"Yes, I watched you bath naked. Do you know how badly I wanted to change back and take you? You have no idea how good you taste, sweetheart."
Andy inwardly chuckled. Hell, Hamish had a lot more control than he would have seeing her bathing, water gleaming on her pale skin.
"So Bill didn't send you? You're not the cops, and you're both shifters, who think I'm your mate."
Andy changed back with her hand still on his head. She startled, but again ran her hand through his hair, as if comparing it to his Panther's.
"No, honey, this has nothing to do with your past. You are the safest person on the planet with two shifter mates to protect you. And we don't just think you're our mate, we know you are our mate. It's natural animal instinct, if you will. The pull to have you and claim you as ours is very strong. Shifters, who finally find their mates, need to be with them. If not we will slowly go insane, in a really bad way."
To Andy's surprise, she actually breathed a sigh of relief. "You kidnapped me because I'm your mate."
"Yes."
"Oh, well, that's okay then."
Andy glanced at Hamish. They were both thinking the same thing.
"You're taking this, ah, rather well."
"Can anyone find me here? You won't tell anyone my real name?"
"We'll have to deal with your problems sooner or later, but no, no one will find you here, sweetheart. You are safe with us."
She stood up, moving into the centre of the room, wobbling slightly on her feet. "Well, this is better than what I had feared." She dropped the blanket and giggled. "Men who turn into Panthers, and I'm safe." Her giggles came out a little more hysterically.
"Uh, oh, here it comes; Tinder and Storm warned me about this." Her eyes rolled back in her head, and her body dropped. Andy darted forward, catching her before she hit the floor. He glanced down at her now serene face, before glancing hopefully up at his brother.
"Great, is it wrong to fuck her while she's out?"
Hamish gave him a dry look.
"Yeah, I know. But honestly, my balls are going blue."
"As if mine aren't?"
Andy really wasn't that insensitive as to take advantage of her unconscious state. No, he wanted her to feel every touch of his hand, every kiss, and the way his cock would slide deep into her wet heat, making her moan and writhe in pleasure. Andy shifted her in his arms, carrying her out of the game room down the hall towards the stairs.
Hamish followed closely behind. He darted around Andy to open the door of the master bedroom, which had been their parents’, but now that they had Juniper, they were going to take it as theirs.
"Hopefully after she rests, we can finally take things to the next level." Andy lay their mate down on the bed, gazing down at her shapely limbs. His palms itched to trace the curves of her breasts again.
Hamish sighed, arranging her limbs and pulling the cover over her. "You stay with her; I need to go talk to River. No touching without me."
"Oh c'mon, how can I not touch?"
"Well, no fucking her without me," he amended, leaning down to kiss her forehead with tender devotion. Andy saw the signs; his brother had fallen hard for her as well. "One of us will be with her always."
Andy nodded his firm agreement. No way were they letting her out of their sight. After witnessing how others in the town had suffered the pain of almost losing their destined mates, they would guard her every heartbeat for the rest of their lives. She had two mates instead of one, which worked in their favor, she would never be alone, ever again.
With a heavy sigh, Hamish turned and walked out of the room.
Andy crawled under the covers and pulled his mate into his arms. Oh yeah, this was where she belonged, in his arms. It would be even better with his dick nestled within her heat squeezing him. But, Hamish was right, she belonged to them both. He'd refrain from making love to her until they could do it together, as a team. Andy grinned and kissed her shoulder. It didn't mean he couldn't do other things.
~ * ~
In the office at the back of River Black's house, his cousin Hawk Black greeted him with a hefty slap on the back. "Hey, I hear congratulations are in order, cuz."
River rose to his feet from behind his desk. "I take it you left Andy with her." River shook Hamish's hand.
"You done the whole show and tell yet?" Hawk leaned in on the side of River's desk.
"Yes, hence her resting."
"They always pass out, it's our animal magnetism." Hamish fought the urge to roll his eyes at Hawk's quip. At least Andy's jokes weren't as bad as Hawk's.
