"You can't walk away, Cameron."

Turning, Cameron slapped a hand on his ass. "Keep your eyes focused on this and watch as it disappears." When Cameron tried to open the door, Rowdy slammed it in his face, keeping him trapped in the bedroom. "You know," Cameron said as he turned around. "Some might consider this kidnapping."

"Call it what you want."

Cameron took a step to the side when Rowdy's eyes began to glow. The man looked feral, as if he were about to attack. He wasn't sure why, but Cameron held his suitcase up, like the damn thing could protect him. "Back off."

As Cameron backed up, Rowdy followed, stalking him across the room. "I won't have my mate putting himself in harm's way."

Cameron lowered the suitcase and gasped at the same time. He blinked and stared at Rowdy like the man had just grown two heads. Rowdy appeared just as stunned, as if he hadn't meant to reveal that tidbit of information. They both were silent, looking at each other.

"You bastard!" Cameron held his suitcase up and then flung it at Rowdy. It fell short, landing hard on the floor. "You rotten son of a bitch. When were you going to tell me? Or were you gonna keep me in the dark for the rest of my life. You know what?" Cameron shook his head. "Don't even bothering answering me. It doesn't matter because I'll never mate you."

Hurt filled Rowdy's dark-grey eyes before he masked his emotions. The man had the nerve to shrug. "Fine by me."

Spinning on his heel, Cameron raced for the door. He had to get away before he murdered the man. If he thought Rowdy had been hurtful before, that was nothing compared to what he'd just said. Red-hot tears gathered in Cameron's eyes as he flung the door open and took off down the hallway. He raced outside, feeling the cold sting of the wind as he ran. He wasn't sure where he was going. It was possible that he was trying to outrun the pain. All he knew was that he'd left his damn coat inside and wouldn't be able to stay out in this weather for much longer.

He headed for the main house. Cameron needed Taylor. He wanted his best friend to tell him that Rowdy was lying. But deep down, Cameron had a feeling that Rowdy was telling the truth-which only made his statement hurt that much worse.

When Cameron hurried onto the back porch, he changed his mind and turned, racing toward the driveway. The main house wasn't nearly enough distance away from Rowdy. Cameron wanted continents between them.

"Cameron!"

Cameron ran faster when he heard Rowdy calling out to him. His pain was turning to anger, and if that cowboy came anywhere near him, Cameron just might neuter the man.

Rowdy caught up to him and grabbed Cameron's arm. Cameron spun and slammed his fist into Rowdy's jaw. "Get away from me!"

A few men came out onto the back porch to watch. Cameron didn't care. His anger had a hold of him and he wanted to hurt something, someone.

"I'm sorry," Rowdy said as he wrapped his arms around Cameron, stopping Cameron from taking another swing. "I didn't mean that. I swear I didn't mean that."

Cameron bucked and kicked, but Rowdy's arms were like steel bands. He clenched his jaw, waiting for the man to release him. Cameron didn't want to hear any apologies. What he wanted was to be as far from Rowdy as possible. "Let. Me. Go."

"I can't." Rowdy's arms tightened. "I've already lost one person I loved. I won't lose you, too."

Cameron tried to slam his head backward to get Rowdy to release him, but the man held firm. "Fuck you and any excuse you have."

"I deserve that," Rowdy said. "I deserve a lot of things, but you aren't one of them. You're too damn good for me and I don't deserve to be happy with you."

"What kind of screwed-up thinking is that?"

"Very," Rowdy said. "I let someone I loved be tortured to the point he committed suicide. I was a coward and I'll always carry that burden on my shoulders. Don't you see? Why on earth should I allow myself to mate you when I don't deserve it?"

"And what about me?" Cameron bit out. "Screw me, right? Go ahead and flagellate yourself for something in your past. But in the meantime, forget that I even exist, right?"

Cameron wasn't even sure why he was arguing the point. He didn't want to be Rowdy's mate. The man was truly fucked in the head and there didn't seem to be anything Cameron could do about that.

Save yourself. Don't let him drag you down.

