by Jana Leigh
"No. We all go together.” Mia cut in and both men looked at her then each other in shock. When she saw their looks to one another, she said, "It's easy to read you both. There is danger, I understand that. But we go together or not at all."
"Mia, you need to let Eric take you away from here. I need to stop this threat against us,” Striker said to her.
Mia shook her head. "I can't leave anyone behind. They are evil. I know what they will do,” she said in a whisper of emotion.
Striker could see she was full of emotion that would boil over at any moment. He wanted to keep her calm, not lose any of the headway they had made so far. He scanned the area again and knew there were two men watching them from an SUV in the back of the parking lot. For the moment, they seemed to be staying put as their heartbeats and breathing didn't show any aggression. They were to watch, that told him there were more Rogues on the way. If they were going to go together, they needed to go now.
Chapter Nine
The jet touched down and Orfeo, Dante, Tripp, and Marshall got out of the SUV. Bane and Brin were back at the compound working with the leaders of the different groups who had moved onto the Senate's compound. They were trying to use every form of magic they had at their disposal to build a barrier to keep the Rogues out.
The jet door folded out to reveal stairs and then two Enforcers came out, scanned the area, and then moved to the bottom of the staircase. The men on the ground watched as Jaden stepped through the doorway first and then turned to help his mate exit. She took his hand and they descended the stairs together. Cami looked regal as she stepped onto the ground, turning as the other members of her flight joined her. Jo, Tey, Darien, and Cloe joined them at the bottom as they all converged on the Senate members, shaking hands in greeting.
"Orfeo!” Cami gave him a hug and he awkwardly hugged her back. She had the same greeting for all the men, and then said, "Let's go. We have a lot to do."
Everyone chuckled as Cami gave orders, loading everyone in the SUVs, they all knew not to interfere with the firecracker Alpha, especially when she was on a mission. As Cami, Jaden, Orfeo, and Tripp settled into their SUV, Cami began firing questions.
"Fill us in. Have we heard from them?” Cami demanded.
Orfeo shook his head. "No, we have not heard from them but we know that Drago, Striker's father, sent the message by email. We can only hope he picks it up."
"We also have Bane and Brin back at the compound working with the others there to fortify the compound with magic,” Tripp said. "We also doubled the security and closed the gates since the attack. Orfeo's father has done the same."
"Good. We can also speak to the witches and see if any spells will help,” Cami said. "Adele may be able to help us. I will call her when we get to the compound."
The men looked at Jaden who had been silent all this time and he said, "Don't look at me, she is running this show. I am along for a break from our compound. Whatever you need from me, I'm there."
Orfeo inclined his head to Jaden. "Thank you, Alpha. We are glad you are all here."
"Our first mission is to fortify the compound while we get Mia there safely,” Cami said as she continued to talk, listing the things she was going to need, and asking about the women of the Senate.
When they arrived at the compound, the women were all there to welcome their guests and squeals hurt the ears of all the men as the women embraced each other. They began to all chat at once, asking about the kids and others back in Milliken. Then Cat announced that her father-in-law had sent his wine, Cami's favorite, over, several cases in fact, and the women headed into the large living area to begin drinking. The visitors were also thrilled to see Fredi had cooked their favorites from her restaurant back in Milliken for them. Everyone settled in to chat and catch up as the men snuck away to hold their own, quieter meeting in Orfeo's large office.
"So, preggers, yay!” Cami said as she hugged Cat. "I am so happy for you guys."
Cat blushed and said, "Thanks, Cam. We are really happy.” Then she turned to Cloe. "I just wish it was you that would be here to deliver. The doctor here is so serious and grumpy most days."
Fredi laughed and said, "She's complaining because he won't let her eat cookies and cake any time she wants."
"Yeah and he tells her mates everything,” Jax added.
Cat stuck her tongue out and said, "Seriously, he sucks."
Cloe laughed with them. "I know how hard it can be. Don't worry, I'm sure you will do fine but if things get really bad, call me and I will come."
