by Megan Slayer
She wasn’t sure why she’d said that. Was she going to check on him?
“I’m a shout away.” Roman dipped his head, then strolled down the hall to the guest room.
Jessa waited until he turned out the light, then headed to her own bedroom. She had so many things to think about. John was out of her life. Maybe Roman was right. John had treated her like shit. Then why did she miss him? Because of her stupid low self-esteem? No, she appreciated the security of being with someone. She’d never been the woman men chose. She always ended up being the pity date. Her heart ached. John hadn’t been any different than the other guys she’d known. He didn’t deserve her.
What about Roman? She flopped on her bed and closed her eyes. A vision of his body came to mind. She swallowed a moan. If she could’ve hand-selected a man, he’d’ve been the one. Perfect abs, just the right amount of black hairs on his chest… long legs and a great smile. He even had perfect hair. The man worked her bathrobe like a pro on a catwalk and seemed so comfortable in her apartment. But he’d been her cat -- he’d better have been comfy in her apartment. He had to be too good to be true.
He wanted her to teach him to be a human. Then she’d show him the way to do things like kiss -- although he did that well. She brushed her breast with her fingertips. A jolt of awareness ran through her body. He might not have known much, but he knew how to make her respond. He’d need to learn how to… fuck. Even thinking the word turned her on. Her skin prickled and fever slid through her veins. He’d never had sex. What would it be like to make love to him? Kind and tender? Or would he be commanding?
She slipped her hand beneath the waistband of her panties and sweat pants. Her already slick pussy throbbed. She flicked her clit with her fingernail. Happy tremors resonated within her. She imagined his strong arms around her. Even if only for a little while, she wanted to be Roman’s girl.
She opened her eyes and froze. Why the hell was she playing with herself when the man she lusted after was in the other room? He’d said he was just a shout away. Should she shout? And freak him out? He’d think she was hurt or upset. She shucked her sweatpants and socks and then climbed off the bed. Time to head across the hall.
“Roman,” she whispered and eased the guest room door open. “Are you asleep?”
“No, Jess. I’m usually running berserk about now and getting hollered at for keeping you awake.” He rolled onto his back. “What’s wrong? I didn’t hear anyone in the apartment.”
She slipped under the covers beside him. When she bumped his hip with hers, she touched bare skin. He’d ditched the robe. Jessa eased onto her side and stretched her arm across his belly. “I’m going to teach you to make love.”
Chapter Four
Jessa shoved the blankets aside. For early November, the weather had been unseasonably warm. She’d also had the heat on from the prior cold snap. Then again, the room could’ve been an icebox, but the fever in her veins would’ve kept her toasty.
“I can’t wait to learn all you have to teach me.” Roman turned to face her. He kissed away anything she’d been planning to say. With his fingers in her hair and his cock nestled between her legs, he tugged her on top of him.
Excitement sparkled in her brain. Every time Roman touched her, she moaned. He palmed her ass and sucked her tongue. The bit of scruff on his cheeks abraded her skin.
Jessa broke the connection first. She sat up. “When you’re making love to a woman, you have to tease her.”
Roman nodded. He pinched her ass and smiled. When she sighed, he cupped her breast. “Like this?”
“Uh-huh.” Jessa rocked on his lap, rubbing his erection against her sopping pussy. “Put your hand under my shirt.”
“Take it off.” Roman grabbed the hem of her T-shirt and eased the garment up over her head. She barely noticed the temperature change. Nothing mattered but Roman.
“Come here,” he commanded and tugged her down on top of him, chest to breast. He thrust his fingers into her hair again. Starting by her ear, he kissed a path of fire across her cheek to her lips. He let go of her hair, but continued to hold her. “I’ve wanted to do this since you adopted me.”
Odd thing to hear from the man who’d been her cat, but somehow the revelation fit. She gasped for air and raked her nails down his pec. The man was rock hard everywhere. Shimmers of delight pooled in her belly. The more she ground her lace-covered clit over his dick, the closer she came to orgasm. No, she told herself. No coming yet.
