A Mate for York

by Charlene Hartnady

  So very good!

  In his dream, Kerry was on her knees. Her ass in the air. His prick plunging in and out of her welcome heat. He growled, moving his hand up and down his shaft. He pictured her glistening pink snatch. Her full breasts jerking beneath her with every hard thrust. Dream Kerry whimpered and mewled. The little noises turning to all out moans. Cadon fisted his prick harder, picked up the pace. Her snatch was tightening around him just as she was screaming her release. He shuddered as the first spurts erupted. His eyes widened and Cadon had to bite back a snarl as his orgasm hit him with full force. His first in many long years. It almost brought him to his knees.

  How the hell was he going to survive this?

  It was agony. How was he going to face her day in and day out? Share a bed with her? Then he realized something. Kerry had been watching him. He had been in the throes of a wet dream and she’d been watching him with both interest and…desire. Had he read that in her eyes? Maybe it was his own raging lust talking. No! She had been watching him with rapt interest. It didn’t mean anything though. He needed to keep his thoughts on the job at hand. Kerry was a distraction. One he couldn’t afford to indulge in. She was also alone, hurt and with child. He needed to go in there and apologize.

  Cadon flushed the toilet. Thankful at least that his prick had gone back to normal. He felt somewhat better. Good! At least he would be able to keep these urges under control, even if it meant going back to something he hadn’t had to do in many long years. His hand was about to get plenty of extra work. Next, he washed his hands and splashed his face with cold water before making his way back into the bedroom.

  Kerry was lying down, facing the other way. The covers pulled up high and her pillow over her head. He smiled. She was going to try to pretend it never happened. So she could call him out on his erection and make him explain but she wasn’t willing to face him after what had just happened. He cleared his throat.

  Kerry didn’t so much as move an inch. He got back in bed and touched her on the arm, which had her jumping up, covers flying. “What is—?”

  “Sorry.” He tried to bite back a smile. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  She immediately looked down at the blanket, her cheeks distinctly pink. Kerry couldn’t look him in the eyes.

  “We need to talk about what just happened.”

  “No.” She shook her head hard, her eyes wide. “We don’t have to talk about it. It’s fine. One of those things.” She flicked her gaze to his and then back down at the blankets. “We already covered it. You already explained.”

  Her chest heaved and her nipples were…what? They were hard, trying to poke holes through the shirt. His prick stirred so he quickly averted his eyes. Was Kerry aroused? No! Not a chance. She couldn’t be. Then again. It was possible.

  “I just wanted to apologize,” he blurted. “This kind of thing…” he cleared his throat. “That kind of dream, hasn’t happened to me in many years. Not since I was a teenager.”

  “Oh um…it’s okay.” She was completely flustered. Not able to hold his gaze for more than a second or two. “One of those things,” she mumbled. He could see that she was hoping he would drop it.

  “I’m sorry but it might happen again. I’m not used to being so close to a female.” It had a lot to do with his sudden awakening. With the testosterone flooding his system.

  Her cheeks grew redder. “Oh…um…” Her breathing was definitely elevated. “Thanks for the heads up.”

  “You feel free to look if you want.” He winked at her when she flashed her gaze back to him.

  Her mouth dropped open. “I was not looking. Not in that way! You woke me up with all your moaning. I was about to wake you up. I thought you were having a nightmare or something.”

  “I don’t get a hard prick during nightmares. I saw you looking at my—”

  “No, I did not!” she practically yelled.

  “Shhhh, you’re going to wake up the whole house.” Cadon chuckled. “You didn’t look like you were going to wake me up. You looked interested. Like you were waiting for the big moment.”

  She sucked in a breath. “No way! You’re really full of it,” she whispered. “I’m pregnant, I don’t have much of a libido.”

  “Libido?” He frowned.

  “I don’t feel like sex at the moment.” She rubbed her belly. “It’s a side-effect of being pregnant.”

  “Are you still feeling sick?” Now he was worried. He had been so sure he saw interest in her eyes. More than just interest, desire maybe.