"Thanks, Cloe,” Cat said as she went over and hugged Cloe.
"Oh, okay there hormones, come sit down.” Cloe took Cat's hand to guide her to the couch. "You should be resting,” she said firmly in her doctor voice.
"Fredi, these are so yummy,” Cami said around a mouthful of cookie.
"They are really good, but I will bet she knows that,” Jo said as she ate one too.
Cloe took a sip of the wine and moaned. "This wine is so good."
"Oh yeah it is. It is obviously a wine night tonight. But partying will have to wait until we have Mia safe here at the compound,” Cami announced.
All the women nodded in agreement. "We have been working with the Fae here to see if they can connect with Eric to get a message to him,” Cat told her. "They haven't been able to."
"Hopefully Striker got the email,” Jax said to them.
They all agreed and then they were all quiet, each thinking about Mia and hoping she was safe. They all also hoped that she was on her way to the compound. Then she would be safe, the memory of what had happened to Mia at the hands of Roarke was still fresh in everyone's mind.
*****
Striker leaned forward at the table and said, "We are all going to get up slowly and make our way to other side of the building. The ferry is getting ready to board and I want you two to be the first to board."
"What about you? You have to come with us,” Mia said urgently. They could see her breathing beginning to change and Eric took her hand in his. She knew this was gonna suck, damn it, her past month was catching up to her again. The thought of any of them being caught by Roarke was scary. He would torture them, just like he had her. The thing that sucked was that Roarke never asked her a fucking question other than who she had talked to. Freak, but she would not let that happen to her men. She owed them that much for all the help they were giving her. Shit, she thought and looked at the guys, she would worry about thinking of them as hers later when they were safe.
"Mia, look at me,” Eric commanded. "Breathe slowly. Do not lose it on us now. We need you to be strong." She wanted to roll her eyes but she couldn’t right then. They mistook her worry for fear, when it was determination and anger. Mia would kill anyone who tried to hurt them.
Striker took her other hand. "Mia, I am going to get the car and put it on the ferry last, so we will be first off. I promise I will be on the ferry,” he said calmly.
Mia was trying to slow her breathing and when Striker spoke to her, she sighed. "Oh, okay, good. Okay. I can do this. And just so you know, I am not scared, I am pissed, there is a difference and one you all should get used to. I am no one’s doormat, and will never let myself become one again."
Striker leaned over and kissed her. He couldn't stop himself, his mate was so beautiful. Even in a tizzy, she was worried for them. It endeared her to him on a deep level. He knew she was a strong woman but this just reaffirmed it. The spark of anger and power she had shown made him hard, twisted he realized, but it was what it was. He plundered her mouth, taking possession and showing her his emotions. She kissed him back with fervor, pressing her upper body against his. He picked her up without breaking the kiss and set her upon his lap.
Her moan as his arms wrapped around her set his body on fire and she followed by putting hers around his neck. He felt Eric's elation through their link at Mia's response to his kiss. Suddenly, Mia pulled back from the kiss and while he wanted to keep her close, he let her go. She sa
t back and looked at both men with desire in her eyes. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths.
"We need to go. It is not safe here for us,” Mia whispered.
Eric stood and took her hand to help her up. "Come then.” He looked at Striker. "We will see you aboard."
Striker nodded and smiled at Mia. "No worries, love. See you soon."
"See that you do,” Mia said in a firm voice. “Or I will kick that perfect ass.”
He had to bite back a grin as he inclined his head in acknowledgement. He watched as Eric led Mia on board the ferry and then he turned to head to the car. The entire time his senses kept check of the men in the car, making sure they stayed put. It seemed the ferry had sold out and the men weren't able to get on so once Striker had parked the car on the ferry, he sought out the captain. Using his powers as a vampire, he suggested they leave a bit early and shove off from the dock. The captain, as other humans, was susceptible to his suggestion.
