Finally, they saw Brand in the distance, his height and presence making him stand out in the crowd. A dart of pure lust spiked through Wes as he observed the other man’s magnetic presence.
“Do you like him?”
He regarded Tab as he considered her question. “I lust for him, and there is something very compelling about him. What about you?”
She giggled. His wife actually giggled! “He’s very interesting…and so sexy. I’m not sure I want this to end.”
“Maybe we don’t have to.” Though Wes wasn’t active in the shifter society, he knew that permanent ménages were tolerated, even encouraged. Most of these involved two females, but two males and one woman wasn’t an unheard-of concept.
“Really?” Tab’s voice held confusion but there was a definite thread of interest.
“Maybe. It’s not unknown among our kind. See how you feel in the morning and if you want to try it, we’ll see what his thoughts on the matter are.”
“He’s a big deal, isn’t he? Famous and all?”
Wes tried to recall what little he knew about Brand Hove. Since he was with a latent shifter, he had been reluctant to join the local and state-wide societies, though their newsletters still came to his office. Joining one would have meant awkward absences that would had to have been explained to Tabby.
He couldn’t give her the details in this teeming mass of humanity. “I’ll tell you about it later, Tab, or maybe Brand will. Let’s get over to him and out of this place.”
“Please.” Relief was evident in her voice. It was clear that the crowd was getting to her. His hands were filled with their rolling bags, but what he really wanted to do was guide her through the morass and into the fresh cold air. When Brand suddenly appeared at their side, his bags slung over one arm, Wes handed their two suitcases to him without a word, then wrapped his arms around Tab, tucking her under his arm.
Brand’s status in the community was evident. As soon as they stepped outside the terminal, a black sedan pulled up. Brand and the driver consulted for a moment, then he tossed their bags into the trunk. “Hop in. Sherman here is going to get us to the hotel. It’ll be slow going. How many inches have dropped so far today, Sherman?”
“Four so far, sir. Upward of two feet expected from this freak storm. I’m heading home as soon as you’re settled, sir. It ain’t fit for man or beast out here.”
“Indeed. We won’t call on you again while the weather is so severe.”
The check-in at the hotel was expedient and soon they were in an elevator riding to the top of the high-rise. Brand had taken care of everything, ordering room service—five porterhouse steaks, rare—and their bags had been whisked upstairs. Clothes would be laid out, the bed turned back and after the food was delivered they’d be totally alone to help Tab through her first shift.
* * * * *
“So, what do you think?” Brand asked softly.
Tab had her hands pressed against the large window in the living room area of their suite. Snow drifted down onto an idyllic scene. It was strange how all the ugliness of a city was masked by the frozen white crystals falling from the sky.
“It is beautiful. I want to be out there frolicking in it. That’s so silly, though. I’ve never been someone who plays in the snow. And I’m near thirty, a little old for a delayed childhood.” She winced, as if her words were somehow embarrassing.
Brand couldn’t wait to take both Tab and Wes to the shifter retreat in South Dakota. She’d love romping in the snow with the other animals, shifter and otherwise.
“Tabitha, life as you know it has changed now. You will never be the same. You’ll have to make every life decision while considering your shifter needs and desires. You’ve changed both inside and outside. I’ll be here to help you and Wes with it. After you eat, we’re going to bring that pretty kitty out to play.”
She rubbed her arms in what appeared to be a gesture of comfort. “I have so many questions…”
Brand led her to the couch and settled her beside her husband. He chose to sit in the desk chair, a short distance away. If he touched either of them, he’d lose control and fuck them and Tab needed her rest right now.
Ignoring his desires for the moment, Brand began explaining the shifter society to Tab, starting with birth. He could tell that she was trying to wrap her mind around the fact that her parents had been shifters as well and wasn’t surprised when she mentioned that they’d passed away when she was very young.
Without parents to lead the way, Tab must have been at sea. The Council tried to keep track of latent shifters, but clearly Tab had slipped through the cracks. Brand was impressed with the way she asked clear and well-thought questions. She was shocked and stunned, but seemed to be handling the revelation as best as could be expected.
After they ate, Tabitha told the men she needed a nap. Brand stayed behind as her husband tenderly tucked her in. He was really falling for this couple, an unexpected but welcomed magical serendipity. This all felt so right.
All of a sudden, he felt the need to speak to his spirit father, Nekhema. The wise man would be able to help him sort through his feelings. Decision made, he left Wes and Tab a note, took one of the room keys and his cell phone and walked down the corridor toward the stairs leading to the roof. Since the storm had brought them together, it only seemed right for him to be within it now.
The wind was cold but refreshing, the snow falling heavily. Brand was comfortable in the cold weather, his shifter metabolism adjusting to his body’s needs.
“Spirit Father,” he spoke into the phone. Brand regarded Nekhema as his second father. The man’s wisdom and compassion made him Brand’s most trusted advisor in Council matters.
“My son. Destiny has found you, I see.”
“You see?” Brand had no idea Nekhema was a seer as well, but very little surprised him.
