by Kris Norris
Lucas reached for her, snaking his arm around her waist and tugging her in close. Then, he turned, backing her against Cullen’s chest. Cullen’s knuckles brushed against Lucas’ waist as the man grasped Hollis’ hips, nuzzling her hair aside as he dropped a kiss on her neck. Hollis hummed, tilting her head to the side, moaning this time when Cullen licked his way up to her earlobe. She shivered as he nipped at the flesh, her eyelids fluttering a few times before she gazed at Lucas.
He smiled, once again tracing her jaw with his thumb. “We realize you only have our assurances that we’re sincere, but if there’s one thing we’re certain about, it’s that you’re our mate. No mistakes. No regrets. And it’s about time we proved that.” He brushed his thumb over where she’d split her lip. “Is this going to hurt you?”
“Only way to know for sure is to try.”
He leaned in, skimming his lips over hers, tasting her anticipation. “Mine.”
He closed the last breath of distance, gently pressing his mouth to hers. Soft flesh molded against his, and he traced the seam of her lips in silent invitation. She moaned, opening enough he could sweep his tongue inside, dancing it over hers. A sweet tang infused his senses, the essence matching her scent. He smoothed his hand back, cupping her head as he tilted it against Cullen’s chest, using the position to thoroughly possess her mouth. Her small fingers threaded through his hair, holding him close when he finally released her. A contented huff sounded in his head, the antsy feeling inside him easing.
“You okay?”
“Only if you do that, again.”
He dropped another soft kiss on her mouth, smiling down at her. “Just as wild and sweet as I’d imagined. I bet Cullen would like to see for himself.”
She inhaled a shaky breath as Cullen’s hand joined Lucas’ in her hair, gently turning her head toward him. Lucas moved just enough to allow the other man to twist her slightly, granting him better access. He smiled at Hollis then slanted his mouth over hers, all but lifting her off her feet with the intensity of the kiss. She looked doe-eyed when he finally eased back, keeping her trapped between them.
Cullen glanced at him, his focus dropping to Lucas’ lips. Lucas didn’t need further encouragement before leaning in and tasting the man’s mouth. Spicy musk mixed with a sweet zest, the combined flavor burning into his senses. He growled as he pulled back, wanting nothing more than to rip off all their clothes and stake his claim.
Cullen chuckled. “We’re getting there.” He looked at Hollis, the lines over his nose creasing. “Sweetheart? You okay?”
Her lips were slightly parted as she swung her gaze between them.
Lucas frowned. “Hollis? Are we scaring you?”
A slow smile lifted her mouth. “I just never expected seeing two men kiss to be that arousing. Don’t suppose you’ll do it, again, for me.”
Cullen grinned then struck, making his last kiss appear tame in comparison. The way he ate at Lucas’ mouth, tasting every inch before ending with a nip, made the room feel suddenly hot. Lucas grunted when his mate finally released him, knowing he’d come inside his damn pants if he didn’t get a taste of one of them soon.
“You’re not the only one, mate. And I know exactly what I’m in the mood for.” Cullen focused on Hollis. “You smell good enough to eat.”
Cullen stepped back, taking Hollis’ jacket with him. It fell heavily to the floor, the dull thud sparking a chain reaction. Lucas scooped up their mate, allowing Cullen to remove her boots and socks before carrying her over to the bed. He placed her on her feet, letting her catch her balance before fisting the edge of her camisole.
He leaned in close. “Are you sure? Not that we wouldn’t stop if you asked but…” He blew out a shaky breath. “We’re so close to the edge…”
She silenced him with a soft kiss. “I’m giving you boys far more than just my body. I’m giving you my trust. My heart.”
“We won’t let you down. Promise, despite our previous shortcomings. And you already have our trust. Our love.”
Her eyes widened at his last word, and she opened her mouth, but he shook his head, silencing her with a gentle touch. “You don’t have to say anything. Not yet. Wait until everything’s not such a jumbled mess. We’ll love you enough for all of us. But if you’re ready…” He tugged on the material gathered in his hands. “This has got to go.”