Jessa sat up once more. “I need to prepare you.” Plus she wanted to lick that cock. She wriggled down his body to his legs, then wrapped her hand around his dick.
“Jessa.” His eyes widened and his lips parted. He flattened his palms on the mattress. “What are you going to do?”
“Make you feel good.” She pumped her fingers, stroking him and pulling his foreskin down. When he tensed, she leaned over and flicked her tongue across the blunt head of his erection. Roman shivered beneath her.
“I love when you touch me like that.” He gripped the sheets in both hands. “Fuck.”
“Then you’ll really love this.” She engulfed him in her mouth. His tangy taste exploded on her tongue. He wasn’t like any other man she knew and in a great way. He allowed her the freedom to enjoy and explore him. She cupped his balls, then released the suction on his cock.
Roman planted his feet on the bed and groaned. His nipples beaded. “Holy shit.” He rocked his hips, nudging more of his dick into her mouth. “I -- I can’t hold out any longer. Stop and come here.”
When she sat up, he dragged her to his chest and then flipped her underneath him. She liked when her partner allowed her the freedom to learn his body, but she loved the way Roman took control of the situation. He peered down at her, hunger in his eyes.
“I need to make love to you,” he murmured. Roman opened the catch on her bra, exposing her breasts. “Beautiful.” He buried his face in her chest, sucking on her nipple.
She couldn’t breathe or think. The world stopped moving and time slowed down. She wrapped her arms around Roman. She’d never find a man like him ever again.
Roman tugged her panties to the side and lined his cock up with her pussy. “Mate,” he whispered. “Mate.” His eyes flashed.
Mate? Her brain began to work again. He’d mentioned something about being her mate, but did she want the connection forever? “Wait.” She placed both hands on his chest, stilling him. “We need something.” Jessa reached into the nightstand and withdrew a condom. “Back up.” She wriggled out of her panties as he scooted out of the way. When he climbed on top of her again, she tore into the packet and then sheathed him. “Now we’re ready.”
“Yes, we are.” Roman surged into her and growled. Sweat glittered on his temple. His dark hair clung to his damp forehead. Knees planted beneath her ass, he hauled her onto his thighs. He shook his head and grunted. His thrusts increased and she dug her heels into the small of his back.
“Roman,” she moaned. She arched her body, accepting more of him into her pussy. He stretched her and made everything burn in a good way.
“My mate,” he shouted. “Mine.” Roman shuddered. He held her hips tight to his waist. “Fuck.”
Jessa closed her eyes. The climax washed over her, drowning her in pleasure. For a moment, she felt weightless. She sagged against the mattress, then opened her eyes and gazed at her lover. The act of sex had been quick, but who said sex couldn’t be fast? Each time he looked at her or touched her, she felt the passion radiating from him. When she spent time with Roman, she felt loved. Was it possible to fall in love with a person -- a shifter no less -- after a tiny piece of time? She’d known him for more than a year -- in his feline form. Was the man side of him any different? She wasn’t sure.
“Jessa.” Roman collapsed on top of her. “You’ve got my heart in your hands.” He smiled and kissed her. “You also need to tell me what to do with the thing you put around my dick.”
“You carefully take it off and pitch
it in the garbage. I’ll help you.”
Roman pulled out of her. He flopped beside her on the bed. His flaccid cock bobbed.
“It’s called a condom.” She worked the used latex off his dick. “It keeps the swimmers from going places they aren’t supposed to go.”
“Swimmers?” Roman knotted his eyebrows. “I’m lost.”
“The sperm in your cum.” She tossed the spent rubber in the garbage bin. “Give me a moment.” She climbed out of bed. The idea of fast, frantic sex with her panties on was hot as hell, but the lacy material seemed to be permanently implanted in the crack of her ass. She tugged her panties from her butt and then wriggled out of the garment. “You’re pretty good for your first time.” Jessa debated grabbing a sleep shirt, but decided against it. He’d seen her naked. Why bother to cover up? She climbed into bed beside him and snuggled against him. “Really good.”
