Hang Em' Up: A Bad Boy Sports Pregnancy Romance

by Ashley Stewart

  He reached the far side of the house. Staying hidden in the trees, he found one to climb for a better view. Once high off the ground he pulled out his night scope. On one balcony he spotted someone, most likely his prey, walking back inside. From this distance he could see that she bore curves; the kind he would enjoy exploring. Keep focus.

  Scanning the rest of the rear of the house, the other rooms appeared to be dark. The pool waters were calm and the patio quiet. His gaze was pulled back toward one tall set of windows. It was the only room on the lower level with an obvious light on. Sheer curtains draped the windows, leaving only a shadow of a figure. The silhouette looked tall and lean, but muscular. Seems our vampire has a bodyguard. Here I thought this was going to be boring. He continued to watch as the figure moved away from the window and further into the house.

  Spying no others, he dropped down from his perch and moved towards the house. He needed to collect his prey by dawn. His eyes were good, even in the dark, but his sense of smell was his best weapon when hunting. Micha didn’t like guns, and refused to use them. Another, like him, he met the year before, liked to use high powered rifles. He told him it was less risky. Micha believed to be a true hunter you have to be able to look your prey in the eyes. Killing them coldly from a distance was a cowardly act. From what he saw in the window, there would be two sets of eyes he would have to look into tonight.

  Slipping into the shadows of the elaborate landscaping around the pool, Micha moved closer to the house. A patio door opening stopped his progress. He melded deeper into the shadows as he caught a scent on the air, his head turned to see a figure step out onto the patio. Werewolf.

  Micha watched him head towards the pool. He smiled to himself, realizing his assessment appeared to be right. Taking the opportunity, Micha moved towards the door and inside the house. He took a quick scan of the room. Little furniture or artwork adorned this room. It appeared to be more of an open corridor, granting entrance to the grand staircase and other rooms on this level. A footstep behind him sent Micha quickly into a darker corner. The nearest door was open; he disappeared inside.

  The only thing left to do was wait. Once he was certain the bodyguard was elsewhere in the house, he could move upstairs and end things. He closed his eyes, allowing his hearing and sense of smell to guide him.

  Nothing.

  After several moments of quiet, he made his way from the safety of the shadows to the main entry way. A noise came from down the hall. Micha ducked into the nearest door. He found himself in the library. Since it was still bathed in light, he looked around as he closed the door more. Books lined the walls from floor to ceiling. A portrait hung on the wall above the stone fireplace. He moved closer to see it better, and caught a scent that pulled his attention. He swung around to the door just as another man, leaner, but just as strong looking, jumped him. Both men crashed to the floor with the force. Rolling to one side, Micha moved up on one knee, knowing a lower body posture was better in any fight.

  The other man got up and growled at Micha. Micha felt the animal inside rearing to respond. He launched himself forward, grabbing the other, pulling him to the ground. The two men rolled across the floor again, crashing into a small table, sending a vase flying. Breaking free, Micha stepped back, moving into the main hall. The other followed just behind.

  Finding another open door, he made his way inside. The door burst open behind him, knocking him forward but not off his feet. A deep growl escaped Micha as he turned to respond. He launched himself again, knocking the other man back. He didn’t stay down for long; sweeping his leg, he tried to take Micha down. He rolled up, moving to stand and attack Micha again, but he didn’t. He only stared at Micha.

  Micha looked at him, his nostrils taking in the air, feeding something deeper within. The other man’s breathing was labored, but he launched himself again. The force again tossed them both to the floor, but this time Micha was behind him. Sliding his arm around his throat, he yanked him back. The other man only offered a threatening growl. Micha used his other hand to grab his hair, pulling his head backward. He could have snapped his neck in that moment, but another part of him took control; a part that only another male could speak to. Lowering his head, his mouth claimed the other man’s neck. Micha held him against him, sinking his teeth in more. It wasn’t soft and gentle. This was primal. The other man didn’t fight; his other hand reached, grasping Micha’s hair, pulling it.

