by Jana Leigh
"That will be perfect,” Striker said as he closed his laptop and slid it back into its carrying case.
Eric picked out an outfit for Mia with some fresh underwear and set it aside. Then he handed Striker a fresh set of clothes and took one for himself. The rest he packed in the duffel bag he had bought in case they had to move in a hurry. That was the way of life on the run and that is just what they were doing, running. He just hoped it wasn't for long.
*****
Mia woke slowly, safely tucked in the king sized bed by herself. She laid there and listened for any noises. She couldn't hear anyone in the room with her and she was surprised. The two men with her had hovered around her since she had met them. Not that she minded it, but when they suddenly weren’t there, it made her feel strange, like something was missing. She knew their smell; she could close her eyes and know which one had come to check on her just by their scent. They were there to help her get to the Senate where she had been offered a job, which was awesome, however she wondered where the men would be then, would they completely disappear, because the thought of never seeing them again put a knot in her stomach. Cami had been kind and helped her get established in Europe. There was only one problem with the two men the Senate had chosen to escort. Did they have to be so damn hot?
She knew she was a little broken, kinda like being a little pregnant as far as she was concerned but it was the only way she could describe it. She had been abused by Roarke mentally and then they had beaten the crap out of her several times, but she was alive. She was a woman who had realized over the last couple of weeks that she was getting her pissed off attitude back after figuring she was going to be killed by the pricks. Therefore, in addition to the rage inside she was also becoming attached and attracted to two men. She was one completely fucked up woman, but hey, she could blame it on PMS until she sorted them out, right? Her only problem, was those feelings were beginning to grow deep for her two escorts. That had been proven today when she had gotten wet just sitting on Striker's lap. God, it had felt so good to be held in his strong arms and to have been comforted. She wished she could have woken up snuggled in his arms or Eric's.
Striker and Eric were both very tall and had very sexy, hard bodies. Where Eric had long, blonde hair that he always pulled back in a ponytail, Striker was dark. His hair was black and hung down to brush the top of his shoulders. Both men were very handsome and seemed mysterious to her. Striker was dark and brooding and Eric was the opposite.
Eric seemed to have this inner light that shone out of him. She had known from the moment she first met him that she could trust him. That he would be kind to her. She didn't know how she knew that but she did. She also didn't miss the look that Striker had when he saw that she had taken to Eric quickly. Since then she had tried to treat them the same, she liked them both but knew she could never have them. She was damaged goods for right now, she needed to work that out. Maybe if she kicked someone’s ass it would make her feel better, but who? She didn’t know, but her rage wouldn't be contained for long. Hmm…maybe she needed to stop at a bar that way it would be a stranger, Mia shook her head, and laughed to herself, and this was so out of character for her. But Cami explained to her that living in the paranormal world was vastly different. She was seeing that now, and Mia knew she was going to have to fit in some way or another. Channeling her inner bitch seemed to be a good thought.
She got up out of the bed and noted that her towel was still tucked around her. She glanced at the bedside clock and saw that it was early evening. She was surprised she had slept the afternoon away. She hurried into the bathroom to use the facilities and to try to tame her hair, which had frizzed out everywhere. As she began to finger comb her hair and rewet it, there was a light knock on the door.
"Mia? It's me.” Eric's voice came through the door. "I…ah, got you some things. I'm going to leave them out here on the bed and shut the bedroom door. Come join us in the living area when you are dressed."
"Okay. Thank you,” Mia answered him.
When Mia heard the bedroom door close a little loudly, she smiled and carefully opened the bathroom door. She peeked out and saw that true to his word, there were items on the bed and the door was shut. She clutched the towel to her as she approached the bed to see what Eric had brought her. She saw he had gotten her a t-shirt, underwear, and a pair of cotton pajama pants. He had also left her a pair of wooly socks, deodorant, a hairbrush, and a toothbrush with paste.
She quickly dressed in the clothes and slipped on the socks. Then she took the rest of the items into the bathroom. She applied the deodorant and then brushed her teeth. She felt so much better after that. Then she got to work on her hair. Once she had it tamed, she headed out to join the men in the living area. She wiped her palms on her legs before she went to reach for the door. She couldn't believe how nervous these two men made her.
She opened the door to the living area and saw that Eric was seated at the dining table in the corner of the room. He was setting some covered dishes on it when she opened the door. He looked up at her and smiled.
"Hey there. Sleep well?” he asked as she stood there.
Mia nodded. "Yes, thanks. And thank you for everything. I really appreciate it."
"Not a problem. I got you some more clothes. I put them in the big duffle bag over there.” He pointed to the corner by the door. "I wanted to keep everything we aren't using together in case we have to move quickly."
He meant in case they were attacked again, she thought. She felt her muscles tighten up as she began to tense just thinking about the previous attack. Speaking of attack, she thought. "Where is Striker?” she asked.
"He had to go out to check on something. He will be back soon,” Eric explained.
"Oh, okay,” she said, worried because they weren't all three together.
Eric walked over to her and reached out to hold her hand. "It's okay. He will be back soon. I promise.” When he held her hand, he could feel her shaking and how tense she was. "Hey, hey. Let's eat something, okay? We're okay here."
