning?"

"You were sleeping. I figured you'd want to rest." He shrugged and came closer. It wasn't for what she had thought though, he brushed past her and grabbed a mug and filled it with coffee before staring out the window over the sink.

"You didn't even come to bed last night."

"I tried to, but the door was locked." He said not turning toward her.

"No it wasn't."

"Are you calling me a liar?" Beckett turned to her finally.

"Well, no." She softened. This wasn't how this weekend was supposed to go at all. "I'm sorry. I was hoping things would be different."

"I know, but that doesn't mean we can just throw another person out when the weather turned like it did, Mallory. You saw how bad he was."

"I know. I'm sorry." She sighed. "I was hoping this weekend would be better. Just you and me."

"Well, you got your wish. Here we are." He said and then turned away. She watched him cross the cabin and grab his laptop before settling down on the sofa. Alone.

"Would you like to watch a movie or something?"

"No, I think I'll get some work done. You wanted your time alone." He didn't even look up at her.

She took a deep breath and made herself some coffee. If that was the way he wanted to spend Valentine's weekend then she'd let him. The answer was becoming clearer and clearer to her. Yet, she had promised to try everything.

Time ran slowly as they both sat there together but alone. The divide only stretching out as he lost himself in his work and she scrolled through social media.

"I'm getting hungry. Do you want some food?" Beckett asked nearly two hours later. His tone was even but he at least acknowledged her. Maybe they could make the best of it, maybe even get back in the hot tub.

"Sure, want some help?" She smiled softly.

"Okay." He stood up and she watched him walk back into the kitchen. "Oh my God!"

His voice had her jumping up from the sofa to race in with him, but he was already running back toward the door. She followed as quickly as she could. The door swung open just as he reached for it.

Her bubble was burst. The man had returned and brought with him the biggest gun she had ever seen in her life.

Dakota stared at both of them. "It's a no go on the truck for now. We're stuck here."

FIVE

Dakota hoisted the rifle over his shoulder and was just about to knock when the door swung open and two familiar faces greeted him. One friendly, one hostile.

"What do you mean stuck here?" Mallory asked him crossing her arms over her chest.

"Sorry, Dakota. What she meant to say was come on in." Beckett said stepping back and shooting her a look. She rolled her eyes and he knew it had been a bad idea coming back here, but what choice did he have?

Dakota walked in and sat the gun down by the door before sliding out of his coat and kicking his dirty boots off. "I tried, unsuccessfully, to drive my truck back out of the ditch. Thing is stuck in there good. So, I called the State Police to get a tow out. The roads everywhere are horrible. They said they'd get to me, but it would be at least twenty-four hours."

"That's no problem, you're more than welcome to stay with us." Beckett said as they both sat down on the couch. Mallory chose the chair furthest away from both of them.

"I appreciate that, Beckett. There's no where else I can get to before I'd quite literally freeze to death." He said moving closer to the fire. It felt great to be back in the warmth. "I am going to pull my weight though. That's why I brought the gun. I'll hunt for us."

"I've never been hunting." Beckett said with a wild streak in his eyes. "I'd like to join you if you don't mind?"

"No, of course. We can probably find something not too far away. The lack of people keeps the animals close by."

"You can't hunt." Mallory's voice cracked through the air. Beckett's eyes leveled on her. "You've never held a gun in your life."

"Doesn't mean I can't start." Beckett's tone was colder than what lay beyond the doors. "If you'll have me I'd love to get out of this cabin for a bit."

"Sure." Dakota said.

"Great, let's go."

"Now?" Mallory stood up.

"Now." Beckett said standing back up and moving to the door where he pulled on his coat. Dakota quickly followed feeling the tension growing higher. It felt warmer outside than it had in the cabin as both men escaped quickly.

"Listen man, I'm sorry for all the trouble I'm causing. I can figure something else out." Dakota said as they made their way back down the driveway on foot. He didn't know what he would do, but he hated the position this put all of them in.

"Dakota, you have nothing to apologize for. My wife and I have some big problems that started long before we came up on this mountain. Even if you weren't here it wouldn't have been any better, trust me." Beckett's eyes were kind with a trace of sadness. "I'm actually grateful you're here. If we're going to be stuck at least we have someone who knows about wilderness survival."

"Well, that I do." Dakota smiled. "There's a clearing about a half mile west of here. We should start there."

"Lead the way."

The terrain was easy to hike across even as the snow crunched under their boots. The wind was soft, but just enough of a bite through them. Dakota zipped his goose-down jacket up to his chin and turned to make sure Beckett had done the same.

"Fucking cold." Beckett laughed.

