“Ha, good luck with that,” she snorted. “I’ve lived in violent chaos all my life. I don’t see my family changing just because you said so.”
“They will,” Ethan replied. “We won’t let them upset you anymore.”
Disbelief made her shake her head. “You’re both delusional. There’s no way you can enforce that rule. Don’t forget, I grew up with them. Every male in my family has done their damned best to destroy everything I’ve ever owned, intentional or not. That’s not going to change overnight. And to be quite honest, I highly doubt the pair of you will be any different. I bet you’re both the type to drop the gloves and go at it instead of walking away or, gasp, talking first.”
Ethan ducked his head, color rising in his cheeks. It didn’t her give a triumphant feeling to know her assumption proved correct.
“We don’t indulge in fights without provocation,” Ethan muttered.
“And what’s your idea of reasonable grounds? Forget it. I don’t want to know. Shifters never seem to need a valid reason. You can’t help it. Violence is in your blood.”
“Your blood, too,” Javier added.
She tossed her hair. “But I’m trying to fight my baser side. You two, on the other hand, aren’t.”
“Says who? I bet you we could control ourselves better than you.” Javier taunted.
A snort escaped her. “Yeah right.”
“Willing to put your assertion to the test? We bet you we can restrain ourselves from involving ourselves in any type of violence when around you.”
“With the exception of sports,” Ethan added.
Naomi’s lips tightened. “I don’t wager.”
Javier’s lips tilted and his eyes glinted with humor. “Come on? You seem so sure we can’t rein in our baser impulses, what can it hurt?”
“Are you chicken?” Ethan added.
The glare she shot the behemoth’s way was met with a shrug and a grin. “What’s the prize?” she asked unable to stop her curiosity.
“You win and we will walk away, leaving you alone.”
That didn’t sound like much of a prize. “And if you both can control yourselves and not get involved in altercations when around me?”
“You let us make love to you.”
“You mean mark me?”
“No.” Javier shook his head. “Something so serious should not be decided on the outcome of a wager. We’re talking about letting us worship your body as it deserves. Giving you extreme pleasure, which in turn will be the best reward we could hope for.” His words painted a vivid picture of them kissing her, touching her, and…
Naomi’s head nodded in agreement to the terms even as she knew it was such a bad idea. Because dammit, now I want to lose, but how will that happen. These guys are born and bred brawlers. They’ll never be able to keep their word.
* * *
Javier could sense her inner conflict, in fact he prayed for it. Things had gone so well until the disastrous dinner of the night before. While he expected it of Ethan, Javier should have known better than to arouse Naomi in front of her brothers—until he’d marked her. However, the lure of her presence and worse, her interest, blinded him to their location with disastrous consequences.
Overprotective brothers had the right to defend their sister’s honor, but Javier and Ethan grossly miscalculated on how a regular rumble, common in shifter households, would send Naomi running. It had only taken Meredith’s quietly announced, “She left,” for the fight to deflate. And that’s when Javier discovered that despite her feisty nature, Naomi thought she wanted a life completely absent of violence. Probably not one hundred percent feasible given the hotheaded nature of shapeshifters—herself included—but he and Ethan came to an understanding with her family, her brothers especially. If they were to make this work, they needed to keep Naomi’s needs in mind.
As for how they’d convinced the brothers, simple really. Ethan only had to say, “If you make her unhappy, once we mark her, we will take the offer to return and play for the Saskatoon, Coyote Wilds.”
Amazing what moving her across a few provinces could do for negotiations, that and the fact Ethan had barely broken into a sweat when he’d held off four of the brothers by himself. Kodiak bears weren’t a species to mess with.
Of course, Javier didn’t relate his blackmail of her family to her when he made the bet. He treasured his balls too much for that.
