Latent Desires (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by Rebecca Airies

  “And how are we supposed to know when they do stop? I’m sure they won’t make an announcement.” Chloe scowled.

  She took a deep breath, trying not to panic at the thought of facing an unending series of attacks. She might be wondering about these attacks years from now.

  Tony began speaking, giving the address, and a short recitation of what they’d found. Chloe peered over and found him staring at her. She tried smiling at him, hoping he’d see that she was all right.

  “You’re vulnerable now. You’re not a full whyr. These people want to stop you from becoming one. When you’re not weak, they should find another target. That’s how attacks like this have ended in the past if the assailants weren’t caught.” Dixie put her hands on Chloe’s shoulders and squeezed.

  “Yeah, but did the past attacks have a personal motivation? Because I know at least one of those people is upset because Carl is in jail.” Chloe gave her friend a doubting look.

  If they hoped to get rid of competition or someone connected to a group they disliked, she could understand them giving up when she transformed. Chloe didn’t think it would be that easy. They wanted to hurt her because of what she did to Carl.

  Dixie grimaced. “Maybe one of them. The attacks will stop though, Chloe, one way or another. Social pressure alone could push them into quitting. Everyone knows foxes are behind the attacks on you. The more that happens, the greater the pressure on their den leaders.”

  “Do these den leaders have any pull with the individual foxes?” Chloe tilted her head.

  She didn’t know how foxes were organized or bears for that matter. The wolves had been more open about their hierarchy. Their structure operated somewhat like that of a natural wolf pack, although there were a few differences.

  “Normally, yeah, but there are a few families that don’t follow rules.” Dixie shrugged. “Like the den leader of the bears, he has domain over major issues. If a bear attacked another bear, they would go before him. If there’s anything that will affect the bears as a whole, he handles it. Most everyday life is left to the people and normal law. Attacks like yours that could pit bears against them. The den leader will have something to say.”

  “Let me guess. The foxes behind the attacks on me don’t follow rules or their den leader.” Chloe turned away from Dixie and trudged over to the couch. She sank onto the cushions and ran a hand through her hair.

  “Yes, traditionally, their family was like that, but this generation seemed different. I went to school with one of the foxes from this family, Gerri. I hope she’s not part of this.” Dixie walked over to sit beside her. “Tony, Logan, and Jason will keep you safe.”

  “I’m not worried about that. They’ve taken good care of me. It’s the thought of being hunted. Well, that and knowing that I won’t be able to go anywhere or do anything alone for a while that’s making me feel trapped.” Chloe glared toward the doors.

  “Yeah, but it wouldn’t be much different if these people weren’t after you. I don’t go anywhere alone, except home and work. The druggings have put everyone on their guard. Tony would watch over you anyway since the mating is new.” Dixie patted Chloe’s hand.

  “You haven’t been going out without someone with you? What about that karaoke place?” Chloe raised a brow.

  Dixie loved singing, but she had a thing about singing in front of people she knew. She froze and couldn’t get out a single note. It was why she went to the karaoke place alone.

  “It’s not easy to admit that I’ve kept to groups. I’m a freaking adult, but I’m not stupid. I haven’t been to Sing Café since this started.” Dixie waved her hand.

  “I didn’t expect you to say that.” Chloe bit her lip. It did make her feel better that other people limited their actions.

  “Some men have also been curtailing their activities. No one’s life is normal at the moment.” Dixie gave a relaxed shrug.

  “Is this all normal to you? Is that why you’re taking it all in stride?” Chloe stared at her friend. Perhaps their familiarity with it helped them not to feel impatient and angry.

  “Not normal, but it’s not the first time that there’s been some problem which affects all of the groups here. After once or twice, you learn what to expect.” Dixie grimaced. “Not that the questions of why are ever fully answered when they catch the people responsible.”

  “Fuck. I hate unanswered questions.” Chloe shook her head. She didn’t like waiting for the answers, either.

