Staking Their Claim

by Rebecca Airies

  “But I have heard of someone who went for a simple hike in the woods and they destroyed a nice pair of pants. They’d denied their bear some time in the woods for over a week. And as stretchy as some panties are, there’s no coming back from bear butt. You need to feed your animal’s needs and they’ll feed yours.” Dixie grinned.

  Penny chuckled. Bear butt. Lord, Dixie had a way with words. “If I give her what she needs, we should form a balance.”

  “Yes, you should be able to live with her as easily as you live in your own skin. You’ll just get furry every once in a while.” Leslie tugged the tray with cake bites a little closer.

  “Will I know when the change is happening? Will there be any signs? Is it always like with Chloe. Bam, suddenly furry.” Penny curled her feet up into the large chair.

  Leslie and Shonna laughed. Dixie and Chloe managed to keep it to a smile. Penny scowled at them. It might be funny to them, but she was lost.

  “Suddenly furry. Nice description. And no, it’s not just boom, furry. It’s an individual thing. There aren’t any signs like glowing eyes that would tell you it will probably happen soon.” Leslie popped a mini cake in her mouth.

  “There are some symptoms, but it’s not something everyone experiences.” Shonna finished off her glass of mocha.

  Symptoms. Penny could look out for symptoms. “What are the symptoms?”

  “Some people got an antsy, crawl-out–of–their–skin, needing–to-move feeling. Later that day, they changed. Some speculate that was the animal pushing forward. Others have felt very tired, sleeping all day after just waking up from a long night’s sleep. No reason they should be tired, but they couldn’t stay awake.” Leslie licked a bit of frosting off her finger.

  “Others have a huge burst of energy, but without the nervousness.” Shonna grinned. “Personally, I wouldn’t mind that one. The person who had it said she’d cleaned her entire house from top to bottom and then went running. Later that day, she changed.”

  “Then there are the people who are living their everyday life and don’t realize anything until the new part of them pushes forward.” Leslie put her plate on the coffee table. “There’s no one specific way it happens.”

  “Damn. What will I do if the stalker is still hanging around when the change happens? Mags once said that new shifters spent a lot of the night out in the forest. That wouldn’t be a good idea with the jerk around.” Penny sighed heavily. One of many worries because of that pain in her ass. Who is he and why?

  “That won’t be hard to handle, Penny.” Griffin’s voice came from behind her.

  She glanced at her watch and turned to him. Forty-five minutes. He’d lasted longer than expected. The check in didn’t count since he hadn’t come far enough for her to see.

  “Why won’t it be difficult?” She put her arm on the back of the chair as he walked toward her.

  “Let me get comfortable first.” He circled the chair and lifted her up, before settling her in his lap.

  “You call me sitting on you comfortable?” She raised a brow.

  “Yes, I do. I’m very comfortable.” He hugged her, drawing her body back against him.

  “Well, since you’re comfortable now, why won’t it be hard to deal with?” She put her hands over his. Snuggling with him sent a surge of warmth straight to her core.

  “When you turn into a cougar, you’ll go to the warehouse.” He dropped a kiss on her shoulder.

  “What’s the warehouse?” She twisted, but couldn’t look at him until he turned her sideways in his lap.

  “It’s the cat’s playhouse.” Shonna giggled.

  “Hey, watch it, puppy.” Leslie swatted at her. “It’s not a playhouse. It’s a place where we can go to shift and be sort of in nature when things are dangerous for whatever reason. Just because you don’t have one is no reason to be jealous.”

  “Well, the last time human hunters came into the city, I’ll admit I was very jealous of that. I was nearly crawling out of my skin by the time I could get back into the forest. But a warehouse is too little for the long, group runs wolves like to make. You guys climb and race along limbs before ripping back on the path to do it again. I’m sure that way, the warehouse doesn’t seem so confining.” Shonna waved her hand.

  “It won’t do for bears either unless that ‘warehouse’ is football stadium sized and how the hell do you explain that when it’s not for a working business. Too big of a target.” Dixie crossed her arms.