"Tinder's going to be disappointed you two won't pose for her any more, she and Storm tell me erotic ménage stories are all the rage at the moment." He chuckled at the private joke. "Guess you two are an old hand at sharing."
It wasn't a secret that Andy and Hamish liked to share women, bringing them double the pleasure. They'd always worked well together, despite Andy's big mouth.
"Hawk, cut the man some slack. They've only just found their mate, and by his stiff walk they haven't yet consummated their relationship." River grinned.
Hamish glared at his cousin. "Juniper is a little more emotionally fragile. We can't just fuck her and all will be well. There's been big trouble in her life; I want to hunt down this bastard who hurt her."
"Yes, Andy mentioned the gunshot wound." River frowned. "I've got Forrester looking into it, with what little info we have."
"She mentioned someone called Bill, she also mentioned cops. Whatever it is she's been hiding from, it's big and bad. The terrified look in her eyes…" He drew in a deep breath to suppress the burning rage mixed with the pain of seeing her so afraid. "It hurts River. I kind of now know what you felt like when Gia tried to kill Storm. We need to help her and bring this, whatever it is, to an end."
River's face darkened. "We are family, and your mate is family too. We always protect what is ours. You've always been here for us, and done your duties. We'll stand by you now. I'll take this new information to Forrester, but find out as much as you can."
Hamish was eternally grateful for his cousin's and Alpha's support.
"We also want to thank the ladies for the food; we're not the best of cooks, and our mates been living rough, barely making enough to feed herself."
"Bloody good thing you found her when you did." Hawk's face shadowed. "I shudder to think what would have happened to Tinder, if she'd not turned up here."
"We'll pass on your thanks. They were more than eager. Storm's gone into a cleaning frenzy. No way am I going to get between her and the duster." River grinned. "Unless I'm the one holding it, for other reasons."
Hamish shook his head, and Hawk rolled his eyes.
"It'll be okay." Hawk shoved off the desk again, patting Hamish on the back. "We'll find this asshole and put him out of commission. Until then, you should be with your mate. First few days together are critical. Anyway you don't want to let Andy have all the fun."
Indeed, Hamish knew just what kind of fun his brother was having without him, but he wouldn't betray his trust and fuck her until Hamish returned.
River chuckled. "Leave it with us; I'll switch both your duties around for a while, until you can get your mate settled. Until then, go and enjoy her."
Hamish grinned at his cousins, nodding his gratitude and headed for the door. After all, who was he to disregard an order from his Alpha?
Chapter Seven
Every part of her body tingled, inflamed with desire. It felt so good, a large calloused hand skimmed over her skin, making her body quiver. Such a wonderful dream, she wanted more, more of him to touch her, never had she felt this good.
Such a change from her usual nightmares; no, this is one dream she never wanted to end.
Had she really seen Andy Brown turned into a big beautiful Panther? Maybe she was just daydreaming again, trying to escape the hard reality of her life, like she used her books to escape, for a little while.
Hot, wet lips trailed over her skin, p
ulling her further from her sleep. His hand moved to cup and gently squeeze her breast. Her moan echoed in the room, rousing her further.
The hand felt too real to be a dream. Slowly her eyes fluttered open, only to find herself staring up into rich chocolate brown eyes.
"Hello, sweetheart." His full masculine lips curved up into a heart fluttering smile. Andy.
She licked her dry lips and Andy's gaze zeroed in on them, before returning to meet her gaze again.
"Did you really turn into a Panther?"
"Yes I did, and no you didn't dream it up. I can do it again if you need more convincing."
The pressure of his hand on her breast, rolling her nipple between his fingers, made her gasp.
Her lower belly quivered; more heat speared through her. But, did she want him to stop? Should she push him away?
No. Truth be told she wanted his touch, wanted them to make love to her. She swallowed. Them? So wickedly sinful, yet she wanted it so badly, so different from Neil's hesitant touches.