  “Just so you know, if the den leader doesn’t act on his own, the council will put pressure on them,” Dixie said.

  “You mean like the city council?” Chloe glanced over at her friend.

  “No, this is different. They’re elected like the city council, except by the respective type of whyr rather than the whole city. It’s a council of shapeshifters made up of members from each group of shifters. While they can’t put anyone in prison and the consequences for crimes committed by shapeshifters are decided by the police and the leaders of those shifters, they can fine the whole group or individuals. That can motivate the leaders like nothing else.” Dixie patted Chloe’s arm.

  “Money would be a motivator.” Chloe bit her lip. “How would the den leader punish them that the police can’t?”

  “Exile. That usually happens after whatever punishment the law hands down for serious crimes. It’s basically a get-out-of-town order. They’re not allowed near other members of their people. They won’t be hired by anyone or helped by the whyr in the city. They can go to another city and find a place though as long as they behave.” Dixie offered the last in a slightly lighter tone.

  “Well, that would help keep most people from causing trouble.” Chloe was sure that she’d have more questions later.

  “In regard to the people coming after you, remember one thing. Foxes are crazy.” Dixie grinned.

  “Yeah, that doesn’t help. It leads to questions. Why are they crazy?” Chloe shook her head. She knew her friend wasn’t being deliberately vague or lying.

  “Chloe, Logan’s coming to get you. You’ll give your statement, and then he’ll take you home.” Tony put away his phone for a moment.

  “I thought you were taking me home. Isn’t Logan working? He said he wouldn’t be home until well after midnight.” She frowned. She could stay in the office if Tony couldn’t leave. “Logan doesn’t have to leave work early to babysit me.”

  “Once they heard you were involved, they let him off since he had the mating fever. It’s standard practice. Although he’s settled enough to work with people, policy dictates that he be let off duty if there’s trouble involving his mate.” Tony waved a hand.

  “And you, will you be coming with us?” She frowned at him. She hoped he’d come with them.

  “I’ll follow when I can. I can’t contact any of my managers. The staff is already low because of call-ins. I’m not going to leave them in the lurch although they could handle it. Since I know that you’ll be taken care of, I can wait until I reach someone.” Tony walked over and hugged her.

  She swallowed and nodded. Her stomach tightened, and her throat felt tight and constricted. She wanted him with her. Although she didn’t know of any reason someone might come after him, she couldn’t stop thinking that he was in danger.

  Her mind spun with images of him getting attacked when he left the club. He almost always left the restaurant last. He’d be alone. There would be no one who could help him.

  He inhaled and frowned. “What’s wrong, Chloe? What are you afraid of?”

  She bit her lip and looked up at him. “You might get hurt.”

  “They’re not after me. The people who are drugging drinks aren’t specifically after bears. The foxes are trying to get to you. They won’t attack me because I’m strong enough to rip them apart. They try to hurt you because you’re weak.” Tony’s hand stroked over the back of her head and then flowed down her back. “I’ll be safe.”

  “Of course, he will. Don’t worry, Chloe. He’ll call you
when he leaves the club tonight.” Dixie patted her shoulder.

  The door opened. Logan walked into the office. John followed him.

  A scowl pulled Logan’s lips down. “You could have told me where you were. Why is everyone still here?”

  “John told me not to clear everyone out. He wanted to question people and examine the security footage.” Tony shrugged. “I brought her up here to keep her safe and intended to go back down there, but became distracted when I couldn’t find anyone to come into work.”

  John interviewed Chloe. It was quick. He asked a few questions. She told him what happened. She wished she’d seen something more though.

  “You’re stuck here for at least a little while.” Logan raised a brow, but a slow smile spread across his face.

  “Yeah, and I’ll be calling when I come home. Chloe’s a little worried about us.” Tony released her. His arms fell to his sides, and he took a slow step back.

  “I’ll try to get her mind off her worries.” Logan walked over and curved an arm around her shoulders.

