Claimed by 3 Mountain Men (Silver Ridge Mountain Men)

5. Mac

5

MAC

I reach the edge of the forest and set my backpack down, taking a moment to soak in the serene beauty around me.

This is technically Truitt property, but I’m far from their headquarters.

There’s hundreds of thousands of acres around here, meaning the chances of ever running into them again are very low as long as I stay out of town.

Unzipping my bag, I begin pulling out my equipment—cameras, tracking devices, pens and notebooks.

If I can find evidence of the lynxes in this forest, it would be a significant step toward conserving their habitat.

I pitch my small tent in a clearing, making sure it's well-hidden from the main path. I lay out my sleeping bag and organize my supplies. I try to focus on the task at hand, but my mind keeps drifting.

I can’t believe the audacity of them all. But JT mainly.

Why does he have to be so good looking? And those eyes…All of them really. It’s not fair. They’re all rich, spoiled assholes.

I set up a small folding table and place my laptop on it, connecting it to my portable solar charger. The sun is just starting to climb higher, casting long shadows across the forest floor. I position the cameras, making sure they’re camouflaged and pointed in the right directions. As I work, the forest comes alive with sounds—the rustle of leaves, the distant call of a bird, the whisper of the wind flitting through the trees.

I climb up trees to secure cameras at optimal angles, and scatter harmless markers to track animal movements.

With the last camera in place, I get to my feet and stretch, looking out over the expanse of the forest.

If the silver lynx is out there, these cameras will find it. And if there are any signs of illegal activities, I’ll capture that too.

“If you think you can scare me away, Truitt Boys, then you’ve got another thing coming for you. Believe me.”

The sun is just beginning to peak over the horizon, casting long shadows and painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.

On my laptop, I flip through the cameras, watching the live footage of each frame.

“Let’s see the three of you try anything now,” I whisper under my breath. There’s no doubt in my mind, they’re going to do everything they can to protect their father’s reputation.

The quiet hum of the forest surrounds me, broken only by the occasional chirp of a bird or the rustling of leaves.

I can’t believe they destroy this beautiful forest for a living.

Suddenly, I hear approaching footsteps. My heart skips a beat as I look up.

Shit.

It’s Ben Truitt.

I freeze as his eyes fall directly onto me. What the hell!

As he stands there, the last of the sunlight filters through the trees, casting a dappled pattern across his broad shoulders. His sandy blond hair, pulled back in a loose ponytail, catches the light.

There’s no doubt in my mind he sees me.

His jaw clenches, and he steps forward, his boots crunching the forest growth beneath him.

“Well, well, what do we have here?”

I swallow hard, my mind racing. I’m technically trespassing on their land, and I have no idea how he’s going to react.

What the hell is he doing out here anyway? How did he find me so fast?

“I... I’m just setting up my equipment,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “I need to gather evidence on the silver lynx and monitor the logging activities.”

I’ll play dumb like I didn’t know.

Ben’s eyes narrow, and he takes another step forward, the approaching shadow highlighting the tension in his features. “You’re on private property. Did you think about asking for permission before setting up camp?”

“I know I should have,” I admit, my heart pounding in my chest. “But I didn’t know this was private. I swear.” A bad lie.

His jaw tightens, and for a moment, I’m worried he’s going to order me to pack up and leave. But then he sighs, the hard lines of his face softening just a bit. “You should have talked to us first. We’re not unreasonable. We want to protect the land too. We’re not the villains you think we are.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

“I’m not so sure I believe that.”

Why the hell did that just come out of my mouth?

“Listen. I want to apologize for last night.”

“It’s alright,” I mumble.

The heat of his warm gaze, searching my eyes, sends a shiver down my spine.

“My brothers and I are still processing our dad’s death. Tensions are high. It’s not like what it used to be between us. None of us meant to corner you like that.”

“Forget it,” I say, more harshly than I intended. “It’s in the past now.”

“Mac, right?”

“Yeah.” I rock on my feet awkwardly for a moment, staring at him.

“Look,” he says, breaking the silence. “We need to work together on this. We both want what’s best for the forest, right? I think we got off on the wrong foot. I’m Ben, by the way.”

He extends his hand, a disarming smile playing on his lips.

“I know who you are.”

He glances down at his empty hand then quickly retracts it. “You’ve got a lot of cameras installed out here.”

“It’s part of my work.”

“Are you watching us?”

“Only if you live in the forest day and night. But no. Like I said, I’m here researching the silver lynx. Not three asshole brothers.”

He winces at the remark. “Ouch.”

“Sorry,” I suck in a deep breath. “Sometimes, I just say whatever comes to mind.”

“It’s not undeserved.” He gives me another half-smile. My heart rate doubles, and my breath quickens.

“Are you going to tell them?” I mutter, unable to get a hold of myself.

“About finding a little researcher prowling through our property, hanging cameras up willy-nilly?”

I nod. “Yeah. That.”

“I haven’t decided yet. Though, you can’t stay out here alone,” he says finally, nodding towards my tent.

“I’ll be fine,” I insist.

Ben shakes his head, his sandy blonde locks falling over his forehead in a way that’s both frustrating and attractive.