Nor did it stop him, or Ethan, from attempting to seduce her with small touches and courtesies. In the restaurant, which he’d chosen because of the booths that would tuck her between them, he’d secretly thrilled—which disgusted him—at the innocuous squeeze of his legs against hers while they partook of their meal. As they discussed what duties they expected her to perform with their accounts, they’d briefly caress her hand. At times, Javier just sat back and watched her discourse with Ethan while he mentally detailed what other tasks he’d like her to accomplish for him—naked, maybe wearing some sexy glasses. Pleasant visuals that left him harder than a rock. I can’t wait until you accept us as your mates, sweetheart.
Javier, to his utter surprise, had fallen for the vixen. He’d not realized just how badly she’d snared him until he realized other women no longer attracted him. He didn’t even feel the slightest urge to flirt, not with Naomi’s pretty receptionist, or the girl at the coffeehouse, and even though their current waitress kept leaning over in an attempt to show off her bosom, he couldn’t help wishing Naomi would bend over instead—again, naked.
So much for thinking he’d live the life of a playboy spreading his love. There was only one woman he wanted to sink his cock into—bareback because, for the first time in his life, the concept of impregnating a woman filled him with satisfaction instead of knee jerking fear.
I am just as bad as Ethan with all these sappy thoughts running through my mind. He’d always scoffed at love in the past, but the more he saw and got to know Naomi, the more he wanted to discover. If that wasn’t love then he obviously didn’t have a clue. However, thinking he might have fallen for her didn’t mean he’d announce it. She’d probably rip his nuts off and choke him with them for even suggesting it. But hey, at least then she’d be touching me of her own volition.
He hid his chuckles behind his napkin, but Naomi, watching more than he would have credited her with, narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him. Lunch ended, or so he assumed as the waitress swiped their plates, although, Javier couldn’t recall what he’d eaten, if anything.
He ordered dessert for Naomi, despite her protests, then, almost sank under the table when it arrived. Ethan wore a glazed look that probably matched Javier’s own as they stared, almost drooling, as she licked and sucked the caramel off her spoon. Her groaning enjoyment in her sundae almost destroyed his ability to think. Poor Ethan, he ended up closing his eyes, his jaw tight as he fought the lust she so easily—and maybe not so innocently—caused.
Javier thanked the cut of his jacket that covered his erection as they paid the bill and left. As they walked from the restaurant to his car, Ethan held her hand, while Javier stroked the middle of her back in the guise of leading her in the correct direction. From holding open the car door and seating her, to casually brushing her thigh with his fingers as he shifted, every innocent embrace burned and didn’t go unanswered. The problem with heightening her senses and arousing her in bits and pieces that left her eyes glazed with burgeoning passion was the toll it took on their own bodies. Ethan looked fair ready to burst, and Javier, well, his hand was about to get a real workout if they couldn’t get her to succumb to her desires soon.
The silence in the car hung thick enough to smack with his hard cock, the lust emanating from all three of them evident, yet unspoken. Javier knew without asking that Naomi wanted to return to her office instead of playing hooky and going back to her place or theirs for some afternoon frolicking. However, Javier couldn’t just let her leave without attempting to see her again. Not finding a spot to park in front of her office building, he
swung around the back into the alleyway, ignoring the no parking signs.
Stepping out of the car, immediately followed by Ethan who unfolded himself from the backseat, they both cornered her on the passenger side when she emerged through the door they held open. Shaking her head in bemusement, she took a few steps forward and Ethan slammed the door shut behind her, startling her.
“I should get back to work,” she said, her shiver as Ethan brushed up against her back not going unnoticed.
“First, tell me we can take you to dinner tonight?” Javier swayed toward her, unable to resist her allure, his hand brushing a stray hair from her cheek.
Her pulse sped up and her eyes dilated. She unconsciously leaned back into Ethan, which only heightened her trembling. “I-I can’t,” she whispered, licking her lips.
Javier almost groaned. He wanted to suck on her tongue so bad. “Why not?”
“I, um, kind of have a date.”
Jealousy, a heretofore unknown feeling, hit him and made his inner cat’s hackles rise and Javier’s brows shoot up to the sky. “Excuse me?” I don’t think so.” Irrational, commanding words he just couldn’t prevent himself from uttering.
