by Crystal Dawn
“I don’t think it will work.” Mairi said softly.
“We’re fated. I know it and I believe you know it. Neither of us will ever be happy without the other.” Ciaro observed.
“I’m not sure.”
“You don’t have to be. Just give us a shot.” He held out his hand and she stepped forward looking at it. She was such a wild thing, easily sent running away. Ciaro stood there waiting, knowing the goddess would intercede on his behalf, she had to.
Mairi took another step and put her hand in his. It was all he needed. He pulled her into his arms and carried her to his SUV. The crew looked, shock on their faces as he walked past them. Her face was against his chest so she didn’t see their looks. Ciaro hoped he was the only one on her mind as he drove them to her house.
Her house felt more like home to him than the place he was staying. Maybe it was because the second she opened the door to let them in, her sweet scent hit his nose. He grabbed her hand to lead her to her bedroom. Giving her no chance to change her mind, he moved her along.
His clothes was in a pile on the floor, but his female was fully dressed. That wasn’t acceptable. Moving next to her, he helped her bare her flesh. Goddess! The female was everything he ever dreamed of. Ciaro could feel the heat from her body hitting him as he stripped her naked.
He wasn’t sure what would happen but he hoped it would change everything. Ciaro reached up moving her hair to the side to leave her neck exposed and vulnerable before he leaned in unable to help himself. The need to scent her rolled over him. The aroma was so marvelous he licked it then he placed a gentle kiss on her neck. His heart pounded as his breath raced and his feelings were already out of control. Mairi was all he’d ever dreamed of and he wanted her now.
Ciaro hoped she knew how much he needed her and he hoped she needed him too. His hands moved to her shoulders stroking her arms gently up and down. Ciaro felt a shiver run through her and it made him shiver too. That was because he wanted her desperately and he intended to make her want him too.
Mairi’s nipples were hard points that he stared at. When he looked down he decided to put his tongue on her ear tracing the outer edge then slide his tongue inside blowing his breath into it. He nibbling on her lobe before he whispered, “I want you so much, Mairi. I want to kiss you all over then we can become mates.”
She turned to him but just looked at him silently. Her mind wasn’t made up yet, but at least she was giving him a chance to prove himself. Ciaro pulled her into his arms to give her a passionate kiss so he could convince her this was the right thing to do. His cock was so hard it hurt, making him rub against her as his passion threatened to break free.
“Yes.” She said. Now he picked her up and placed her in the middle of the bed so he could join her there.
They ended up on the bed in a delicious tangle. Fire seemed to run through his veins, his body heat seemed to make her hot too. It was torturous to be like this with her right now, but the release they would find would be delightful.
Ciaro stopped thinking so he enjoy the feel and the scent of his lovely mate. He was on top of her and she was so wet, he just slid into place between her thighs. Kissing her, he drove her crazy with need as he pumped in and out slowly.
“More!” She demanded so he gave her what she asked for. He would always give her what she asked for.
“Goddess, you’re perfect.” He praised. Her legs were wrapped around him as she matched him stroke for stroke arching up against him.
“I’m so close.” She murmured to him then she exploded screaming his name.
Ciaro continued slamming into her until he exploded too. He collapsed for a second then rolled them so his weight wouldn’t be on her. She lay over his chest like a blanket, her warmth and her sweet scent made him feel all was right with the world. He’d been tempted to mate her, but he wanted her to say yes.
Exhausted, he fell asleep with his mate held in his arms dreaming of making his claim complete. Ciaro woke and when he looked out the window it was dark outside. Mairi slept peacefully, but she was too tempting to leave alone. His fingers trailed down her thighs and she whimpered and writhed. He did it again and this time her eyes opened.
He could see the strong feelings in her eyes, but were they strong enough? “I want you again. I will never get enough.” He admitted.
This time Mairi moved to where she straddled his hips. Rising up, she slowly moved down on his erect cock. Her moans were exciting as she slid down until he was fully immersed inside her. His cock jerked wanting to thrust deeply into her. There was no way he could hold back for long. Mairi was riding him like a rented mule and he loved every minute of it.
His mate moaned as she ground against him rocking then rolling to the side as her muscle clutched at him. His groan was loud as pleasure hit him hard but he managed to hold back his climax. All he wanted was for her to find her orgasm first. When she did, her scream was ear splitting and her channel squeezed his climax right out of him.
Ciaro felt light headed, as pleasure rolled over him and he bucked unable to stop himself. Making love to his mate felt better every time. All he wanted was for them to claim each other and be together all the time.
They fell asleep again, but this time when they woke it was morning. He felt Mairi stretching beside him. “Are you feeling alright?” He asked.
“I feel wonderful.”
“I know how to make you feel better.”
“And how is that?”
“I can give you a little bit more of what you liked last night.” Ciaro offered.
“That sounds good.” She admitted.
“I want to go all the way. We should be together always.” He looked in her eyes and she nodded. His heart exploded with joy. The day every shifter dreamed of was happening to him today.
