by Julia Talbot
“My fierce kit.” Jonny could wait no longer. He took Luc’s mouth in a ferocious kiss, his need overwhelming him.
Luc wrapped his legs around Jonny, claws digging into his shoulders. The sounds of flesh hitting flesh rang out, steady, rhythmic, Duke’s cries almost musical.
Jonny held Luc up with one hand, the other sliding over all that bare skin. He wanted to make sure Luc was whole, safe. Insane, how Luc had snuck out, headed across town without help, without being able to see.
In cat form.
Just for that he bit Luc’s lower lip. Drawing a tiny bead of blood. He licked it free, the taste of his lover making his body tingle.
“More, Mate.” Pushy cat!
He pulled back, baring his teeth, but Luc couldn’t see, didn’t care. Since Jonny wanted more as well, he complied, biting at Luc’s throat, leaving a trail of tiny bruises. He wanted Luc to sting, to feel it.
The scent of sex filled the room, anticipation growing. Yes. More.
He pushed Luc down to the floor, his mate sprawled on his belly, that taut ass and long, lean back his to explore.
Oh, God, what a perfect form his Luc had. Pale golden skin, lean muscles... A feast for his senses. He smacked one resilient ass cheek, knowing Luc would growl, but that was nothing compared to what Deke was still receiving.
Luc’s teeth snapped together, his legs parted. “Quit playing and fuck me.”
“Not yet.” He would make Luc understand first. No running off without him. No matter what.
“Come on!” Luc began to wiggle, to buck underneath him daring him to fight back.
Jonny pressed his forearm to Luc’s nape and held him down, held him utterly still. “Not until I say, sweet. This is meant to be discipline, hmm?”
“We’re not big on that whole following rules thing, Mate.”
No, but Luc loved the reminders that Jonny intended for him to acknowledge them. They always gave him such pleasure.
He bit again, this time on one shoulder, deeper. Harder.
Luc’s hiss sounded delicious and the flavor that splashed on his tongue was even better. Salty and coppery and not a hint of anything foreign, thank the gods. He lapped up that lifeblood, which was his addiction.
Luc’s ass bumped up against his still-clothed cock, begging for him, but Jonny intended to make Luc wait, to draw this out until they were both insane with need.
Deke howled, and something crashed against a wall. Two big bodies rolled into Jonny and Luc. Making Jonny snarl.
They all stiffened, then Deke leaned in and bit Jonny’s shoulder.
Oh, he didn’t think so. He grunted, using one hand to cup the back of Deke’s neck. “No biting, pup.”
Deke panted for him, and he took the kiss Deke offered, the wolf’s mouth eager and wanton.
Kasey groaned, the sound low, vibrating along his spine. Then they were all rolling like bowling pins, Kasey leaping into the fray. Their mouths met, as well, Kasey as bitey as Jonny ever could be.
They tore apart, gifted with the sight of Luc and Deke in a clinch, the best friends wrapped around each other. Deke’s ass was rosy and Luc’s nails were dug into it holding on.
“Fuck,” Kasey said, succinct as always.
“Indeed.” Jonny laughed, a reckless joy taking him over when he pounced, Deke falling beneath him so he could add to the flush on that tight ass. Deke howled, the sound ringing out, ass swaying like he was dancing.
When Kasey reached for Luc, Jonny expected a surge of anger, but watching that kiss sent heat through his entire body.
Both dark and fine and sleek, another day Jonny would have to watch Deke suck them both. His cock jerked at the idea, and Deke moaned, reaching for it, palm hot and damp against his skin.
“Jonny.” Deke’s growl was pure need. “Miss this. Us. All of us.”
“Shh.” He took Deke’s mouth again, needing to feel, not think. They’d played once upon a time. Before Luc. This was new.
Luc yowled softly, the sound wild, needy. Kasey sort of... gnawed on his lover, and Jonny whooped, yanking all of the four of them together.
Suddenly there were mouths and cocks and teeth everywhere, the world becoming blood red. They slid together, their bodies rubbing, all of them biting and scratching and pushing.
Jonny’s hand flew, landing on someone’s ass. Luc was the one who shouted, but Deke had Luc’s cock in hand, so who knew what caused the yelling? He wanted more, wanted to taste each and every one of them, wanted to join them together. He bucked up, his cock sliding on deliciously smooth skin.