Rowdy didn't answer him. He just held onto Cameron until Cameron's adrenaline began to fade and the cold began to seep into his bones. He started shivering as he stood there in the driveway, gazing at the entranceway.

"One more chance," Rowdy asked and Cameron could hear the pleading in the man's voice. "I'm just asking for one more chance with you."

"So you can do what, ignore me, treat me like a stranger?" Although they were. He didn't know anything about Rowdy.

"I know I don't deserve you, but all I'm asking for is one more chance."

"No," Cameron said, "you don't deserve me." Cameron felt himself crumbling. He might be a fool for this, but he finally said, "Fine, one more chance. But if you fuck me over this time, then I'll just date myself."

Rowdy pressed a kiss into Cameron's neck. "Let's get you inside where it's warm."

"Is that some sort of ploy to get me into bed?"

"No," Rowdy answered as he released Cameron and led him back toward the bunkhouse.

"Why not?" Cameron asked.

Rowdy smiled and Cameron couldn't help but smile as well. The guy was downright handsome. Crazy, but handsome.

Rowdy had sworn not to get involved with Cameron. But when the man had threatened to walk away, Rowdy couldn't imagine a life without his mate. He'd lashed out at Cameron, and now Rowdy would do whatever it took to make that up to the guy.

After drawing Cameron a warm bath, he lit the fireplace. The room became toasty as his mate bathed. Rowdy glanced at the bathroom door, chewing on his lower lip. Hell if he wasn't tempted to go in there. So why hadn't he?

Since he couldn't answer that question, Rowdy stripped. He'd asked Cameron for another chance and he wasn't going to screw this up. His demons still haunted him and there was a part of Rowdy that didn't think he deserved this, but he wasn't going to make Cameron suffer.

He walked to the doorway and leaned his arm against the frame. Rowdy stood there and studied his mate. Cameron was lying back in the large tub, his eyes closed as the steam rose from the water. The guy must've made the water hotter after Rowdy drew the bath.

He took in Cameron's lean frame, dark hair, and sexy features. Sweat trickled down the man's face as he lay there. The longer Rowdy stood there, the harder he became. He still didn't deserve Cameron. Not by a long shot. But he wasn't going to screw this up. Cameron was the one who deserved to be happy.

"Gonna stand there and ogle me all night?"

Rowdy grinned as he walked further into the bathroom. "I'd planned on it." He could gaze at Cameron for hours and never tire. Rowdy's eyes slid over Cameron's body. He felt his groin tighten as he took in the man's bobbing cock.

He just might ogle the man all night. Cameron was definitely something gorgeous to look at. Rowdy moved to the tub and slipped into the water. Rowdy had had no input when it came to the design of the house, but he was damn glad the tub was oversized.

When he settled back, Cameron moved toward him. He glided through the water before straddling Rowdy's lap. His hands smoothed over Rowdy's chest and then pinched one of Rowdy's nipples. An electric jolt shot through Rowdy as he hissed.

"Like that?" Cameron smiled devilishly.

Rowdy spread his arms out to rest on either side of him as he nodded. He allowed his mate to explore his body, but it wasn't easy. Rowdy was hard and ready, and to sit still took every ounce of control he possessed. But he would never say no to being petted by this exquisite, fascinating creature.

Cameron's mouth nibbled, licked, and sucked at Rowdy's nipple with the utmost attention to detail. Rowdy ran his fingers over Cameron's thighs, luxuriating in his mate's smooth skin. As Cameron feasted on Rowdy's nipple, the man scraped his nails up Rowdy's sides, making Rowdy growl softly in the back of his throat.

Giving one last lick, Cameron smiled up at him before moving to the neglected nipple. His hands clutched Cameron's bottom as he fought for the control that was quickly slipping away. Rowdy was used to taking control but there was something in Cameron's eyes that told Rowdy the man didn't want to be pushed.

He'd let the man play, for now.

"So hairy," Cameron teased as he nipped at Rowdy's skin. "Like a bear."

Rowdy chuckled. "I wonder why."