His fingers stroked her softly giving pleasure everywhere they touched. His mouth lowered to her breast as he swirled his tongue around her nipple watching it harden before sucking it into his mouth. The same treatment was given to the other one. Mairi moaned, there was no way not to. Ciaro continued traveling downward giving her body attention with his hands, lips, and tongue.
He passed the junction of her thighs traveling down one leg, then up the other as she moaned and writhed against him. He finally came back to the place he had missed to concentrate on her need. She pressed up against him, begging him to help her with the burning desire that she felt between her legs.
Goddess! His mate was sweet and the needy sounds turned him on. His fingers found her opening and he plunged in one finger, then two while his mouth sucked and licked her little nubbin driving her wild. When he added the last finger, he bit her clit lightly and she screamed as her release rocked her. He licked her luscious juices until her had them all.
Now, he repositioned himself between her open thighs. His cock dripped from the end as he took position so he could just slammed inside. Mairi cried out with joy as he filled her in an instant. He could feel her body throb with the desire. Ciaro filled her and wanted to make her complete. His mate started moving, arching against him as he slid slowly out then back in. The friction was perfect and tension started to build. Their need grew stronger, multiplied until they were burning with the urge to fulfill it.
His gums ached and itched as his fangs dropped. Licking her neck, he was ready and the time was nearly right. Driving in deeper and harder, he pinched her clit and Mairi erupted riding out her climax. Ciaro sank his teeth into her neck at that perfect spot where her neck met her shoulder. The blood was spicy and sweet, he sucked it in and swallowed it. A pinch was felt on his neck, but her blunt teeth barely broke the skin.
It was enough to push him over into the longest and best orgasm of his life. Nothing had prepared him for the deep connection that slid into place. This gift the goddess had given him was one he would cherish and enjoy as long as he lived. He rolled over so she was covering him and seriously thought about just staying in bed for the first time that he could remember.
That wasn’t possible with so many people depending one him. From what he had seen lately, there were more of his people out there than he had originally thought and he wasn’t sure this small area could hold them all. Maybe a secondary party land thirty miles away or so would be a good idea after this one was established.
“Rise and shine, my sweet mate.” Ciaro whispered. He laughed when she groaned.
Mairi raised herself up and looked in his eyes. “That time already?”
“Sorry, Baby.”
“Hmm, sounds like a good time for a shower.” Mairi said.
He liked the idea of some shower sex. All he wanted to do was claim his mate again and again. “I second that. You’re so naughty.”
“You have no idea.” She declared.
“I’m beginning to.” He said as he watched her jump out of bed naked and hurry to the shower before he followed her.
Ciaro stopped and stared as she stood in the shower with the water running over her gorgeous body. It made his mouth water. He stepped inside and embraced his mate. She was his now and nothing would ever change that. Her scent was even beginning to change. It was remarkable that it would so soon. Not that he’d known many humans that had successfully made the change.
“I will wash you, Sweetness.” Cairo promised as he lathered his hands and began to spread the soap over her body since she’d already washed her hair.
His hands slid over her skin easily. Her nipples hardened and she broke out in goosebumps as he moved his hands everywhere. Mairi was truly beautiful and it made his cock hard just to have her near.
“Take me, Ciaro.” She yelled, her need getting the best of her.
“Yes!” He answered as he rinsed her off and lifted her putting her back against the wall of the shower.
Driving deep inside her, he groaned in delight. Her channel squeezed him in a tight grip making it hard for him to move back out. As he sped up, it became easier until he hammered into her at a fast pace. She yelled his name as her climax rolled over her. The clutch of her pussy forced his release right after hers. He let out the cry of a panther. It was a scary sound, but Mairi seemed to like it.
Chapter 10
Changing
She’d made her decision and now they were mated. Was she crazy? Not completely. There had been enough stories going around she now knew Carol was a nut. It would have been unfair to hold that situation against him. Now she was mated and soon she would be changed. It was something she wasn’t sure she would ever do. Where did she go from here?
There was no choice really. The change would come when it was good and ready. She and Ciaro would live together, in her house if he let her choose. Meanwhile, they were dry and dressed, it was time to get breakfast at Ariel’s and start their day. They would drive separately since Ciaro’s SUV was here. Their days might go as they had before, but their mating would change everything.
They arrived at Ariel’s and entered. Breakfast was well under way and the choices limited, but they were both starved and filled their plates full. They got drinks for breakfast and Mairi drained the coffee pot into her travel mug before starting the next pot.
When she and Ciaro sat down to eat, Ariel managed to join them. “I can smell a new mating. Congratulations.” Her lack of surprise was obvious. She’d expected this, possibly even pushed for it. Mairi wondered who would mate the next cat alpha. “I’ve heard the leopard alpha comes soon. What’s his name?”
“Azrael. He will be here soon. I must get as many of my people settled as possible before he arrives.” Ciaro pointed out.
“It’s wise to move further out as you plan.” Ariel approved.
“How, never mind. You generally seem to know everything. Any room on your Branson construction crew?” Ciaro asked.
“Yes, but you must go through them. Mairi can help you.” Ariel grinned. She was probably happy to have someone else handling something.