  It only served to increase Micha’s already growing arousal. Physical fights that brought out his bear side always aroused him. This man seemed to understand; even feel the same way. Shifting his leg, he mounted him, his hard cock straining against the heavy fabric of his jeans. His mouth kept its hold, the hand once around this throat slipped down to cup the other man. He stroked him over his zipper, smiling at what he found.

  The lower man growled low. He pulled at Micha more, flipping them. When they rolled, the other came up, straddling Micha. He opened the buckle on his belt, then pulled the button open. The zipper slid down slowly, his fingers stroking the length of Micha’s cock as it opens. Freeing him, other man slid down, claiming him with his mouth. His mouth was hot, pushing Micha’s arousal higher.

  He shifted back, and within a breath, Micha flew forward, pushing him back, flipping him as they fell. Within the next moment the room was filled only with deep breathing mixed with the sound of clothing being torn away. His fingers worked quickly. The first touch of hot skin against his throbbing cock sent Micha’s mind reeling. His hand claimed his unknown partner’s hardness, stroked him further before guiding himself into him. There were no tender kisses or touches; this was primal.

  Micha thrust his hips forward, being met with a strong push back. Tugging his hair, Micha claimed the other man’s mouth with a deep kiss. His hips thrust with their own demand. The stroking matched hip rhythm until both men exploded in the darkness.

  They collapsed forward, Micha rolling off, but pulling the other man back against him. His thick arms enveloped the other. Both drifted off as they recovered their breath.

  Micha’s eyes flew open. It took a moment to remember where he was and why a lighter haired man was in his arms. As the memory flooded him, he watched the other man sleeping. He was handsome, even more so as he slept. His features were strong, with an angled jaw line, sensual lips and lashes. There was nothing female about him, but the more feminine features added to his good looks. It was obvious he kept in shape, his upper arms curved along with the muscles.

  Micha realized he liked waking up next to him, but that would have to wait. He had a job to do, and nothing would stop him. He looked at the man one last time before getting up, grabbing his clothes and dressing. Once dressed, he headed back into the house and up the stairs.

  The room with the balcony wasn’t hard to find; it was at the far end of the hall. He stood outside the door, used his sense of smell to make sure she was inside. His eyes widened at an old, familiar scent. His foot brushed along the base of the door, opening it slowly.

  She was lounging on a chaise sofa, reading. He leaned against the doorframe, watching her.

  Without looking up, “You’ve come to finish things?”

  Micha assumed she knew he was there. He was used to prey, especially women, panicking or trying to talk him out of it. He never expected to find someone so calm. “I am.”

  She glanced up, then lowered the book.

  Micha’s eyes widened. It was her. “You.” After all this time of searching, he’d finally found the woman he couldn’t forget. They’d only been together once, and he never knew her name. The woman haunted his dreams and his thoughts. Now he was looking at her, expected to kill her.

  Chapter 6

  Vivian looked at the young man leaning against her doorway. The memory of a night months earlier flooded her. It was unexpected, passionate, and primal. He was the first man to really understand her since Bernard, yet he wasn’t just a man. She understood the wilder side hidden away. It would have been easy for
her to continue a relationship with him, but who he was made that impossible.

  “Yes, me. Now that we have that established.”

  “No, you’re her.”

  Inside Vivian’s heart would have been pounding, but hers no longer beat. If Jacob only realized what he’s done. She sighed, “You remember the night as well.”

  “I do. Why did you disappear?” He moved further into the room.

  Vivian tried to be nonchalant about it, but her feelings for him threatened to betray her. She dropped down onto chaise lounging back. “Don’t dwell on the past, Cheri. Nothing good can come of it.”

  He moved toward her, his eyes showing his anger and confusion. Vivian saw something else though – hurt. She knew if she told him the truth it would hurt him more.

  “Tell me.” He growled at her. “I was hired to deliver you, in chains, to Jacob. I want to know why you disappeared.”