"You okay? Not much further, I promise."

"I'm good."

He saw the determination on the other man's face. Thankfully it wasn't long before they arrived where he knew they would find luck. "I've hunted here many times. There's a natural blind right over here where we can be hidden but still see everything."

"Great." Beckett's overenthusiasm said everything. He had no idea what they were doing, but he wasn't holding them back.

Dakota led them to the ditch that gave them the perfect shelter near the watering hole many of the nearby wildlife would use. He got them settled and made sure everything was right for when the time came.

"Well, now we wait. It's the worst part." Dakota said as he sat down on one of the logs he'd added last spring.

"Waiting isn't all that bad, right?" Beckett said looking out across the clearing. "It's a beautiful place up here." The sorrow in his voice broke Dakota's heart. There was a lot more to this man than what seemed to be there. He had secrets, deep secrets.

Dakota knew plenty about secrets.

"I envy you, Dakota."

"Me? Why's that?"

"You have the perfect life up here. Open and free. You don't have to hide anything. No pressure from people to be something you're not." Beckett's words grew thicker with emotion. When he turned to look they were closer than he realized.

Dakota swallowed thickly. "What are you hiding?"

The air around them was still and quiet. His heart thrummed in his ears when he stared into those deep blue eyes. Everything he had been hiding threatened to race forward.

A breath rushed out of Beckett and he whispered, "Too many things."

"I know what that's like." Dakota couldn't believe how easily things came with him. The parts that he had locked up forever seemed wide open when he was around this stranger. This man.

"Yeah? You have to hide too?" Beckett scooted closer. The heat in the small ditch rose around them as the tension thickened the cold air just outside of their oasis.

"I hate the hiding. The secrets. Not being able to share the truth. Not being..." He paused. His face was there. Dakota leaned closer.

"What?" he breathed. "Tell me, Beckett."

A twig snapped just beside them and both men turned to see the large stag standing only feet away. Dakota reached over and covered Beckett's mouth just in time before he said anything and scared it off.

"Shhh," he whispered and Beckett nodded. Dakota silently reached for the gun and brought it up. The entire forest seemed as quiet as a crypt when he lined the deer up.

The gun exploded and the deer dropped. Beckett's eyes were wide when he turned back and he grinned at him. "Tonight, we eat like kings."

SIX

Mallory could not have been more surprised when the two men returned with a large deer. Or so she thought, but then she had watched as Dakota taught her husband how to break it down for food.

Now the cabin smelled delicious with venison tenderloin frying away under Dakota's skills and Beckett working closely beside him to prepare the sides. They were making the best of it and she couldn't understand why her big romantic weekend had turned into a boy's trip.

"Do you guys need any help?" She asked trying once again to insert herself into the activities.

"I think we've got it, Babe. You just sit back and relax." Beckett smiled and then turned to Dakota. "Let the men prepare our kill for you."

"Um, right." Mallory sighed. She watched a few more minutes as the two men cooked. They seemed to orbit around each other in perfect choreography. It was hard to watch. "I am going to take a shower."

Both of them looked at her but she was already back into the bedroom. She knew it was a lost cause by this time. She had tried. She had promised herself that she would and now she could confidently say that she had.

Mallory took her time in the shower. It's not like they would be waiting on her. If anything she felt like the intruder at this point. At least the cabin was nice and the water was hot. It fogged up the windows against the bitter cold still wrapped around the cabin.

When her fingers were wrinkled from the water she finally stepped out and took her time drying off. She wrapped the fluffy towel around her body and left the warmth of the bathroom.

Beckett entered the bedroom just after she had gotten dressed and thrown her hair up into the towel to soak in the rest of the water. "You're being rude."

She blinked four times before she spoke. "Me? How am I being rude?"

"Don't pretend like you're the victim here, Mallory. We both know why we are here this weekend. What is riding on this."

"Do we?" She spat back at him. "If this weekend is so important to you then why are you ignoring me?"

"I am not ignoring you. You're the one running out of the room and finding every excuse not to spend time with me."

"Spend time with you?" She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You're the one spending our romantic weekend with your new buddy out there!"

And then it all clicked into place for her.

Truth is a bitch when you can't hide from it anymore. Yes, a real bitch!

"You're gay." She said letting it all come out. She turned to study his face. He might be able to lie to her with words, but his face never had been able to. "That's it. Oh my God. You're gay, Beckett."

"What are you talking about?" His eyes broke unable to look at her. The first sign.

"You're gay? You're gay!" She couldn't stop saying it. The truth continued to tumble from her lips. No matter how badly she didn't want to admit it, there it was in plain sight for both of them. "That's why you've been spending so much time away from me back at home. Why you're more interested in that Park Ranger out there right now."