Mia heard his calming voice and tried to calm herself down but couldn't seem to do it. Eric saw her struggle and decided a little Fae magic would be helpful. He released a little euphoria through his fingers into hers, just enough to pull her back from the panic attack he saw coming. He also held out his arms, giving her the choice as to whether or not to let him hold her. She walked into his arms stiffly but as soon as his arms closed around her, she began to relax a little. The euphoria he gave her helped settle her more and he felt her sag in his arms.
He turned his head and kissed her temple, inhaling her scent. She smelled so good, she smelled like his mate and he wanted to make her his so badly. Obviously, that wasn't going to happen any time soon so he quickly tried to tame his libido. She sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist. They stood there like that for a few minutes and then Eric leaned back enough to look her in the eye.
"Are you okay now?” he asked softly.
She nodded. "I'm so sorry,” she whispered, not looking him in the eye.
He put his finger under her chin and tilted her head up to look her in the eye. Her eyes were shimmering with tears and he said, "You have nothing to be sorry for, Mia. Nothing. Now come, let us get something to eat. Striker will be back soon. He will eat all the food if we don't hurry and chose our plates."
That got a small smile out of her and she nodded. He led her gently over to the table and they both sat down. He uncovered the plates and then gestured to all the food.
"Please, pick what you want,” Eric said to her.
Mia looked at each plate. He had ordered a lot of food. There was a steak with baked potato, spaghetti and meatballs, cheeseburger and fries, Philly cheesesteak sub, a couple of different salads, and fish and chips. It all smelled so good but she really loved Philly cheesesteaks and Eric knew that. She chose the cheesesteak and Eric handed her a soda, her favorite. She smiled her thanks and began to eat slowly. Her stomach was still upset from
before and she didn't want to overwhelm it too quickly.
Eric chose the cheeseburger and began to eat. Neither really spoke while they ate, Eric noted that Mia kept staring at the main door. He wondered was she waiting on Striker to come through or for someone to break in. He figured it was both and tried to reassure her.
"He really will be back soon, but I'm here and will protect you,” Eric said.
"Oh, I know you can protect me. I just...I need for us to all be together,” she said with a huff. "I know it sounds crazy and I don't know why but I need us together.” She started to hyperventilate.
Eric stood and picked her up, settling her in his lap as he sat back down in his seat. "Breathe with me, älskling, come on. Look at me, Mia,” he said in a firm voice.
Her eyes snapped to his and suddenly her hands came up to cup his face. "W-why?"
"I just want you to breathe with me. We will all be together soon.” Eric began to run his hands up and down her arms. "Watch me, that's it, take a deep breath. Good. You are doing so well, Mia."
Her breathing began to slow and become even again. She seemed to come back to herself and realized she was in his lap. Her hands jerked on his face but then they began to caress his cheeks. For one moment, he closed his eyes and savored the feeling of her touching him. Then she shifted and he groaned aloud. She jerked as if she had snapped back into herself and began to get up out of his lap.
He wrapped his arm around her and said, "Ah…ah…ah, you stay right here. I want the joy of feeding you some of my fries.” He reached over and dipped one of his fries into some ketchup, then held it up to her mouth. He actually held his breath as he waited to see what she would do, he was taking a big gamble, and he could only pray he hadn't pushed too far.
Mia was surprised at how good Eric was to her, she didn't feel like she deserved it at all. He had talked her out of the panic attack not once, but twice. Now he wanted to feed her? How did she get so lucky as to have such caring guards? she thought. Then he held up a french fry and she knew she had to choose. She opened her mouth and he placed inside. As she chewed, he rewarded her with a smile so bright you'd think she had hung the moon for him.
Chapter Four
It took a lot to shock a three hundred year old vampire, but what he saw when he walked into the hotel room stunned the hell out of him. There sat Eric and Mia at the dining table, but she was on his lap. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He caught Eric's eye and the quick shake of his head, indicating he should say nothing. His eyes turned to Mia's face and examined her face a little more closely. He saw that she was pale and shaking a little, something had happened.
When Mia saw him, she seemed to visibly relax. That made him even more curious but the answers would have to wait. "I see you started without me.” He decided teasing was the way to go in this situation.
Mia blushed and moved to get up off Eric's lap. Eric smiled from behind Mia's shoulder as he allowed her to stand this time. Striker was quick to move and step in front of her. "My turn,” he said as he turned and sat in such a way that she all but fell into his lap. She gasped as he wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her neck.
She froze in his arms and for a moment, he thought she was going to have a fit, maybe hit him or scream. Then she slowly slid her arm around his neck and sighed. Striker's gaze snapped to Eric's and they shared a moment of absolute awe at the woman they would share. They both knew she had been terrified of them at first, then she seemed to accept them being around her. Now she was allowing them to hold her and it was a gift they were going to take, and cherish.
She leaned back and looked at his chin. "Which dinner would you like?” She gestured to the remaining dishes that sat untouched. She was feeling like a slut right now with what was running through her mind but she reveled in her newfound title, because thinking of anything else would be the death of her.