Losing all sense of himself, Jonny became Luc’s desperate need, Deke’s roaring desire. Kasey felt as though he was inside Jonny’s head, so loud, so desperate.
When they orgasmed, it was all together, the four of them roaring to a finish. Jonny felt each sensation in his mind, Luc’s cat yowling in completion, Deke’s howling wolf, Kasey’s exultant scream. His moan owed everything to them being safe, together. Replete.
They slumped together in a pile of arms and legs, right there on the floor. Luc wiggled about until he lay between Jonny and Deke, and he and Kasey clasped hands over the two of them, keeping them all pressed against one another.
At some point, he would get them to a bed, or perhaps let Deke and Luc nap while he and Kasey took a shower and discussed what information Luc’s brother was so intent upon acquiring.
For right now, though, Jonny found he was quite happy precisely where he was, so he intended to stay. Just for a little while.
***
Yves had absolutely no intention of waking up. None. Zero. Zip.
Waking up meant more beating and he was simply not interested. No solicitation. No handbills. No flyers. He squeezed his eyes more tightly shut, ignoring the soft something tickling his jaw, brushing over his lips.
That was simply a trick to get him awake so someone could cut pieces off him or something. Like an ear or a finger. Maybe a testicle. Okay, that was a sick fucking thought.
“You keep frowning in your sleep,” someone said right by his ear, the voice familiar and pleasant, not threatening. “I’ve got you, honey. Wake up.”
“If you’re a fantasy, I’m going to be very put out.”
“Nope. Who would fantasize about me?” Soft lips pressed to his.
Him. He would. Reuben was more than a random puppy. He kissed Reuben back, the touch the best feeling his aching body understood.
“Mmm.” That low growl sent shivers down his spine. “I got something for you, Yves.”
“Is it a good something? I’ve had a relative high number of shit ones, the last day or so.”
“Definitely good.” Reuben backed off a bit. “Well, first I have food. Then I have something to give you.”
He worked his eyes open, the world swinging for a bit. “Where are we?”
“At Jonny’s place. My boss. His club. Safe as a vault here, I swear.”
“Luc? He’s safe?” He almost had enough information to relax.
“He is. I mean, I imagine Jonny beat his ass...”
“There’s an image I don’t need.” He reached out, his shoulder screaming, fingers shaking hard. “You? You’re good?”
“Not a scratch. Is it crazy that I wish you were a vamp? I could feed you and you wouldn’t hurt anymore.” Reuben moved close again so he didn’t need to strain.
“We heal fast.” He moaned as Reuben touched him, the connection tingling through him.
“You stayed a kitty for a long while. I was worried.” That low, rumbly voice soothed him, made him smile.
“Yeah, that’s not my style. Thank you for coming for me. I was in trouble.” And that was the understatement of the day.
“I waited to give you a chance but it got dark and I knew.” Reuben made a face, the best grimace. “I waited too long, and I’m sorry.”
“I shoulda known you weren’t asleep.” Next time he’d have to drug the little shit.
“Yep. And no drugging.” Reuben grinned hugely.
&n
bsp; He went wide-eyed and innocent, even though he was internally going, “Dammit”.
“Uh-huh. I got you steak and frites.”
“Steak.” Suddenly, impossibly, he was starving. “Rare?”
“Extremely. A little bird in the kitchen told me your twin likes salty and meaty, so I thought it was a safe bet.” Reuben appeared so pleased.
“Uh-huh.” A low rumble built up in his belly, tearing its way loose. When Reuben set the room service plate on the bed, he tore into the steak, ravenous.
Not even his sore jaw could stop him from the meat. His body demanded it. The jus slid down his chin, and he wiped it away, moaning when the first few bites hit his belly.
“That is worth the price of admission,” Reuben rumbled.
He licked his lips. “Huh?”
“Have a fry.” Reuben popped a salty, crispy potato into his mouth.
“Uhn.” His eyes crossed with the flavor.
“Yum.” Reuben licked salt off his lower lip.
“Uh-huh.” He felt better already. “More.”