“I’ve got the best teacher.” He petted her hair. “Even when I don’t understand why we’ve done some of the things we’ve done, I’m glad I went through the experience with you.”
She bit her bottom lip. One thing stuck in her brain. Ask? Or keep quiet? Might as well ask. “You said the word mate before and again when we had sex. Why? I’m not a shifter. I’m just a simple human.” She rose up, propping herself on her elbow. “Even if I wanted to be your mate, there are so many complications. Are you sure I’m yours?”
“You’re so much more than just a human and yes, I’m sure.”
Roman tucked her to his side. The mating had taken place, but he hadn’t heard the voice or seen the goddess. He wasn’t sure why. He knew for certain Jessa belonged to him and he to her. As far as he knew, she returned his feelings -- even if she didn’t trust herself or understand how she felt. He wanted to remove all the negative thoughts from her head. John had fucked her up so much. So the mating hadn’t seemed to take place that time -- there would be others. They’d practice until they got the act right.
He didn’t want to sleep -- actually sleeping together instead of sex -- in the guest room. She should be in her own bed and cherished. He sat up, then climbed out of bed. He scooped her into his arms and carried her back to her bedroom.
“Done with me already?” she asked, her voice soft and sleepy.
“Never,” he said and settled beside her. “I’m a human now and would like to be here in your bed with you. It’s much better than the guest room.” He dragged her across his chest. Their bodies fitted together so well. No wonder they were mates. They’d been made for each other.
“Sorry.” She rested her chin on her folded hands. “I’m sorry the bed is sucky.”
“Not sucky.” He kissed her, needing to taste her once more. “I want to hold you while we sleep.”
“That’s nice.” She slid down beside him and draped her arm across his chest.
Roman cradled her to his side and stared at the ceiling. His time as a cat had served him well. All the chances to spy on Jessa under the guise of wanting her to pet him before she went to sleep. John hadn’t wanted to snuggle with her. He’d insisted on leaving shortly after they had sex. Wham, bam, see ya later, ma’am. What a jerk.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered and kissed the top of her head. “I’m all yours.”
She didn’t understand the situation between them, and he’d done a shitty job of explaining. She meant the world to him. More than an owner or lover, she understood him. He needed to take the time in the morning to explain everything to her. Absolutely. He’d pour out his heart to her -- in the morning.
* * *
Roman rolled onto his back and stretched. Instead of hot woman beside him, he touched cold sheets. He sat up. What the hell? He listened for her. Voices filtered to him from the other room. Whoever was out there was trying to whisper. He didn’t recognize all the voices, but he knew his mate. She sounded worried.
Roman surged out of bed. He didn’t have any clothes. Fuck. He hoped she had something large enough he could wear and cover up his junk, but he hated to go through her things. The need to protect her outweighed everything else. He rummaged through her bureau until he found a sweatshirt and a pair of boxer shorts she wore as sleepwear in the summer. He needed to be with her, not looking for clothing.
Roman composed himself, then headed down the hall to the living room. Two men and two women sat with Jessa. He didn’t know the men or the women. “What’s this?”
“Roman?” One of the men stood. He had the same short black hair as Roman and stood about the same height. The scent around him was familiar, too. The man grabbed Roman and tugged him into a hug. “It’s you. I can’t believe it.” He stepped back. His brows knotted. “The fashion flub happened to me, too.”
“I’m --” What the hell was the guy talking about? Happened to him? “I’m lost.” Roman shuffled his gaze to Jessa. “I’m not sensing anything is wrong. What did I miss?”
Jessa wove around the guests to Roman’s side. “Sorry. I should’ve gotten you something to wear.”
“I’m good.” He curled his arm around her. “I can find a groove in whatever I’m wearing.”
“These two claim to be your brothers -- Ascher and Joel.” She half shrugged. Confusion shone in her eyes. “They said they smelled you.”
The man who’d approached him first grinned. “It’s me, Fang. I brought Godzilla with me.”
“These days we go by Ascher and Joel,” the second man said. “I know it’s nuts.”