"What was that thought, sweetheart?" Andy propped himself on his elbow, gazing down on her while his hand continued its exploration, skimming across to her other breast. "Your face is so expressive and you stiffened, your mind is conflicting with your body. Tell me what you were thinking."
How did he do that? Read her so well? Trust him? He has nothing to do with your past, Juniper. They have shown you their most guarded secret. Panther shifters. It still boggled her mind. Her problems seemed much paler now, in comparison to who these men were.
"I was thinking about someone else's touch."
She watched a dark shadow pass over his face, his lip curled into a sneer. "Another lover?"
She shook her head. "No, no nothing like that… I was just thinking, you're not like, my uh, former boyfriend." Not that he really ever was her boyfriend. "You're much better than he was. He never touched me like you do," she blurted out.
A feral possessive smile curved up Andy's lips, making her belly quiver. If she'd been standing, no doubt it would have made her knees weak. "Not very good in the bedroom huh? Well, sweetheart, we're going to make sure you forget any man who's ever touched you." He lowered his head, pressing his forehead against hers. His hand squeezed her breast tighter, before pinching her nipple.
On her gasp, he caught her mouth with his in a hard, possessive kiss, his tongue sweeping in tangling with hers. No one ever kissed her like this…like she was the very air he needed to breathe.
When he pulled back, she was panting, breathless.
"Do you accept us, Juniper? You are our mate."
With her brain half scrambled from Andy's devastating kiss, she fought to think, to remember what they had told her before. That they were mates.
"What does it mean that I'm your mate?"
"It means we were destined to be together forever, we will always protect, cherish and pleasure you. Anything you want, baby, it's yours. You belong to us, and we to you. Once we claim you properly."
"Claim me, how? With sex?"
"A little more than that. Sex is a part of it, but when you fully accept us, we'll each bite you, just here." He nuzzled in at her throat and ran his tongue over her skin, making her shudder and her sex pulse with a need to be filled.
"Then what?"
He raised his head, his face a mask of seriousness.
"We're as good as married, only it's a bond that can't be broken, except by death."
'You are the safest person on the planet with two shifter mates to protect you. And we don't just think you're our mate, we know you are our mate.'
His previous words drifted on her mind. It was a hell of a commitment to make to someone. "You really want this? Want me?"
"Sweetheart, you have no idea how badly we need you. What power you hold in your two little hands. Our Panthers know you are the one they need. The bond of mates is so strong we can never even look at another woman. Our lust and desires are and will always be for you."
Oh wow. How did someone respond to that? Juniper always knew, if something sounded too good to be true, then it was.
A happy, normal life was all she ever wanted, but that was never going to happen. There was also the possibility if he ever found her, her men would pay the price, he would kill them, then shoot her, just like he had… Neil.
"I see doubt and fear in your eyes. Which I can understand, humans take a longer time adjusting to the idea. But…" His smile morphed into one of pure seduction. "We have forever to convince you of the truth."
Forever? Oh how she wished it to be true. But the future held all sorts of uncertainties.
Why couldn't she reach out and take what was offered, just for now? They wanted to give her comfort and sex. That she did want, as wicked as it was, with both brothers. They seemed to have no qualms in wanting to share her.
She turned, burying her face against Andy's naked chest, letting out a soft sigh as Andy's hand stroked down her naked back.
"Will you at least let us make love to you?" His tone was gentle, yet held a note of desperation. She had a feeling if she persisted with a no, they would back off.
Trust them. "Yes," she murmured, feeling her cheeks flame. But should she tell them the truth? Would they reject her if they knew?
Andy's hand caught her chin, tilting her head back to meet his darkened gaze, blazing with passion. "Be sure, sweetheart, because when we start, we will both make love to you, not just me."
The sheer carnal desire blazing in his chocolate gaze washed away all hesitation. She reached up, stroking her hand along the side of his face. "I'm sure."
"Sure about what?" She turned in Andy's arms seeing Hamish stride into the bedroom, stopping at the foot of the bed. His gaze mirrored the heated desire in his twin's eyes, as they stared at her.