  “Leslie is right. It’s the place where cougars go when we need somewhere safe to change. Although I know a few cats who call it the cat house, and in a far more derogatory tone.” Griffin squeezed her shoulder.

  “At least, it will be a safe place to go. Well, it should be, as long as the stalker doesn’t discover where it is and when we’ll go there.” She exhaled and shook her head. There was always the chance that the man could find or follow them.

  “You’ll be fine. We won’t go there until you change. If you turn without any signs or warning, we’ll take you there and you can exhaust yourself climbing and running with us.” Griffin pressed a kiss to her cheek. “We will be careful to make sure that no one follows us on the way.”

  “I know you’ll take care of me, but we have no idea of who this is. We could walk past him on the street and not know him.” Penny shook her head.

  “If we walked past him, I’d know. I’ve smelled his scent.” Griffin’s hands clenched, but he relaxed them and stroked her shoulder.

  “That’s good to know. At least, he won’t be sneaking up on us.” She smiled.

  “Peaches, although he did come at you with a car, I really don’t think he’s stupid enough to take on a cougar.” Griffin pressed a kiss to her cheek.

  Chloe’s phone rang. She answered it. After a short conversation, she ended the call. “Sorry, Penny, I promised Tony I’d go with him tonight and I didn’t realize it was already time. I have to go or deal with a pouting male.”

  “I have a date tonight.” Shonna smiled. “So it’s time for me, as well. Penny, it was great. We have to get together for another afternoon or girl’s night.”

  “And we won’t sit here and torture you when we can see where you two are heading.” Leslie rose to her feet.

  “Though it would be fun and I’m having little of it.” Dixie shrugged.

  “We might not be headed there.” Penny rolled her eyes.

  “Don’t lie.” Griffin laughed. “I’ll walk your friends to the door. When I get back, we’ll discuss things.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Do you have to go back to your office and work?” Penny leaned against the doorjamb as he locked the door.

  “Work. I didn’t get much work done.” He shook his head.

  “I was safe with them. You’d have heard if someone strange came in.” She rolled her eyes. Overprotective male.

  “It wasn’t that you were in danger. The man does concern me, but I knew you were safe with them. No, I wanted to be with you. Sit beside you, hear you laughing.” Griffin hugged her tight.

  That was sweet. “I loved sitting in your lap.”

  “How about we go to bed and play for a little while. I can get some work done later. I don’t have anything pressing to do.” He lifted his brows at her.

  “And if you had anything pressing, would it matter?” She stroked the side of his face. His afternoon whiskers prickled against her palm.

  “No, it wouldn’t matter, but it’s the truth. I don’t have much work to finish.” He kissed her. “Do you want to play?”

  “Yes, that sounds delicious.” She grinned.

  “Good, I know what I want to do. Are you willing to put yourself in my hands?” He laced his fingers with hers.

  “As long as you don’t tease me until I’m ready to pull your hair out.” She tugged his hand and led the way to their bedroom.

  “A little teasing is a good thing, but not too much tonight.” He kissed her.

  “Good. I’d hate to get rough with
you.” She grinned. “My nails could do some serious damage if I try to pull you to a new position.”

  He laughed as they entered the bedroom. “I think I can take it. Now, take off those clothes. I have to decide where to start first.”

  “Why do I think I’m going to regret giving you control?” She shook her head, but unbuttoned her shirt.

  “You’re a little suspicious cat.” He flicked open his shirt and tossed it across the room.

  “Maybe, but we’ll see. Hop to it, Griffin. You’re falling behind.” She pushed her pants down.

  “Yeah, but you will still be waiting on me by the time I’m finished taking off my clothes.” He stared at her breasts.

  “Maybe.” She batted her eyelashes. Would he let her tease him?

  “That won’t work on me. Crawl onto the bed and I’ll give you all the pleasure you need.” He kicked out of his shoes before he pushed his pants down.

  She climbed onto the bed and rolled to her back. His pants fell to the floor, and he stepped out. Such a gorgeous body, hard and toned. His brown skin offered such an expanse to explore and nibble.

  He strode toward her. Her stomach clenched and she licked her lips. Which way would he touch her? Fast and hard or slow and torturous?