It was hard to blame Ariel as many things as she had to manage. Mairi would handle these things for Ciaro and his people, now her people, if she could. She’d suggested he go further from Blue Eye, but hadn’t realized he intended to take her advice. It would make it easier to find housing and expand her area for her business. She could also work to add another crew that worked further away.
Mairi topped off her travel mug and it was time to leave. The apartment would be finished today. A clean up and a walk through would also be completed. Whatever landscaping was set in place would be done by another group. It was a relief each time a project came in on time and under budget.
Throwing herself into her work, it was lunch before they stopped for a break. They’d completed this project quickly and a good bonus was in store for all of them. Some took off in the crew truck to grab lunch, probably from Sara’s, while she found her second sack still where it was hidden and ate her sandwich, and apple, and drank her bottle of tea.
Once lunch was done, she inspected the apartment building in steps as each room was cleaned and emptied of any trash. People would be moving in as early as tonight. It was good when a plan came together. Her crew wouldn’t get any extra days off, but the weekend was clear for them to do as they wished. She, on the other hand, had her personal projects to see to. Those crews also needed time off and this weekend only volunteers would work. There would be few of those since normally they worked all the time.
The couple she had hired would work since they were saving up for a house. She would work there as well. Her projects were important and her business was finally getting on its feet. The cabins would give her continuous income and house a large number of people. The houses gave her a large lump sum and fed her business growth. This weekend, she could not work on both. She decided on the cabins.
Ciaro came by to sit with her as she finished her lunch. “Hello, mate. How goes it?”
“Better, now that I’m with you.”
“How does the plan for settling some north a ways go?”
“I’m clueless. The area is even more unfamiliar to me than this one is.”
“First you need to find out who is willing to go there.”
“Jezzie is gathering a list. That girl is wonderful.”
“She’s a damn good assistant.” Mairi agreed.
“What then?”
“I’ve bought a couple houses in that area. One of them I owned a while. It was a rental, but they moved out last week. I’m planning to remodel and sell it. I’m looking at an apartment house there. Half the places are empty because it needs work.”
“The apartment house would be helpful. Jezzie sent out an email for construction workers. You may get some soon.”
“There’s a one bedroom for the apartment manager. It was the only apartment that was in good shape. I’ll need someone for that position. It’s a big three story building with twenty places. Most are two bedroom because those rent the best.”
“What’s your plan?”
“I hope to rent most of the apartments and rotate renters to the remodeled ones as they get done. Most people will accept less than perfect places for a discount if they now they will get the better ones as they are done.”
“That’s a good plan. It will house a few of the incoming families that have more fluid plans.”
“I need to look at the apartment house Saturday to make the final agreement. There’s not enough time in my day.”
“You need an assistant as well.” Ciaro suggested.
“I just need more people for my crews. I don’t do that much formal planning.”
“Fly by the seat of your pants?”
“Most of the time. I just jump in and get things done. Speaking if which, I need to get back to work.” She stood up and Ciaro stood too. He pulled her into his arms and she breathed in his spicy male scent. His scent was stronger or her nose could smell better. Maybe even a bit of both.
“You scent has changed. We’ll need to try your first morph soon.”
“I thought it took a week?”
“That’s a
n average, but several have changed sooner. I’m dying to see what you look like.” Ciaro admitted.
“Tonight, after our work is done.”
“Alright, I will see you then.” Ciaro replied as he gave her one last kiss before he headed away.
Once the project was deemed complete, she let her crew go home early. It was a reward she’d not been able to give her personal crews, she gave them meals and bonuses instead. She was lucky many of her workers were trying to build a new life and that required money more than anything. Now it was time to head to the cabins and see how things were going there. Liaro’s guys had two cabins ready and they took them for themselves. The next cabin would be for their other friend who had recently joined them and it was a work in progress.
Rather than interfere with their work, she began work on another cabin with one of the guys. The cabins were a bit larger than the average hotel room and gave more of a feeling of living in a house. She’d stayed in cabins like these a time or two and preferred the privacy to that of a hotel room. At seven, she headed home worried that Ciaro would be annoyed at having to wait for her.
Instead, he just seemed glad to see her. “Kayla let you in?” She asked.
“She did, but you’ll let me have my own key, right?” He teased.
“Of course. Remind me before we go to sleep, there’s a spare in my nightstand.”
“So supper first or our walk?” Ciaro questioned.
“Let’s walk. We’ll get this out of the way first. Just don’t be too disappointed.”
“I don’t believe you could ever disappoint me and I know it’s early. I just want you to try so you adjust to the thought of being a shifter a bit at a time.”
“Alright.” She said then she led him out the back door.
The yard had a few trees, but there was an area that bordered it that was fully wooded. “How much land is like this?” He asked.
“Maybe twenty acres? There’s also an orchard, but the rest is fields with only occasional trees.”
“It sounds nice. Let’s stop here where the woods are within easy reach. Close your eyes and call your inner animal. Imagine her in your mind’s eye and tell her you want her to come out.” He pulled her into his embrace and kiss her sweetly.
