Her pussy tightens almost painfully around my cock as Varick edges in her ass slowly, waiting until she relaxes before moving again. I grit my teeth at the sensation of another cock sliding so close to mine, separated only by a thin barrier. Tight -- she’s so tight -- and I’m so close to the edge. No, not yet. This is for her. For us. Together.
Holding on to my release, I wait until Varick enters her fully, until the flutters in her passage and the trembling of her thighs signals her readiness. She releases the breath she’s been holding, nodding her consent to move.
“So full… oh God, so much…” Almost incoherent in her speech, she moves with us. Varick takes the lead as he presses in to her, sliding against us both in a full sweep of his cock. I hold her hips, letting the recoil of the bed and their movements guide my thrusts. She’s trembling so hard, pulsing around me that she pulls me with her, farther and faster than I had hoped for this time. “Oh -- yes -- coming!” Her face flushes in passion, her entire body shaking in her orgasm.
“Fuck, yeah!” I follow her over, coming hard in pulsing spurts deep inside her. Varick cries out just after me, coming in her ass.
Aurora’s trembling eases, her body lying lax against me as we all try to catch our breath. The shaking of her body starts up again, growing more and more until she’s almost gasping. Damn it, is she crying? “Are you okay, sweetheart? Did we hurt you?”
“Baby, talk to us. What’s wrong?” Varick rolls to the side, searching her face as she bursts out laughing, tears running down her face.
“Nothing’s wrong. I just can’t stop laughing! I feel so…” again, her giggles fly free, bringing grins to our faces as we catch her insanity. “… a sandwich! Oh, that poor woman doesn’t know what she missed.”
Remembering her jealous taunt to Jordan in the parking lot earlier about being in a human/shifter sandwich, my grin turns into a feral possessiveness. I pull her closer in a tight bear hug. “Aurora, honey, Jordan’s got nothing on you, shifter or not. You’re our mate.”
“And you make a damned good filling for our sandwich, baby.” Varick’s wink brings another giggle from her.
“I’m not really sure how this mate thing works among shifters and all. You’re not going to find another mate to bring into our family, are you? Because I have to tell you, I don’t really share all that well.”
“Gee, we couldn’t tell. Here I thought you didn’t have a jealous bone in your body. But no, you’re it. We only mate once and it lasts forever, sweetheart. It’s not like a human marriage. There’s no divorce and no going back. Can you handle that?”
She settles in between us, entwining her fingers with ours. “Yes, I think I can.” She tries to hide her yawn against my shoulder, but she’s clearly exhausted. Her eyes drift closed, but she stirs again when Varick pulls a blanket over us. “As long as you don’t try to control me.”
* * *
“She doesn’t know much about shifters, does she? Even though she was campaigning for paranormal rights.” Varick’s question raises some of the same concerns I have.
“I guess not. Really, she wants to put sex on a schedule?” I chuckle and take a bottle of beer from the fridge. “Want one?” At his nod, I hand one over. “What I’m more concerned with is the change in the town’s attitude. I don’t know if she’s safe here.”
“Usually it’s the other way around. I’ve been on the wrong side of towns too many times to let that happen to her. We need to protect her.”
“My family is here, Varick. They’ll come around. It’ll help if we have a core group around us that already accepts her as our mate. I grew up here and I still have friends.”
“Your family and friends didn’t seem very open to you mating a human, from what I saw. Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I need to go talk to my family and explain. There’s going to be some hard feelings, and I burned some bridges that I shouldn’t have. Do you mind staying here with her while I try to patch things up? My mom’s pretty open-minded, but Dad can be a challenge. I’ll bring you guys by for introductions later, after I get things settled.”
“No problem. I had a family once. They were pretty screwed up, but family’s family. You can’t choose ’em.”
“Seriously, I’ve had it pretty good with mine. But honesty is a big thing with gryphons, especially with families. I really screwed up.”
