Fighting For Their Mate

by Vella Day

“I don’t think she should leave the house for a while.”

  Ty looked over at her. Her brows were raised. “What do you suggest?”

  “I’ll pick up pizza.”

  Oh, boy. More pizza. “Hurry. We’re starving.” He disconnected and faced her. “Ford will be back soon with pizza.”

  “He doesn’t want me to go out, does he?”

  Ty didn’t like that defiant look. “Not for a couple of days.”

  “You think Brad and Tom will find me? In North Carolina?”

  He shrugged. “Our names might not be in the phone book, but they are on the property appraiser’s site. Our location is hard to hide.”

  Bailey looked down at her hands. “Is this how it’s going to be? I’m basically a prisoner? While I like this jail better than the lab, will I ever be free to have a life? How am I going to take photos? My subjects are often wild animals that roam the woods. Are you going to come with me everywhere I go?”

  She was running her thumbnail up and down the bottle and her eyes were watering. Ty reached out and clasped her hand. “Don’t worry. We will stop Statler.”

  “It’s Brad and Tom who are the ones I’m worried about.”

  “They’re harmless. We can stop them.”

  “If they’re so harmless, then why do I have to hide?”

  She had him there. “The General will head to Falling Pines with everything he has. We got you and Tatum out. With enough men, we can storm the place and win.”

  “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

  God, he wished there was something he could say. Too bad, she was right. She wouldn’t be safe until Statler was imprisoned, or at the very least, his scientists were taken out of the lab.

  The garage door opened a short while later. “Food’s here.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Ford was doing the right thing. He didn’t say much during dinner because he wanted his brother and Bailey to get to know each other better—without him—and it was killing him. His animal side wanted to protect her with his life, but the human in him had fallen in love with her. How it happened, he couldn’t say. Perhaps it was her strength, her intelligence, or just her love for her family that made him want to spend the rest of his life with her, but it wasn’t meant to be. Bailey had been willing to do anything to protect Tatum and her parents. If he didn’t know better, he’d say she might have come from werewolf stock herself.

  “I’m heading to bed,” he said. Being around her anymore might make him regret his decision to leave in the morning.

  Ty and Bailey glanced at each other. Ford was a night owl, but he had an early flight tomorrow. The last minute ticket had cost a ton, but it would be worth it once he found a way to take Statler down. Even the General didn’t know of his plans. Ford had the sense Armand would tell him to stay away until his men arrived, but he couldn’t do that. He’d failed to save his uncle once. Ford wasn’t ready to let Statler get the best of him now. Those women needed saving.

  Bailey pushed back her chair and sauntered toward him. He should wave her away, but with the way she was looking at him, he couldn’t. His animal side, or maybe it was his human side, wanted her like never before. Would making love with her one last time be so bad? It would definitely help him get through the next few days, weeks, and maybe even years without her.

  No. I have to let her go. For her sake.

  She planted her palms on his chest. “I can’t take it anymore.”

  His pulse quickened. “Can’t take what, little girl?”

  “Being pent up with no release in sight.”

  “That’s why I’m going to Canada. To free you from being chased.” And to free you to love one man.

  She smiled and his cock hardened. “I was talking about sexual release. How about some good loving to keep you focused? And me sane? I don’t want to think about how long it will be before I see you again.”

  Bailey lowered her hand and grabbed his package. He growled and plucked her hand away. “None of that.”

  “Why not?” She gave him that delicious pout that always did him in.

  “Because.” He didn’t have a good reason.

  “I’ve been thinking.” She leaned in closer and her scent invaded every cell of his body. Stay strong.

  “About what?” If he could keep her talking, perhaps she’d see he was intent on remaining distant.

  “I want to make love with both you and Tyson.”

  Her words were like a jackhammer that chipped away at his resolve. “Can you be more specific?” he asked, his voice thick. Why was he tormenting himself?

  Ty appeared behind Bailey and wrapped his hands around her. He slid his hands up and cupped her breasts.