"You've lost your mind." Beckett laughed nervously. It was another sign he never could cover up.

She continued to stare at him as he stared down at the floor. "Did you fuck him?"

That did it though. His eyes flashed back to hers. Anger and betrayal struck her heart when she saw the pain there. But his voice was calm. It was another tell of his, one of sincerity. "I have never cheated on you, Mallory. Not with anyone."

"But you want to. You don't want me, you want a man. You're gay, Beckett."

"Stop saying that! I am not!"

"No, Beckett. Wait!" She called out, but he was already gone. Mallory chased out after him, but he hadn't stopped. The front door slammed behind him before she made it into the living room.

Dakota was standing in the kitchen. His eyes were wide. The cabin was just too small, of course he would have heard everything.

"Um, I'm really sorry." He said shuffling forward. "I didn't mean to mess up your weekend."

"It wasn't you." She sighed. "There have been a lot of factors leading up to this." She sat down on the sofa and put her face down in her hands. She had promised herself she would do everything she could to save her marriage, but she couldn't be a man. The towel tumbled off of her hair and she used her fingers to comb it back out of her face.

"Is there anything I can do?" Dakota asked walking over and sitting down in the overstuffed chair beside her.

"Yes," it clicked into place for her. "You could help me with something." The furrow of his brow told her he certainly hadn't been expecting that response. If he was already surprised he'd be floored by what came next. "You could seduce my husband."

"What?"

"Please, Dakota. You don't understand what he means to me. I can't lose him. Not if there is anything I could do." She had promised herself she would do everything, right? She hadn't expected it to be this, but a promise is a promise. If there was a shred of hope she would hold onto it for dear life.

"I don't sleep with married men." Dakota's voice was stern.

"Please. You'll be saving my marriage."

SEVEN

What the fuck was he supposed to do with that?

Dakota had been pacing up and down the driveway just trying to get some fresh air and some space from what Mallory had asked for. How could he do that? He had chosen this life on purpose! No attachments. No unnatural desires haunting him. Or at least no action taken against those desires.

He had worked so hard to keep all temptation away and to keep himself away from it. He had been very, very careful never to put himself into those situations. Yet somehow the devil had found him.

His family would never understand. They had wanted something very different for him. Things he couldn't bring himself to want. He never wanted to be one of those men who lied to a woman to make her happy while he died a little more inside every day. No, he wasn't that kind of man. He preferred loneliness over death.

Now? With the opportunity right here in front of him? So willingly asked for and even encouraged?

It was all cloudy in his mind and he couldn't find the clear path out of it. He wanted both prongs of the fork in the road he currently found himself. He didn't want to hurt anyone, yet he would be more than willing to succumb and give both of these beautiful strangers what they wanted.

"Dakota?" He heard the deep voice and closed his eyes with a sigh. The temptation had returned.

"Beckett, there you are." He said turning to face him. He looked cold and his eyes were red like he had been crying.

"What are you doing out here?"

"Just giving Mallory some space...and looking for you." He shored up the concern quickly. "I am really sorry about all of this."

"Stop apologizing. You are not the problem. Mallory and I are just very different. I don't think it is going to end well for us." Beckett slid his hands into his pocket and stopped in front of him. His eyes said it all, and Beckett knew what it meant.

"No. Don't say that." Dakota put his hand on Beckett's shoulder and squeezed. It was the first time he had touched him. The first time he had touched any man in so long. So very long.

Their eyes met and Beckett stepped closer. He felt so warm. Dakota was drawn to him. How could it be unnatural? Beckett's hand came up and he brushed against Dakota's full beard. His full lips parted just enough to breathe and then they met.

Beckett pulled him in and they kissed. Fire exploded inside of Dakota and he moaned pushing against the other man. He drank his kiss like it was the last drop of water in the long desert he had been traveling. Their hands moved all over each other and even when the icy wind blew neither man felt it.

"Dakota." Beckett said pulling back when they both needed air.

"Wait," Dakota stopped him. The years of building up stone hard walls around himself seemed pointless as they all began to crumble down. "I don't want to hurt you...or Mallory." His eyes darted to the cabin where he knew she was waiting. She had given permission, even begged for his help, but could he really do this?

"Dakota," Beckett breathed pulling his face back to his. "I love my wife, but I can't tame this monster. I have tried my entire life. Seeing you puts it all into perspective. I can't hide anymore."

"What if you didn't have to?"

