by Crystal Dawn
“How about some work clothes? I got a big bonus recently that’s burning a hole in my pocket book.” Harry shared with a giggle.
“I heard everyone got a big bonus?” Mairi said.
“We found one of Chief’s warehouses full of shit a few months ago. It took a while to turn everything into cash and for the paperwork to go through. The Chief project now cost the council’s nothing. There was so much there. They even saved some to give to the packs that are now assigned to clean up what’s left of the mess.” Harry informed. “You gotto love it when the heavens rain money down on you.”
“How much are we talking about?” Mairi asked.
“I paid off my house and car. There wasn’t a lot left owed, but it made me feel spectacular. Now I have enough left for a makeover and a weekend vacay.” Harry said.
“Are the part timers getting anything?” Mairi asked.
“It’s trickling down from the main group that I was in to the others. I forgot you helped out for a while. No way to know when, but you’ll get something. Damon said everyone would. They started with some of the victims, not of the drugs unless they were forced, but of Chief’s nefarious deeds. The witches he had captured each got a check like mine. They were on the first tier with the main group. There was also the wolves forced into service and the vampires that survived being forced to give blood. His sex slaves also got something. They are already to the secondary groups. Part timers will be last.”
“I’ll not expect much.”
“That’s not what I meant. I bet you get enough to finish your kitchen.” Harry admitted.
“That would be marvelous. I’ll try not to expect too much in case. There were so many victims and your group was attacked so often. You guys deserve to be the top of the list.”
“We were with a few deserving inclusions. Many more could have been included, but they didn’t survive.”
“We should discuss something more pleasant.” Ariel directed. “Everyone has bought what they’re going to so now we need to head to Cassie’s.” She was a distant relative no one but Ariel was sure how she was related. The lady was a sweetheart and there was more than one Cassie in the family, one of the others was going there with them. The one riding with Moe and Mairi was Cassandra, the one they were about to visit was Cassidy.
Cassie was young to own a spa and beauty shop. By the time they left, they would all be relaxed and as lovely as they could be. The building was in view as they parked in the lot. Their group would fill the spa and shop area. Cassie had called on every helping hand she had available. Normally she closed at this time in the afternoon even though a few of her girls took appointments from longtime customers. It turned out only two were in the beauty shop now getting their hair styled.
Most of them went to the spa side. They would get a massage, a rub, or just kick back in the Jacuzzi or steam room. Harry and Mairi would get the full service makeover while a few of the other cousins got their nails or hair done. Ariel hung with them getting the full service work up too. It had probably been awhile since she’d been to a beauty shop too.
Everything was going well until they brought out the scissors. Other than trims to keep her length the same, Mairi didn’t get her hair done. “Okay, tell me what has you panicking?” Cassidy asked.
“I don’t want my hair short. I like to put it in a ponytail for work.” Mairi admitted.
“What if I tell you we’ll leave the length the same? The plan is just to shape it so it will be easier to style and not so thick. It’ll be much like it is now except lighter and it will look better with less work.” Cassidy explained.
“Okay.” Mairi gave in. Her hair was incredibly thick and in the summer felt hot and heavy. She’d give it a try.
“Want to highlight it a bit?”
“In for a penny, what the hell. Okay.”
Cassidy grinned with delight. It made Mairi a little nervous, but a team of cosmetologists were all over her. Her feet and hands were soaking while her hair was being washed. She was going to have her hair, nails, and makeup done. Her makeup was something she’d never had done before. At least not by a pro.
It was like being at the center of a beehive. She even fell asleep when they dried her hair after they trimmed and shaped it. When she was done and the mirror held up to her, she was amazed. Would anyone even recognize her? She glanced over at Ariel who always looked beautiful. Sure, she was sexier, but she still was recognizable.
Harry was another thing altogether. “You’re gorgeous.”
“You are too.” Harry replied. “We should have done this a long time ago.”
“It has to be the right time. Maybe that’s now?” Mairi asked. Harry just shrugged. No one would know until this turned out to be a successful change.
They were all done and everyone paid, but Ariel had already paid for her and Harry. “Hey, why did you pay for me?”
“Consider it a bonus.” Ariel replied.
“How about me?” Harry asked.
“I used you as a character for my new book. I couldn’t come up with anyone crazier to use.” Ariel admitted.
“I’m not sure if I should feel complimented or insulted.” Harry said.
“Aw, you know all of us love you.” Ariel admitted. “Group hug for Harry.” No sooner did Ariel say that as everyone came together squeezing the hell out of her, Ariel, and Harry.
“Must breathe!” Harry yelled and they all backed off.
“We’re going to Junior’s first.” Ariel said. It was late enough that it would start filling up by the time they all made it there.
They all headed there with some making it there faster than others. Moe had a heavy foot and they were the first to arrive. Now they waited for Ariel and the others. It was always best to enter as a group. Mairi wondered who would be there and if she would dance or not. Would any of the males interest her as much as Ciaro had? They’d have to be something else to do that. Her mind went over the times she’d seen him.