“You don’t deny it, lion cub. This is very telling. I dreamed of them, a man and a woman, both cats. You have shared yourself with them. They have touched your heart and soul, Brand. To not pursue this connection would mean that you are lying to yourself, denying yourself happiness for the greater good of your position. A leader especially must have happiness and mates to keep him calm and centered while making decisions. Let your responsibilities wait a while until you pursue this. All work and no play makes for a very grouchy shifter.”
Brand began pacing, agitated. “Why them, Father? I have walked alone for so many years and now…”
“And now your soul wants to love. Stop thinking with your head, cub. Think with your spirit and soul. Are these two your intended? If so, why fight it?”
“The politics—” Brand began, but the older man cut him off.
“The politics will not keep you or them warm at night! I have told you many times that when you find your intended, you will know it. Do you know it, my son?”
Brand sighed. Of course he knew it. He just didn’t know how to rationalize it. “Yes, Father. I know.”
Nekhema chuckled. “What is it you know, Brand?”
The old coot was going to make him say it. “I know that these two people are somehow my destiny. I feel complete with them. I must follow my heart and stop being a workaholic. The Council will manage without me for a short while. Shifter society won’t collapse in ruin if I’m not as attentive. Is that what you want to hear?”
“Exactly. Good. Now let an old man roam the woods. Go chase your destiny and I will chase mine. Perhaps a small stewed rabbit will do. They give such good chase.”
“Father! Please leave Leslie and Bronwyn alone. Eating my cousins is not the way to stay in my good books!”
The older man sighed quite dramatically. “Fine then. I will go to the market like a human. Now go, son. I’ll smooth over things here and prepare your family for the announcement. And Brand? I’m very happy for you. Your voice projects your sense of peace and this is a peace I have long worried would pass you by. Open your heart, love and live. Allow them to see inside you. The le
opard and the panther will never harm you.”
Chapter 5
Wes paced the hotel suite, waiting for Brand. The man had left a brief note saying he’d be back soon. The weather outside was awful. He hoped that Brand hadn’t ventured outside. Even with the added strength of the shifter blood, Wes knew it was dangerous for both man and beast out there right now.
His worry for the virtual stranger had rocked him. How could he have such a depth of worry and care for a man they’d just met? It was as if the entire day was just meant to be. He’d let another man take the reins and had been perfectly comfortable with that. Socially as well as sexually, they all seemed to fit together.
Unable to settle down, Wes paced the room, his worry allowing his panther to rule his motions. In a few seconds, he had his clothes off, the change coming over him, familiar and comforting. Now a sleek feline, he padded around the room, sniffing Brand’s belongings. A small sound rumbled up from his throat. He liked this man even more in panther form—his scent was intoxicating.
Brand made his way back to the suite. Tab would probably sleep for a couple of hours, and he wanted to use that time to get to know Wes better. The other man intrigued him, Wes’ quiet nature held a lot of mysteries.
As Brand opened the door, he heard a strange noise, a throaty snuffle. “Hi there, kitty.” He spoke softy and low, entering the room in measured steps. The cat made a small noise—satisfaction mixed with healthy interest—and came closer, pawing at Brand’s pants.
“Whoa. Wait just a minute, Wes. I’m not into blood sports.” He could have sworn that the big cat smiled. Brand crossed to the bathroom, closing the panther out, and removed his clothes. This would be better than trying to remove them with a randy panther clawing at them. With luck, he’d still have some clothes intact. Shifting for him was instantaneous and painless, even in the small confines of the bathroom. Thankful that he had reopened the bathroom door before turning furry, he nosed the door the rest of the way open and padded over to the panther, emitting a small warning growl. They needed to establish the pecking order in this new feline pack and it was best they did it before Tabitha changed.
He would win. He knew it, Wes probably knew it as well, but they had to come to physical blows in animal form before they could have peace as a human ménage. It was just the way it had to be. Brand wouldn’t draw the panther’s blood if he could help it and would never strike a debilitating blow.
He began to circle the other man, lunging suddenly and striking a strong blow that pushed the panther back. Wes huffed out a breath, then jumped on him and the game began.
They sparred for what seemed like an eternity, dodging and lunging, catching fur in fangs and swiping claws shallowly across pelts. Finally, Brand had the upper hand in this well-matched fight. Wes was almost as dominant as him.
Brand stood behind Wes in the classically dominant pose, the other man’s neck clamped firmly in his teeth. Both men had grown very aroused, but Brand wouldn’t penetrate anyone when he was fully furry, though he wanted to plunge inside the other man so badly. It skirted too close to the bestiality line for him.
Tabitha awakened slowly. She wondered if the Valentine’s Day events had been just a dream. But the sheets here were much crisper than hers and she couldn’t smell Wes beside her. Something didn’t seem quite right.
She lifted her hand to scratch her nose and then squeaked, a lethal-looking claw extended from a spotted paw. She’d nearly taken her eye out! Tabitha moved without legendary feline grace, her claws catching on the bedding. She slid out of bed in a heap, shook herself off. She caught her reflection in a mirror and stopped, shocked. Gleaming tan and brown fur covered her body in a thick luxurious pelt. Her face was fully feline, only her eyes stayed the same color. And she had a muscular tail. She twitched it, accidentally knocking a vase off a table. Tab let out a low growl as she was splashed with water, the shock offending her more than the sensation.
