Therian Prize

by Cyndi Friberg

  Jake stood beside the bed rather than lying on it, but he was naked as she’d directed. Desire smoldered in his eyes and surged across their link. He sensed her need for control and held himself back. The obvious effort it cost him made him even more precious to her.

  She moved slowly toward him, wanting to memorize every curve and angle of his amazing body. With broad shoulders and narrow hips, highly defined muscles and handsome features, he was the personification of masculine virility. And her tiger most definitely approved.

  “I’m going to touch you, but you don’t have permission to touch me.”

  His brows shot up at her claim and his mouth quirked at the corners. “I’m willing to indulge you for a time, but remember my turn will follow.”

  Even within his momentary surrender, he exerted his will. He was a Therian male. Any other approach would have been dishonest. She pressed her hands against his chest, absorbing his heat and feeling the strong, steady thumping of his heart. He watched her, alert and ready to pounce, yet his arms remained at his sides.

  She stroked up and over his shoulders, making the same motion with both hands. His muscles flexed beneath her fingers as her hands worked their way down his arms. “You’re so tense, love.” She leaned in close and whispered the comment in his ear. Her breasts brushed against his chest for a moment but she quickly stepped back and continued her exploration.

  His shoulders were wonderfully broad, the muscles hard and starkly defined. Her fingers gave his biceps an approving squeeze as she paused over the impressive thickness. Her tiger appreciated the strength while she savored the softness of his skin and the care with which he held her.

  After briefly tracing the ridges in his abdomen, she moved around behind him. His back offered a variety of terrains, each more appealing than the last. She rubbed his shoulders and outlined the shape of his shoulder blades until she reached the indentation of his spine. His strength was obvious in every corded muscle, yet he’d been nothing but gentle with her. Fascinated by the contradiction, she traced his spine downward, her fingers pausing over each vertebra.

  The tight, round muscles of his ass drew her attention. He was never shy about touching her there. He squeezed and teased, nipped and nibbled, and used bold touches to create shockingly intense sensations. Ready to do some shocking of her own, she squeezed one side and then the other. He rewarded her with a muffled groan.

  “Do you like being touched by me?”

  “I like it better when I touch you too.” He voice was unusually low and gravelly.

  Encouraged by the scalding lust blaring across their psychic connection, she grew bolder. She wrapped one arm around his middle and pressed against his side. Then she ran her fingertips from the nape of his neck to the small of his back, watching the restless bunch and flex of his muscles. She descended along one side of his back then teased her way up the other.

  He pressed his arm over hers and intertwined their fingers. “The longer you make me wait, the longer I’ll make you wait.”

  She laughed then pushed to her tiptoes and nipped his ear. “Anticipation only heightens the pleasure. Isn’t that what you’re always telling me?”

  She followed his spine downward then eased her fingers into the crease between his ass cheeks. He tensed and she grinned, her long middle finger easily finding her target.

  “Careful, angel. Don’t open a door you’re not ready to walk through.”

  Deciding she’d been bold enough for now, she retreated to the small of his back then her other hand wiggled free of his fingers. She skimmed over his flat belly and descended until she found the base of his cock. “You’re generous with your touches, my love. But you’re stingy when it comes to being touched. It’s time I evened the score.”

  Curving her fingers around his thick shaft, she stroked down his length and back, down and back, as he stood still within her embrace.

  “Enough.” He growled and pulled her around in front of him.

  “Not yet.” She smiled and slowly licked her lips. “I ate the entire sandwich and I’m still hungry.” Before he could argue, she slipped to her knees and took him into her mouth.

  A violent shudder passed through him but he did nothing to hinder her. She stroked his shaft with one hand while her lips worked the tip. He rewarded each slow draw of her mouth and swirl of her tongue with a gasp or groan. And all the while his emotions flowed freely into her mind. Lust tempered by tenderness and his soul-deep need to satisfy her every desire.

