Staking Their Claim

by Rebecca Airies

  “Did he seem to want to scare you or do you think he wanted you off the road?” John took a few photos of the damage.

  “The first hit, I think he was nervous. It was light, but then he got serious. The hits were harder. That last one almost sent us onto the sidewalk.” Dawson scowled. If that had happened, what would the man have done? Dawson’s stomach tightened. They’d hit hard. She could have been taken. This incident would give him nightmares for months.

  “We’ll have this towed and take scrapings of the paint on the bumper. It looks like a fairly standard color, but it might help us get one more link to this guy. You never know what you’ll need when you go into court. Every little bit will add up when it’s time to make him pay.” John turned to face them. “That might take a while and we’ll keep the bumper. When it’s done, we’ll hand the car over to your body shop.”

  “I’ll call Ethan or Griffin. They can bring us another car.” Dawson ran a hand over the nape of his neck. As long as they found the son of a bitch first, they could make him pay. Not that he said that. John would probably have kittens if he did.

  “I’ll take you to where you need to go. Get whatever you need from your car. I hope it isn’t in the trunk though, because that’s pretty much stuck like it is.” John grinned.

  “Her bags and my computer are in the back seat. Once we get those, we’re ready.” Dawson stroked his hand up and down her back.

  “I’ll talk with my men while you grab your things.” John strode off.

  “Are you all right, peaches?” Dawson turned her to face him. She’d been quiet.

  “Yeah.” She nodded.

  “Why am I not convinced?” Dawson framed her face with his palms. Too lackluster to be true. She didn’t give dull, emotionless responses.

  “I’m just shocked that it went this far.” Penny put one of her hands on his.

  “None of this is on you.” Dawson leaned in and kissed her. “This is that bastard. His sins are already adding up and he’ll be one sorry piece of meat if I ever get hold of him.”

  “And you’ll disarm, disable, and call the police.” John stopped beside them. “You haven’t gotten your bags.”

  “It’s called soothing my mate. Her needs come before your impatience.” Dawson narrowed his eyes.

  John laughed. “By all means, soothe your mate, but I thought she might need to be at work sometime soon.”

  Penny stiffened in his arms and gasped. Dawson exhaled heavily.

  “I really do need to be there. I’m supposed to open today. It’s why we had to leave so early.” She put her hands on his chest. “But after work, I’ll let you soothe me all you want.”

  He pressed another kiss to her forehead. Will I make it that long, though? A private place. Somewhere he could strip her out of those clothes and press his body against hers. Somewhere he could make her come, screaming his name. Solid physical proof. His cat and he as a man needed that.

  Reluctantly, he stepped back. If they were alone at the clinic, he’d take advantage of it and bring them both to a fast hard peak. He opened the back door and pulled out her two bags. She took one of them. He grabbed his computer bag and slammed the door shut. Could this damn day get any worse?

  Chapter Fourteen

  He pulled out his phone and dialed Ethan. The man would go ballistic if he found out what happened later. Plus, they needed someone to bring them a car.

  “Hi, Dawson, is something wrong? You left the house not too long ago.” Ethan’s voice became tense.

  Not a surprise that Ethan had picked up on that. They’d left the house at the same time. On top of that, they weren’t in the habit of calling on the hour even with all of this going on.

  “Something did go wrong. Her stalker rear-ended the car. Several times. Penny’s all right. The stalker drove away, but the car is going with the police. John is driving us to the office, but we’ll need another car to get home.” Dawson gripped the phone.

  “Let me talk to Penny.” Ethan’s voice carried more than a hint of growl.

  Yep, that’s what he’d want. Dawson handed Penny the phone. She took it and lifted it to her ear.

  “Yes, I’m all right.” She followed John as he led the way to his car. “The car hit us three times. Dawson kept us on the road. I only wish we knew who this pain in the ass was.”

  Dawson stayed right behind her. Not surprising that Ethan wanted reassurance. He’d be after the same thing.

  “Sure, I’ll call Griffin and make sure he knows what happened.” She stopped at the side of the police car. “And that I’m all right. I don’t want him to freak out.”