"Genetics," Cameron answered before he began to kiss his way down Rowdy's chest. Rowdy gritted his teeth, his hands curling over the side of the tub. He watched in fascination as Cameron explored him.

Cameron looked up and Rowdy watched the man watch him. His mate's eyes held such pure heat that Rowdy felt branded. Cameron wrapped a hand around Rowdy's jutting erection. He shuddered. "Tighter."

He was growing hungry and Rowdy wasn't sure how much longer he could hold out. Giving him no warning, Cameron swallowed Rowdy to the back of his throat. Rowdy's head fell back as his hips jerked forward. He spread his legs wider as Cameron cupped his balls.

Rowdy's lips parted as he tried to steady his breathing. But it was impossible when Cameron was bringing him so much pleasure. He raked his hand through Cameron's hair and then gripped the strands as he slowly began to fuck the man's mouth.

Rowdy couldn't breathe. The room suddenly became too hot. His fingers tightened in Cameron's hair as he clenched his jaw so hard that his teeth ground together.

He felt the start of his orgasm. Rowdy didn't want to come like this. Not for their first time. He wanted to be buried balls deep in the man when he came. Grunting, Rowdy eased Cameron away from him.

Before Cameron could speak, Rowdy had the man turned around and leaning over the side of the tub. "Spread your legs."

The water sloshed around them, creating small waves as Rowdy moved in behind Cameron. He slid his hands over his mate's rounded ass, massaging the soft flesh. "Do you know how good you look right now?"

"Not a clue," Cameron answered but Rowdy could hear the strain in the man's voice. "Why don't you tell me?"

Rowdy smiled before he nipped his mate's shoulder. "Good enough to eat." His words came out in a soft purr before he licked from one shoulder blade to the other. "Good enough to fuck." He put emphasis on the last word as he slid his fingers down the crease of Cameron's ass. His mate shuddered and groaned. "Good enough to pleasure."

Cameron arched his back as Rowdy's fingers slid inside the man's tight entrance. He used his free hand to scrape his nails along Cameron's wet body. Rowdy was fascinated with the goose bumps that rose along the man's skin. He worked to stretch Cameron, to ready the man.

"Please," Cameron begged as his hips swiveled around. The man's voice was a strained whisper as Rowdy worked a third finger into Cameron's ass.

Rowdy placed a kiss at the top of Cameron spine. "Patience."

"I don't have any," Cameron snapped as his fingers gripped the tub tighter, making his knuckles turn white. Cameron was exactly where Rowdy wanted him, losing control.

"Then I'll have to teach them to you." He smiled at his mate's skin.

"Not tonight you won't," Cameron retorted. "Some other time."

Rowdy snatched the waterproof lube from the shelf beside the tub and spread a generous amount over his cock. "Lift your ass." When Cameron did as he asked, Rowdy lubed the man's entrance as well.

He pressed his hand between Cameron's shoulder blades. His mate lowered his chest to the side of the tub. Rowdy could feel the sweat clinging to his body and it had nothing to do with the hot water. His mind was a rioting mess. That dark part of him shouted that Rowdy didn't deserve to mate Cameron. It screamed that he was a fraud and a coward and he was only going to ruin Cameron's life.

His hand gripped his cock in a death grip as Rowdy closed his eyes and tried quiet the demons inside of him. He blew out a long breath and told himself that this was for Cameron. That mating the man would make Cameron happy. But he knew the truth. Rowdy wanted this just as much as Cameron did. For once in his life he wanted to be selfish, to think just of himself, to take what was his.

He lined his cock up and drove deep. The voices in his head quieted as Rowdy stilled and caught his breath. His cock throbbed deep inside Cameron's body as he waited for his mate to adjust to his invasion.

"Don't stop," Cameron begged. The man's body was quivering, making the water around them move in gentle ripples. Rowdy gripped Cameron's hips and pulled back before slamming forward. "Yes!"

Rowdy could feel his canines elongating. His bear was close to the surface. He positioned himself a little better and then set up a fast-paced rhythm. The last thing he wanted to do was take Cameron quick and hard but Rowdy couldn't stop himself. Not when Cameron's body fit around him like a tight glove.