  He climbed onto the bed and snuggled next to her. He kissed her cheek and chin.

  “I’ve wanted to do this for hours, even before your friends arrived.” He cupped the side of her face. “I knew you wanted to visit with your friends. And seeing you so relaxed made it worth it.”

  “It was great even though I love being in your arms. For a while, everything seemed normal.” She pressed a puckered kiss to his lips.

  “Normal is good and I liked seeing you happy. I know with us, you’re reminded of the danger, because we didn’t have a romantic relationship before.” He nuzzled his mouth against her neck.

  “Maybe not, but outside of the restrictions in place because of the asshole stalking me, we’re building our own normal.” She stroked his shoulder. “Now, are you going to make me feel wonderful or do we talk some more? I don’t mind talking, but was kind of expecting the former.”

  He laughed. “Insatiable woman. I’ll get to the wonderful feelings, but I thought you’d like a little cuddling and sweet words.”

  “Cuddling and sweet words later, Griffin, when we’re both sweaty and satisfied.” She tugged at his hair.

  “Sounds like a plan. Now, I’ll get to mine.” Griffin rose to his knees. “Hmm, where should I start?”

  “I have some definite ideas about where you can start.” She cupped her breasts.

  “That’s an idea. Or I could skip all the playing around and focus my attention right here.” His hand molded to her pussy.

  “Well, I did say I’d put it all in your hands.” She lifted her hips against his palm. Her heart pounded against her chest.

  “First, I’ll taste you.” He pressed her thighs outward, making space. “Put your hands at your sides.”

  He settled on his knees and leaned over. Hot breath feathered across her skin. Heat prickled with every moist puff. He would drive her out of her mind. She wriggled. If he’d just lick her, even a flick of his tongue. Her fingers clenched on the comforter.

  She drew in a deep breath. Damn, she had to get control. He’d barely started and already tingles danced over her skin.

  He pressed a kiss to her thigh. The heat from his lips seared her thigh. Just a little lower. She gripped the slightly rough fabric beneath her. Anticipation swirled through her, threatening to fling her away.

  His tongue swept up over the lips. She tensed, every muscle locking. Fuck. He lapped at her. His tongue swiped across the bud. She gasped. Damn, so good. Her eyes drifted closed.

  A soft brush sounded to her right as Griffin flicked his fingers across her clit. She arched. Wet warmth surrounded her nipple. An electric jolt shot straight to her core. She gasped. Her eyes popped open.

  Dawson leaned over. Damn, where had he come from? She shook her head. It didn’t matter.

  His teeth scraped over her nipple. Tingles raced over her skin. She groaned and threaded her fingers through his hair. Nibbling wasn’t enough.

  His fingers plucked at the neglected nipple. She shivered. How could it always be so good with them? A tongue flicked across her clit. She moaned.

  “Dawson, you finally joined us. I’ve had a fantasy about watching her suck one of my brothers while I take her. Care to join in on that. I’ve got her close and if I play much more, she’ll go over and I’ll have to start again.” Griffin lifted his brows.

  “That sounds interesting. In this position or another?” Dawson drew his hand over her stomach.

  She shivered. Her gaze swiveled from one man to another. Her heartbeat kicked into a higher rate and her inner muscles clenched. His fantasy. It was one of hers, too.

  “On her hands and knees.” Griffin’s tongue slashed one more time across her clit before he drew back.

  She groaned. A spike of hunger flashed through her. He couldn’t leave her now. She grabbed his shoulder.

  “Roll over onto your stomach and we’ll make sure you find what you want.” Dawson stroked his hand over her shoulder. “And I get that sweet mouth on my cock.”

  She rolled to her stomach and rose to her hands and knees. Her heart pounded against her chest as a thrumming need burned through her body.

  Dawson eased forward. His cock stood proud, a pearly drop hanging on the tip. She licked her lips.

  “Want a taste? I’m aching to feel your mouth wrapped around me.” Dawson guided the tip to her mouth.

  She opened for him. The head slipped into her mouth. His slightly salty essence teased her. She lapped at him.

