by Sage S Wolf
It was too late now.
Turning, she opened her dresser. “Right. They should be in here somewhere.” She was frantically looking, knocking clothes onto the floor as she went from drawer to drawer. “Ah-ha! Found them!” She announced proudly, holding up two pairs of briefs. “Here you go.” She held them out behind her, not turning to look at me.
I grinned, loving that she was so flustered over seeing my erection. It was adorable. “Thank you,” I reached out and took them, looking at the sizes. They were the right size even. Slipping the black ones on, I made sure I was all covered before stepping closer to Kailani and wrapping my arms around her waist. She was still only wearing a hideous foul-smelling coat. “I’m decent now.”
She turned in my arms and smiled up at me. “Good. Now it’s my turn to put some clothes on.”
I kissed her forehead and stepped away. “I’ll go see if your aunt needs any help while you get dressed.”
Even with her lioness now making her feel all the things I was feeling, she was still young and innocent. My lion didn’t agree at all. He could scent that she’d be in heat soon and he wanted to complete our bond before another male got any ideas of trying to take her from us.
“Why are you growling?” Kailani’s voice pulled me from my internal argument.
“We can discuss it at a better time,” I said before heading to the kitchen to check on Leandra.
~24~
Kailani
I was a little overwhelmed by all the emotions I was feeling right now.
Seeing Blake’s erection had my lioness wanting…things. Sexual things. Of course, I had considered having sex with Kavik on multiple occasions. I’d even tried to lead him in that direction a few times but was always shut down very quickly. I guess I knew why that was now, which stung a bit.
Blake wanted me though. I could see it in his eyes and feel it when he touched me. I could even smell it somehow. He wouldn’t deny me if I offered myself to him…
Steering myself away from my thoughts of possibly seducing my mate, I grabbed myself some warm pajamas and headed to the bathroom to wash the dried blood off my body. Blake would need to do the same before I was allowing him into my bed. It might be lumpy, but it was clean.
After I was cleaned off all the blood, I stepped out of the shower and dressed quickly before heading to the kitchen.
Blake was sitting at the table with my aunt, both holding a mug a hot tea. I could smell what each cup held. This shifter thing was going to take some getting used to.
“Where’s mine?” I asked as I tied my wet hair up in a bun.
Blake grinned at my pink polka dot pajamas and light up dragon slippers. “Here.” He held his mug out to me and I took it. “Nice PJs.”
“Thanks,” I said, coming to stand beside him. “May I?” I gestured to his lap. I needed to be as close to him after what we’d been through.
“Of course.” He scooched his chair back a little to make room before grabbing my hips and pulling me into his lap.
“Careful!” I giggled, doing my best not to spill the hot tea on either of us.
Blake buried his face in my neck and took a deep breath. “Sorry. I got a little excited.”
“It’s okay. I’m still trying to navigate all these emotions I’m feeling toward you.” I took a sip of the tea and sighed. It felt good coating my empty stomach.
“I’m gonna excuse myself. My bed is calling me for the night,” Aunt Leandra stood from the table. “Blake, don’t forget to discuss your plans with your mate.”
I felt him nod against my neck. “I will. Sleep well, Leandra.”
“Goodnight, Auntie.”
She smiled at us. “Goodnight, cubs.” Then she headed to her room.
I took another sip of tea before turning to look at Blake. “What plans are you supposed to be discussing with me?”
He cleared his throat, seeming a little nervous. “I’d like to leave for Montana in the morning-”
“What-”
Blake kissed me to silence me. “Let me finish, my queen.” All I could do was nod. He grinned and continued. “If we stay here and wait for Kavik to get his whole family to come after us and possibly the whole damn town, we’ll be more outnumbered than we were at the fishery today. I don’t want that to happen. We can go home and let Kavik bring the fight to us where we’ll have the numbers and loyalty of our pride behind us.”
“Our pride?”
Blake rubbed his cheek against mine, purring. “Yes, Kailani. I’m their alpha and as my mate, you are also their alpha. My equal in all things.”
“Wow.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him as tears began to fall. I was feeling things I hadn’t felt in a long time. Safe. Relieved. Home.
Blake was my home.
“Shh.” He soothed and began to rock us side to side. “You deserve to feel all the things you’re feeling right now, Kailani. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”
I sniffled, trying to keep my snot from dripping onto his bare shoulder that still had dried blood on it. “You should shower.” It was all my brain could think of now that I’d seen it.
Blake laughed and kissed the side of my head. “I will as soon as we’ve eaten.” He encouraged me to climb off his lap. “Let’s see what you’ve got in the fridge.”
“Probably just eggs,” I said, standing from his lap and going over and opening the fridge. Yep. Just eggs. I grabbed the carton and held it up. “Eggs are your only option.”
Blake stood and took the eggs from my hand, sitting them on the counter. “Scrambled good?”
“Yes, but…” I hip bumped him out of the way, causing him to laugh again. “I’m making them while you go take a shower.”
Blake bent down and kissed me sweetly. “I know better than to argue with a woman in her kitchen.”
The man was a great kisser. I smiled against his mouth. “Go shower,” I whispered, gently pushing him away.
