Cat's Choice: The Chosen's War

by Jana Leigh

  Tripp cleared his throat to get her attention. “Oh good, did you get it?”

  “Yes,” he said, but instead of handing it to Cami, he walked over to Caterina. “When Orfeo heard that you were going shopping, he asked me to give you this. He says that you can b u y anything you want. I’m quoting here, ‘clothes, a car, a house, a horse, a puppy - whatever your heart desires , with no strings’. The only other thing he asked is that you purchase a mating gift for Isabella, and a hostess gift for Cami or actually, anyone else you’d like. The card has no limit. Remember, no strings, he was very particular about that. He doesn’t want to buy affection. He wants to show generosity and let you make the decisions.”

  Isabella seemed to be able to follow along with what he was saying, and she nodded. “Yes, like he says. Signore Orfeo is molto generoso, egli e molto macho - he is very macho. Only his mama, the Signora, she rules the roost; this is the correct thing?” A t Caterina’s nod, she continued, “You know the Italian way. The men they bluster, then they see your smile, and anger is gone, yes? The Ambr o setti men, very much they are like that. Big emotion with the arms waving and the loud voices, then they want the comfort of their woman . To sooth e them, yes?”

  “All right, I’ll take the card. I’m not promising that I’ll use it. I still have a little money from when I was with Adolfo . No, I don’t. The accounts are probably all frozen now. It wasn’t my money anyway. Adolfo paid for everything to keep me safe. I’ve been taking from others, one way or another, since my parents were killed. I never had the chance to settle down, get a career of my own,” s he said.

  Trip went down on one knee beside her chair. “Cat, I’m sorry as hell that all this has happened to you. I hope you can start putting the past behind you now. You know you can be anyone you want to be and do anything you want to do. I’ll help, and I think Orfeo will help too, even if you don’t choose to mate with him. He loves you already; I can see it in his eyes. He agrees with me though, that you don’t eat enough. You’re too skinny, so make sure you have a good lunch,” h e added to make her smile and was glad when she did. He handed her the card and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Have fun, get something foolish or silly, will you?”

  Tripp got up to go back to Orfeo. As he was leaving, he heard Cami saying something about waxing. Not wanting to hear anything else, he quickly left the room. A few minutes later, he was back knocking on Orfeo’s door.

  Orfeo opened the door. Tripp could tell he had recently showered; he looked gorgeous with his bare chest showing through the gap in his silk robe. He wore matching silk lounging pants.

  “Hello again,” said Tripp. “She accepted the card, though she didn’t want to at first. Isabella went to bat for you. So it’s probably a good thing that they’re going to lunch together. I do want things to work between all of us. I just wanted to tell you that everything depends on Caterina . I promised her we wouldn’t gang up on her that I would be on her side while she decides. I think she needs my support more than you do right now.”

  Tripp’s words meant a lot to Orfeo. It meant that at least one of his mates had not rejected him out of hand. He reached forward slowly with one hand , tracing the scar on Tripp’s face. “Tell me why has this not healed?”

  “I know my face isn’t much to look at,” Tripp started to say when Orfeo interrupted him.

  “You misunderstand, to my eyes you are perfection . It is difficult to know you were in pain. I wish I had been h ere to help you, or comfort you, “ Orfeo slowly stepped closer, bringing up his other hand, running it up Tripp’s arm, over his shoulder, and down his chest. He slowly leaned forward and kissed his cheek, over the scar. Beginning near his eye and placing kisses down the line of the scar to his lips.

  By the time his lips arrived to Tripp’s mouth, they were both breathing heavily. Tripp took over the kiss. He grasped Or f eo ‘s waist in his own arms, closing the distance between them until they were chest to chest. He then turned his head so their mouths met and thrust his tongue into Orfeo’s mouth.

  Bringing one arm up between Orfeo’s shoulder blades to hold him close, and sliding the other arm down to grasp his ass, Tripp held Orfeo close to him as he plundered his mouth over and over again. Orfeo responded with a low groan.

  Orfeo pushed his hands into Tripp’s hair, loosening it from the band that held it in a ponytail at the nape of his neck. He caressed the thick strands with one hand as he massaged Tripp’s head with the other.

  After a few moments, they stopped kissing. They drew back from each other to look in each other’s eyes. “Gra z i e , Tripp , you kiss like a dream.”

  “So do you. I could feel your fangs. I have fangs too, so for me; it was kind of a turn on. I’m not sure how I feel about you taking my blood though. It makes me a little uncomfortable,” s aid Tripp.