  “No,” she shook her head. “It’s not that. It’s a normal pregnancy symptom.”

  “Okay. It is the opposite for Feral females. They wanted more sex when with clutch.”

  “Our species are different, I guess,” she mumbled, lying back down. “It’s still early, I’m going to catch some shut-eye.”

  “Good idea.” Cadon lay down and tried to get comfortable. It was an impossibility when his prick was becoming hard again. There was a part of him that was happy this was happening. And another part that felt guilty in the same breath. He missed Zara but at the same time, he wanted to live again. There was a chance he might be able to find a mate. Not that it was a priority right now. In fact, it was off the table until Magnar and his lot were gone, but the last thirteen years without Zara had been lonely. The thought of not having to spend the rest of his life alone eased something in him. They lay there for another hour while the sun came up. Neither of them slept.

  Chapter 16

  The lower section of the house was crowded. Magnar’s men still looked at her in a way that made her skin crawl. Like they were mentally undressing her. Not just that, that they were picturing themselves doing things to her. She shivered, trying to keep her attention on the conversation.

  “No,” Magnar said, his voice calm and unwavering.

  Kerry couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing. “You can’t say no to such a basic requirement.” She could hear the shock in her own voice.

  “I let you message your sister yesterday, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “I’m not unreasonable then. I’m saying no to the two of you heading off on your own.” Magnar turned his hard eyes on Cadon. “You must think me a fool.”

  “I need my clothes and my other personal things,” Kerry pleaded. She may as well have been talking to a wall.

  “Why don’t you have all of your things here? The two of you are together, aren’t you? You are carrying his clutch?” Magnar narrowed his eyes, looking from her to Cadon and back again.

  “Our relationship dynamics have nothing to do with you.” Kerry put her hands on her hips. “We are together and that’s all you need to know.”

  Magnar smirked. “So feisty!”

  “My males will stay here,” Cadon interrupted. “All five of them. We will only be gone for a short while. I would not risk them being harmed, so you can rest assured we’ll be back.”

  Magnar shook his head. “No! You might be willing to sacrifice them for your unborn young. I know I would be tempted if I was in your shoes.”

  Kerry made a noise of frustration.

  “You are going to get us everything we need to find mates. These…” he frowned, “clothing cloths that you keep referring to. And the foot coverings. Why can’t you get items for your female while you are out there?”

  “I have my own things.” At this point Kerry just wanted to win. “My own belongings.” If she had to live here and put up with this, she could at least do it with her stuff. She’d left her ring and her necklace in her make-up bag. Most of her clothing was at Susan’s place. She might not have a whole lot, but it was all she had in this world and she’d be damned if she let a dickhead like Magnar dictate something so basic.

  “I didn’t say you couldn’t go.” More smirking. He was such an asshole. “I said that the two of you couldn’t go alone. I will come with you. This place is becoming repressive.”

  “Can we come too?” one of Magnar
’s men asked.

  “No, Jedrek. The rest of you can stay here.” He paused, his jaw tensing. “If we are not back by sunset, kill these males.” He pointed to each of Cadon’s men. “Remove their heads from their shoulders and burn the bodies.”

  Kerry swallowed hard, feeling nauseous. She put a hand to her stomach. “Is that really necessary?”

  “Yes!” Magnar said, deadpan and obviously meaning every word.

  “I agree, it’s a little harsh.” Andy said, opening the refrigerator. He wore a pair of briefs.

  “We’ll be back soon enough.” Cadon shook his head.

  “Yes, no need for such talk of violence.” Zaire grinned. “I still have a use for this head.” He pointed to his face “And even more use for my body.” He thrust his hips.

  Some of Magnar’s men chuckled and snorted. Kerry was only too thankful that he was dressed, especially since Magnar and his crew were still completely naked.

  “Well then, you had better hope that your leader doesn’t try anything.” Magnar turned to Cadon.

  “You will need to get dressed,” she muttered in Magnar’s direction.