“Yes, ma’am.” He gave me a sexy grin as he left the kitchen and my heart fluttered.
The asshole knew what he was doing.
Opening the cabinet under the sink, I grabbed a clean pan and placed it on the stove before turning the burner on. I poured a tiny bit of cooking oil in the pan and then mixed the eggs in a small bowl. When the pan was heated enough, I poured the eggs in and began to scramble them. I made all six eggs so they wouldn’t go to waste after we left tomorrow. This was the second time this week that I couldn’t wait to get the hell out of this town.
Once the eggs where cooked, I plated them and was placing them on the table when Blake came back. He looked and smelled much better. Not that he ever smelled bad. He smelled less coppery now though.
“Feel better?” I asked, trying not to stare at his abs. I didn’t know eight packs were a real thing. My mate had one and I was somehow just noticing. My lioness started to purr.
“See something you like, mate?” Blake was watching me with glowing eyes. That damn grin that had my heart fluttering was back.
“Have you seen yourself?” I could feel myself starting to blush as I gestured to the whole of him. “Is there anything not to like about that body?”
“I see it quite frequently and you’re right, it is a nice body. Not as nice as yours of course,” Blake pulled my chair out for me. “Your seat, my queen.”
“Thank you,” I sat down and then got back to the subject at hand. “I don’t know how you think my body is better, I mean, you have abs, Blake. I have flabs,” To make my point I jiggled my stomach. “See.”
“You’re beautiful,” Blake growled, reaching over and touching my stomach. “I can’t wait to worship every inch of you.”
“I don’t know how to respond to that,” I admitted, swallowing nervously.
My mate smiled and leaned over the table for a kiss. “That’s okay, Kailani. You’ll learn soon enough.” His words made me shiver and my face heated further. “Eat. The sooner we rest, the sooner we can leave and complete our bond.”
“Sex?” Blake finished my question, his lips turning up in a sexy smile.
“Yes, that.”
“It does, and I promise our first time will be as memorable as I can make it. I’ll never hurt you, Kailani.”
I gave him a small smile. “Well, you might the first time, even if it’s a little. I’m okay with that though, as long as it’s with you. I’m a little mad at myself for trying to give myself to Kavik so many times.” My shame was surely on my face.
Blake growled. “Don’t talk about offering yourself to anyone. You’re mine!” His tone was so possessive, it made me shiver.
“I won’t,” I promised. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I took a bite of eggs and was suddenly ravenous. “Less talking, more eating.”
Blake grunted and dug into his food too.
Not that six eggs split between us was going to feed his big body very well. Still, food was food and we were both grateful to have the chance to share a meal after the events of the day. I’d almost lost him. The thought made my stomach churn. I was going to appreciate every moment I got with him from now on.
We finished our eggs and cleared our plates before heading to bed for the night.
“How would you like to sleep?” Blake asked once we were in my room.
“Preferably lying down.” I sassed and was quickly swept off my feet. “Blake, put me down!”
“As you wish, mate.”
I let out a squeal of laughter as I was tossed onto the bed.
I started to sit up to tell him he could have broken my bed, but suddenly he was there, hovering over me.
“Don’t finish that thought.” He growled.
I locked eyes with him. They were full of love. “Blake,” I whispered, reaching up and cupping his cheek. I didn’t deserve him.
“Yes, you do,” He lowered his head and kissed my forehead. Had I said that out loud? “I love you, Kailani.”
My lioness began to purr.
“We love you too,” I pulled him down for a kiss. “So much.” I could kiss him forever.
He nipped my lip and I moaned.
Growling again, he pulled away and sat back on his heels. “I need to stop kissing you before I lose control.”
I reached for him. “What if I want you to lose control. What if…”
“Kailani,” He took my hand and pulled me up until I was sitting. He kissed my forehead before looking into my eyes. “When I claim you, and it will be soon, it won’t be because I lost control and fucked you quickly like a teenage boy. No, it will be slow and gently, just like you deserve your first time to be.”
I nodded, unable to find words to describe what I was currently feeling.
Blake wasn’t done talking anyway. “Only when I’ve made you come so many times that you’re begging me for my bite will I let myself lose control.”
“Wow,” I whispered, my whole body starting to tingle and heat up. “That sounds…” I was finding it hard to think.
“Shit, I’m sorry, Kailani,” Blake climbed off the bed. His eyes were starting to glow. “I’ll sleep in the living room again tonight.”
“What, why?” I climbed off after him.
“Kailani, I’ve triggered your heat. You need to stay away until it subsides a bit.”
“What are you talking about?” I did feel tingly and warm, but I also needed to be near my mate, against him. I wanted to rub my naked body on his. “Oh! I think I’m understanding now.”
“Yea,” Blake’s eyes were so bright, I could see him physically holding himself back as his body repeatedly tensed. “I’ll be on the couch.” With that, he turned and left the room.
Once he was out of sight and scent range, my body started to cool and the tingling subsided. I’d never been in heat before and was starting to understand the strange behavior of female cats when they were going through it. I’d felt like a cat for a moment there. “Cause you are.” My lioness purred. She still wanted to go rub herself all over our mate. “Tramp!” I thought, giggling.