  “First, remember I won’t ever take blood; it is always a gift, or it has no meaning. The giving of blood is very pleasurable to the donor. The taking of blood is a violation and very painful for the victim. The two things are very different, are seen as different acts by Vampire s as a race. Second, I would not ask you to give blood until you are ready, and I would not accept blood from either of you until both of you are ready to mate with me. Once your blood and Caterina’s flows through my veins, I will then be able to walk in the sunlight without injury. Then, at some time in the future, I will partake in a ceremony where I pass this gift to the others in my clan. I will give them my blood, the mixture of all of our blood. At no time ever will either you or Caterina ever be asked or expected to donate blood to any member of my clan. For us, the donating of blood and the drinking of blood will become a sexual thing. Not always, perhaps only once a week. But it does increase the pleasure and enhance the orgasm of the donor. Do es not your bite do the same?” a sked Orfeo.

  “My bite has a similar effect during mating and to a lesser extent after that. For us werewolves, it’s instinctual, and sometimes we can’t help ourselves from biting our mates. Are you saying that Vampire s don’t have the same urge?”

  Orfeo walked over to sit on the corner of the couch, leaving one leg on the floor. He raised the other, and bending it at the knee, resting it against the back of the couch. He motioned for Tripp to come and sit between his legs and lean back against his chest. Once he was settled in place, he put his arms around him and answered his question.

  “It’s true that we do have the urge to claim blood from our mates. Remember though that blood must always be a gift; to take, would bring pain to our mate. And because the happiness and welfare of our mate is stronger than our urge for blood, we are able to hold off and wait for them to offer. Are you considering making an offer, my mate?” asked Orfeo.

  “I’d like to be able to reassure Caterina that it’s not painful,” said Tripp.

  “You are very brave. And it is bravery, as I can feel that you are not ready. You are also my mate; therefore, your happiness and well-being are just as important to me as Caterina’s . I will only accept the gift of your life when you are truly ready to give it,” he said and then leaned over to give Tripp a kiss on his neck. He then reached over and plucked a grape from the plate of fruit that Tripp had brought by earlier. “I forgot to say, thank you for the nice fruit when you were here earlier. It was very generous of you to brin g it. Would you like a grape?” h e asked.

  Obviously talking about blood was now off the menu, Tripp thought. The two of them began cuddling on the couch and exchanging stories about their lives, adventures they’d gotten into as young men, and what they were currently involved in now.

  Tripp explained about the Rogue wolves. And the battle they had had last year, all the difficulties that the New Council had faced when they got started. They knew they still had an enemy and were in a state of limbo waiting for the next attack.

  Orfeo explained in more depth about what it was like to grow up as a born Vampire . And what the differences were between a born Vampire and made Vampire . They traded stories back and forth on the differ
ent laws between shifters and Vampire s.

  After a while, Orfeo’s hands began to wander over Tripp’s neck, chest , and torso. Tripp also was taking the opportunity to touch Orfeo on his legs and arms , every once in a while tipping his head back to share a kiss. All the while, they kept up their conversation while slowly their arousal grew and grew as they became more comfortable in each other’s company.

  Then Orfeo reached for the opening on Tripp’s jeans. “Do you want this , Trip p? Do you want my hands on you?”

  “Yesss,” he answered.

  So Orfeo opened the clasp and slowly drew down his zipper, then reached his hand inside to take hold of Tripp’s cock. They changed position on the couch, Orfeo climbing over and positioning Tripp leaning against the back of the couch as he went down on his knees on the floor in front of him. “Don’t worry. I won’t bite …yet.”

  “Now is not the time to make me laugh,” s aid Tripp on a groan, as Orfeo l icked the end of his cock.

  Orfeo then proceeded to use all his skill to give Tripp as much pleasure as he could and make it last as long as possible. He laved and sucked, squeezed and pumped. He used one arm to pull Tripp to the edge of the couch to give himself better access to his balls. He let out a growl and pulled Tripp’s jeans down to his ankles. Widening Tripp’s thighs, he ran one saliva soaked hand around to pull on Tripp’s balls and hold back his orgasm a little longer. He reached back farther and began rimming his anus, circling and then pushing in a little , repeating the movement again and again as he picked up the pace, his head going up and down faster.

  Tripp couldn’t help himself; he grasped Orfeo’s head in his hands and began thrusting his hips. Twice now he thought he was going to come, both times Orfeo was able to hold it off. He’d never felt sensations this powerful, they built and built. Finally, he exploded with the longest and hardest orgasm of his life, shooting his cum into Orfeo’s mouth.

  Orfeo swallowed every drop of Tripp’s cum. It was ambrosia to him. I am so lucky to have found my mates, he thought. He sat back on the floor with a big grin on his face, totally ignoring his own painfully hard erection.

  After Tripp regained his breath, damn I almost blacked out, he thought . He raised his hea d from where it rested against the back of the couch. He looked down at Orfeo’s face, grinning like he’d won the lottery. Then he let his gaze travel further south to his lap.

  “Give me another minute to recoup my strength from the most amazing orgasm and best head I’ve ever had, and I’ll return the favor,” h e said.