Her cheeks flamed, her stomach pitching as if she'd been caught with her hand in the biscuit jar.
"I love it when she blushes like that." Andy grinned, and ripped the covers from them both. She was completely naked. She gasped, but Andy grabbed her wrists before she could snatch the sheet.
"She's sure about letting us love her, isn't that right, sweetheart? So no more hiding this delicious body of yours…"
She watched Hamish's gaze leisurely move down her body and up again, his smile one of pure want. It made her burn hotter. "…and you, brother, are overdressed."
"Someone has to act responsible in this house or nothing would get done." Hamish swiftly removed his t-shirt, before going for his jeans.
"Oh, I'm wounded, hear that, sweetheart? He thinks I'm not responsible."
"I'm starting to agree with Hamish," she yelped as Andy nipped her shoulder in retaliation. She glared at him "Sadistic too."
Andy grinned and kissed the area he'd just nipped.
Hamish chuckled, stripping off his clothes and settling on the other side of the bed. Hamish reached for her breast, palming it in his hand.
"See, she's smart, as well as sexy."
"Only one way to deal with a traitor." Andy's eyes gleamed with mischief. He released her hand, sitting up and rolling to his knees. They were now both staring down at her flat on her back.
Her gaze lowered to their thick, long cocks pointed up and out towards her. Nerves and fear at their size, made her body quiver.
Hamish shifted, lying beside her. "Baby girl, don't be afraid, we're not going to hurt you." His hands moved over her skin, stroking her, palming her breast, before moving up to her throat, and moving her head to face him. He placed a soft kiss on her lips. "We'll always take the very best care of you. That I vow."
He kissed her again, slowly nipping at her lips, till she thought she would combust if she didn't get a firmer pressure.
She whimpered as Andy's hand caressed her outer thigh, parting her legs.
Her hands moved up to grip Hamish's shoulder. She had to tell them now or they would find out on their own.
Hamish raised his head. She looked into the depths of his brown eyes. "I'm a virgin," she blurte
d out.
Both men froze.
"But you said you had a boyfriend before?" Andy shifted again.
She trembled, suddenly wanting to cover herself. Her cheeks heated and tears pricked in her eyes.
"We never did anything but kiss. He was awkward and always made an excuse not to touch me."
"Well, that kind of makes sense, well no, not really. What red-blooded male would not want to touch you?" he said, his face thoughtful for a moment, before a wide grin spread across his face. "But now I'm grateful he didn't."
"Oh, honey." Hamish crooned, stroking back her short hair. His sexy smile melted a little more of her frozen heart.
"A virgin, that's the best fucking news since I bumped into you at that café. My mate is untouched."
"Mine too," Hamish growled at his brother.
Utterly confused, she struggled, wanting something to cover herself, to run and hide. But the brothers were quick to pin her back to the bed; Hamish on her left, Andy on her right. "Let me go!"
"Oh, baby girl, that's one thing we can never do now."
Confused, she stilled and looked up at him. His chocolate brown eyes smiled down at her. He reached up, tenderly stroking her face.
"Why, I don't understand? I…I thought men liked experienced women, not silly little virgins."
Andy chuckled. "Sweetheart, silly you're not, little compared to us, yes. But, haven't your books ever taught you men also love virgins. We're possessive idiots, when it boils down to it. It means we get to be your first…"
"… and only ones to have you," Hamish finished.
"We get to be the first one to touch and taste what no other man has." Andy's hand shifted to rest between her legs. "Mine." He breathed, softly nuzzling in at her throat.
Hamish lifted his head to meet Andy's gaze.
"You take her first, but I get first taste, since you licked her back in Sydney."
Hamish grinned, no apology or regret in his twin's eyes.
He gazed down at their prize, their one precious treasure. Leaning over her, he whispered near her ear, loving the way she shuddered in response.
The Purrfect Predicament (Australian Shifters) Page 6