  The locks clicked on the car. She slid into the back seat. John gestured him around to the front seat. As much as he’d like to be with her, it was probably better to keep a little distance between them. She’d never get to call Griffin if he was back there. The next time he slipped his arm around her, they wouldn’t be interrupted. He went around and took the passenger seat.

  When he got in, Penny was talking on the phone. She reassured Griffin. Several times. As John pulled into the veterinary office, she finally said good-bye and swiped her finger over the screen.

  Dawson got out of the car. John opened Penny’s door. She slipped out and stepped over to Dawson. He took her hand.

  “Thank you, John.” Penny smiled at him.

  Dawson’s lips tightened. Heated rage poured through him. He clenched his jaw and took deep breaths. Be rational. Telling her not to smile would be wrong. Fucking cat raged over a simple smile and thank you.

  “You’re welcome.” John nodded. “And Dawson, remember the windows.”

  Dawson lifted his hand and threw John the bird. Nosy know-it-all. As if he was that damn careless. He wasn’t showing his ass or her beautiful body to anyone.

  John laughed as he climbed into the car. Dawson bared his teeth. John knew exactly how he felt.

  “What did he mean remember the windows?” Penny glanced up at him as they strolled to the door. She pulled out her keys.

  “He’s just being a smart ass.” Dawson stopped at the entrance as she unlocked the office. The man was right, but definitely a smart ass.

  “Didn’t sound like he was being a smart ass. It sounded like he was warning you.” She pushed the door wide.

  He shook his head. Definitely not oblivious, but she hadn’t picked up on his tension. Not too strange considering she probably had a lot going on in her head about who had done it and what they wanted.

  “Why don’t we lock that outer door until some of the other people get into the office. That will be in what? Ten or fifteen minutes?” Dawson raised his brows. Not that a short time frame would put him off, but he’d rather not have to rush too much.

  “Probably more like twenty, but I have to get the computers up, relieve the night tech, check on the animals, and get a cup of coffee.” She rubbed a hand over the back of her neck.

  “Why don’t you go relieve the tech and check on the animals while I start the computers up here and in your office.” Dawson smiled. The faster he managed to get her free of responsibilities, the faster he could get her in a room and down to the business of making sure his cat didn’t go absolutely crazy.

  “All right, I should be back in a few minutes.” Penny nodded and walked away. He went over to the first of the two computers at reception and turned it on, before doing the same to the next. That done, he strolled into her office and pushed the button to power on her computer. He went and filled up the carafe for her coffee maker so that she could have her coffee after they finished.

  “Hey, thanks for getting more water. I didn’t expect that.” Penny strolled in. “The tech’s clocked out and left. Everything is on schedule until the others get here. We’ll have a little while to ourselves.”

  Dawson shut the door behind her. “Peaches, I need you.”

  She turned around and frowned. He opened his arms. She stepped into them. He drew in a deep breath and some of the corded tension left his body. Fuck, just ho
lding her was almost enough. Almost.

  She ran her hand over his chest. “Damn, I didn’t even notice your muscles were this tight. I can help if you want.”

  She pulled back and glanced down his body. The ridge of his cock pressed against his jeans. He drew in a breath. Fuck, the idea tempted him, but the cat wouldn’t be satisfied with that. It wouldn’t settle without skin to skin. He’d end up pulling her into a room sometime later today, because the damn thing wouldn’t stop pushing at him.

  “Peaches, as good as that sounds, I want to stroke into your body and feel those tight muscles clamping around my cock as I pound into you.” He leaned down and nipped her lip. “But if you’re feeling generous, we can work on that another day, because it is one of my favorite fantasies.”

  She laughed. “One of mine is your mouth licking my pussy, but damn, you make fucking sound absolutely delicious.”

  “It will feel even better.” Dawson gathered the hem of her scrub top and slowly raised it.

  The woman seemed determined to race ahead. Her fingers moved over his chest. She plucked at the buttons. As the gap widened, she eased her fingers inside and trailed them across his chest. His body tightened. Such a light touch, but electricity speared through him.