  Ford met Tyson’s eyes. Why are you doing this, bro?

  She needs you. We need you.

  Before he could respond, Bailey pulled down Ford’s head and kissed him. Her sweet lips caused a chain reaction in his body. First his beard darkened, and then he had to force his fangs to stay retracted, but he couldn’t stop his body from twisting and cracking. Bailey was his, but she’d had enough heartache in her life. He had to let her go.

  Ford broke the kiss. “I’m leaving soon, you know. Why don’t you take out your frustrations on Ty?” That was harsh, but with each second she stood there, his will weakened.

  She stepped back, opened her mouth, and swung her arm at face level. He caught it easily. “Whoa.”

  “You’re a jerk. How about if I want you?” She tapped his chest. “What about what I want?”

  Bailey didn’t really mean it. If she gave any thought to her request, she’d understand that she was playing a game, whereas he wasn’t. She lifted her chin and that defiant look got his dander up.

  “Okay,” he said. “But we do it my way. I want to fuck you in the ass.” He needed to keep away from her and that was the surest way to make it happen.

  Why not walk away now?

  If he had the strength, he would.

  She looked over her shoulder at Ty, as if she needed his permission.

  “Baby, it’s up to you. I know Ford is dying to take you back there. If you ever want to be with us at the same time, you’ve got to start somewhere.”

  Please say no. Ford wasn’t sure if he’d be able to leave if he experienced her that way.

  “Sure. I’m game.”

  He laughed, but it was forced. “A senator’s daughter is willing to have a cock in her ass. Ever done it that way before, little girl?”

  Her lips firmed. Apparently, the nickname was grating on her—just as he intended.

  “No, but I can handle it.”

  Now he laughed. “You have no idea, do you?”

  She pressed her chest against his and looked up. She was asking for trouble. “Afraid it will make you feel too much. That you won’t be able to leave?”

  Yes.

  “I’ll show you that I have control.” He dipped his shoulder and picked her up, fireman style. Ford would be gentle and loving, but the invasion still might be too far out of her comfort zone. She’d have to love it at some time or they really didn’t have a future.

  Liar. If he and Ty had to alternate, then they would, but since he wouldn’t be around past tomorrow, it was a moot point.

  She pounded his back. “You don’t have to go all he-man on me.”

  He chuckled. “You comin’, Ty?”

  “Right behind you. Wouldn’t miss the show for anything.”

  Ford dropped her on the bed. When he spotted her wet lids, his heart broke. Damn. He was such a fuck up. See? He didn’t deserve to be with a woman like Bailey. She was refined and educated, and he was a guy who was good at fighting the bad guys. That was all. He didn’t know how to handle this mate shit. Of all the shifters in the world, he’d be the one to fuck it up.

  Ty came to the rescue. He kicked off his shoes, dropped next to her on the bed, and scooped her into his arms. “Come here. Ford is an ass. How about we kick him out?”

  She leaned back and swiped a h
and under her eyes. “No. I might have been some innocent girl when I started my trek on the Appalachian Trail, but over the last few weeks, I’ve learned a few things about myself.” She sniffled.

  “What’s that, honey?” Ty pushed her hair out of her face. It was something Ford yearned to do but didn’t dare.

  “That I’m strong.”

  “You are.”

  “And that life is short. If I want something, I have to go after it. I realize that I have limits and that I have to let others do some things for me—like fight wild animals.”

  She glanced up at Ford, and it was like she’d reached into his chest and squeezed his heart. He wasn’t a heartless animal. What he did was for her. To protect her.

  “What are you saying?” Ford hadn’t meant to open his mouth, but he wanted to understand where she was coming from.

  “That I like both of you. I can’t help it. I want to live life to the fullest.”

  He got it. They were a novelty. Protective. Dare he say, better in bed than the boys she’d dated? Not that Ford wanted to prove to her that she couldn’t handle them both, but he believed it to be true.

  “Great. Then let’s get to it.”

  Her brows pinched, but that was his plan. He needed her to reject him, to tell him to go away—that she only wanted Tyson. It was for the best.