  “I noticed how you keep looking at my prick, it’s more impressive than Cadon’s, I know.” Magnar raised his brows, looking happy with himself.

  Kerry rolled her eyes. “What is it with you lot thinking I have any interest in your penises? In looking at them. I don’t! They’re ugly. All dangling and…” She forced herself to stop talking. “I just don’t!” she concluded, folding her arms.

  Cadon’s lip twitched. “I will give you something to wear.” He glanced at Magnar. “Come with me.” He kept his arm firmly around her as he walked back up the stairs to ‘their’ bedroom.

  Magnar sat down on the bed while Cadon searched through the closet. Kerry stayed at his side. He pulled out a couple of items, throwing them at Magnar, who caught them with one hand. Then he pulled out a pair of boots and handed them to the Fallen general. At least, she’d heard Cadon call him that.

  Fallen.

  What did that even mean?

  It was clear that they were of the same species, only not on the same side. What had happened to make them enemies?

  Magnar sniffed the air before standing so that he could pull the jeans on. “We might not have the best sense of smell as a species, but I can tell that you didn’t mount your female last night despite being aroused.”

  “We were surrounded by you and your thugs.” Kerry couldn’t keep the venom from her voice, even though she knew she should tread carefully. “There was one posted outside that door.” She pointed to the doorway. “Forgive me, but I was far too afraid to even consider having sex.” The nerve! “Not that it’s any of your business.”

  “It is my business since I’m taking you for myself if the two of you are lying to me.” Completely impassive. “I’m still far from convinced you’re together.”

  “You can’t just take me. What is wrong with you? How many times do I need to tell you that I’m not interested?”

  “Wrong? With me? Nothing. How many times do I need to tell you that once you’ve had me you won’t look back?” He shrugged. “If Cadon isn’t performing his duties, I am well within my rights to step in. You are with clutch and need to be protected and looked after. You should have your needs met and that’s not happening.”

  “I am taking care of my female,” Cadon spoke in his quiet, yet terrifying voice.

  “What he said.” She leaned against Cadon, holding onto his arm. “I am very happy. Happier than I’ve ever been. Actually, that’s not true…I’d be happier if you left. As in, went far away.”

  “Don’t let him get to you.” Cadon leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

  “You treat this female like you would a sister,” Magnar spat. “You need a real male.”

  “I treat her like she is precious and valued. You wouldn’t know much about that.”

  “Thank you, honey.” She tilted her head up to Cadon, trying to look at him lovingly. He leaned in, looking at her lips. The air became stuck in her lungs. Was he? It had to be…he was going to kiss her. He was so going to…Cadon brushed his lips against hers. Quick, soft and yum! One quick touch of the lips, and yet she knew Cadon could kiss. Jesus could he ever. It left her feeling a little breathless.

  Pretend.

  Not real. Not! She reminded herself, still trying to catch her breath. She realized with a start that she was still staring at Cadon’s soft looking lips. Pillowy was a word that came to mind. For such a hard man, they were…Stop!

  Probably all the hormones taking over again. When she looked up, Magnar looked pissed. He was pulling on the boots without socks. Okay! A bit odd but normal for a guy who didn’t wear clothing.

  Cadon handed him a thin jacket.

  Magnar shook his head. “I feel overly hot already.” He pulled the shirt away from himself. “That and like I’m being strangled.” He made a face.

  Cadon laughed. “Welcome to it.”

  “We need to acquire more of such…stifling…?”

  “Items of clothing,” Cadon finished the sentence for him when he seemed to be reaching for the right words. “Yes, we need a whole lot more of such items and you will be required to wear them whenever you leave this house.”

  “House is another word for nest?”

  “Yes, you will learn the new way of speaking quickly. Let us go.”

  Kerry suddenly felt a bit nervous. The kids would be at school and play group but Susan, Barry and the baby might be at home. She didn’t want them getting hurt. Or worrying about her. What would they think? She decided not to let Susan know she was coming. Her sister would make a plan to be home. This way, there was a chance she wouldn’t be there. Maybe Magnar would let her go into the house unsupervised.