Aurora’s Blog (9)
“Kender asked us to stay put.” Varick runs a hand through his hair, the dark strands messed in a sexy, rumpled kind of way.
“What if I don’t want to stay? I want to go to town. I need to pick up some things -- some female things -- without you guys. He left his truck here, right?”
“Yes, the truck’s here, but going to town really isn’t a good idea. Besides, I promised him I’d keep you here.”
“What? You told him you’d keep me here? Listen, I know we’re mated, but I don’t follow anyone’s orders, let alone someone I’ve only known for a few days. You guys are good in bed -- hell, you’re both fantastic -- but let’s get this straight right now. You don’t own me.”
“Damn it, that didn’t come out the way I meant it, Aurora. Kender’s gone to talk to his parents. He needs to get a few things cleared up before he introduces us to them.”
“So they don’t like phoenixes or humans?”
“It’s not being a phoenix that’s the problem, baby. It’s different here. Humans aren’t as accepted in some places.”
“Well here’s a news bulletin for you: I don’t need his family’s approval, and I don’t need you telling me what to do. Just show me where the keys to the truck are and I’ll leave. You guys will be all happy and cozy without the annoying little human around.”
“Stop for a minute and think. It’s not safe for you in town yet. This area is mostly paranormals, and has been for a long time. Things have changed since Kender lived here, so he needs to ease the way first. We don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Varick, I understand you want to protect me. But I don’t want or need protection. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time now. I appreciate what you did for me, but it doesn’t give you the right to order me around.”
“We’re not trying to order you around, sweetheart. We’re just trying to help you stay safe.”
Kender. He closes the front door behind him, shoulders drooping. A frown deepens the lines of stress on his face. I can’t read the look he gives Varick, but it’s obvious they talked while I was still asleep this morning.
“It didn’t go well with your family, then?” Varick’s question brings a shake of Kender’s head.
“Let’s get something to eat. I’m starving, how about you guys?”
“Kender, we should talk about this.” It hurts to see him like this. “It’s because I’m human, isn’t it?”
“They don’t… I just…” His sharp exhale cuts the non-answer short. “Look, not now, okay? Give me a little time to deal with this.”
“Fine. Whatever.” I slam the door on my way out. Bullshit. This is just pure bullshit. They expect me to do everything they tell me -- whatever they order -- but when it comes to shifter business or shifter feelings, I’m just the dumb human and not worth an explanation.
Yes, I know I’m probably being too touchy and unreasonable, but they piss me off. Just because I chose to be their mate and let them take me to bed doesn’t mean I’m going to follow every dictate they come up with on the spur of the moment. I have feelings and dreams, too. They seem to forget that I had a life, goals and expectations long before they flew in. I’ve left everything behind to explore this. Doesn’t that count for anything?
The forest surrounding the cabin envelops me in its silence as I stalk down a trail. Tall, green, and covered in moss, the trees line a dirt path that looks like it was once well traveled. Soft beams of sunlight peek through the canopy of the trees, sparkling on the damp moss. The light brings an otherworldly, magical feel to the forest, drawing me deeper into the peaceful scenery.
The physical exertion of the hike draws the pique right out of me, letting me enjoy my surroundings. I follow the trail up over a hillside, amazed at the gorgeous scenery and the wildlife that seems so unafraid. A doe and her fawn stare as I pass, going back to eating without a care in the world.
A light mist starts falling, blocking out the sunlight. But it feels so refreshing on my face, I just keep going. The green of the verdant undergrowth almost glows in the strange light, deepening the mystical effect. I could really come to love it here.
Breathing the fresh air deep, I continue on as the path meanders near a swift-flowing river and passes a few shallow streams. The rich, loamy earth is starting to get muddy in places, but I’m eager to see where this goes. I’ve always been an avid hiker, and this is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen lately.
Besides, the guys need time to do their bonding, or whatever it is shifters do. Dad used to do something similar with beer, football and buddies when I was a kid. Wow. It’s been a long time since I’ve thought of that. Or really remembered anything about him without resentment for moving us around so much. He said it was so he could keep working, but to a kid, it just feels like a loss of control.