  His fingers threaded into her hair. “Don’t play around, peaches. I want you to take me deep. Damn, walking in and seeing Griffin licking at you and the pretty flush on your cheeks, I knew I had to join you.”

  “And I have to have you.” Griffin’s hand stroked over her ass.

  She pulled back, holding Dawson’s cock. “If you don’t slide deep, I’ll climb Dawson.”

  “Not a chance, peaches.” Griffin’s arm tugged her back against him. “Suck him and I’ll give you what you need.”

  His cock brushed against her pussy. She drew in a slow breath. Yes. She drew Dawson back into her mouth. Dawson groaned.

  Griffin’s cock slid between her lips before he pulled back. His hips rocked forward. The thick shaft pushed into her. Her muscles tightened. She gripped the blanket beneath her.

  Griffin withdrew and slowly rocked forward. Fire pulsed through her. She drew on Dawson’s cock. He had to go first. Dawson rocked forward. His cock sank into her mouth. She drew on it, taking it to the back of her throat.

  Griffin’s fingers tightened on her hips. He pulled her back as he drove forward. His cock drove into her. Sparks burst through her. She stroked her tongue over Dawson’s cock. Hopefully, they were both close.

  Dawson’s fingers tightened. She sucked him deeper.

  “That’s good, baby. Your mouth feels wonderful.” Dawson’s hands guided her head forward. “Go faster.”

  She took him as deep as she could. She rocked back before once again drawing him in. Her body tightened.

  Dawson groaned. “I’m going to come. If you don’t want to swallow, let me pull out.”

  She grabbed his thigh. No way was he leaving her. She took him to the back of her throat. His cock slid deep. She pulled back before taking him again. He cupped the back of her neck. His hips jerked, driving him back into her mouth. He came. She swallowed around him. Damn, she loved taking him to the edge. He pulled back.

  “Come for Griffin, peaches. He’s hard and aching for you, but you have to find your pleasure first.” Dawson stroked her hair.

  “She’ll come for me. I want to feel those muscles clamping around me.” Griffin pulled her back against him.

  His hips drove against her butt, and his cock sank deep. She moaned. His hand slipped under her. The r
aging hunger roared through her. She couldn’t hold back.

  His fingers settled over her clit. A bolt shot through her. She jerked. He plunged in, pushing deep. A white-hot flame ripped through her. Shivers racked her body.

  Griffin drove into her. His hips crashed against her. Aftershocks of pleasure rippled through her. He stiffened and pulled her tight to him. She moaned. Damn, so good. Her arms wobbled and she collapsed to the bed. Griffin slowly pulled away from her.

  “Come on, peaches. Let’s go shower.” Dawson pulled her up.

  “Sounds good, but don’t think I’m finished yet. You still have some work to do to satisfy me.” She trailed her hands over his chest.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Penny tapped her foot to the music. Griffin drove toward the clinic. He’d probably be on the phone a lot after he decluttered her desk. His organized approach to work and cooking didn’t seem to spread throughout his life. Which was a good thing. She’d drive him crazy if he was that organized everywhere.

  “In a good mood, are you?” Griffin glanced over briefly.

  “Yes, I am. It’s too nice of a day to let fear and uncertainty mess it up.” She grinned. Well, the early morning sex had lifted her spirits.

  “Yes, it is, but we’ll still be careful wherever we go.” Griffin concentrated on the road.

  “I’m not planning to go out and party, but being happy isn’t putting myself at risk.” She brushed her hair back from her face. That idiot stalker had caused enough trouble. She wasn’t letting him ruin every day.

  “No, it doesn’t.” He nodded as he turned into the clinic and pulled around to park in the employee’s slot.

  Two cars sat in the lot. Penny frowned. Only one should be there. A bumper sticker of a duck with a pink boa and tiara stood out on the right corner of the back window of the black car. Angie.

  “Do you know that other car? If you don’t, we’re pulling out.” Griffin glanced over at her.

  “That’s Angie’s car. She’s a tech.” Penny glanced around.

  Where is she? Bren, the night tech, might have let her in. A flash of blue moved at the far corner of the building. Angie strode toward him.