  “Come on, baby,” Ty said. “Lie back and let me treat you like you deserve.” He leaned over and kissed her like there was no tomorrow. His hands traveled from her hips up to her breast, and Ford’s dick turned to steel at her mewling sounds.

  He couldn’t just stand there. Ford squeezed shut his eyes and pictured smug Statler in his chair, not caring what kidnapping those girls would do to them. A full minute later, Ford was able to breathe again. He turned to the side, not needing to watch his woman make out with Ty. Bailey was moaning as she maintained the kiss while trying to take off Ty’s clothes. Their desperation tore at him.

  This was his last time with Bailey. Ford quickly undressed, walked over to the dresser, and nabbed the lube and pack of condoms. Thinking about sinking his cock into her dark hole had his body trying to turn again. Would this urgency ever stop?

  He’d take his time and do it right, but Bailey would make him stop. She’d tell him she wasn’t ready and that would be that.

  He walked over to the bed and set the stuff on the bedside table. “It’s time, little girl, for some real lovin’.”

  * * *

  Bailey wasn’t stupid. She could see what Ford was trying to do. He wanted to scare her into telling him to go to hell. Well, she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. If she were smart, she’d fast forward a few months and picture what she’d be doing and how she could explain to her parents that she was with two men. But Tyson’s kisses, along with the way he was rubbing her body, had her mind in turmoil.

  She convinced herself that her goal today was to survive. The best way to do that would be to get as much pleasure out of life as she could. Ford would never hurt her. Should he turn out to be a different man than she believed, Tyson would see that his brother didn’t harm her.

  Ford crawled next to her, his fangs extended. This time, she wasn’t afraid. All it meant was that he was turned on. Bailey was going to do everything in her power to keep him that way.

  “You boys going to get me naked or what?” She wanted to come off looking confident, but her damn chin trembled. She couldn’t help it. Reality had a way of edging in, even when she was working hard to push it out.

  “You take the bottom, Ford. It’s where you like to be.” Tyson winked, helping her relax.

  She wanted to enjoy his loving touch, but she wouldn’t be able to if she thought Ford was only here to punish her for caring about him.

  Ford lovingly peeled off her socks while Tyson lifted the shirt over her head. “I can’t wait to suck on your tits,” Tyson said. His eyes lightened as he licked his lips.

  She smiled. “What are you waiting for?”

  Bailey didn’t really understand the dynamics between them. So far, she hadn’t seen any jealousy, but with Ford’s current mental state, she might be able to leverage it.

  Tyson lowered her straps and tugged the sports bra over her breasts. He looked back at his brother. “Ford, you want one? I’m man enough to share.”

  She dared to look at him. Ford’s breaths had increased, and the slit on his cock glistened. Her stomach contracted with need.

  “Sure. Why not?”

  She rolled her eyes, not buying his casual attitude for one second. He could no more not taste her than he could stay away from Statler and the lab. Both men pounced on her at once, and all of Ford’s issues seemed to disappear. The intensity and lust shot straight through her, electrifying every cell in her body. Bailey arched her back and ran her hands across their heads. She swore they were communicating with each other. How else could they lick and suck in sync? One would tug and tug, sending a wave of pleasure between her legs, and just as she caught her breath, the other would start.

  How was she going to last?

  “These gotta go.” Ford unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans. “Hold that thought,” he said as he slid to the end of the bed and removed her pants, along with her panties. “Better. Much better.”

  He failed to disguise the delight in his voice. The gruffness that was there a moment ago seemed to be a distant memory. Ford returned to his position, but it was Tyson who dragged his palm down her belly and slipped a finger into her creamy opening.

  Even Bailey didn’t understand where this need was coming from. She must have an invisible switch somewhere on her body, because after a few sucks, one delicious kiss, and one finger dip, she was completely turned on. Nothing was going to stop her from having her men. Nothing.

  Tyson let go of her swollen, distended nipple, leaned over, and nabbed her bottom lip between his teeth. “I need you,” he whispered.