Roman wobbled on his feet. Thank goddess he had Jessa for support. His brothers. The more he looked at the two men, the more he knew the truth. His family -- the rest of them -- had found him.
Chapter Five
“How… how did you know I was here?” Roman collapsed on the couch. They said they’d smelled him. Could they?
“Intuition,” Ascher said. He knelt next to Roman. “We had a feeling you were here and then we smelled you. Our family has a scent.” He patted Roman’s thigh. “Give me a moment. I’ve got clothes in the car. You need something else besides that ridiculous get-up.” He stood, then strode out of the house.
“I don’t think it’s that bad,” Jessa murmured.
Roman reached for her. “He didn’t mean that.” He tugged her onto his lap. Holding her close gave him strength.
“He’s a pro at shopping. Ever since he found out he could go into the stores and buy clothes he likes, he’s kind of addicted.” The dark-haired woman offered her hand to Roman. “I’m Penelope. Ascher belongs to me.” She smiled. “Hildegard made sure I took him. He’s been a trip, but worth the hassle.”
“Have you two mated?” The blonde murmured. “You don’t look like you did.”
“Hayden,” Penelope said. “That’s personal.” She swatted Hayden’s arm. “Why don’t we take Jessa into the kitchen for some girl talk? I think it would help.” She, along with Hayden, grabbed Jessa’s biceps and hauled her to her feet. “We can explain a lot.”
“That would be good.” Jessa kissed Roman’s cheek. She nodded to Joel and then allowed the girls to lead her out of the room.
Roman took a deep breath and let the air flow out of him. “So…”
“Feeling overwhelmed?” Joel rested his elbows on his knees. “Trust me, Asch and I understand.”
The front door opened and Ascher came back into the apartment with a paper bag. “Here you go. You look like you’re about our size.” He grinned. “Having brothers is a good thing sometimes.”
“I guess I’ll have to get used to you.” Roman rummaged through the bag. Ascher had decent taste in clothes. Roman shook out a blue long-sleeved T-shirt.
“That’ll look better than the sweatshirt.” Ascher folded his arms and widened his stance. “Like I said, I’ve been in your shoes… er… sweatshirt. Penn didn’t exactly have tons of clothes for me to wear. Joel saved my butt. And we’re freaking you out. Sorry.”
“We’ve got a doozy for you.” Joel, the softer-spoken of the two, grinned. “I have the feeling your girl is about to
save you and good thing. I wouldn’t drop your shorts. Asch probably didn’t pack any of those.”
“I didn’t. Shoot.” Ascher frowned. “Sorry.”
“What’s the doozy?” Roman demanded. He worked his way out of the sweatshirt, then donned the T-shirt. The extra room was so much nicer. He retrieved the pair of jeans. “Nice. Might be a little baggy.”
“You’ll like them better baggy.” Joel sighed. “The doozy is there’s a man named Branker who is trying to do us in. He seems to think our blood will help humankind. When we’re unmated, our blood is precious. There are healing properties that the humans would love to have. I’d love to share it with them, but not Branker.”
“He tried to kill me.” Ascher paced the length of the small room. “Thank goddess Penn saved me.”
“Because you’re mated?” Roman stepped into the jeans and held his breath. He’d made love to Jessa but something had gone wrong.
“Well, yeah. Hay and I made love without barriers and it worked. Same thing for Penn and Asch.” Joel’s eyebrows knotted. “You’ve made love to your mate, right?”
“She had me wear a condom. That fucked it up, didn’t it?” Roman zipped, then sat beside his brother. “She doesn’t believe we belong together, and I’m shit at explaining.”
“I have the feeling Penn and Hay are filling her in.” Ascher stopped pacing. “They’re good at that.”
“So what do we do? Is the guy looking for me?” Roman asked.
“That we know of, no. He’s in jail, but he’s got associates everywhere. If it took us this long to find you, then chances are his bunch is a step or two behind.” Joel sighed. “I’m not saying you have to do it right now, but I’d suggest mating with Jessa tonight. You’ll save yourself and get a pretty sweet woman in the deal. She’s yours -- she’s just scared and not sold on the idea.”