  Vivian closed her eyes, pushed away the feelings he brought about in her. “You were hired to do a job. Just do it.”

  His next step brought him to his knees by her side.

  She didn’t expect it. With him so close she could taste his scent. It threatened to undo everything. If she told him the truth, he would hate her. As it stood now, he hated her for leaving without a word. That hate was easier for her to accept. The truth would devastate him, and that she could not do. Now she had to fight her own desire back.

  His nostrils flared, taking in her scent. The color of his eyes darkened. His hand reached up, cupped her face. Fingers slipped into her long tresses, tugged them back to expose her neck. His mouth moved over her long neck.

  A shudder ran through her, her body responding to him easily.

  She pushed him back, rolling off the sofa to the other side. “No. This can’t happen.”

  He stood.

  Vivian looked at him. He was handsome, with dark brown hair that touched his collar, darker eyes and strong cheekbones. She wanted him, she couldn’t deny it. “You came here to take me to Jacob, so do it.” There was more of a plea in her tone than she wanted.

  “Why are you so ready to die? I don’t care what you did to piss him off.”

  She believed him.

  “I thought you had a code. Job success, no matter the story behind it.”

  “Not this time. I won’t take you to be killed by him.” His voice cracked with emotion.

  Both turned, hearing footfalls running down the hall toward her room. “That would be Devon.”

  She watched him blush a bit.

  A moment later Devon appeared in the doorway, ready to defend her. He stayed his movement when she put her hand up.

  “Peace, love. I’m going with him to Jacob.”

  “NO! I won’t let you.” Devon looked at the other man. “You won’t leave with her.” He offered a low growl.

  “We have other business to attend to.” He countered

  Vivian moved between the two. “Stop, both of you. There is no other way. Jacob won’t stop until he has satisfaction.”

  Devon shook his head. “He got what he deserved.”

  “I know you understand what happened, but there is more to it than avenging Bernard’s murder.”

  “What more?” Micha asked. His tone had more than a hint of curiosity.

  Devon glared at him. Vivian could see there was more unsaid in his eyes.

  The next moment was a blur. Devon moved so quickly, attacking him. Both crashed into the chaise lounge, rolling over it.

  Both growled as they rolled, each grabbing the throat of the other.

  “STOP!”

  They didn’t seem to hear her. Devon punched him over and over. He fell backward as the other, stronger man, punched him center mass.

  Vivian tried to pull Devon back. She cared for him, but this was more. She wanted to protect him, but also to protect the other. “Devon. Stop.” She could feel both of them turning toward their more primal sides. Once they did, she wouldn’t be able to reach either of them.

  Devon struck out. The punch landed on target, leaving a trail of blood.

  “Micha!”

  Both men stopped, turning their eyes on Vivian.

  Micha’s face awash with confusion. “How did you know my name?”

  Vivian closed her eyes. This was the last thing she wanted, but now there was no choice. “I have known your name since you were just a baby.”

  He sat up, “What? That’s impossible. I never met you before a few months ago.”

  Devon moved next to Vivian protectively. “You’ve met this guy before?”

  Vivian moved to the bed, dropped onto the edge. She lowered her head into her hands. “It’s a long story.”

  Micha moved to sit next to her. “Tell me.” His voice no longer growled.

  Devon sat on her other side.

  She started talking. She told them about going to Paris and meeting Bernard. “Being with him made me feel alive in a way I never thought possible.” She stood, pacing, while she spoke about meeting Jacob and then finding Bernard’s body. “My world went very dark. He was mortal, so he would have died in time, but he was broken, destroyed by Jacob. Do I think he was in love with me? No. I told him no. I learned over the years that Jacob didn’t take no for an answer. It was all for a sense of his wanting something he couldn’t have.” Vivian looked into the cold fireplace, remembering, fighting the rage the memories always brought.

  “That doesn’t explain how you know my name.”