Hollis snagged her bottom lip then smiled, raising her arms. “Try not to rip any of the seams. I like this one.”
Lucas growled, again, waiting for Cullen to undo the ties holding the bodice close to her body, before lifting the garment over her head. It fell in a flutter of beige to the floor, puddling beside him. He swept his gaze the length of her body, mesmerized by the expanse of creamy skin. A few scars marred the sheer perfection of it, and he made a mental note to uncover every detail behind them. Learn every story that had brought her into their lives.
But for now, he focused on how soft her flesh felt as he trailed his fingers through the valley of her breasts and along her ribs. Lean muscles flexed beneath his touch, random patches of goosebumps erupting across her skin. He stopped at her hip, drinking in the increased scent of her arousal, knowing he’d need to lick her cleft before his bear would quiet enough he’d be able to savor the rest of her.
He forced his gaze up to her face, smiling at the deep flush staining her neck and cheeks. “God, you’re stunning.”
Her breath hitched as he brushed his knuckles across one distended nipple, noting the way the tight bud hardened further. Cullen’s hands appeared beneath her breasts, slowly sliding up to cup each side. Her chest rose and fell within the man’s grip, a shattered cry sounding when he used his thumb and fingers to lightly pinch each nub.
Lucas moaned. “Damn. Not sure I’ll get my mouth on you before I explode.” He nudged her nose with his. “Tell us. Have you experienced any of this before?”
Her focus darted toward Cullen then back to him, the flush on her cheeks deepening. “Is that your subtle way of asking if I’m a virgin?”
“Thinkin’ it wasn’t too subtle.”
Her chin quivered slightly. “Does it matter?”
“Of course not. Nothing you tell us will change how we feel about you. It’s just…the first time can be a bit uncomfortable, especially if we just barrel ahead, assuming you’re not new to this. We’ve messed things up enough, as it is. We don’t need to add to that list by being insensitive.”
“So, this isn’t your other halves hoping to be the first? To have a part of me I’ve never shared before?”
Cullen growled this time, lifting one hand to twist her head toward him. “Do we want to be your first? Your only lovers? Hell, yes. And that’s not just the animal side of us talking, sweetheart. Imagining anyone else touching you…” He released a raspy breath. “It tests the human part of us, too. But we’d be foolish to think other men haven’t had the sense to court you. Charm you into their beds. Despite your best efforts, you can’t hide how beautiful you are. The kind of soul you have. Like Lucas said…we’ll love you either way.”
Indecision flashed in her eyes. “I assume you’ve both been with other women. Men.”
Cullen sighed. “A few women, though they were empty encounters, at best. But I’ve never wanted another man until Lucas came along. He’ll be my first and only in that way.”
She shifted her gaze to Lucas.
He nodded. “Same for me. A handful of women over the last several years, but Cullen definitely caught me by surprise, not that I’m complainin’. The man’s got more honor than ten men. And I can’t wait to run my tongue all over his body.”
A small smile lifted her lips. “Then, I suppose you’ll both be getting two firsts, because other than some token kisses, no man has given me so much as a second look since I went to medical school, five years ago, when I was sixteen. I suppose between the clothes and the pistols, no one’s wanted to take that much of a risk. Not until both of you.”
A dull roar sounded in Lucas’ h
ead, and he had to rest his forehead on hers in order to stay on his feet. Just thinking they’d be her only lovers… As primitive as it might have been, he couldn’t deny the satisfied huff of his bear, or the way the damn thing puffed up its chest. He was surprised the animal didn’t force him to shift so it could strut around the room, gloating.
Her finger landed on his jaw, drawing him back. “I’ll assume by your reaction, you cared more than you thought.”
He chuckled. “Happy? Yes. But we meant it. It wouldn’t have mattered. Though, it also means we need to ensure we do everything we can not to cause you any additional discomfort. The bruising on your face is more than you deserve.”