A shiver runs down my spine when a cold spill of rain plops off a tree, right down my neck. Coming out of the weird mental fog I’ve been walking in, I notice how dark it’s getting. The sun must have set some time ago, though I can still see pretty well. Rain is falling heavier and starts to soak through the light, hooded sweatshirt that I put on this morning. Crap, how long have I been out here? The empty rumble of my stomach tells me I’ve missed a meal or two.
Damn it, how stupid can I be? I’m lost. I remember taking several turns where the path split into different forks. I can’t hear the river any longer either, and with the sun down, I’m not quite sure which direction home is.
Which side of a tree does moss grow on? North? East? Ah man, why didn’t I pay attention? I should know better. I do know better than to go off by myself without telling anyone where I’m going. Isn’t that the first rule of hiking?
The crack of a branch somewhere in the undergrowth sends my pulse racing faster than a rabbit. I look around for whatever made it, but darkness shrouded with fog from the damp ground blows through the trees. I don’t see anything that could have made the noise.
“Kender? Varick?” I call out, feeling silly. They’re nowhere around here and they have no idea where I’ve gone. My call for help falls far short of making it back home, muffled by the congealing fog. I sit down on a log, but the dampness soaks through my pants. Lovely. Not the way I’d pictured getting my panties wet tonight, that’s for sure. Then again, last week I was planning on speaking at a rally, not having a hot naked threesome with two shifters. Strange how things can make a U-turn in less than an instant.
I figure it’s better to stay put until morning, since I can’t see very far in the fog and the darkness is almost complete. Hopefully by daylight, I’ll figure out how to get back home. Considering their concern before I left, the guys are probably going nuts by now. Too bad they’re not bloodhound shifters -- that might have come in handy tonight. The joke falls as flat as my voice in the fog. I settle back against a tree, resigned to a long, uncomfortable wait until morning.
* * *
“Well, what have we here?” Startled from my unintended nap, I jump up. Blood rushes to my head in a dizzying swirl. When my eyes finally focus in the early morning light, I see an older man standing in front of me, holding a rifle. Others surround him, also holding weapons. They look like military. Thank God! The boys called out the cavalry.
“I’m so glad you found me, I got lost when I was hiking. Did Kender send you?” The man so obviously in charge cocks his head to the side.
“Kender? Kender Russell? The gryphon shifter?”
“Yes, that’s him. He’s my mate. He and Varick, the phoenix shifter. I know they’ve got to be worried as hell since I didn’t come home.” I notice the men staring around them through the trees. They must have been called in from out of the area, since they don’t look very comfortable here. “I guess I’m kind of rambling. I’m really very relieved you found me so quickly. You guys are very good at your job.”
“Yes. Yes, we are.” A strange smile lights the man’s eyes, sending an uncomfortable chill wending its way up my spine.
“I’m sorry. I just realized I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Aurora Monroe.” I hold out my hand for him to shake. “And you are…”
“I’m your worst nightmare, bitch.” The butt-end of a rifle is the last thing I see as blinding pain sends me reeling into unconsciousness.
Varick’s Blog (10)
“God, Kender, where can she be? It’s getting dark and she doesn’t know this area. You don’t think your family…”
“Oh hell no. They don’t approve of me mating a human, but they’d never do anything to hurt her. You didn’t see any sign of her?” He paces back and forth in front of the cabin. I swear, if he were in his gryphon form, his tail would be lashing back and forth in frustration.
“For the fifth time, I couldn’t find hide nor hair of her. There’s so many paths leading away from here, not to mention the drive out to the main road… she could have gone anywhere. Do you know if she knows anyone around here?”
“As far as I know, this is the first time she’s been up here. Let’s face it -- we need help. Come on, flying is faster. My family can help us look for her.” He shifts, taking off over the trees. I force a quick shift and follow, the cold rain spitting into steam as it hits me.