Ethan growled, the possessive sound of his beast showing his intent dislike of her plans.
Naomi blinked and pushed away from them, her cool exterior sliding back into place and concealing the temptress hidden in her curvy body. A smirk made her lips tilt. “Oh, I do think so. I have a date with a very accomplished lawyer, a human one, who graduated fourth in his class. He’s also quite handsome, not to mention financially established.” Javier’s jaw tightened, while Ethan bared his teeth in a snarl. “Go ahead,” she taunted. “Get mad and break something. You know you want to. Not even a day and already about to lose your bet.”
Eyes narrowed at her goading, Javier didn’t give in to the temptation to do what she said. He’d break something later out of her sight. “You know he can’t give you what you want. What you need.”
“You’re meant for us,” Ethan grumbled.
“Actually, Phil has a lot to offer, starting with the fact he belongs to the chess club instead of the fight one. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I need to finish up my work so I can get ready for my hot date.” She winked at them and blew them a kiss. “Later.”
And with that, the minx sashayed off, her hips swinging.
Teeth gnashing, Javier fought to not run after her and scoop her up caveman style. Infuriating, delicious vixen. Rejection sucked.
“I don’t like this,” rumbled Ethan.
“Me neither. But don’t worry. I have a plan.” A wickedly diabolical one. Sweetheart, you shouldn’t have thrown down the gauntlet like that because now, I’m going to play dirty. And oh, are you going to like it.
Chapter Eight
Bored. So bloody bored. Naomi tried to listen to Phil as he droned on and on about his successful practice. She tried to focus on his face, but his weak chin, which she’d never really noticed before, and pasty white skin made her wish for tanned and muscled…
Nope. I don’t miss or want those two testosterone laden idiots. She tried to imagine kissing Phil, letting him touch her with his soft hands and couldn’t stop a shudder. Okay, so he’s not the man for me. It didn’t mean Sexy and Sexier were. But wanting to screw their brains out and chaining myself to them for life are two totally opposite things. And if she didn’t fear the former would lead to the latter, she would have probably just scratched her carnal itch. She still might if she could only assure herself they wouldn’t try and trick her in a moment of weakness.
A prickling sensation tickled the back of her neck and she turned to see what had caught her attention. Her jaw dropped as Javier and Ethan strode into the restaurant with blonde bimbos clinging to their arms. Naomi gritted her teeth and her nails—which elongated into partial claws—poked bloody crescents into her palms as she furiously told herself she wasn’t jealous. Not at all. Why do I care? It’s not like we’re an item even if they keep telling me they want me. Two-timing jerks.
Pivoting back, she refused to look at them any further and concentrated on Phil. Stupid, boring Phil. His lips moved, but she didn’t have the slightest clue, or interest, in what he said. Instead of paying attention to her date, she found herself trying to tune in to what occurred behind her. Low murmurs and shrill, bubbly laughter made her gnash her teeth and her inner wolf, howled in irritation.
“Excuse me. I need to go to the ladies room.” Naomi stood abruptly, leaving Phil midsentence. Quick strides brought her out of the main dining area and into the washroom where she braced her hands on the sink and peered in the mirror.
Anger glittered in her eyes making them bright and feral. Her cheeks held red spots of color while her lips were pulled tight against her teeth. She looked completely and utterly pissed. Dammit. How long was she going to lie to and deny herself? I want those two sexy idiots, not boring, safe Phil.
The admission didn’t please her.
Time to go home. Wanting them didn’t mean she’d degrade herself by going to them begging or acting the jealous shrew.
Exiting the bathroom, she ran into a solid wall. A familiar scent tickled her nose as big hands braced her around the waist, steadying her.
“Ethan, what are you doing here?” She looked up at him, questioning and breathless at his closeness.
A tug was all it took for him to draw her nearer, and she didn’t resist. Eyes of soft brown peered down at her. “You’re mad,” he stated sounding pleased.
“When aren’t I?” she retorted.