  “Fuck, that feels too good. You’ll need the extra stimulation, not me.” He drew in a shuddering breath.

  “I like touching you.” She stroked her fingers over his chest before pushing at another button.

  “Peaches, you have to be ready.” He pulled her fingers away. Tormenting woman.

  “You’ll make sure I’m ready.” She pressed a kiss to his chest.

  “Give me time. Let me undress you and touch you.” He tugged the shirt over her head and moved on to her pants. The tie came free.

  “I’ll be naked soon and you’re still completely dressed.” Her lip jutted out.

  He laughed. Such a delight. “You’re the one who will be left wanting if I don’t get you ready.”

  “You’d make sure I found my pleasure, even if it was after you.” She drew her hand over his shoulder.

  “You always come before me.” He pushed the pants down over her hips.

  She stepped out. He leaned in and kissed her. She opened for him. Her sweet taste flowed into him. Warmth spread, relaxing some of the tension. He slipped an arm around her, bringing her body flush against his.

  Her hands stroked over his shoulders and she framed his face with her hands. He exhaled. Damn, he needed his woman.

  He trailed his hand down to her hip and over her ass. The full curve filled his palm. She was perfect for him.

  As he pulled back, she leaned in and rubbed her cheek against his. He caught his breath. So feline, but she wasn’t transitioning. That would take at least a couple more weeks. Excitement shot through him. If she had that type of response now, what would she do when she felt the instincts and drives of her cougar?

  She skimmed her palms over his chest and down to the waistband of his jeans. Her fingers lightly brushed the ridge of his cock. Fuck. He couldn’t take much more of that even though she’d barely touched him.

  He caught her hands and turned her to face the door. She twisted and wriggled but he held her still. A shiver rippled over his body. He had to get control. It wouldn’t take more than three or four strokes to send him over the edge.

  He slid a hand around her and cupped her pussy. Slick juices coated his fingers. Her ass cushioned his cock. Such a sweet temptation, but when he took her, she’d face him.

  She arched back, pushing against him. Her ass rubbed over the hardened ridge of his dick. A jolt shot through him. Holy hell, she’d kill him. He dipped his fingers between the plump lips and rubbed her clit. Her muscles tightened. The scent of her arousal rose around him.

  “If the cat wasn’t ripping at me, I’d lick you until you were shaking and calling my name.” He circled his finger on that sensitive nub.

  Her hips rocked down. He licked her shoulder, nibbling and teasing her. His teeth scraped against her skin. She shivered. Is that from the nibbling or from the fingers between her thighs? Maybe both.

  He shook his head. As long as she was ready soon, it didn’t matter. Later, he could discover more of what made her hot enough to attack him to get what she needed.

  A soft moan rolled from her as he plucked at her clit. He rubbed and then flicked to tease her with the different sensations. She arched and a long shiver shook her. He pulled her closer The extra torment might drive him crazy, but he wouldn’t miss a moment.

  “Damn, Dawson, I’m ready.” Her ass ground against him.

  “Let’s see.” He slipped his fingers down to her entrance. Hopefully, she was close.

  Slick moisture surrounded his fingers. He nudged the tips into her pussy. The walls tightened around the two digits, clamping and pulling as if trying to draw them deeper. Fuck, her scent and all that slick liquid tempted him.

  He took a deep breath, fighting the urge to bring his fingers up to his lips. One taste wouldn’t be enough and she’d go over the edge. He didn’t have the control to bring her up again without losing it. Her hips lifted. His thumb swept over her clit in slow circles as he pumped his fingers deep.

  Her inner muscles fluttered as his fingers glided in. Finally. He slipped his hand free and turned her around. Heat flared in her eyes and her lips glistened. He lifted her against him. She reached between them and guided his cock into her.

  Her hot juices coated his dick. Searing sparks slashed through him. He straightened and locked his knees against the urge to thrust deep. Fuck. Not yet. He held her still until the urge passed.