As the ferry left the dock early, the men in the car jumped out and ran to the end of the dock. Striker stood on back and watched them pace furiously back and forth. He knew that more men would await them in France and that worried him. They had gotten away this time, but would they survive the next?
With that question on his mind, he turned and headed toward the bow of the ferry to search out his mates. He wanted them all together to face what was to come.
Chapter Ten
Mia found herself once again on the blanket in the field with Eric and Striker. They were feeding her bits of fruit and cheeses, touching her with every pass. A caress on the cheek, a brush of fingers in her hair, a forearm brushing her breasts, it was all turning her hot from the inside out.
She slowly leaned over and kissed Eric on the neck as she felt Striker's hands move up her back, slowly massaging. Eric's hand reached out and cupped her neck to hold her to him. She trailed her lips to his ear, nibbling on the lobe. She felt his lips move on her neck as well, and then his teeth grazed the sensitive spot between her shoulder and neck. She shivered with the delightful sensations running through her body.
Eric's body leaned into hers, easing her back onto the blanket. As Eric continued to kiss her neck up to her mouth to kiss her senseless, she felt Striker's hands at her waist slowly undoing her pants, sliding them down her legs along with her panties. Eric's hands slid her t-shirt up and then released her lips long enough to whisk it completely off. She closed her eyes as two sets of hands set up her body, making her moan in desire and want.
Eric took one of her hands and moved it down over his abdomen then further down. "Feel what you do to me. Only you have that power over me now, Mia,” Eric said into her ear. "I want to slide slowly into your body and make you mine."
"Yes, please...” Mia moaned.
She felt Striker moving between her legs, easing her legs over his shoulders. His hands moved up her thighs slowly, then lightly traced around her nether lips. He looked up and caught her gaze as he slowly slipped his tongue from back to front, circling around her clit. As he continued to circle her clit and then sucked it slowly into his mouth, she threw her head back with a deep moan.
Eric had lowered his head to her breast and was suckling lightly on one while his fingers pinched the nipple on the other. His tongue circled her nipple, rolling it to the top of his mouth as he then sucked it in deep. Mia brought her hands up to hold his head in place, silently communicating that he should never move. As Eric was sucking and pinching her nipples, Striker was slowly easing a finger inside her.
Mia began to undulate her hips, feeling a desperation insider her. Striker continued to flick his tongue on her clit and massage it as he slid his finger inside her. Then he began to move it slowly in and out, pressing upward slowly, grazing her g-spot as he moved. As he passed over her g-spot, he would press harder on her clit, causing ripples in her body. She could feel her orgasm starting deep within and growing stronger.
Eric kept up his ministrations on her breasts as Striker kept up his. Striker added another finger, increasing his movements as she moaned aloud. She began to pump her hips in time with Striker's fingers, arching her back to thrust her breast further into Eric's mouth. Just when she could feel the orgasm rippling through her body, the men began to fade.
"Mia, wake up.” She heard Eric's voice calling to her. "Come on, älskling, come back to us."
She could feel his hands gently shaking her awake, moaning as she could still feel their hands on her body. Then as quickly as her orgasm had come upon her, it vanished as she opened her eyes. She was lying across a bench on the ferry with her head in Eric's lap. He had told her to rest while they waited for Striker to join them. She gazed up at Eric's handsome face, looking into his deep green eyes as he smiled at her.
"Good dream?” he asked.
She blushed as she pushed herself up into a sitting position to look out over the water. She didn't answer as she then began to glance around the ferry for Striker. She didn't see him and she frowned.
"He went to get us something to drink out of the car,” Eric explained.
"Okay,” Mia said with a sigh of relief. "I think I am going to go to the bathroom."
"I will walk with you,” Eric told her. When she turned worried eyes to him, he said, "We still need to be cautious."
She nodded and stood up with him. They headed off toward the bathrooms as Mia tried to shake off her dream. It had felt so real. She had loved the feeling of their hands on her, but when she was awake, she still felt Roarke's hands clawing at her. Hurting her. She tried to shake it off and stumbled as she walked—the muther fucker needed to get out of her head. She realized right when she woke up she was most vulnerable. It was when his torture seeped into her thoughts before she fully became aware. Eric caught her up in his arms.