  She turned and hugged the big man. She didn’t think he’d succeed in distracting her, at least not until she saw Jase and Tony safe and sound at home.

  “I’ll see you later, baby. I’ll be fine.” Tony framed her face with his palms and dropped a soft kiss on her lips.

  “Yes, he will be. It’s you who’s the target here.” Logan stared down at her.

  “And what about the other druggings? You, Tony, and many others were drugged.” She glared at him. Maybe they couldn’t understand what these people’s intended aim was. That didn’t mean that they were safe.

  “Yes, but they have something bigger in mind. Maybe to cause panic. Maybe to do something else. I doubt Tony, Jase, or I figure into their plan as anything other than collateral damage.” Logan turned her to face him. “They’re already showing what their true aim is though, baby. It won’t be long before we catch them.”

  She sighed. He didn’t understand. The fear wasn’t logical. The note and the threats in it had hit a nerve. The threat forced her to face facts. She could lose them.

  Panic had shot through her. She was beyond falling for them. Somehow, she’d come to love them while she’d been trying to find stability in her chaotic life. Maybe the way they tried to make things normal for her began to soften her feelings toward them, but it wasn’t the only thing. She’d have to tell them, but it wasn’t something she wanted to blurt out. She wanted to make it special.

  “Come on, baby. I’ll take you home. We’ll see what we can do about taking your mind off your worries.” Logan pulled her toward the door.

  “All right. Bye, Dixie. If I don’t run into Shonna and Leslie in the bar, could you tell them I said bye?” She nodded, but slipped free of his loose hold to go hug her friend. She strode over to wrap her arms around Tony. “See you soon, Tony.”

  “The moment I can get away.” Tony dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Now, you better go before I decide to keep you here locked in my office. I could make Logan acting manager.”

  “The place would be cleared fast.” Logan laughed. “Ready?”

  “Let’s go home.” She strolled over to him.

  He held out his hand. She threaded her fingers through his and eased close. He remained relaxed until they went into the main club. The music had stopped. Everyone either stood or sat while they waited to be interviewed by the police.

  Once they started toward the main doors, he tensed. He appeared ready to spring at anyone who looked at her wrong. Logan led her around the groups of people and out of the club. His muscles stayed tight until she was in the vehicle.

  He drove them home. She clenched her hands in her lap and stared straight ahead. Her mind began to circle.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chloe was so engrossed in thought that she didn’t notice they’d arrived at the house until the garage door closed behind the car. By the time she began moving, he’d made his way around to her side. He opened the door and helped her out. She followed him inside, her mind a little preoccupied.

  “All right, baby, I can already see that you’re worrying. I’ll give you a choice. You can do whatever you want to me, or I’ll do whatever I like with you.” Logan turned to face her. He folded his arms across his chest while he stared down at her.

  She blinked at him, the words breaking through her preoccupation. Do anything to him? She drew in a slow breath. Warmth spread through her. Her mind spun with the possibilities.

  “Anything?” she asked.

  “Well, no ropes or cuffs tonight, but anything else you might think of.” Logan shrugged.

  She nibbled on her lips and thought for a while. “Why don’t you go into the bedroom? I’ll be there in a few minutes. I have to grab some things.”

  “Don’t wait long. I might get bored or change my mind.” Logan strolled out of the room with a big grin on his face.

  She shook her head. Not much chance of that. He had a long attention span. She went to the refrigerator. For a moment, she considered the possibilities. She pulled out a can of whipped cream and a carton of strawberries. After a brief stop in the pantry for chocolate syrup, she headed back to the room. She stopped at the linen closet, pulled out a sheet, and continued on her way.

  She walked in and found Logan lounging on the bed, already naked. His hands rested behind his head. Damn, the man was confident. She glided the final few steps to the bed. She put the strawberries, chocolate, and whipped cream on the dresser, but held onto the sheet.

  “You have some interesting things there, Chloe. What kind of plans do you have?” He raised his eyebrows.