Beckett's thumb ran over Dakota's lips and then they kissed again. This time soft but deep. His own heart galloped against his ribs as the married man slipped his tongue past his lips. He suckled on it lightly and that only made Beckett moan which drove him crazy.

Their bodies came together. He felt the other man's arousal grinding against his own and it had never felt better. Beckett's hands tangled through Dakota's hair and tugged enough to pull him even deeper into the forbidden kiss. Dakota wrapped his arms around the man and felt how perfect he fit there.

"I want you." Beckett said pulling back. His deep blue eyes were almost gray now as they searched for acceptance with the man he shouldn't be with. It was just too perfect.

"Come on," Dakota led him back toward the cabin, but Beckett stopped him when they got on the porch.

"Mallory is inside."

"I know." He said pulling the man into the heat of the cabin. When they entered she looked up from where she sat in front of the fire. Her eyes thanked him and then he turned and took Beckett's mouth again.

Dakota pushed him against the door closing it and kissing him deeply. Both men lost themselves and continued where the cold had cut them off only seconds before. He ground himself against the man and kissed again and again. He mouth tasted like heaven and when he suckled on his tongue both men groaned.

"Please," Mallory said breaking through. "Come closer so I can watch."

Beckett turned pulling Dakota's face with him. They both stared at her as she motioned toward the sofa. "Mallory?"

"Please, Beckett. Let me share this with you. I am your wife."

"But, what, how?" Beckett muttered as both men walked closer and slipped out of their coats.

"I would do anything for you," Mallory said running her hands over Beckett's chest. "Even share you."

"But, how could..." Beckett started, but Dakota pushed in and kissed him again. He felt all of the walls crumble down and finally his true self was bare and exposed for this couple, this beautiful man.

"Stop thinking. Let's enjoy this." He smiled and pulled Mallory in and kissed her as well. He had never kissed a woman before, but this was a once in a lifetime opportunity with people he would probably never see again.

"Wow," Beckett breathed watching them.

And then their hands moved.

Clothes flew in all directions until the three of them were down to their underwear. Dakota pulled Beckett in, his clean scent washing over him and kissed. Their chests met skin on skin for the first time. He was smooth against Dakota's hairy pecs. Both cocks covered by thin fabric rubbed again and he felt himself leaking.

"That was hot," Mallory said. "Do it again."

This time when they kissed Beckett's hand moved between them and slipped under the waistband. He gasped feeling the strong hand wrap around his length. The first time in a very long time someone else was touching him like that.

A new man grew within Dakota as he gripped the back of Beckett's neck and kissed him deeper than ever before. Their lips parted and tongues lashed against each other. Both fighting, both giving, both loving.

Beckett finally pulled back and looked beyond him. Dakota turned and they both saw Mallory sitting on the sofa with her hand between her thighs. "Are you sure?" he asked his wife.

"I wasn't, but now I definitely am." Mallory looked at where Beckett's hand was still in Dakota's briefs. "Let's see it all."

Dakota felt the tug and then his briefs were gone. Mallory gasped and Beckett moaned before falling to his knees. "It's fucking gorgeous," he breathed and moved his face closer and closer.

Dakota moaned feeling Beckett's breath against the throbbing tip of his cock. He had to think and close his eyes so he didn't lose it before it even started.

"Oh fuck!" He gasped and his eyes shot open staring down to see Beckett's mouth wrapped around the head. Their eyes met and the tight heat pulsed through his entire body. He couldn't stop himself as his hips pushed forward wanting more of the exquisite feeling. He glided along the man's tongue and felt him tease the underside.

Dakota gripped the back of Beckett's head and pushed deeper. He moaned perfectly feeling the man's throat and teasing there. "Oh God, so fucking good!"

"Wow," Mallory breathed watching. He saw her hand moving under her own panties now as he fucked a little harder into her husband's mouth. Beckett closed his eyes and Dakota felt his cheeks hollow as he took him even deeper.

"So close." Dakota gasped and fucked deeper. He heard Beckett choke and then felt the way his throat gripped him even tighter when the man gagged. "OH FUCK!"

"Take it," Mallory moaned, her hand moving faster now. Dakota glanced over and saw her eyes staring straight at her husband's mouth. "You swallow all of his cum, honey. Suck that dick. Drink all of that cum like the good cocksucker that you are."

Dakota lost his fucking mind and exploded into the moist heat of Beckett's throat. He growled and threw his head back as Mallory's voice grew louder and her instructions continued.

EIGHT

Mallory couldn't stop. The rush through her chest was even more powerful than she had felt on her wedding day. The wedding to the man who was now on his knees for another.

Why was that so fucking hot?