"You alright?” he asked with concern in his eyes.
She gasped, trying to get her breath back. "I'm fine. I just tripped." She refused to show the weakness right now, she was not going to be a hindrance when her men needed her most. Damn it, there she went again thinking about them being her men. What the fuck, she was getting sick of fighting that. She dreamed about both of them, she was attracted to both of them, and she wanted both of them. Fuck the insecurities about shit she couldn’t change, and she shored herself up. She was woman enough to handle them, she thought and smiled.
Eric knew there was more to it and as he opened his mouth to ask her about it, he saw the desperation in her eyes. He knew then she didn't want to talk about it and said, "Be careful. You are my precious cargo.” He saw the relief in her face as his words sunk in.
"I will. Sorry,” she said as they came up to the door to the ladies room. "Be right back.” She quickly disappeared through the door and he posted himself to the side to wait.
Mia quickly used the facilities and then splashed cold water on her face. The dream had really been hot. She knew those two men were special but since she wasn’t like them, she wasn’t aware of mates and what was meant to be. Mia wanted to call Cami and ask her a question at that moment, she wondered if she was their mate
She dried off her face and then went out to join Eric again. As she stepped out of the bathroom, she glanced around, scanning the area around her. She didn’t see anyone that seemed off to her and she also didn't see Striker. Where was he? It didn't take that long to grab drinks from the car. The ferry wasn't that large. She felt Eric come up to stand at her side and she turned to smile at him. He returned her smile and then pointed to the head of the ferry, indicating he wanted to take her there.
She headed toward the bow and saw several children looking over the railings. Curiosity won out and she walked over to lean over the railing like the kids to see what they did. As she leaned over, she saw a large pod of dolphins swimming with the ferry, jumping in and out of the water. The adults seemed to be surrounding the babies and juveniles, allowing them to jump back and forth. She giggled in delight along with the children around her as they all watched the dolphin antics.
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As she stood completely mesmerized by the aquatic mammals, she was startled as a pair of strong arms suddenly surrounded her. Then Striker's deep voice whispered in her ear, "I hear you were dreaming of us earlier. Care to share?"
She shivered as she glanced sideways at Eric who had a serious look on his face as he watched her with eyes full of desire. She blushed knowing he must have known what she was dreaming about and told Striker. Now she was embarrassed. She chose to keep quiet and continue to watch the dolphins instead.
"Tsk, tsk. Not sharing?” He chuckled in her ear. "I will let you slide now, but fear not, sweet, we will talk later when we are alone. Maybe if you ask nicely, Eric and I can make your dream come to life."
She stiffened in his arms for a moment over the shock of what he was saying to her, and then sagged against him as she heard the last of what he said. She all but melted into his body as she closed her eyes, desire swamping her body. His arms tightened around her.
"You like that idea?” his voice whispered. She could feel his chest vibrating with his words. "Mm... Good, so do we."
Striker turned her so she was facing Eric. She saw that Eric was watching her intently, holding her gaze. Striker flattened his hand on her stomach, pulling her back into a corner and she watched as Eric followed them.
"Reach out to him, touch him, Mia,” Striker encouraged. She shivered as she realized her dream was coming true and they did want to share her. She slowly reached out her hands to cup Eric's shoulders, moving them up toward his face. When she cupped his cheeks, he turned his head into one of her palms and kissed it gently.
"Do you like the way his lips feel on your skin, Mia?” Striker asked her. She moaned softly and nodded her head, laying it back on Striker's shoulder. He began to trace her ear with his tongue and lightly nipping her lobe.
Eric's hands came up to cup her hips as he stepped closer. "Look into my eyes, Mia.” He waited until her eyelids fluttered open, and then continued, "Do you see how much I want you? Can you feel how much we want you?"
