Harliss (The Watchers Book 2)

by M. D. Stewart

  “No doubt about it. I saw Kai on the live feed when the mercenaries tied up Abby and Aria. I also watched him fight his wolf when he found out Aoki had been attacked while he was asleep with his mates. I admired his fierce nature very much.” He was tucking her hair behind her ear, amazed at the feelings of love he was experiencing not only for her but for her people. To think he almost missed this entire experience. He knew why Otronians were so happy. Many of the things that he could’ve never known, were his to live and explore now. It gave him a sense pride and belonging he’d be forever grateful for.

  “I need to arrange to have your personal belongings brought here. I now understand what Aoki meant when he said I was feral. The thought of another man touching your things.” He stopped to calm himself. “It makes me want to kill him. I imagine him running his fingers over your bras.” He heard her purr as she played with the hair at the nape of his neck.

  “You’re so intense. And it’s hot.” She laughed and just like that, he was smiling with her. “I think I can arrange for a woman to get my things. I can contact Monica and have her pack it all up. If you even smell a man’s scent on my things you might get upset. You have to know that I would feel the same if I saw a woman touching what is mine.”

  He was appalled. “I would never let another woman touch me.”

  She smiled at him, kissing his jawline. “I know, Micah. I’m just saying it’s easier for me to control my Cougar, but you’ll get there. You need to try and remember that I feel the same way about other men. I would never let one get close to me with intentions of having sex. Ever. No matter what your feral Cougar says, you need to stop and think that we feel the same way about each other. We’re it, baby. You and me until our last breath.”

  Her words cooled his blood. “I think I can talk to Avery and let him know what is going on. I will need you here but if I ask you to leave, please just go to our sleeping area. I would hate to kill my second in command.”

  *****

  Harliss had gotten in touch with Monica and arranged for her and Lily to pack her living quarters and bring her things to Micah’s place. She hadn’t been here long and some of her things were still packed. They were supposed to come by later that day. Micah had planned for Avery to stop by after the dinner hour. He had to apologize for taking time off without notice and let Avery know he wasn’t going to come in for a while. He didn’t really have a timeline for his return. Meetings could be handled with his portable computer and his wrist commlink, once Monica brought it from Harliss’s place. But anything that required a physical presence would be on Avery.

  If Micah was honest with himself, he was nervous about his friend being in the same room as Harliss. His skin felt itchy and tight. He had a crazy need to bury his face in her pussy to have her scent on his face. He wanted to mark her with his scent before Avery got there, just to be sure the man knew Harliss was his. Instead of being impatient, Harliss was understanding. She’d sit on his lap and let him bury his nose in her neck until he calmed down. He loved those moments. She was his and they both knew it. Just like he was hers.

  The chime sounded at Micah’s door and he blew out a breath before allowing entry. When the door slid open, a tall blonde stood female in the hall with a box and pulling a rolling cart. She smiled as she looked at Micah. He had forgotten that he only wore sweatpants. His hands were in his pockets as he stared back at the human female. She studied every inch of his body with raised eyebrows. He was surprised at his lack of interest in the beautiful woman.

  He backed away from her, giving her ample room to enter his quarters. She walked in with a big, flirtatious grin. “Well, hello there sexy. I’m Monica. This is where Harliss is living now right?” Her gaze stayed on his chest for longer than he was comfortable.

  “Yes.” He turned toward the bedroom. “Harliss, Monica is here. Could you bring me a t-shirt to put on?” He turned his head to look at Monica, her gaze was taking in his butt. He shook his head, not sure how to handle the situation. He’d be at the throat of any man looking at Harliss that way.

  The bedroom door opened and Harliss came in holding a shirt out to him with a smile. She stopped to kiss him briefly and patted his chest. He wrapped his arm around her as he buried his face in her neck before backing away and slipping the shirt over his head. “I will be busy on my computer while I wait for Avery.” He smiled tightly. “It was nice to meet you, Monica.” He walked to the far side of the living area and sat at the table.