  “I live with my family.” She looked Magnar head-on. “You can’t harm then in any way.”

  “I am not a monster like Cadon would have you believe. I will be on my best behavior. I would not harm the family of my potential mate.”

  Cadon growled.

  “You don’t know me. I’m pregnant with another man’s…clutch and back to the ‘you not knowing me’ part. Why do you keep threatening to take me?” She shook her head, sounding exasperated.

  “I am highly attracted to you. I know that we would be compatible and that you would make a good mate. I know that you are fertile. I would get you with a clutch of my own in no time.”

  “All perfectly good reasons to spend a lifetime with someone.” She realized that Magnar wouldn’t get sarcasm and quickly added, “No thanks. Not now and not ever.”

  “Just once, female, and you would change your mind.”

  She groaned in frustration. “Just please don’t hurt or scare my family, that’s all.”

  Cadon squeezed her hand. “It will be fine. I will be there.” He rubbed a thumb over her palm and she broke out in goosebumps. How stupid was she? “Sit tight.” Cadon said, glancing back at his team of five.

  Orrick grunted. Worth grumbled something, not sounding very happy. Andy, Locke and Zaire didn’t say anything.

  They took a cab. Magnar was silent most of the trip, his eyes glued to the scenery outside the window. Kerry’s nerves became more and more frayed as they got closer and closer to her sister’s house.

  “Maybe this was a bad idea,” she whispered to Cadon.

  “It’s going to be alright. You get your things. Don’t mess around, in and out.”

  “My sister doesn’t know we’re together.” She widened her eyes. “She might not like the idea.” As in, she had no idea because they weren’t really together. She might blow their cover and give away the fact that Cadon wasn’t her baby’s father. Then what?

  “It will be fine. Magnar will wait outside while—”

  “Forget it!” the asshole growled. “I will join you. I would like to meet your sister.” He smiled.

  Say what? “My sister is married…mated.” She sounded flustered, but it couldn’t be helped. “She
and her husband…mate, have three children together. Are you some kind of male slut?”

  He quirked a brow. “Jealous?”

  “No! Are you crazy?” she blundered on.

  “If she is anything like you, I know I will like her. Pity about the mate. I can’t break that kind of a bond. If you really care for this female, you should mate her.” Magnar looked at Cadon like he was the biggest asshole alive.

  “Um…” she spluttered. “Butt out! For the last time, it has nothing to do with you. I’m not ready! It’s not Cadon, it’s me.”

  “Of course it’s Cadon!” Magnar boomed. “It’s definitely not you, despite your admission to the contrary.”

  Cadon growled. A low, warning rumble. Kerry could feel the vibration move right through her.

  Magnar laughed. “If you were happy, sated…” he put emphasis on the word, “you would mate him in a heartbeat. It is telling that you are hesitant.”

  “Kerry is a human.” He squeezed her thigh, his hand hot on her leg. “You will learn soon enough. Human females are not won that easily.”

  “Says you.”

  Cadon shook his head. “The last time you tried, the police were called. Police are human warriors.”

  “Are you guys actors?” the cab driver asked. His eyes were wide in the rearview mirror. They’d forgotten all about him.

  “Yes. How observant of you,” Kerry quickly said, trying to control her smile. Too wide and she’d look like a mad person. Then again, it did feel like she was losing her ever-loving mind.

  “A television program or a movie?” He looked interested now.

  “Nah.” She waved her hand. “Nothing so fancy.” She noticed that they pulled up outside of her sister’s house. “An advertisement.”

  “Oh! What is it about? What’s the product?”

  “Sorry, we’re not allowed to say the name of the actual product but it’s for balding.”

  The cab driver frowned. “How interesting! Good luck with the whole thing.”

  “Thank you.” Kerry smiled some more.

  The cab driver told them what the fare was. Cadon paid and they got out.