  Her body sagged at his words. Tyson was pure gold. He was the one who was always there, always kind and supportive. Ford was the one with the stronger emotions, both good and bad, but his heart was in the right place. His belief in justice was solid and she was proud of what he stood for. She wished she didn’t have to be a casualty in his fight.

  Tyson slid between her legs just as Ford tilted her toward him and kissed her. He cupped her face so gently it was as if he truly thought she’d break. Bailey was the one to demand entrance. When he obliged, she darted her tongue in his mouth. He tasted like tomatoes with a hint of basil. They fought for dominance, but she refused to give up her position.

  She wouldn’t have stopped kissing Ford had Tyson not lifted her leg over his shoulder and dipped his tongue in her hole. Her breath caught and she gasped. He widened her pussy lips with his forefingers and strummed her clit with his thumb. Sparks of need ran rampant over her body.

  She returned to savoring Ford, but then had to tilt her head to the side for some much needed air. “Oh, oh. It’s too much,” she said speaking to Tyson.

  Either he didn’t hear her or he chose to ignore her, but he didn’t stop. Tyson’s tongue plunged in and out in beat to his thumb. Her nub ignited and swamped her with such desire that she couldn’t halt her climax if she tried.

  She heard her own scream yet didn’t remember taking such a big breath.

  Tyson stopped and looked up. “I think she liked that. Ready for round two, honey?”

  She waved a hand. “Give me a sec.”

  As if she weighed less than a sack of potatoes, Ford flipped her onto her stomach. “Get on your elbows and knees.”

  She obeyed the command, her limp muscles suddenly tensing. She wanted Ford. Wanted to show him she was enough woman for him, but first she needed to stop her damn breath from whooshing out first.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Tyson moved in front of her. “Easy now. Ford will make you happy. You’ll wonder why you never asked to experience a cock in your ass before.”

  She wasn’t buying it. Ford’s cock was huge. Maybe once
he realized he couldn’t fit he’d give up. The thought of not having butt sex should make her happy, but it didn’t. Connecting with these two would be amazing.

  “Toss me the lube and the condoms,” Ford said.

  Tyson leaned over and handed him his stuff. This was it. If she wanted to say no, now was the time. Bailey wasn’t sure what to expect, but Ford rubbing her rear with such gentleness hadn’t even crossed her mind. From the way his fingers were kneading her ass with soft strokes, he seemed to be enjoying himself. Wasn’t he determined to make her not like this?

  When his lips slid over her cheeks, she tensed.

  “Bailey, I have some rules,” Ford said, his voice deep and rich.

  Was he kidding? Now wasn’t the time to discuss semantics. “What?”

  “The only way I’ll be able to enter you is if you relax.”

  That made sense but it was easier said than done. She unclenched her rear. Tyson must have sensed her unease since he reached in and rubbed her nipples, brushing his palms over the tender tips. Since his cock was within striking distance, she leaned over and nabbed the head in her mouth.

  He stilled. “Easy there. I want to last.”

  Like she was going to if he kept it up? Before she could go back to enjoying what Tyson was doing, the scent of cherry lube wafted toward her.

  Take it easy. Ford does this all the time.

  Bailey was young and rather inexperienced, but if she opened her mind, she might enjoy what was about to happen. Ford certainly seemed to want this. For him, she’d give it a shot.

  He began by rubbing the goo gently across her opening. What she hadn’t expected was for him to reach around her and massage her clit as well. How could she pay attention to her ass if he kept that up? Or was that the point?

  Refocusing on the delicious tremors pulsing inside, she grabbed Tyson’s cock and engulfed him. Having two men touch her scattered her thoughts. It almost wasn’t fair to be so excited when she only had two hands and one mouth. When Ford dipped his thumb in her back hole she didn’t know, but she was about to come when he slid his finger in and out of her pussy. The sensations came at her fast and furiously. Never did she expect to be so easy. Their mere touches pushed her closer to another climax. How was that possible?