  “I don’t think he likes me.” Monica whispered, “Every man I’ve met since I got boobs has flirted with me at least a little. He seemed offended that I checked him out. Geeze, who wouldn’t, he’s hot by the way. Damn, girl, that body of his!” Micah had to pretend to not hear a thing she said.

  Monica peered over Harliss’s head. “I bet he’s hung—he just looks like it. I bet he knows how to use it too.”

  Micah bit back a growl. He knew Monica was harmless, but it still smacked too close for his comfort.

  Harliss grinned at her friend before she whispered back, “He’s wonderful, Monica. He’s more than I ever thought I’d deserve.”

  “I heard that, Harliss. You are amazing and do not ever say something like that about yourself. Beings have exceptional hearing, by the way.” He cleared his throat. “And thank you, Monica. I appreciate the, um, compliment. And speculations.” He hoped he hid his grimace as he continued to study the reports of supplies and issues occurring in the facility.

  Harliss looked at her belongings before glancing back to Monica. “Where’s Lily? I thought she was coming too.” Micah could hear the disappointment in his mate’s voice. Monica moved to sit on one of the couches before shrugging.

  “She helped me pack then said she had something else she needed to do but wanted me to tell you hello and how happy she is for you. Now get over here and tell me everything.”

  *****

  The women sat on the couch, whispering all the latest gossip going on in the Exchange House. It was mostly who was hooking up with whom, and some new people arriving after a few had left. Most didn’t last more than a few months. Lack of sunshine and fresh air took their toll on Otronians first then humans. Beings were used to staying in a facility and even being underground. Those Beings with emotions found being contained in a facility preferable to their dreary home world. With such a thick cover of clouds, the surface was nearly dark, so it was cold and dark nearly all the time.

  Micah lost track of time as he handled problems of supplies, security and emails with Gary Smith, the human in charge of processing other humans to come to the Exchange Houses. The trouble with Aoki and his mates was still being worked out with the military and even though they requested no reparation, Micah thought someone should pay for the insult to the big Otronian. Especially now that he had mated one. He looked up to see the girls drinking wine, his eyes drawn to Harliss and his body felt like it was going to split out of his skin.

  “Harliss, I need a moment.” He felt the restlessness taking over and needed to have her scent in his nose. He hated that he was relieved when she immediately set her wine glass on the table. She patted Monica’s knee before standing and quickly walking to him. Without stopping she took his hand and led him to the bedroom, shutting the door. He buried his nose in her neck.

  “It is not enough.” He was panting in his need, his erection pushing against his pants. He put his hands on her hips, moving her back to the bed, pushing her legs apart, and rubbed his face against her clothed pussy. “You smell so damn good. I want to lick your pussy. Now.”

  “Hurry, Micah.” He could hear her own need in her voice. He lifted her with one hand while pulling her pants down and off her in one movement. His face went straight to her wet, swollen lips. Licking hard, sucking her lips and then her clit. He felt her arch and she grabbed his hair.

  Her voice was barely a whisper, “I’m coming, oh goddess.” Her juices flowed over his tongue, her scent filled him, relieving the pressure in his chest. He stood,
pulling his sweats out of the way and grasped his cock, sliding inside her. He began a furious pumping. He held her hips as he slammed into her, his vibrations starting in his balls. She clenched her pussy around him hard, his vibrations strengthened. She sat up grabbing his shirt, pulling his body down to cover his mouth with her own, catching his shout in her mouth. When he stopped moving inside her, she fell back to the mattress, smiling.

  “Now I know why some shout out to a deity when they come.” He was panting as he placed his hands on the mattress, close to her either side of her body. “I hope I do not embarrass you with your friend.” His grin didn’t convey he was sorry for anything.

  “Oh, never.” She smiled. “In case you forgot, I have more than my fair share of troublemaker genetics. Plus, I love it that you want me so much. But you might want to wash your face.”