Striker took advantage of this situation as he leaned forward and allowed his forearm to brush under her breasts and pretended to care what was on the table. "Hmm…let's see. I think I will take the steak,” he told her as he continued to try to hold her gaze.
Mia nodded and then said, "You have to let me move to my chair now so you can eat." She needed to break the seemingly strong hold they had on her right now, maybe they were brainwashing her, but what a way to go.
Striker reluctantly let her go, missing the feel of her in his arms. "What are you having?” he asked to try to keep her talking.
Mia looked down at her lap and said quietly, "Philly cheesesteak."
"It looks tasty,” Striker said and then grabbed the beer Eric was holding out to him.
Mia began to pick again at her food while Striker and Eric exchanged glances once again. Then they began to talk of mundane things to try to keep Mia engaged in conversation. This was the most interaction they had seen out of her in the two days since the attack on the compound.
After dinner, Mia excused herself to go lay down and read some of the romance book that Eric had shown her. Once she went into the other room, Eric and Striker sat down across from each other in the living area to talk.
"I know that your kind can communicate once there is an exchange of blood or a mating. I think we should do an exchange now. If we wait for the mating...” He left the rest unsaid.
Striker frowned as Eric spoke. "What happened?"
"Mia had two panic attacks while you were gone. I calmly talked her out of them but they could have gotten bad. Striker, they were both over you not being here with us,” Eric explained.
Striker was stunned by Eric's words. "How do you know that?"
"Because she was upset you weren't here. She told me that she needs us to all three be together. She doesn't understand why, she just feels comforted when we are,” Eric told him.
Striker thought that over for a moment and then said, "I think she is feeling the mating bond."
Eric nodded. "What else could explain it? We may have to tell her sooner rather than later."
"Let's continue to take it slow for now. She seems to be moving forward and I don't want to stop that,” Striker said.
"Agreed,” Eric answered. "And the exchange?"
"Let's do it.” Striker brought his wrist to his mouth and bit into it with his fangs, holding it up for Eric to feed from. Eric held up his wrist and Striker bit into it as gently as he could. He sealed Eric's wrist, running his tongue over the bite marks and then sealed his own wrist. He was glad they were sitting as Eric showed he was feeling the blissful feeling of drinking Striker's blood. ‘Wow.’ Eric's voice echoed in his head.
Striker agreed he hadn't realized how potent the Fae's blood would be to him as Eric was his first. 'I agree. That was different.'
"At least now we know it will work for us,” Eric said aloud.
"I am going to check the email once more and then grab a shower,” Striker told Eric.
Eric nodded. "If you don't mind, I will go jump in while you are on the computer."
Striker absently nodded as he was booting up the laptop. Eric got up, grabbed a change of clothes, and went to the doorway of the bedroom. Neither male had brought up the subject of sleeping arrangements with Mia. They didn't want to scare her but neither would they let her sleep alone in a separate room.
He looked inside, ready to explain his presence when he saw that Mia had fallen asleep reading her book. She looked so peaceful. She had pulled back the bedspread and was laying on the sheets. He set his clothes down, walked over to stand beside her sleeping form, and carefully covered her with the blanket at the bottom of the bed. He took her book and set it aside on the nightstand. He couldn't resist reaching out and gently tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. Gods, she smells so good, he thought.
'Eric, remember I can hear you,’ Striker's voice came through Eric's mind.
Eric had to stop himself from laughing aloud. 'Sorry, I forgot, but she does.'
'I know that,’ growled Striker.
'I'm going to take
that shower now,’ Eric told him. There was no response so Eric shrugged, picked his clothes up, and headed for the bathroom.
Striker shook his head as he focused back on the email in front of him. It was from the compound and simply gave the message that everyone was accounted for and were presently safe. It also listed those killed in the attack. Striker was sad to see a few friends on that list. He didn't like them being this close to the compound. They were only a few hours southwest and that made him uneasy.
Striker knew Roarke may have orchestrated the attack but it wasn't Roarke himself. Striker needed to find out who on this side of the ocean was running things for Roarke. First, he had to see Mia and Eric safely to the Senate compound. Then he would go after the one responsible for endangering his mates.
He knew Eric had found Mia asleep in bed and when he heard Eric's mental groan and subsequent thought of how good she smelled, Striker had gotten hard. He knew how good she smelled. He could smell her from where he sat on the couch in the living area. He could hear her heart beating and the blood running through her veins. It all called to him, demanding that he claim Mia as his mate. He pushed those desires away and then realized something odd. Mia's heartbeat was speeding up as if she were in distress. He frowned just as he heard her scream.
*****
Eric was just finishing his shower, rinsing off, thinking of Mia and her beautiful body. He had decided to relieve himself, as he was as hard as a rock when he heard Mia scream. He bolted out of the shower, grabbing a towel as a second thought.
Chapter Five
Mia was dreaming of Eric and Striker sitting with her on a blanket out in the sun, having a picnic. Eric had kindly spread out a large quilt while Striker had carried the basket of goodies. They had all taken a seat and she was enjoying the scenery with both men sitting on either side of her. Striker leaned into her, touching her lips with his in a light kiss that turned into a kiss that devoured. He plundered her mouth as he gently pushed her back onto the blanket.