“You don’t know the dangers that lurk in these woods, Mac. Mountain lions, bears… not to mention the harsh, unpredictable weather.”

“I can handle myself, Ben,” I say, a defiant edge creeping into my voice. “I’ve been doing just fine for a long time now.”

“Yet, here you are, trespassing on my property.”

I shrug.

“I can leave if you want me to.”

His eyes narrow and he leans forward until he’s inches from me.

I struggle to keep my composure as his masculine scent invades my senses. This close, I can make out every detail of his features. The hard line of his nose that curves down, meeting the soft layer of beard growing near his perfectly symmetrical lips.

“I didn’t say that,” his voice is low and gruff, sending shivers down my spine. “Something tells me that no matter what I say or do, you have no intention of going anywhere.”

“Then what do you want, Ben?” I ask in a shaky voice.

He smirks, his eyes roaming my face before settling on my lips that start to tingle with anticipation, as if they can taste the subtle hint of mint on his breath.

“Well…”

The sound of our heavy breathing fills the silence, the only thing breaking through the calm of the woods. “I haven’t decided that yet either,” he drawls. “But I’m sure I can think of a few things,” he pauses. “How about I help you? The sooner you get the research done, the sooner you can get out of here, before one of my brothers finds you.”

“You mean it?” I hesitate slightly, not sure I trust him.

He nods his head, leaning back. “Believe me when I say that there are scarier things out in this forest. Scarier than anything you might have encountered.”

“I don’t need your help,” I blurt out, my pride getting the better of me.

He chuckles, revealing a dimple in his cheek. Dammit, why does he have to be so damn attractive?

“I didn’t say you had a choice.”

I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest. “Okay. I accept your…” I nearly stumble over the word, “…help.”

Ben smirks, as if he knows just how dearly the concession cost me.

The first rays of morning light filter through the tent canopy, illuminating the small space around. I stare at the ceiling of my tent where my lantern hangs above me.

I had slept in later than I wanted to.

But all night, I had kept thinking about those Truitt brothers.

I rub my eyes furiously.

Anticipation courses through me like wildfire, and my body tingles with the memory of Ben's closeness last night. His brothers have a different energy when they speak to me, a darker edge that makes me shiver.

Oh, God.

What if he told them that I’m here?

He knows where my tent is.

All three of them could show up at any minute and find me. I’m a sitting duck at this point.

The air in the tent is still cool from the night, and the soft fabric of my sleeping bag moves slightly with every breath I take. The dim light filters through, casting shadows on the walls, making it feel more like a secret hideaway where anything could happen.

I picture them unzipping the tent door and finding me here in my underwear.

I gasp as the thought of the three brothers entering my tent sends shivers down my spine. I can almost feel their presence. Almost taste the smell of woodsmoke from their campfires, and the sharp scent of pine needles mixed with their sweat.

I bite my lip, trying to distract myself from the increasing arousal that pulses through me.

I stretch my leg out slowly, testing the cool morning air on my skin. My fingers graze over the soft fabric of my underwear, wondering how their rough hands would feel on my skin, pushing the fabric down past my hips.

My nipples stiffen against the thin fabric of my bra, begging for attention as I imagine their tongues tracing their way down my body.

My fingers slip beneath the line of my underwear and I imagine it’s Ben, pulling them away for himself as Hank drops to his knees to let his hungry mouth find my breasts.

I envision JT’s hands gripping my hips roughly, holding me in place while he thrusts deep inside me.

I gasp out loud, my hips bucking against my hand as I imagine their touches; their mouths on me, their hands roaming over every inch of my body, their fingers flicking my nipples and thumbing over my clit. The taste of Hank’s cock down my throat while the others taste me.

In my mind, they take turns devouring me, each brother making me moan louder.

The persistent ache between my legs is getting more and more intense with each passing second. I rock my hips harder against the intrusion of my fingers that stand in for their cocks.

I can't help moaning louder, and I clamp a hand over my mouth to muffle the sound of my pleasure. My other hand continues to work between my legs, fingers seeking release. I flip onto my stomach, pressing my face into the pillow as my hips arch into the air, begging for more.

In my mind's eye, we are a tangle of limbs, four bodies moving as one. The brothers whispering their desire for me, promising that I’m theirs and only theirs. Together they take turns filling me until I can’t take it anymore.

My breath comes out in short gasps, and I arch my back upward.

“Oh fuck!” I moan.

I come undone, tension knotting and coiling in my lower belly before it unravels in an explosion of white-hot pleasure.

I whimper louder as I cum, my toes curling against the floor of my tent.

As my orgasm subsides, I catch my breath, panting heavily. I can't believe I just did that, fantasized about them, about our kisses and touches. The greedy, selfish part of me wants it to be real, to have them claim me as theirs.

I take a deep breath.

What is wrong with me? I’ve never had sex, let alone think about it with three massive dudes, who would probably break me.

I'm jolted back to reality by a twig snapping outside my tent. My heart pounds in my chest as adrenaline surges through me. I freeze, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

Was that just a deer? Or…

Quickly, I unzip my tent, and peer out.

SHIT!

Ben is standing there, holding two steaming cups of coffee.