  “No. I need your scent there.” His voice deepened as he looked at their joined bodies. “I want our scent everywhere.” She laughed drawing his attention back to her face.

  “I understand but you’re dripping wet. I’ll make sure you’re filled with our scent.” He reluctantly backed from her body, licking his lips as pulled his pants back into place. He smiled as he backed into the bathroom, grinning at her until she was out of his sight. He started the water to rinse his face off then lightly patted it dry. He still had a faint scent of her pussy under his nose.

  He walked into the bedroom to a dressed Harliss. She wiggled a finger at him, calling him to her. When he reached her, she used one hand to pull her pants from her waist, pushed her hand between her pants and body. His breath slammed out of him, knowing she was running her fingers over her pussy.

  “Here, Micah.” She pushed his shirt up from his abs as her fingers slid further up his body under his shirt to touch her fingers to his chest between his nipples. She removed her hand from under his shirt then took her fingers and slid them over his lips. He immediately sucked her fingers into his mouth, tasting their combined juices. The flavors exploded on his tongue.

  “Mine.” He growled, satisfied completely in his soul. Feeling content, he led her from the room letting her return to a wide-eyed Monica. He smiled at her before sitting at his personal computer, his need for his mate and her scent was satisfied for now.

  *****

  The chime sounded letting Micah know Avery was there for their meeting. He suddenly realized why he wanted Harliss’s scent on him, he wanted to remain in control when another man was in the same room with her. He stood and walked to the door to allow Avery to enter. When the door slid open, Avery was looking down at his personal computer, typing furiously. When Avery looked up, he took a step back. “Shit, Micah.” Micah raised his eyebrows, not sure what Avery was reacting to.

  “You look different. Your eyes are, um, almost black and gray like marble. Scary.”

  “We have some things to discuss, Avery. Come in.” Micah stepped back, allowing Avery to walk in. “Just take care to not get too close to my mate, okay? I will explain it all.” He led Avery to the table and made sure Avery’s back was to the women, especially his mate.

  “What has happened, Micah. I know you met someone and I know you took time off without warning, but this does not explain the change I see in you. It frightens me to be honest.”

  Micah sat back in his chair regarding his second-in-command and possibly his best friend. “Avery, I have never been happier. I love her more than life. There is nothing to be afraid of, even the changes in my body.” He smiled, his eyes back to the dark black as usual. Avery took a deep breath and let it out.

  The women laughed behind him, drawing the men’s attention. Both looked at them as they talked and laughed. Micah cleared his throat forcing Avery to shift his attention back to him. “Uh, we have several issues. When can you return to work?”

  “Avery, that could be a while. It is hard to explain the situation, but I will be working from home via video conference when needed. You will have to arrange to handle situations in person. Perhaps you can bring in Jonah to fill in for me for a while. Once I make a decision about something important, I will contact you. I do not know how much I should tell you. It is not completely about me.” His voice trailed off as he noticed Avery’s attention returning to the women again.

  “Avery,” Micah’s voice was full of impatience, but Avery didn’t seem to notice. “Avery, we have things to settle.” Avery reluctantly turned his attention back to Micah.

  “I am sorry, Micah. The first thing we need to discuss is the call from the human Dr. Marc Kensington from KenSpec Labs. Also, we need more staff. The bartender and the waitstaff need help, the cleaning crew also needs more…” He turned his head again, his voice trailing off.

  “Avery.” Micah’s voice carried his warning, if Harliss hadn’t put their scent on him earlier, he’d be ripping Avery’s throat out. He let a growl escape, hoping to get Avery’s attention. “I will not tell you again. Look at me and stop looking at my mate.”

  Avery focused back on Micah, his face crestfallen. “I am sorry, Micah. I mean no disrespect to you or her. I thought your mate was the one with the dark hair.”

  Micah was so angry it took him a minute to register Avery’s comment. “She is. My mate is Otronian. Her name is Harliss.” Micah began to smile as understanding dawned. “The blonde is Monica, Harliss’s friend. And she is most definitely available. But Avery, this brings me to the reason I have to stay here.”