  Her tiger prowled restlessly, excited by their heightened emotions yet discontent as an observer. Wanting no distractions, Heather shifted her focus, easing her tiger’s input to the back of her mind.

  She moved both hands to his hips and tilted her head back, wanting as much of him as possible filling her mouth. She rocked forward and back, maintaining a snug circle with her lips. His struggle to remain still was obvious. She could feel it in the tension of his muscles and the frustration rapidly building in his mind.

  Move, she urged. Take my mouth. I want you to.

  A harsh growl tore from his throat and he pressed her face between his palms. Then he thrust into her with long, even strokes, sliding against her lips and across her tongue. His aggression thrilled her, heightened her excitement right along with his.

  Do you want me to… His thought sounded hoarse and urgent.

  Yes. I want all of you.

  He shifted his stance and moved faster, pushing deeper into her mouth. She sat back on her heels and tilted her head even farther back. The new angle allowed her to see his face and a fresh rush of tenderness washed over her. His express grew harsh, almost savage, as he neared release. She’d done this to him. The realization made her feel powerful.

  His hips shuttled even faster and his salty-sharp taste spread over her tongue. He was close, so very close. She cupped his balls with one hand and moved the other between his legs, determined to watch his control shatter.

  She traced the crease of his ass with just her fingertips as he continued his rapid-fire strokes. Then she ventured deeper and teased his sensitive rear opening as he’d often done with her. He gasped and shuddered then shoved to the back of her mouth. She kept her finger lightly circling as she sucked hard on his twitching cock. His warm seed splashed into her throat and pleasure blasted across their link.

  The last wave of pleasure was still bathing her mind when he pulled out of her mouth and drew her to her feet. He swept her up in his arms and sat on the bed. She sat sideways across his lap, arms wrapped around his neck.

  His mouth descended slowly, feathering light kisses across her other features before lingering over her lips. She knew his taste was still strong in her mouth but he didn’t seem to care. His lips settled over hers and his tongue traced the slit between. She parted for him, thrilled by his surrender yet knowing it was time to reciprocate.

  He lifted her then brought her down with one leg on either side of his thighs. She waited for the thrust of his cock but he just went on kissing her. Their mouths fused, tongues moving in a slow, tangling dance. She followed his lead, curling her tongue around his. The kiss moved from her mouth to his and back and their hands slid over each other just as boldly as their tongues.

  Suddenly he sighed and tore his mouth away from hers. His hands settled at her waist and he looked into her eyes. “I know you haven’t had many lovers and I don’t want to talk about your past, but… Do you understand how different this is, how special?”

  She smiled, thrilled that she would finally be able to define her feelings for him without interruption. “The difference is staggering. I understand what we’ve found.”

  “I told you what I want from you, but you never really said what you want from me.” His face revealed nothing, but hope shimmered in his heart and mind.

  “I love you, Jake, and I expect to feel that way forever.”

  He crushed her to his chest and took her mouth in a demanding kiss. I love you too. We still have serious challenges waiting for us,
but I’ve never been this certain about anything. You are my one true mate.

  And you are mine.

  She tilted her head and returned the kiss with all the love bubbling inside her. She offered him her mouth and her emotions, finally free to trust unconditionally.

  They were both breathless and dizzy by the time he released her mouth and trailed kisses down the side of her neck. His lips caressed and his teeth scraped until he reached her collarbone then his tongue bathed her flushed skin.

  Combing his hair with her fingers, she distracted herself with the silky strands. She wanted his mouth sucking hard on her nipples and his warm hands—everywhere. But she refused to rush him. He’d allowed her all the time she needed to exert her control, now it was her turn to do the same.

  A faint rumble drew her attention away from his wandering mouth. Her tigress had sneaked back into the meld and was apparently enjoying his attention. Did the tigress think he was grooming her? The possibility made her smile.