We land in front of a big ranch house with a wrap-around porch surrounding it. A few lights are on inside the house. Kender enters without knocking. “Mom? Dad? Where are you guys?”
“We’re in here, son,” a deep voice rumbles from the dining room. We’ve obviously interrupted a family dinner. I recognize Kender’s brother and sister on the far side of the loaded table. Their father -- an older version of Kender -- sits at one end, and their mother at the other. “You’ve reconsidered?”
“No, Dad. Aurora is our mate, whether you like it or not. Mom, I’m sorry to interrupt dinner. But Aurora is missing. She ran out of the cabin into the forest after I got back this morning. She was really upset. I thought she was just going to walk it off, but she never came back.”
“That’s probably a good thing. You know how unreliable humans are, son. I’m sure you’re better off without her.” His father takes a drink from a half-filled wineglass before continuing. “Now that Jordan girl, she’s more your type. We’ve already talked with her parents. They’re willing to forgive the human’s insult the other day. They’ll even agree to have her accept your phoenix friend there, if you’re attached to him.”
“What the hell? Dad, haven’t you heard a word I’ve said? I don’t want Jordan. Neither of us do. We’re mated to Aurora. Mated and claimed. She’s missing! We need help finding her.”
“Son, you can’t mate a human. It’s impossible.” The man takes another sip of the rapidly emptying wineglass.
“Come on, Varick. We need to find her before something happens.” Kender storms out of the room, pausing on the porch to calm himself down. “Damn him! He’s so narrow-minded. He can’t see what’s right in front of his face!” His muscles tremble with his rage. He slams his fist into one of the sturdy wooden columns on the porch, the dull thud sounding at the same time the screen door opens.
“Kender, don’t break the house.” His mother stands in the doorway, silhouetted in the light from the house. She slips her arms around her son from behind, laying her head on his back. “I’m sorry about your Dad, honey. You’re right, he’s stubborn and prejudiced. But he loves you, you know that.”
“How can he love me, Mom, and not accept my mate? It’s not his decision! He knows how it is with a mate -- how can he even suggest that I marry Jordan?”
“No, son, he doesn’t know.” Her sad eyes meet mine, and then she turns Kender’s face toward her. “We
aren’t mated, Kender. Our parents arranged the marriage. Neither of us ever found our mate. We’ve been happy enough, and we eventually grew to love each other. But I never gave up hope for you children.”
“You’re not… oh hell, Mom, I didn’t know. That explains a lot.”
“It’s okay, honey. We’re happy. But both of you have found your mate. It doesn’t matter that she’s human as far as I’m concerned. You’re luckier than most. Maybe if we’d looked beyond our narrow little world like you two did… Regardless, you need our help. Whether your father approves or not, we’re family.”
“What do you need us to do, Kender?” His brother and sister walk out the door to stand beside us on the porch. “We called in several of the other families. They’re on their way to help.”
“I’ll help, too, son. I’m sorry. You were right, I should have listened.” His father’s hand lands on Kender’s shoulder, gripping him tightly. Kender folds his hand over his dad’s, standing still, his eyes closed tightly.
Overwhelmed -- I know the feeling -- I’m overcome with envy. My family would never do anything like this. Hell, I don’t even know if they’re still alive. Phoenixes just don’t stick together.
“Thanks. All of you, thanks.” He straightens his shoulders, and then looks at me, determination hard on his face. “Mom, Dad, this is Varick Gerard. He’s Aurora’s other mate, and my friend. Varick, you’ve already met Sean and Brianna. Varick, these are my parents, Hugh and Lilia Russell.”
“Nice to meet you. Now let’s find Aurora. It’s getting cold.” More cars start pulling up, lining the driveway all the way out to the road.
“Is this where the party’s at?”
Jordan’s familiar voice sets my teeth on edge. I pull her aside before she reaches the porch. Kender doesn’t need this -- so I head her off. “What are you doing here?”
Protect and Serve Shifting Forces Page 5