My face burns red. I’ve been caught and the sheer embarrassment makes me want to curl up and die right then and there. Did he hear me? Does he know?

"I, um…didn't hear you come back." I stammer, fumbling to put on my shirt and a pair of shorts.

Ben's dark eyes dart from my flushed face to the tent floor and back to my face. "You were... um... busy," he says.

“I-I’m so sorry,” I stutter. Awkward and embarrassed as I am. My mouth is dry and I think I would have rather run into a wild, ravenous bear than be caught jacking off.

“I– uh, I brought you some coffee. Thought you might want some after your long day yesterday.” Ben says extending a long arm.

“Yeah…I like coffee.”

After slipping on my hiking boots, I take the cup from him, our fingers brushing slightly.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

He gives me a smile and neither one of us says a word to the other for a long while. He’s probably thinking I’m a weird freak. At least, I didn’t moan his name out loud, right? Or had I? I can’t remember.

“What’s the first step then?” he asks.

“First step?” I ask, in a feeble attempt to sound normal.

“With your research,” he clarifies, raising his eyebrows. “We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”

“Oh, right. Sorry,” I mumble, my cheeks still on fire. “I was thinking of checking the cameras I set up yesterday. See if we’ve captured any footage of the lynx or anything else interesting.”

“Sounds like a plan,” he says, finishing his coffee. “Mind if I tag along?”

My insides knot up at his proximity. “Uh, no, I mean, yes, I mean–”

He chuckles. “It’s okay, girl scout. I’ve got your back.”

I scowl, staring at him and he laughs, a pleasant sound that helps break the tension and the nerves building within me.

I can feel Ben’s gaze on me, but I ignore it, trying to focus on the task at hand. The forest is buzzing with life around us. Birds chirp overhead, squirrels scurry up the trees as we hike by.

We reach the first camera, set up high on a tree trunk. Ben obligingly holds the ladder while I climb, my heart pounding in my chest from more than just the exertion. Retrieving the SD card, I thank him with a quick nod before moving onto the next one.

He’s probably taking note of every one of my cameras. I decide I won’t show them all to him.

“So, why a wildlife biologist?” he asks, out of nowhere.

I stop in my tracks and turn to face him. “Is this a job interview now?” I ask, cocking an eyebrow.

He laughs and holds his hands up in the air. “Just making conversation.”

“Fine,” I reluctantly admit, “I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world, the beauty and the unpredictability of it. Plus, I like being outdoors more than in stuffy labs or offices.”

“Fair enough,” he says. “So you must travel a lot then?”

I nod, investigating the second camera.

“That’s part of the job.”

“Your man doesn’t mind?”

“My man?” I repeat with a hint of confusion and annoyance.

“Sorry, I just assumed...” he trails off, looking away. “I mean, you’re beautiful and all...”

My heart stutters at the compliment, but I brush it off.

“Nope, no man in the picture,” I say with a small shrug before climbing back down the ladder. Ben’s eyes linger on me a bit too long before he looks away.

We continue across the trails, retrieving the rest of the SD cards. I can’t help but notice how easy it is to talk to him. He is actually quite charming when he wants to be.

Who would’ve thought?

We return to camp after retrieving the last memory card. The warmth of the afternoon sun heats our backs.

I hand him a bottle of water from the cooler at my campsite.

“Aren’t your brother’s wondering where you’ve run off too?” I ask.

He shakes his head.

“No. There’s too much going on right now. JT’s in town all day and Hank’s out managing the crews.”

“What are you supposed to be doing?”

He tilts his head and gives me a small smile.

“Keeping an eye on you.”

“Bullshit.”

“You think so?”

“I know so. You’re spying on me,” I say firmly, watching him. “You’re going to try and sabotage my research or something.”

“No. I don’t think so, Mac.” He smiles, taking a long drink of the water. I watch his throat rise and fall where small beads of sweat roll ever so slowly down. His hands are so large they make the water bottle look child-sized.

He catches me staring at him intently.

“You’ve got something on your face, there.” He steps toward me, his body only inches away. He brushes his thumb along my jawline. His eyes lock on mine, the playfulness in them nowhere to be found. My breath catches in my throat.

Is he going to kiss me?

Can he tell how fast my heart is racing?

As if I have no control, my lips part for his. A dark smile curls on his smug face.

“A little dust from the trail,” he teases, brushing it off on his jeans. Embarrassment floods my cheeks as I take a step back.

“I should review this footage,” I mutter, gripping the strap of my backpack.

“You don’t want help?”

“No, I’m good. I mean, I don’t need any...”

“Help?” he flashes me that charming grin again.

“I’ve got this, thanks,” I say, walking away.

I feel his eyes on my back as I head towards my tent.

“Hey, Mac,” he calls out.

I stop, turning back to look at him; he’s leaning casually against a towering pine tree. It’s probably the only thing out here bigger than him. Trees and grizzly bears.

“I’ll come swing by later to check on you.”

“Sounds good.”

“You might want to keep the noise down a bit. The forest has a way of carrying sound, and you never know what might be walking by.”

My cheeks flare up again.

Damn him. Damn all of them.