“Demanding kitty.” Reuben continued to feed him, fingers lingering on his lips.
He began to feel better, to become awake, aware. Present. Which, hooray, because the door burst open, a long, sleek black panther leaping up on the bed with them.
“Luc!” He grabbed his brother, held on, the scent of family strong. “Luc, it’s been so long.”
His twin rubbed cheeks with him, sharing his unique smell. That tail curled happily, purr vibrating in the room. He responded, his human body answering with the same deep sounds.
A clipped voice that sounded vaguely European came from the doorway. “Yves, I presume. A pleasure to meet you. I’m Jonny.”
The tall, slender man the voice belonged to could have stepped out of a Brooks Brothers ad. Or maybe Westwood. Silver gilt hair, amazing eyes. Vampire. Huh.
“Yes. Hey. Thanks for... the hospitality.” He guessed they were basically in-laws, right?
“Not a trouble. Reuben, if I might have a moment?” Jonny asked.
“Sure.” Reuben rose, winking at Yves before tugging on a robe. “You two be good.”
“Don’t bite my puppy.” That wasn’t an option for the vamp.
Jonny raised a pale blond brow. “Yours, hmm? Interesting. I’ve dined. Luc, no haring off, yes?”
Luc’s tail flipped, ears twitching, but it read as a reluctant yes to him.
He laughed after the door shut behind his wolf and Luc’s vamp. “He’s pretty, frère.”
Luc headbutted him, that agreement clear. Then, in a rush, his twin was human, reaching for him.
They embraced, and Yves held on, feeling Luc’s heartbeat thumping against his ribs. His brother.
“I’ve missed you, frère, so much.”
“I missed you, too. I was worried.” Luc touched cheeks again before sitting back.
He tilted his head, frowning as he stared. “What’s wrong with your eyes, frère?” Bright as his, they glowed in that beloved face, but there was something askew. Luc’s eyes never focused on him.
“An explosion. I lost my sight due to my injuries.” Luc smiled slightly. “Silvia was to blame.”
“You...” He shook his head. “No. No, it can’t be.” Their kind healed easily and Luc was with a vampire who could share blood. How could Luc be blind?
“How badly were you hurt?” This was his fault too, wasn’t it?
Luc shrugged. “I almost died. You can stop feeling guilty, if you please. I took on a job and knew the danger.”
“I never said I felt guilty, asshole.”
“Yet you always do.” Luc smiled. “I smell steak and frites.”
“It was good. There’s another cloche. Should I check?”
“Please?” Luc chuckled. “Jonny feeds from me and I’m ravenous all the time.”
“Yeah. I can only imagine.”
Luc hooted. “Prude!”
“Nope. I just made it with a werewolf. I have no room to talk.” He laughed, pinching Luc’s ribs.
“No tickling!”
Things devolved quickly then, with plates and tables going flying, claws and fangs flashing as they played.
He’s missed this so badly. If Girard were there, life would be perfect.
Luc grabbed his ear, tugged, demanding his attention. He rolled, batting with his paws at Luc’s chest and Luc roared for him, the sound joyous.
He chuffed, letting go of everything but his twin and how pleased they were to be together. Soft laughter filled his ears and he looked over, his wolf and the vampire standing and watching.
Oh, his wolf. So pretty. Yves stretched, claws popping out, tail arching up over his back.
Reuben stepped toward him and hit one of the dropped plates. The big body went flying, the expression one of comical surprise.
Oops.
His tail lashed as he yowled.
Jonny moved too fast for his eye to follow, catching Reuben before he landed. “Watch it, wolfman.”
“Thanks, Boss. Damn. They made a mess in here.”
Luc nibbled at Yves’ paw, studiously ignoring the other two. Adorable.
He leaned down, sliding his cheek against his brother’s.
The purr he got in response made him curl around Luc, wanting the closeness, needing to push everything else aside.
Jonny sighed softly. “We’re not going to get anything else tonight. Come on, Reuben. I’ll buy you a beer.”
“Sounds like a plan, Boss. I’ll be back, kit. Be good.”
His tail flicked, dismissing his puppy. Shoo. They had very much catching up to do. Snuggling. Napping.
Being brothers. Finally.