She was aware she thought about him entirely too much. It was hard to separate him from her thoughts. The male was sex on a stick and would drive any female crazy. Still, he scared her and she needed to move on. They all gathered while Ariel led the way in. Mairi was barely past the door when her eyes met his.
The male was dressed all in black and sexy as hell. How had he known they would come here? Someone had a big mouth. She tried to move away, but he caught her. As their eyes met, it was all over. She was frozen to the spot at he took her in his arms. The dance floor was magically empty so he moved her to the center of it.
She felt his hands on her making her body come alive. There was no doubt something was wrong with her. Her body had come alive since he’d touched her. His arms were wrapped around her and she felt safe and warm. Taking a deep breathe, she scented his clean sexy aroma. It was dangerous to be so drawn to this male.
Her desire was to be held like this forever, but she knew she’d be his if she did. This strong male shifter was not what she needed. He was too dominant, too strong and aggressive. Her spirit would be crushed. What could she do when she wanted him so much? Could one time ease her need and set her free? She’d never been in a situation like this before.
The song was done and the band took a break. Ciaro steered her to a table in the corner sitting her down close to him. It was almost like he’d placed a do not disturb sign near them, no one approached.
“Would you like a drink?”
“A wine cooler would be nice.”
He waved down a waitress who left coming back quickly. Now he had a beer and she had her wine cooler. Her bottle kept her hand busy as she sipped constantly. “What now?” Ciaro asked.
“What do you mean?”
“This thing between us. I know you feel it too. How do we deal with it?”
“Maybe it will go away.”
Ciaro snorted. That was weird to hear a male do it. Especially one that wasn’t a mate. “So you think it won’t.”
“Why don’t we test
it? Let’s see what happens when we give in for a night.” Ciaro proposed.
That was what she had been thinking about. Would it ease if she gave in and took him out for a test run? Looking at him, she knew it would be enjoyable. She’d not had sex in a long time. Why not? They wanted each other. The two of them would be compatible, she just knew it. The delight that body would give her, dear Lord. There was no reason not to.
“Okay, we’ll give it a shot. What have we got to lose but this uncontrollable need?” She almost took it back. He looked too pleased at her agreement. But her need shot through her.
“Let’s go somewhere private.” He suggested. Ciaro waited until she stood. Mairi’s eyes caught with Moe’s and she nodded.
Ciaro put his arm around her leading her to his SUV. “My house okay for you? It’s not far from here and even closer to where the party house is being built.”
Thank goodness he didn’t want to go to her house. That would be a deal breaker. “It’s fine.” She knew exactly where his house was. Mairi actually owned it. Ariel had advised her to make it livable to rent for a short term then she would flip it. The advice had been good.
Once they were in the SUV, Ciaro took off. She was nervous for some reason. Maybe it was because it had been so long since she’d been with a man. Work and the creep at work had distracted her. Now she was about to jump in and it seemed strange. He pulled into his driveway and she hesitated. Ciaro got out so she did too.
They walked up the steps and he unlocked the door. Things were about to get interesting.
Chapter 5
Hot Damn
Ciaro felt liquid fire course through his veins. This woman turned him into an inferno. He could only hope she was as hot and that they would set his sheets on fire. She didn’t seem surprised at his house so she must know where he lived. Had she gone through the trouble to find out? It was his hope she had. Right now he sensed she was holding back. Maybe she had second thoughts?
He pulled her into his embrace giving her a kiss that delighted him and she seemed to enjoy it as well. As his hands moved over her, she started to protest and opened her mouth. Now he had the access he needed to seduce her completely. His tongue roamed her mouth and slid against her own tongue. She tasted like a sweet treat, a previously forbidden one.
Now he pulled her into his bedroom and began to strip her as he kissed her to distract her. Once she was naked, her breasts made the perfect target as he cupped one then lowered his mouth sucking it in until the nipple was pebbled and sensitive. The other one needed the same attention so he gave it. Mairi’s soft mewling noises made him even harder. She pressed against him wanting more and he wanted to give her everything.
Lifting her, he laid her on the bed then stripped naked. Now he turned his attention back to her glorious and needy body. His hand moved between her thighs and his mouth continued the work he’d began on her lovely nipples. His female squirmed and moaned with need. Mairi was going crazy with need. He moved his mouth from her breasts so he could kiss her as his fingers slipped past her slick folds. He moved on top of her and her arms wrapped around his neck while her fingers slid into his hair.
She was ready for him and he could hold himself back no more. His hard cock drove into her slick depths. His arm went under one of her knees as he pulled it up opening her up better so he could plumb her sweet depths. He slammed home over and over until she screamed his name and she came squeezing his cock as tight as if she had it in her hand.
Unable to hold back, he filled her with his cum. He jerked into her until he had nothing more to give and it hurt. That was when he moved his body around her and they went to sleep together. When they woke up, he knew she would withdraw from him and regret the time they had spent together.
“We can be friends and we’ll just put this whole thing behind us now.” Mairi said.
“Are you sure we’ve both gotten all we want” Ciaro whispered in her ear making sure to blow his hot breath there and on her neck as he moved back. Now he looked her in the eyes waiting for her answer.