  “Inside. I need you inside me.” She gripped his shoulders and tugged at him.

  He growled. The woman didn’t know what she did to him. He nipped her shoulder. She groaned. He pulled her down. Her muscles clenched around his cock.

  “Reach between us and stroke your clit for me, angel.” He lifted her.

  She slipped her hand in. Her palm smoothed over his stomach before easing down. Her body tensed and a soft moan rolled from her. Good, she’d started. He drove into her. A fierce ache built, and his muscles tightened. Her inner muscles clenched and rippled around his shaft.

  She tightened her legs around him. A surge of desire raced through him. He kissed her. Their tongues tangled as they moved together. Her nails dug into his shoulder. The sting shot through him, intensifying the need.

  He ripped his mouth away and dragged in a ragged breath. Fire raced over him. He thrust into her. A churning need boiled inside. He surged against her. Sweat slid down his chest as he gave in to the demand.

  His eyes locked on her shoulder. The cat raged within him, desperate to put its mark on its mate again. Someone tried to take her away.

  “Dawson!” She tensed.

  Her body bowed and ground against him. He plunged into her. Flaring heat rocketed through him as her pussy clenched. Shivers ran down his spine. His muscles tightened and the building pressure swelled. He bit down on her shoulder as he sank into her. Fire washed through him. His breath caught, and his knees went weak, almost buckling.

  Slowly the lingering delight faded. He took a deep breath and lifted his head from her shoulder. A rosy blush pinkened her cheeks, and a haze still clouded her eyes. She smiled.

  “Are you and mister kitty feeling better.” She stroked her fingers through his hair.

  “Mister kitty? That’s big, bad-ass cougar. I’m not some house cat like Minnie Maggie.” Dawson nipped her lip.

  She laughed. “And are you feeling better? And it’s Minnie Mags.”

  “Yes, I’m feeling better and the cat is settled.” He lowered her to her feet and ruffled her hair. “And really? That’s not what it says on her vaccination paperwork. I saw that when we were moving your stuff.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Penny trailed after Griffin as he strode to the door. He turned when he reached it and glared at her.

  “I told you to stay back out of sight.” He put a hand on
his hip.

  “Just open the door already. You know who’s out there.” She tapped her foot. Really, as if they wouldn’t hear the fray if someone other than Leslie, Chloe, Dixie, and Shonna were outside that door. Those girls would be demanding answers.

  “And they might be threatened with a weapon. Go back to the doorway.” He pointed.

  She clenched her fists. “I’ll claw your ass whenever I’m able to shift, Mister Paranoid and Untrusting. They called us thirty seconds ago.”

  “Peaches, aggression is often a prelude to mating with cougars. Any time you unleash those claws on me, I’ll consider it an invitation to sex, pin you beneath me, and make you scream your pleasure.” Griffin laughed and ran his hand down her back. He squeezed her ass. “I don’t consider that a threat at all.”

  “Perv.” She shook her head at him, but strode back to the doorway.

  “Your perv.” He unlocked the door. “And you love me just as I am.”

  He swung it open. Penny peeked around the corner. Four women stood at the door, glaring inside.

  “Maybe she does, but you kept us waiting. Not a good way to make an impression, kitty.” Shonna sniffed and folded her arms across her chest.

  “And you already know me, so you already have an impression of me.” Griffin shook his head. “Come on in.”

  “Thank you, but right now that impression is not good. Did you finish your argument?” Chloe asked.

  “For now. I’m sure he’ll be bossy and arrogant again. It’s kind of a thing with these males.” She pointed at him. And he was one of the biggest teases ever. “Come on. I’ve got some snacks and drinks set up in the living room. Once he makes sure the house is secure, he has some work to do in his office. We can talk freely.”

  “Did you get me some snacks, peaches?” Griffin asked.

  “On a plate in the refrigerator and there’s a mug of the cold mocha that I made for everyone else in there, as well. I didn’t know if you’d want it now or later.” She smiled at him. He shouldn’t be hungry. The man had just eaten a sandwich, because he said he’d be ass deep in case files through the afternoon.