  He finally kissed his way onto the upper curve of her breast, worshiping the gentle curve with his fingers and lips. “So soft,” he whispered, his breath and his lips combining in a teasing caress. Her nipple gathered, flushing deeply before he even took it into his mouth. He touched the tip of his tongue to the crimson point then pulled away.

  “Jake.” The word was part warning, part plea.

  A chuckle vibrated his throat as he finally latched on to her other breast. He drew hard enough to drag a moan from deep inside her. Somehow he ignited desire in her core and pulled it up through her body with each firm suck. She arched and rocked her hips as her sex grew tense and needful.

  He moved back and forth, working one side with his fingers and the other his mouth. And all the while emotions streamed back and forth, enriching the physical sensations. She felt the urgency building within him and how exciting he found her responses.

  Releasing her nipple with a satisfied smile, he pivoted to one side and laid her back across the bed. He started to kneel on the floor but she caught his wrist. “I ache already. Don’t make me wait.” Damn it. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t rush him but her need was downright painful.

  He shook his head but his gaze was soft and his tone gentle. “You must surrender to me as I surrendered to you.”

  Understanding his need to reestablish his authority, she released his hand and tried to relax. He knelt on the floor and pulled her hips to the edge of the bed then draped her legs over his shoulders. He was so good at this and yet he felt so far away.

  I’m right here with you. Close your eyes and share this with me.

  She’d heard that some linked couples could see through each other’s eyes. It had always seemed like a wild claim. Emotions and thoughts were intangible, while sight was a quantifiable bodily function.

  His lips brushed against her folds and she shut her eyes. Suddenly the scent of her desire was impossibly strong. Her eyes flew open. How had he—

  Stop thinking and feel. Feel how much this excites me. Sink deeper into our meld.

  She closed her eyes again and opened her mind, allowing his perspective to take over. He lightly stroked her folds, his thumb teasing the crease in between. She could see his fingers and her flesh and feel possessive heat curl up through his body. He loved looking at her and gained immense pleasure from feeling how wet she’d become and knowing he was the reason for her arousal.

  He held her open with his thumbs and paused to look at her clit. The nub was swollen and deeply flushed, the nerve bundle peeking out from inside the hood. He dragged his tongue up one side and down the other, avoiding the ultrasensitive tip. It felt so good she almost came with one stroke of his clever tongue.

  Not yet. Fight it. Let the pleasure build.

  She knew she came harder and the release lasted longer if she made her body work for it. Still, she was incredibly aroused and he was too damn good at this.

  I’m not sure I can. She released his hair and folded her hands into tight fists, using the sting of her nails to drive back the pleasure.

  You can. He closed his lips around her clit and gently sucked. You will.

  She tried to obey, she really did, but he slowly pushed two fingers into her aching pussy. The link was still open wide and watching his long fingers disappear into her slick passage was more than she could take. Her control snapped and pleasure pulsed up through her in rhythmic waves. She arched so violently one of her legs slid off his shoulder.

  Rather than anger, she felt smug satisfaction radiating off his mind. If her thinking hadn’t been muddled by a powerful orgasm she might have been annoyed, but he didn’t stop. He pulled his hand back then drove his fingers in while he caressed her clit with his mouth.

  The pleasure went on and on, wave after intense wave. She cried out so many times her voice sounded raw. He was fascinated by the strength of her passage, enjoyed the ripples around his fingers almost as much as he did around his shaft. Each realization was a vague distraction from the sensation buffeting her body.

  Just when she feared she’d faint from the overwhelming pleasure, he scrambled to his feet and flipped her over. His hands weren’t hurtful, just insistent as he positioned her on her knees and forearms. Her hips were high, feet hanging off the side of the bed, and her torso sloped toward the mattress. He loved this position, thrived on the dominance inherent in the arrangement. She enjoyed it too, but she missed the intimacy of being face-to-face.

  Her tigress pushed deeper into the meld, drawn by the familiar position.