  She turned back. Nodded. “I finally found my revenge. I heard he finally took a mate, though it didn’t change his wandering eye. I was going to leave him the same way he left me.” She turned back to the fireplace. “I tracked them, and when I knew he was out, I slipped into the house. I watched her sleeping, never once questioning what I had to do. She woke, and I killed her.” Her voice was flat, without emotion. “After I left the bedroom I heard a noise. I found the cause in the nearby room.” She turned, looked at Micha. “I swear to you, I didn’t know.” Her tone was pleading.

  Micha stood, “Knew what?”

  “They had a child. A baby boy. I didn’t kill him, but I took him from the house. He was raised by a good family; a family who understood what he was.”

  Micha’s eyes narrowed, “Me? Did you know when we…?”

  Vivian shook her head, “No.” Her head dropped, the weight of it all bearing down on her. “When I saw your parents, they showed me a more recent picture of you. That’s when I realized who you were.”

  Micha closed the distance in a single step. He grabbed Vivian by the upper arms, all of his strength channeled into his bone crushing hands.

  She didn't fight. She took him from his father. He had every right to kill her.

  Devon was behind Micha, his arms around his neck. “I won’t let you.”

  Micha released Vivian long enough to flip Devon off of him. A second later he had her again. His hand found her throat. It closed slowly, enveloping it easily.

  Vivian looked at him. She watched the pain and confusion swirling in his eyes. Could see the animal coming to the surface.

  He pulled her closer to him.

  She could feel his hot breath, thinking a moment longer and he would snap her neck.

  When his mouth claimed hers in a powerful, claiming kiss, her surprise quickly changed. The hand around her throat eased; fingers slid around, tangling in her hair.

  After several moments, he released her. His gaze shifted to where Devon stood watching, wearing an expression of surprise. Vivian didn’t know what was exchanged between them in only a look, but understood when Devon stepped over. He kissed Micha. It was claiming, but not dominating.

  No words were spoken. Micha tugged at the tie closing her robe. It pulled free easily. The silk material fell from her shoulders to pool at her feet. He claimed her mouth again. Devon moved behind her, kissing over her bare shoulders. Her mind was a whirl of thoughts. The feelings they created in her pushed them away. She didn’t care why he didn’t kill her, only wa
nted both of them at that moment.

  Micha moved them to the bed. She sat back, half lying, while she watched them undress each other. It was slowly and deliberately for her enjoyment and theirs. She watched them kiss and fondle each other. Reaching a hand out to each of them, they slid into the bed on either side of her.

  Both men captured a nipple in their mouths. Devon teased with his teeth while Micha devoured. Her body arched, wanting to feel them everywhere at once. Devon slid down and between her legs. His mouth claimed her, drank and licked her sweet wetness as fingers slipped inside, first two then a third. Micha moved behind him, his mouth rimming along his balls and over his ass.

  The room filled with moans and low growls of pleasure. Devon slid forward, grazing his cock along her leg. Vivian reached down to capture him. Her fingers stroked him harder.

  Devon shifted, placing himself between her thighs again; his hard cock entered her slowly and fully. Lying forward across her chest, his mouth claimed a nipple again while Micha moved behind him. He entered Devon; fingers grazing over his back, digging in.

  Hips moved together. Vivian could feel Micha thrusting into Devon as if he were thrusting into her. The sensations were beyond anything she’d felt before. The connection was foreign, but no less real.

  Her hands reached out stroke Devon’s back and anywhere she could reach on Micha. Her feet wrapped around Micha’s hips. Vivian’s back arched.

  They climaxed as one. Both men collapsed forward, her arms wrapped around both. She could take their weight, and in fact enjoyed it.

  Their breathing settled, and each slid against her on either side, enveloping her with their arms. They drifted off.

  Chapter 7

  Micha woke. He stiffened at the unfamiliar setting. Shifting his eyes to his right he saw the silhouette of the woman he’d been searching for. He saw another arm, male and muscular, draped over her stomach. The night before flooded into his memory.