I climbed into bed. I was a little disappointed to be sleeping alone but I understood it wasn’t a good idea for me and Blake to occupy the same space until my hormones were better settled.
Laying my head on my pillow, I let my mind wander until I fell asleep.
~25~
Blake
I didn’t sleep for shit. My lion repeatedly woke me to try and convince me to go back and claim our mate.
As much as I wanted to complete our bond, Kailani needed to understand the circumstances of us mating while she was in heat. It would guarantee cubs. At least two or more. If she were human then the chances of having multiples would be cut down drastically, but Kailani was an omega lioness. Unprotected sex during a heat was a sure litter of two to four cubs. I didn’t think my mate is ready for that. She was only eighteen and had plans to go to college.
I’d just dozed off when Leandra woke me by walking through the living room to get to the kitchen.
“Mornin.” My voice startled her.
“Oh gosh!” She laughed, placing her hand on her chest. “I thought you were sleeping in Kailani’s room.”
I sat up and rubbed my hands over my face. “I was, but then her heat showed up and I had to get away.”
“I see. Her first heat will be strong and unpredictable having been suppressed for so many years. It might be best if you two steer clear of one another until you’re sure it’s gone.”
I shook my head. “I can’t do that, Leandra. I need to keep her close enough to be able to protect her until this is all over.”
“I guess we’ll have to see how well you both handle it and go from there then. You said you live with your mom, correct?”
I stood from the couch and stretched. “I do. It didn’t feel right making her move out of the alpha house after my dad died. We both needed each other to get through our grief and I had a bad feeling she’d die if I allowed her to be alone.”
“That’s sweet of you, Blake. Shall we get breakfast started before Kailani wakes up then?”
“I think we used all the eggs last night for dinner,” I hoped she heard the apology in my voice. “We can stop and get something on the way to the airport if you want.” I needed to stop and have one of them buy me proper clothes before I could even get on a plane.
“As long as you’re paying this time, Alpha.”
I chuckled. “Of course I’m paying,” She swept a doubtful look at my barely clothed body and I chuckled. “My wallet is in the pocket of the jacket Kailani was wearing last night. I went back and got it for my tattered clothes pile while we were looking for you so stop worrying. I’ve got us covered for money.
Leandra’s shoulders relaxed. I hated that she was worried about money. “Great. I’ll go get packed.”
She and Kailani would never have to worry about anything ever again.
“Can you wake Kailani for me?” I wasn’t sure if her heat had faded enough to get close to her. Once we were in public it should be easier to get my lion to behave.
“I sure can,” Leandra gave me a warm smile, then turned and stared down the hall. “I might have some of my mate’s old clothes still stuffed in the dark corner of my closet if you want to try them on. He was about your size.”
“I’d appreciate that. Was he a lion?” I couldn’t help being curious about the man that had managed to stay away from his mate for so long. Maybe he was dead.
Leandra shook her head, turning again to look at me. “Wolverine.”
“Oh.” I took a second to wrap my head around what she’d said. “Was he related to Kavik?”
“No, he was just a local that owned the fish and tackle store.”
“And his reason for leaving?” I knew it was rude to push Leandra to tell me about something so painful, but curiosity killed that cat and all that.
She sighed. “He said we weren’t mates, and that he’d made a mistake leading me on for so long. The next day his shop
was for sale and he was nowhere to be found. Now that I think about it, it sounds similar to what Kavik did to Kailani.”
“Hmm,” I scratched at my stubble that had grown over the last few days. “I bet it had something to do with Kavik’s family. For whatever reason, they didn’t want you settling down here, just like they tried to get rid of Kailani. There’s got to be a bigger reason than they just don’t like lions. I’m finding it hard to believe another shifter could be so… ignorant.”
“Maybe. I’m gonna go get those clothes for you now and wake Kailani.” Leandra turned back around and headed down the hallway before I could respond, ending the conversation.
I could feel her pain over losing her mate. I hated that Kailani had felt that for a short time after she’d thought I’d died back in the warehouse. I was terrified when I’d woken up to her gone. I didn’t know what they might be doing to her and I sure as hell wasn’t planning on waiting around for my healing to finish before finding her.
Shaking away my thoughts, I went into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee while I waited for the ladies to be ready to go.
I was pouring myself a cup when arms wrapped around me from behind.
“Good morning,” Kailani hugged me tightly, her voice was sleepy.
I took a quick sniff to see if I was safe. Thankfully, her heat seemed to have faded to a tolerable state. Turning in her arms, I bent and kissed her. “Good morning, my queen. Did you sleep well?”
She gave me the cutest pout. “No. I tossed and turned all night wanting you beside me.”
“You poor thing,” I chuckled, stealing another kiss. If I wasn’t careful, I could trigger her heat again. I stepped away. “You all packed and ready to go?”
“Yep. I can’t wait to get the hell out of this state, again. I have no intention of coming back this time.”
“Where did you get into college?” I asked, handing her the cup of coffee I had poured for myself and then grabbed myself another mug.
“Washington state. I’m gonna be a veterinarian. Now that I know I’m a shifter, I understand my strong pull to nature.”