  He positioned himself at her entrance then held her hips as he slowly pushed inside. She’d expected a hard, deep thrust. Instead he filled her inch by glorious inch, focusing them both on the deliberate joining. Her heart thundered and her inner muscles gripped him tightly.

  His hands moved up her sides then under her until her nipples were firmly clasped between his fingers and thumbs. Then he began to move. The added stimulation was more of a distraction at first. He kept his pace slow and steady while his fingers sent darts of pleasure zinging from her chest to her clit.

  She pushed back into his thrusts but he pinched her nipples so she held still, allowing him to control the depth and speed. Her clit began to twinge each time he squeezed her nipples and tingles spiraled up her spine.

  As soon as she accustomed herself to the stimulation, he changed strategies.

  Watch. The command sounded dark and dangerous and she was powerless to resist. She closed her eyes and immediately her mind shifted to his perspective. She watched his cock shuttle in and out of her body. His shaft was thick and wet and felt even better than it looked. The realization made her smile, but soon a fresh wave of desire momentarily washed coherent thought from her mind.

  Once the flash fire receded, she was left wondering what had triggered it.

  As if to answer her unspoken question, he moved his hands to her waist and held her still as an image expanded within her mind.

  She saw a grassy clearing beside a fast-moving stream. Trees shadowed the clearing and the air smelled cool and clear. Smelled? This was more than just imagination. She could hear the brook and feel cool wind on her face.

  Her tigress stood beside the stream, alert and cautious. Heather could feel her heart beating and sense both excitement and alarm. A twig snapped and the tigress whipped her head in the direction of the sound. A shadow separated itself from the trees and gradually took form.

  “Is that…you?” A large tiger moved into the clearing and cautiously approached the female.

  “They must accept each other.”

  He didn’t finish the statement but she understood what he’d left unsaid. If their animal selves didn’t mate, they could not become truly one.

  The tiger circled the tigress, both animals tense and watchful. They scented each other and the tiger circled some more. The tigress lowered her head and growled and the tiger responded with a similar sound. Then the tigress dropped to the grass and rolled, showing her belly to the tiger as she
waved her paws.

  He watched it all with apparent disinterest and Heather’s pulse began to race. They couldn’t come this far only to be sabotaged by their animal selves. “If he wasn’t interested, he would have left by now.” The tigress rolled to her stomach, staying low to the ground. Heather held her breath until Jake wrapped his arms around her, lightly cupping one of her breasts. Then her breath escaped in a shuddering sigh. “Relax, love. He’s as pleased with her as I am with you.”

  The tiger moved behind her then crawled on top of her, his intention obvious.

  Thrilled that they’d passed the final test yet distracted by the scene, she pushed the image to the back of her mind.

  Jake rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger as he resumed a leisurely motion. “Now you’re too relaxed.” Releasing her breast, he trailed his fingers over her abdomen and eased his hand between her thighs. “You are so wet.”

  A sudden surge of desire assured her that he was pleased by the discovery. He easily found her clit and rubbed it with his fingertip. His hips moved faster, drawing his cock nearly out before driving deep again. He paired each long stroke with a tantalizing caress and her smoldering arousal quickly erupted again.

  “Come for me, angel.”

  She’d been fighting not to come for ages so all she had to do was let go. She tightened her inner muscles as his cock filled her, increasing the pressure of his penetration. Sensations gathered beneath his finger and her inner walls tensed then he triggered her orgasm with a firm flick.

  Burying her face in the bedding, she muffled her cries. Her body pulsed and rippled as he prolonged her release with the rhythmic flick of his finger. Only after he’d wrung the last possible spasm from her body did he grasp her hips and take her fast and hard. Each sharp stroke detonated an aftershock within her overstimulated body.

  She braced against the bed and drove back against him, increasing the impact of each thrust. His consuming need blazed into her mind, enflaming her smoldering passion. She’d just enjoyed a staggering orgasm and already her body raced toward another. Only with him was her body this responsive.