  That grabbed Avery’s full attention. “This cannot leave this room, for any reason.” At Avery’s nod he continued. “My mate is from the Cougar Clan. Since I am Being with new emotions, it is theorized that mating her has brought me characteristics of a male Cougar. Until I gain control of it, I am dangerous around any male who I perceive as a threat. Her family is working on getting a priestess here to bind me until I can go through a ritual ceremony to learn control.”

  Micah stood, pacing slightly before setting back down. “I find I must have her scent on me all the time. I want her all the time, to reassure our bond. She knows this and is very generous with me. If I were to leave her side, I would not be sure that I could control my need for her. I may confuse it with a threat to her. I would kill someone, Avery. I wanted to kill you until you made your intentions clear with another woman. Before you arrived, I had to mate her. I had to, Avery. She marked me with our scent or I may have attacked you when I thought you were staring at her.”

  Avery’s emerald green eyes had gotten bigger, as Micah explained the situation. “That is why your eyes are different and why you are so angry and aggressive. That is why you growled. You are under control of the Cougar nature. It all makes sense.” Avery suddenly smiled at his boss. “I would say the Earth phrase ‘You lucky dog’ but I do not want to offend your cat nature.” Micah laughed, causing the women to look their way.

  “I say this from the heart, Avery, go to Monica.” He looked at the women. “She looks at you with interest as well. If you find her as alluring as I think you do, it will be a good match. I warn you though, humans do not understand the call of mating. They second guess their feelings and ignore their instincts. If she is your mate, you might have to have patience and convince her you are the one for her.” He thought for a moment before continuing. “We may need to bring in not only a priestess from Otron but also a clergy for humans. If we start getting mates across the races, we will need them here to act as officials.” Avery nodded but didn’t need to be told twice. He was standing up and walking toward the blonde almost before Micah finished his thoughts.

  “Harliss, could you come to me?” Micah not only wanted to give Avery a chance at privacy with Monica, he needed to feel Harliss in his arms. Without hesitation, Harliss walked toward him and his breath caught in his throat. She was amazing, and a miracle to him. She smiled as she raised her arms to encircle his neck. He could tell by the look on her beautiful face that she could smell his scent of arousal. He looked over her shoulder at Monica smiling at Avery as he talked with her. When Avery raised
his hand and trailed it from Monica’s shoulder to her hand, Micah chuckled. Avery was going to lose his virginity tonight.

  “Did you tell Monica our cocks vibrate when we come?” he whispered into Harliss’s ear. He felt her turn to look at the couple.

  She pulled him tighter before bringing her lips to his ear. “Oh, that’s a special surprise that is best learned during the moment.”

  Micah grinned.

  “Then they will both find out at the same time.” At Harliss’s gasp of surprise, he stared down in her eyes, smiling. “That would be an interesting moment to witness.” He chuckled as the couple walked out of the living quarters, Avery’s hand on the small of Monica’s back.

  “I’m sure we’ll both get calls later tonight or tomorrow.” Harliss snickered as the doors hissed shut behind their visitors.

  “And maybe from security when one or both orgasm.” Micah continued to smile. “Let the games begin.”

  *****

  Avery and Monica lay in a heap spent passion and panting. Avery couldn’t even move off her body as he tried to gain control of his erratic heart. “I, I am sorry, Monica. I cannot seem to move.” He felt her arms come around him to match her legs still wrapped around his hips.

  “If you moved I’d never talk to you again. Holy shit, I’ve never come so hard in my life. That was amazing.” He thought he felt his cock twitch inside her, having never gone soft to begin with. He kissed her neck, as he lay limp on her body.

  “I told you I have never been with a woman before. I have also never, uh, well, I have never come before either.” Now his cock did twitch, already wanting to come again.

  “Really? Why not? I mean, you haven’t even jacked off or anything?” He found enough strength to pull back and look into her beautiful blue eyes.