Cameron threw his head back and cried out as Rowdy thrust deep and hard. His eyes zeroed in on Cameron's creamy-white shoulder and his canines began to ache, his bear urging him to sink his teeth into the man's flesh and mate him.

He fought hard against the need. There was still a part of him that didn't want to shackle Cameron to him. Not because he didn't want the guy, but because he didn't want to destroy Cameron's life. His bear overruled that part of himself and Rowdy struck, sinking his canines deep.

Cameron shouted as he bucked. Rowdy closed his eyes as he savored the taste, the feel, the bond that would grow between them. Guilt tried to surface but Rowdy swatted it away. He focused solely on pleasuring Cameron. He ignored everything else.

He should have known better than to think he could push Cameron away. When a bear found his mate it was like a wild craving that crawled over their skin, heated their blood, and created a hunger so deep, so elemental they couldn't stand to be near their mate without wanting to touch them.

And that's exactly what Rowdy was going through. He felt like he would go insane if he ever lost Cameron.

Cameron shouted when Rowdy pistoned into the man. His mate's ass tightened around him, milking him. Rowdy growled and moved faster before releasing his mate's shoulder and howling when his climax shattered him.

As he emptied his seed inside his mate, Rowdy knew that Cameron would be his downfall. The man had crossed every single line that Rowdy had drawn and was still coming at him. There would be no pushing this man away. Cameron was determined to have Rowdy and Rowdy had just mated the man.

And if Cameron was truly his mate, then he'd just impregnated him as well.

Chapter Eight.

"Whatcha need is to lasso his ass to the bed and torture him," Taylor said as he took a sip of his hot tea. "And if that doesn't work, pull out the big stuff, like handcuffs and whipped cream."

Cameron laughed as he sat on the couch with his best friend. Rowdy had things to do and Cameron wasn't about to sit in the man's room all by himself. He felt cooped up. "I'll keep that in mind, though I haven't seen any of that stuff lying around his bedroom."

"Then shop online. You can get anything within a few days." Taylor set his mug aside and turned. "Seriously though, how are things going between you two?"

"Slow," Cameron admitted. "I can tell he's trying, but he's got so much emotional luggage that I feel as if I'm competing with Samsonite."

"You dealt with my shit," Taylor pointed out. "You were there for me, stuck by my side, and didn't give up. Don't you think Rowdy deserves the same?"

"It's not the same, Taylor. You're my best friend. It's different than dealing with a boyfriend's issues."

"How?"

"It just is." But Cameron's mind wasn't fully on Rowdy. Everyone was watching for the Blue Angels. They should have been here by now. Not that Cameron wanted to see them. He'd prefer never to see them again for as long as he lived. He just wondered how long that would be.

When dealing with Seth Langley, there were no guarantees. Although the Blue Angels were all about family, Seth had his own agenda. Just because Cameron was his son, that didn't mean Cameron was safe. If anything, it made Cameron a target.

Cameron set his mug on the coffee table and stood, stretching his back. He'd been sitting there for hours, waiting. His nerves were stretched tight and he needed to walk it off. But going outside was a big no-no. Rowdy had been very clear about Cameron not leaving the house.

He felt trapped in a cage as he paced the living room. Although the room was large, it still felt cramped and claustrophobic to him. Cameron wanted fresh air, but that wasn't going to happen.

Taylor stood and joined him at the window when Cameron wandered that way. They both stood there and stared out over the rolling lawns. They were covered in a light dusting of snow, but still gorgeous to look at. Cameron kept imagining rows upon rows of motorcycles coming up the driveway. His heart pounded at the thought. He prayed they wouldn't come. Cameron hoped that just because the Blue Angels were headed in this direction, that didn't mean Bear County was their destination.

But he knew he was fooling himself. One of their members had been killed and they wouldn't let that go unavenged. He could only hope that his father never discovered that he was here. If Seth did, Cameron wasn't sure what the man would do. He'd taken off in the middle of the night and had never looked back. Would Seth punish him for that?