***
Reuben found himself wandering while he waited for Yves and Luc to have their family time. The club was rocking upstairs; Cady and Jonah putting on some kind of demonstration that involved a pump and a shiver worthy word like milking or something, but Reuben felt as though he needed to be close to his kitty.
So he had a beer while Jonny drank some super thick red wine, cleaned his weapons, checked in on Yves, checked in on Kasey and Deke...
Then he grabbed the papers and that crazy parchment they’d found in Silvia’s vault. It made no sense. Like none. Zero. Zip. It was the same as what Yves had, though.
The paperwork painted an interesting picture. Countless receipts for PI work, tons of clipped articles about a matched set of four emeralds.
Jonny looked down over his shoulder, reached down to snag up an article. “Luc gathered some emeralds. It was his penultimate job.”
“Yeah? They in storage somewhere?” Reuben wondered what they had to do with Yves’ ritual or whatever it was.
“I’m not sure he said. It was mentioned off-handedly. Does Yves have any of them?”
“Maybe.” Reuben had no idea, but he knew Yves just came in from Columbia, and he was a gem hunter, so it stood to reason.
“Time to get everyone together. There’s been enough basking.” Jonny straightened, brushing imaginary lint off his slacks.
“I’ll roust everyone out.” He never passed up a chance to see naked Kasey and Deke, and he was missing his Yves.
“Excellent. I’ll order a meal for all.”
“Be back in a jiff.” He trotted out of the big meeting lounge and headed to Deke and Kasey’s private suite. He knocked, but didn’t wait to open the door, hoping to catch a view.
Deke was on his knees, sucking Kasey’s cock. It was a lucky thing because if Kasey could move, the vamp might take his throat out.
“Boss says to get to work.”
Kasey bared long, wicked fangs, but Reuben knew it was an empty threat. Kasey and Deke had a real hot spot for exhibitionism.
“Seriously, he’s calling for food.” He winked at Kasey, admiring the flat belly, the curve of Deke’s ass.
“Two minutes,” Kasey ground out, and Deke went for it, sucking all the way down to the root. Yum.
He growled softly, letting them both hear his
admiration, then he reluctantly went to rouse the kitties. He found them in a ball of tails and paws, snoring away.
God, the cuteness. So fluffy.
He snapped a photo with his phone.
Two sets of ears swiveled his way, but that was their only reaction. Reuben knew just which tail belonged to his Yves, though, and he reached into the pile, then yanked it.
Yves yowled, coming up spitting and snarling.
Reuben laughed like a loon, holding on until Yves bit his wrist. “Ow! Get human and get dressed, huh? We all need to powwow.”
Yves and Luc grumped, Luc plopping on the floor and padding in to see Jonny.
Reuben rubbed Yves’ ears. “Come on, baby. Up and at ‘em. I told you, I have something for you.”
Yves shifted and pushed right against him. “Hey. Are there clothes?”
“I have some for you, yeah.” Reuben took a kiss because he was a little revved up, building up a little anticipation for later.
Because there would be a later. Yves looked a million times better already, and Reuben still needed to tear his ass up for scaring a year off Reuben’s life.
He hummed, then patted that tight, hard ass. “Clothes. Hold on.”
“What do you have for me?” Yves asked, eyes still so feline, glowing green.
“You’ll see.” He hoped Yves was excited and not -- whatever he’d been before they went to Silvia’s. Nutso crazy? Whatever. “Come on.” Reuben found a bag that had been delivered earlier.
Yves dressed quickly, his lover looking easy in his skin in cargo pants and a long-sleeved t-shirt. Hot as hell when he left his feet bare, too. Something about that look did it for Reuben.
He dragged one hand down Yves’ belly, stroking firmly, petting hard.
Yves arched like the big cat he was. “You said we had to go.”
“We do. I just want to make sure you’re focused.”
“Be good, puppy.”
“Can I bite you? A little.”
Yves laughed and pushed up into his space. “You’re fascinating.”
“Good.” He nipped at Yves’ jaw, then his throat, needing to mark, maybe rub his scent back into that fine skin.
His.
The thought was huge, near echoing in his skull and getting louder with each little bit. He held on, not wanting to let Yves go and look at the damned parchment now.