“I like it even if drives me wild,” he admitted. “I can’t stop thinking of you.”
Self-preservation made her tone sharp. “Gee, you could have fooled me. Seems to me you’re recovering quite well with that blonde, overdone slut.”
A ghost of a smile lifted the corners of his lips and satisfaction glinted in his eyes. “You’re jealous.”
“Am not,” she retorted, lying unashamedly.
“Liar,” he chided. “And those blondes weren’t for Javier and me.”
When her brow creased in puzzlement, he urged her to follow him, his solid arm an anchor around her upper body. Arriving back into the restaurant proper, they ran into Javier who looked entirely too smug.
A grin lit his face. “Naomi, you look absolutely delicious.”
“Shouldn’t you be saying that to your date?” Her reply came out tart and went well with her arched brow.
“Why Ethan, is it me or is that jealousy I hear?”
A chuckle made the behemoth’s body shake beside her and she jabbed her elbow back sharply turning it into a wheeze.
Naomi pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. “I don’t know what game you two are playing, but count me out. I need to get back to my date.”
“Yeah, about that…”Javier stepped aside and Naomi gaped as Phil’s flushed face came into view. The reason? The two scantily dressed bimbos draped over him. The anger she’d experienced when those same girls were hanging off Ethan and Javier didn’t emerge. Actually, a vague relief suffused her. Amusement colored Javier’s tone when he spoke. “We thought we’d test your friend by throwing temptation his way. I’m afraid he’s failed. We on the other hand, had no problem resisting them.”
“You did that on purpose,” she accused.
“Yes, we did.” Javier looked completely unashamed of his naughty trick. But, he wasn’t the only one who could play dirty.
“Maybe not the best decision giving up two sure things. I guess I’m not the only one going home to my five fingers tonight,” she taunted before sashaying off. Temptation to see their faces almost made her turn around to see their reaction, but she didn’t want to ruin her exit. Besides, she feared begging them to use their five fingers—actually make that twenty between the two of them—to cure what ailed her.
* * *
Ethan shook mostly in lust, but also shock. “Did she just say what I think she did?”
Javier’s lips quirked into a gri
n as he nodded his head. “She is something isn’t she? Come on. I know where she’s parked. It wouldn’t do for her to end her date without a kiss.”
Ethan followed his friend as they weaved through the tables following the delectable ass of their woman. She wore a slim fitting, ruby colored sheath that clung to her curves and made Ethan gnash his teeth and strive for control as he couldn’t help notice the appreciative glances thrown her way.
When he’d walked in and seen her sitting with that puny human, he’d almost lost his cool. His bear had roared in his mind, ready to charge over and tear the daring human into itty bitty pieces. However, the icy glare Naomi had tossed their way at the sight of their pretend dates did much to restore his calm and kept him following Javier’s plan. A brilliant plan actually that didn’t require any violence—on their part at least—thus allowing them to keep their word.
He and Javier caught up to Naomi just outside the restaurant. Ethan clasped her hand before she could protest and linked his fingers through hers. Javier aped him on the other side and she sighed aloud.
“You guys just don’t give up, do you?”
“You’re mine. Ours.” Ethan saw no reason to couch his feelings.
Javier chuckled. “As Ethan so eloquently put it, since we’ve met you, you’ve never been far from our minds. We want you, in our bed and in our lives.”
“You want to mark me and make me your little shifter slave.”
“We want to mark you to show the world you belong to us. If anyone’s a slave, it’s us for wanting to give you the moon.”
They reached her car and she pulled from their grasp. Turning to face them, she leaned back against her vehicle.
“You haven’t yet proven yourselves to me. For all I know, you’re just enjoying the thrill of the chase.”
Javier’s brows shot up as he looked at Ethan. “She says we didn’t prove anything? I’d say the fact we gave your date two women to compensate him for losing you instead of ripping his head off for looking at you was a pretty good example of our control.”
Fated Mates: The Alpha Shifter Boxed Set (12 Book Bundle) (Insatiable Reads) Page 65