  He frowned as Orfeo shook his head. “Until we mate fully, the three o f us, it cannot be. If my lust grow s too high, I will need to consummate the mating. I cannot do that individually, I need for all three of us to mate together. At least for the mating, after that, we can do whatever you’d like.”

  “But you’re in pain, and I don’t like seeing my mat es in pain any more than you do,” r esponded Tripp.

  “I understand, but you remember your promise to be on Caterina’s side, and that we would not gang up on her. This is the time to think about her and not about me. Besides, a cock grows because of arousal, but the thing that fills it , is blood. And blood is my domain. Watch.” And trying very hard not to let Tripp see how difficult it was for him; he drew all the blood from his penis, causing his erection to go limp. He would be in pain for the rest of the day, but it was worth it.

  “Personally, I think losing an erection my way is better. This time I’ll concede to your wishes. Don’t get used to such easy complian ce though,” s aid Tripp.

  “Thank you, Tripp, and now as much as I wish I could invite you into my bed; I cannot. And yet I grow tired. Mama and Papa will be here after the sun sets. My mother is a little bossy, but she means well.”

  “I look forward to meeting them.” He reached down and pulled up his pants, zipping and fastening. Then he held out a hand to help Orfeo from the floor. “Come, I’ll walk you to your bed and tuck you in. You’re my mate. You can’t fool me; I know you’re in pain. Don’t ever do som ething like that again,” h e growled.

  He pulled him up and gave him a hug, then did as he said and tucked his mate into bed, turning out the light on his way out. Nodding to Abaven, who was still standing sentry at the door, he explained where Isabella was and who she was with. Abaven wanted to know what the security arrangements were for seeing to the safety of the women.

  For the first time, Tripp could see things from Orfeo’s point of view. It would be hell believing your mate was out, and in danger when you were unable to go to their aid. He had a lot to think about.

  ***

  Cami and the other ladies left a few minutes after Tripp left the room. As usual, they drove into Milliken in a caravan of SUV’s with tinted windows. First, they were going to Bama’s store, because who knew how long it would take to pick out the right piece of lingerie.

  Stepping down from the SUV, Isabella could barely hold back a yawn. It was like staying up all night at a party for her, and she was having a wonderful time. Even Cami reminded her of the Signora the way she ordered everyone around. It was going to be interesting to see the two of them together. She had heard that Signore and Signora Ambrosetti would be arriving tonight.

  Caterina stepped out of the SUV also and stood beside Isabella. She had gravitated to this young woman who reminded her so much of herself at that age. It was comforting to be speaking Italian again. Though she had learned English when she and Adolfo had come to the US, alone together they both spoke their native dialect from back home in Italy. For today though, she would concentrate on helping Isabella improve her English .

  Several Enforcers moved into the store. Bama had set up the store security with a team of Enforcers giving advice. So she had a security room for them, which had monitors for all the cameras placed around the store and at all the entrances and exits. Of course, when any council members were shopping, they also had two female Enforcers with them in the dressing rooms, and males posted nearby throughout the store.

  Several of the ladies of the New Council were not on this particular shopping expedition. School was out so Kira was very busy at her gaming center. She had set up obstacle courses and laser tag team events to physically challenge them. Those that came regularly were set up into teams that would compete all summer long and then culminate in a championship just before school started up again.

  Shea was staying at home and hadn’t come out of her study for days. She was under two deadlines, one for her latest book and another because she was going to go into labor any day now. Ruby and Trinity had elected to stay and look after the children, and Lacy was also working at her store.

  All those ladies were planning to meet them for lunch and then a quick visit to the salon after when the children went down for their naps.

  Cami quickly gathered her group together. Cloe helped by urging the women into the store and off the sidewalk. Bama’s eyes lit up as the women entered the doors, and Willow stood at her side to greet them.

  “Caterina, Isabella, I would like to introduce you to Willow. She’s Bama’s mother-in-law, and we’re all jealous because she makes the most sinfully decadent lingeri e you’ve ever seen in your life, ” said Cami.

  Willow giggled at the introduction. “It’s very nice to meet you both, ” she said in a soft voice. “I understand you’re both soon to be mated? Come with me, I’ve put aside a few special th ings I’d like you to look at.” She took them off to the lingerie section, Cami following along like a mother hen with two chicks. Cloe turned to see where Jo, Casey, Jordan, and Skye were headed because her Beta instincts always had her looking out for everyone. Before she could follow after Cami, Bama stopped her.

  “Cloe, I wonder if I could ask you a question?” said Bama

  “Sure, Bama, what do you need?” said Cloe.

  “Is Caterina recovered from her scare? I don’t ask to be nosy, and my own situation was much different from hers. I can’t imagine living through all that she has. I guess what
I mean is, does she still need support? Or has she reached the place where, for the time being, she’s talked about it enough and is ready to move on? How do I let her know she can talk to me without slapping her in the face with a bad memory when she’s trying to move on?” Bama asked with a worried look.