“Pretty sure any trace of pain will be worth the pleasure. So, stop worryin’ about deflowering me, and stake your claim.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Cullen swallowed around the tight feeling in his throat and chest. Despite all the ways they’d let Hollis down since she’d first walked into his office, she was still there. Still willing to give them a chance. It had been nothing short of a miracle that she hadn’t run off after Lucas had shown her the truth about what they were. That she’d had the courage to stay. Now, she was standing between them, naked, her unwavering acceptance smiling back at him, when she turned to stare into his eyes.
He shook his head, reminding himself to spend the next eighty years proving to her it hadn’t been a colossal mistake to trust them, before palming her jaw and drawing her lips to his. A contented hum sounded between them as he slanted his mouth over hers, her soft flesh spiking his need. His bear roared, but there was no denying the sense of peace that soothed the scratching feeling beneath his skin. The way his other half settled for the first time since he’d shaken Lucas’ hand all those months ago.
Hollis’ eyelids fluttered a few times once he’d eased back, giving him fleeting glimpses of blue before she fully opened them, looking up at him as if he was the answer to whatever questions were rattling around inside her head. He smiled, fully aware she and Lucas were the answer to his. Cullen glanced at the man and immediately wanted to smack the smug grin off his mate’s face.
Lucas chuckled. “I feel the same. And while I don’t mind a bit of rough foreplay, I think your efforts would be better spent showing Hollis just how thankful we are she didn’t shoot us when she had the chance.”
Hollis grinned. “Colts are still handy if you two continue to keep me waitin’.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it, darlin’. Why don’t you help Cullen get more comfortable, then join him on the bed?”
She grinned at Cullen, flicking at the first button on his pants as she glanced at Lucas over her shoulder. “Can’t wait to get you both naked. But I was thinkin’ I could start this night off on my knees.”
Cullen groaned, looking at Lucas when the man had a similar reaction. His mate tucked some of Hollis’ hair behind her ear as he leaned in close, his breath rustling some stray strands.
He dropped a kiss on her earlobe, grinning as her raspy breath. “While I love the thought of you wrapping your lips around my shaft, this first time is about you.”
Hollis popped open the second button. “If you’re both determined to please me, then you’ll start by letting me make a few of my fantasies come true. While I might not have actually been with a man, it doesn’t mean I haven’t dreamed of what I’d like to do a thousand times over, especially where you boys are concerned. I’ve been picturing all sorts of things since we met.” She glanced downwards. “And there’s nothing I’d like more than to watch both of you give yourselves over to me. Paint your releases across my chest.”
Lucas swallowed with apparent effort. “Hollis—”
“Are you suggesting neither of you would recover enough to make love to me after? I’d have thought with your bears’ healing abilities, stamina wouldn’t be an issue.”
Cullen chuckled, drawing her face back to his. “Not even five minutes since we managed to charm you into our bed, and you’re already challenging us. Damn, you’re something else.”
“Haven’t quite made it to the bed. Which makes kneelin’ on the floor a logical starting place.”
Cullen wrapped his hands around her wrists, stopping her from opening the next button. “How about I make you a counter-offer?” He nodded toward Lucas. “You get Lucas naked, then we’ll both concentrate on making him finish. You’re not the only one who wants to taste him.”
Her eyes widened. “I like your negotiation skills. You’ve got yourself a deal.” She spun toward Lucas, her hands landing on his chest.
Lucas clenched his jaw as she skimmed her fingers along his ribs to the edge of his breeches. “Don’t I get a say in this?”
She laughed, and Cullen knew by the way Lucas sighed the man was helpless to deny her anything. “Indulge us this time, and you can have full control over the next phase.”
“You drive a hard bargain, darlin’. But seeing as I have my mind set on buryin’ my face between your legs until you come all over my tongue, I’ll concede this first round.” He snagged her wrists when she started opening his trousers. “Just remember. You can only tease me so much before I pounce.”
“Have I told you boys how much I love pushin’ boundaries? Figure now’s a good a time as any to see just where yours lie.”