“Yes, I think we can settle down and be friends.”
They were both still in bed together and naked. “How about one more time to test that?” She started to move away, but he caught her.
Pulling her into his embrace, he kissed her until she melted against him. “One more time.” She whispered.
His need took over as he plundered her mouth taking pleasure and giving it. Pulling back slightly he slid his mouth down until it was on level with her breasts. Leaning on one arm, he took his other hand palming one breast as his mouth sucked on the nipple of her other breast. Mairi gasped and moaned, she was such a responsive female. Ciaro continued to suck and lightly nip her nipples until she moaned and begged for more. He slid further down, giving her more.
The delightful scent of willing female filled him as his tongue licked her from her channel to her clit. Her delicious flavor hit his tongue. Now he found her entrance driving his tongue inside to fuck her vigorously with it as his fingers played with her clit. She writhed and whimpered as her climax neared. Was he selfish? Maybe, but when she came he wanted it to be on his cock. Sliding up her body, he got into the best position with his cockhead at her entrance. Easily he pushed in as she pushed back against him to speed things up.
“No, Baby. Let me do this slowly. You’re so fucking tight I don’t want to hurt you.” She made a keening sound and he felt a rush of her juices coating his cock.
She was impatient finding it hard to wait, but he held her back. He pulled back before moving in again moving forward slowly and perspiration covered his forehead. Ciaro controlled himself with iron will because she was squeezing him so tight. Finally he was fully seated so he rested a moment to enjoy the pleasure being inside this female gave him. He started to push in and out once more, then he sped up steadily until he was pounding into her. Her channel squeezed his cock so tight he struggled to move. His back tingled, but Ciaro held back until she screamed out her climax clenching and clutching at him.
As he yelled her name, he realized he’d never done that before. Ciaro rammed into her filling her with his cum until he was dry. As he moved onto his back, he breathed hard surprised by what he’d just experienced. Mairi seemed to be stunned as well.
“That was incredible.” Nothing else came to mind. Ciaro couldn’t believe he’d told her that out loud. If he’d had any doubts at all that she was his fated mate, they had just been erased.
Mairi had shared his wonderful experience, he could tell even if she stayed silent. Being sexually compatible wasn’t the problem, it was that she was emotionally distancing herself even while she still lay in his bed.
He felt torn. As the leader of the panthers, he had to take care of his people. As a male, he needed his other half to feel whole. Right now, he watched as Mairi got out of his bed naked and beautiful.
“I’m taking a quick shower if you don’t mind, then I need to go.” She said.
Ciaro nodded, even though he knew she was washing away the scent he’d made sure would be all over her. Maybe she’d miss some and others would realize she was his. Never had he felt surer of anything. She could run and she could hide, but she was his. She continued to the shower and he heard the sounds of her cleaning up.
He intended to leave her scent on him as long as he could stand to. Ciaro liked to be clean, but he needed her scent to comfort him. Maybe he could find an item to keep that would carry her scent. Looking around, he saw her panties and smiled. Slipping them under his mattress, he knew she’d never look there. In her hurry to leave, she would leave them behind.
Now she was back with a towel wrapped around her delectable body searching for her clothes her face red with a combination of exertion from her extended search and embarrassment because of what she was searching for. Would she ask if he’d seen her panties? He bet she wouldn’t.
Mairi stopped her search. “Can you drop me off somewhere?”
“Sure, Sweetheart. Anything you need.”
He said it and he meant it. She knew it too and her face got pink again. Maybe he was enjoying that too much, but he couldn’t seem to help himself.
He dressed and they walked out to his SUV. For someone dressed in last night’s sexy outfit with her hair wild and unstyled and all the makeup washed off, his mate still looked hot as hell. She gave him directions, but he was positive this wasn’t her house.
There were several vehicles there almost like a boarding house or bed and breakfast. Once she was on the porch, she dug around for a key. When she unlocked the door and went in, he had no excuse to stay any longer. There was plenty of work waiting for him at home.
Besides, he knew she’d be working on one of her houses later. It would be the one for his brother or the house for his sister. He had addresses for both so if he wanted to, he could search her out. Heading back home, Ciaro made a plan for his day. When he got home, he would work his way down the list. Pulling into the driveway, he parked by the steps and went in.
First on the list was a shower and fresh clothes. When he was done he felt like a new male. Putting on a pot of coffee, he also started some food because he’d built up a hell of an appetite. Once he had his first cup of coffee and finished his breakfast, he knew it was time to get work done.
His laptop sat open in the usual spot. Turning it on, he cleaned up the mess from breakfast hoping it would be ready by the time he was through. Lately, his personal life had invaded his mind making it harder to do what needed to be done. Hopefully he could put that aside for now. The mess tamed, he sat down in front of his screen and pulled up his email first.
By the goddess, he was getting almost a thousand emails a day now as more of his people decided to join him and others just wanted to know more. Other emails were from those providing services. Some of those he’d ask about, others were opportunity seekers. Right now he needed an assistant desperately so they could compile a packet of information to send all these interested people.