  “The messy kind. Get up. I have to spread this over the bed.” She tapped her foot and waited until he rolled out of bed.

  “I do like the messy kind of fun. I don’t see any honey there though. I like honey with my messy.” He stepped back from the bed.

  She spread the sheet over the blankets. She didn’t intend to be neat when she began to play with him. Chocolate sauce or whipped cream was bound to end up somewhere other than on his body.

  “Get back on the bed. I’ll get undressed and then we’ll play.” She began stripping off her clothes.

  “You’re giving me ideas, baby. All kinds of ideas. I might be tired of waiting. After all, you took your time,” Logan said, but the gleam in his eyes gave away his teasing intent.

  She grabbed the strawberries, chocolate, and whipped cream. As she clutched her precious bounty, she climbed onto the mattress.

  With a grin, she surveyed the golden-brown expanse in front of her. So many places to start. Her gaze slid down and then back up. She’d get to the serious stuff soon enough. She wanted to play and taste first. With a nod, she swung her leg across him and straddled him.

  She popped the cap. A teasing grin curved her lips. She tilted the chocolate. Nothing came out at first. She hovered it over his chest. Before the first drip formed at the cap, she whipped it upward. The brown sauce dribbled over his chin and across his lips.

  She closed the bottle and dropped it to the side. She leaned close. Her gaze met his. She swiped her tongue over the spots of chocolate on his chin, lapping until the last trace disappeared. His chocolate coated lips drew her attention. She opened her mouth over them, before nibbling and tasting the full lower curve.

  He opened his mouth beneath hers. His tongue thrust into her mouth, flicking and teasing. The contact soon spiraled out of control. When she felt his arm on her shoulder, she drew back. She shook her head. It was easy to get lost in the feelings.

  “You taste of chocolate. I crave more.” He gripped her hips.

  “Nope, it’s my turn. Are you telling me that you can’t take a little bit of nibbling? I’ve barely gotten the first taste of chocolate. I haven’t started with the strawberries and whipped cream.” She raised an eyebrow, hoping that he saw it as a challenge. If he did, the play would last a whole lot longer.

  He laughed. “If you aren’t stingy with the treats, I’ll let y
ou play a little longer.”

  “‘Whatever you want to do’ sure doesn’t last long, does it? You should know by now that I like to share.” She lifted the chocolate and once again applied liquid to his body, but this time, swirling it across his chest.

  Her mouth watered at the thought of licking that off. Slick moisture eased out of her. Thoughts of exploring his body flitted through her mind. She longed to get her mouth on his cock.

  “It will last long enough if you don’t decide to tease too much.” Logan’s hands fell away. He once again lifted them to place them behind his head.

  Placing the chocolate to the side, she next grabbed the whipped cream and put little dollops over his nipples. She saw his eyes following her every move. Then she noticed his gaze traveled a little lower than her face. She shook her shoulders and watched his eyes narrow. They focused on the side to side shimmy of her breasts. He growled.

  “Now, for the strawberries. I’m more than willing to share a taste of them.” She pried open the package and took out one big red berry.

  “You’ll be sharing more than those berries, if you don’t get on with it.” His voice lowered in warning.

  She drew the red fruit across his chest, through both chocolate and whipped cream. Her hand cupped underneath it while she guided it to his lips. He bit into the berry. A small trickle of red juice trailed over his cheek. She licked the sweet treat before she took a bite of the remaining fruit.

  “Now, it’s time for some chocolate and maybe some whipped cream.” She smiled.

  Chocolate cock. She planned to have some of that, but first, an appetizer of whipped cream nipples and broad chest drizzled with chocolate. Her tongue slicked over her lips.

  Chloe leaned down and lapped at the cocoa sauce before opening her mouth over the whipped cream above his nipple. Taking the small dollop into her mouth, she pressed her lips to his skin. Her tongue flicked, lapping up the whipped cream, but tormenting the nub at the same time.