Lucas grinned, releasing his hold. Hollis opened the rest of the buttons then paused. She lifted one hand, thumbing Lucas’ jaw before tiptoeing up and taking the man’s lips with hers. Lucas wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her tight against his body as he dominated the kiss, tilting her head back until it rested against Cullen. Cullen brushed her hair off her shoulder, mouthing her skin as Lucas finally eased back.
Lucas focused on the twin marks that appeared on her flesh as Cullen released her shoulder. He hadn’t used enough pressure to break the skin, but it was definitely a show of ownership. Lucas growled, drawing an answering snarl from Cullen’s bear.
Cullen waited until Lucas’ gaze clashed with his, shifting his focus from Hollis’ shoulder back to mate’s face. Cullen arched a brow, gathering Hollis closer as he threaded his fingers through her hair, keeping her head tilted to the side. Lucas dampened his lips, watching Hollis as he leaned in, licking at the small divots just beginning to disappear. She trembled then moaned, pushing her head into Cullen’s hold.
Lucas repeated the caress then mouthed her skin, scraping his canines across the surface. She rasped his name, threading one of her hands through his hair before pulling him harder against her. He growled, again, in warning, making another pass, but still not breaking the skin.
She huffed, tugging on his hair this time as she pushed against his mouth. “Do it.”
Lucas retreated, cupping her face until she finally met his gaze. He thumbed her lip, careful to avoid the blemish, only to curse when she sucked at the pad of his finger. “Do you know what you’re askin’ me—askin’ us—to do?”
She blinked a few times then nodded. “Even if the image wasn’t playing over and over inside my head, somehow, I know animals often like to mark each other. I’m assumin’ your bears are no different.”
“And do you understand the ramifications if we bite you?” He glanced at Cullen. “We’ll all be bound. Until death.”
Her eyes widened as she looked at Cullen across her shoulder before focusing on Lucas, again. “Are you two having second thoughts?”
“Us? Darlin’, if we’d had our way, we would have bitten you that first night. But we’re trying to ease you into this. Give you the proof you need that we’re sincere. After all, you did confess you weren’t convinced this wasn’t just a passin’ fancy for us.”
“Thinkin’ there’s no better proof than this.”
“And if you have second thoughts in the morning?”
“Lucas, in all the years I’ve been learning about medicine then practicin’ it, I’ve never had any man stand up for me. Ever. Pretty sure I could search the Earth and never find two men who believe in me the way you boys do, even
if I did have to practically beat it out of you. There won’t be any regrets. And if it feels half as good as you just scrapin’ my skin did…” She lifted her chin defiantly. “I said to stake your claim. And I meant it.”
Lucas speared his fingers through her hair, layering them over Cullen’s. “God forbid I don’t accept a challenge.” He leaned in, testing the patch of skin he intended to mark. “Mine.”
He struck. Hollis stiffened between them, a throaty moan sounding in the air as she melted into Cullen, her heart thrashing wildly against his palm as he shifted his hold in an effort to keep her upright. Lucas didn’t rush, seemingly drawing the act out until Hollis whispered his name. His mate eased back, looking down at Hollis before locking his gaze on Cullen. There was no mistaking the pure need darkening his eyes as he stared at the same patch of skin on Cullen’s shoulder.
Cullen mentally told the man he’d have to wait as he bent over Hollis, sliding his tongue along the marks Lucas had left. Hollis moaned, tiptoeing up in an obvious attempt to increase the pressure. Cullen smiled against her skin, making a few more feathery passes with his lips before sealing his mouth to her flesh. She yelled his name when his teeth sank deep into the muscle, the warm taste of her blood increasing his desire until his damn pulse throbbed inside his head. His cock hardened against her ass, and he had to mentally tell his bear to release her shoulder when the damn thing lingered longer than Lucas had.
Hollis sagged in his arms, the simple motion sending a flash of cold across his flesh. It beaded with bumps as fear dropped his stomach. If he’d hurt her…