She watched as the love her life swallowed every drop of Dakota's seed and then sat back. His cock was harder than she'd ever seen it in his fist.

"God that's so hot." She heard Dakota say and her eyes moved up to his. He was staring right at her.

"No, that was hot to watch." She pointed back at them and smiled.

Beckett moved in front of her and then pushed her hand out of the way and pulled her panties down. "Thank you, dear. Thank you for sharing this with me." He smiled and lowered his face and she felt it.

The sofa dipped beside her and Dakota was there. Kneeling.

"Eat her pussy, man." Dakota said and Beckett moaned into her as his mouth covered her sex and his tongue teased through her. Stars exploded around her and she gasped just as Dakota moved and then his cock was in her mouth. "Let's see who sucks dick better."

"Fuck yeah," Beckett said and then pushed his mouth on her again as his eyes looked up and she started to suck Dakota.

"There you go baby. God that feels good." Dakota sighed and pushed deeper into her mouth. "MMMMMM Beckett, can I feel your wife's throat?"

"Oh fuck yeah man." Beckett said and Mallory swallowed when Dakota pushed deeper. She wasn't as good as her husband, but the man took his time with her. She felt Beckett's attentions increase as he watched.

"God that is so good!" Dakota moaned loudly. "Beckett, can I touch your wife?"

"MMMMM please." Her husband breathed and then hands pulled her bra away and Dakota palmed against her bare breasts. She felt the pleasure course through her body. Things she never expected had her more aroused than ever before.

Dakota's hands moved further down and down until Beckett moved. The man's hand covered her and rubbed as she sucked him deeper. Then the two men kissed again and she moaned feeling a finger slip inside of her.

"Beckett," Dakota said pulling back. She paused where she was and listened. The thoughts only pushing her higher. "Can I fuck your wife."

"Yes," she moaned moving away from his cock and answering for him. He throbbed near her face and both men looked at her.

Her husband moved and her entire body went white hot when the sexy Park Ranger settled between her thighs. "Are you ready, Mallory? Ready to feel another man inside of you?" He didn't wait for an answer. Her thoughts exploded as he slid into her. "MMMMMM Bare!" He cried out when their hips met and he was fully inside of her.

"My God," Beckett said moving closer to them. Mallory reached for him and he was there as Dakota started thrusting. She kissed her husband as Dakota fucked her.

"Fucking tight, baby." He moaned. "So wet."

"Feels. So. Good." She gasped between each thrust as she stared at Beckett.

"Here, your turn." Dakota said pulling out. Beckett moved between her thighs and slid in quickly. Dakota stood up next to him and put his cock right in her husband's face. Molten lava replaced her blood when she saw it next. "Here. Suck your wife off my dick."

Mallory felt him thrusting harder into her as he followed the command. It was so fucking hot watching her husband do that right in front of her face. Her pussy quivered and she didn't know how much more she could handle.

"My turn." Dakota said, but when Beckett went to move he stopped him. "You stay there."

"I thought you wanted...OH!" She heard her husband gasp and had to look up again. Dakota was now behind him. Her eyes locked with Beckett's and she saw his widen when Dakota moved closer. She smiled and wrapped her legs around his waist and reached for him.

She pulled him down and they kissed as the man moved. Her nipples were as hard as bullets and Beckett thickened inside of her as she felt both of them move. He moaned into their kiss.

Then they jolted. Beckett moaned loudly and pulled back. Her nails lightly racked down his chest. "FUCK MAN! Yes! Oh God! Fuck me!" Beckett cried out. His cock never went soft inside of her as Dakota began to move.

"So fucking tight." Dakota gritted his teeth.

"Shit!" Mallory screamed and the orgasm slammed into her.

"That's it baby, cum all over his cock." Dakota growled and hammered harder. Their bodies all moving together. Beckett growled in her ear as his body gave in and he filled her. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, holding him tight against her body as Dakota fucked.

"It is so hot watching him fuck you babe." She whispered right into Beckett's ear and he spurted again. She felt his warmth flooding into her and held him tighter.

"Gonna cum! FUCK! I'm gonna shoot!" Dakota roared and then threw his head back and his back bowed. His fingers dug into her husbands hips as he emptied everything he had left inside of him.

Dakota collapsed onto Beckett's back and she felt all of the weight on her. It felt surprisingly good and safe.

Dakota finally pulled away and then Beckett moved. Her legs cramped as she sat up from being splayed open for so long.

"That was incredible." Dakota said looking at them back and forth.

"Happy Valentine's Day." Mallory chuckled.

THE END

Thank you so much for reading my story. I hope you enjoyed it.

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Scarlett