Now that she had seen her transformation, she padded to the door, nosing it open a bit more. There was a lion in the room! The lion looked almost as though he was having sex with a gorgeous black panther. Both made low guttural sounds, the lion pressing the panther down.
Tabitha maneuvered the door until it was open enough for her to walk through. As she approached, the lion looked up, his nose quivering, his eyes curious. It was instinct that made her move closer, rubbing her cheek against his, huffing into his gorgeous mane. This magnificent creature had to be Brand.
Tabitha lowered herself to the ground, nose to nose with the panther now, and stropped her forehead against his nose. His long pink tongue came out to lick her face. Her emotions flowed pure and simple through her and she reveled in the ease and rightness of being a shifter. She had found some small part of her soul that had always been lost.
So this was what shifting was all about!
She wanted to feel these big luxurious cats against her, she wanted to know the similarities and differences between them. Hoping they would follow, Tab curled up under the window, tucking her face under her paws. Within seconds, one cat then the other snuggled against her, their rumbling sounds soothing.
She was home now. Her new life was with both of these exciting and sensual shifters. She burrowed close to both of them, thankful for the gift they had brought out in her. She’d never be the same again.
Wes awoke to find both Tabitha and Brand sleeping in human form beside him. While his neck ached a bit, all of the small cuts and bruises the lion had inflicted were gone now. He glanced at Brand, no bruises or cuts marred the perfection of the other man’s skin.
Being submissive to the alpha was something he’d have to get used to, but he trusted Brand enough to know that this was the best thing for them all. Although he had been the dominant partner in his marriage, there was a certain freedom in submitting to this man’s leadership. And it really couldn’t have worked any other way. Brand held the highest office in the shifter world—what message would it send if he was second to Wes?
Wes moved closer to the blond, brushing his hair back and kissing him tenderly. For this man and this man alone, he’d take his place at Brand’s side. He had ignored his heritage and yearnings for far too long.
“Hi, Wes.” Tabitha’s sleepy voice and sensual smile energized him.
“Hello, little spotted one. How do you feel?”
She sat up and stretched, lifting her beautiful breasts high. “Energized. Fully alive. I don’t quite know how to describe it. I feel like I can conquer the world.”
“Well, what about conquering us instead?” Brand’s voice was similarly sleepy and mellow.
Tabitha wormed her way between the two men, stroking both cocks at the same time. Each man found and fondled a nipple. They were relaxed and enjoying this intimate time together. The ultimate goal wasn’t orgasm, it was in their shared togetherness, in the rightness of their triad.
“This is forever.” Wes had to voice the words.
“Forever,” his two lovers echoed.
Chapter 6
It took a few days to get Wes and Tabitha’s affairs in order. Both quit their jobs—they’d find new ones in California. They sold the furniture they didn’t love and movers packed the belongings they wanted. Now they were ready to leave Wisconsin and their former lives behind.
Tabitha took Brand’s and Wes’ hands as they surveyed the empty house. Both husband and wife were a little sad at the transformation of their lives, but eagerly looked forward to their life in California with their new husband. Brand smiled fondly at them. They were a unit within the overall triad, but instead of being angry or jealous of this, Brand learned to take their bond as one facet of the whole. He and Tabitha had begun to relate on a deeper level and he was looking forward to creating a deeper connection with Wes.
Without speaking, husband and wife said silent goodbyes to their former life and the three shifters walked out the door into a brilliant sunny day. They were ready for this new chapter.
Four hours later
, after being cramped in overgrown tin cans with wings and wheels, they arrived at a sprawling property. Acres and acres of trees were dusted with snow and the only structure was a sprawling ranch house set in a small grove.
“Time to meet your family,” Brand announced.
Brand kissed Tabitha’s nose and pulled his new family toward the door. As they approached, Nekhema threw the door open and ran outside.
“Brand! My son! Welcome home!” The wizened older man pulled Brand into a tight embrace. “Welcome home, my son. You have been missed. And who are these beautiful people?” Nekhema’s dark eyes twinkled with merriment.
“Spirit Father, I bring many gifts. The biggest and most important is my new triad. I wish to present my new family to you. Please bless them and make them welcome at your hearth. Please share your wisdom, your knowledge and your love with them. Father, please meet Tabitha and Wesley Downes–Hove. My beloved, my soul.”
Nekhema kissed both Tab and Wes on each cheek. When he stepped back, the tracks of his tears were visible. “Welcome, my new son and daughter. May you live long and happy lives with your husband Brand. Now, come inside and meet the rest of your family. We have been waiting an eternity for Brand to find the other parts of his soul. You are most welcomed in my heart and hearth. I just have one rule. Don’t eat the rabbits.”
Tabitha, Wes and Brand linked arms, walking confidently into their new lives.
Animal Attraction Page 4
