by Rosanna Leo
And he sure knew how to use his tongue.
She wiggled against him, wanting more, wanting it harder and deeper. Jani teased her sex, drawing her lips into his mouth, even licking the tender skin around her ass. He felt so good, so familiar and strange all at once.
When he rolled her onto her back, she suspected the bite was approaching. He caressed the skin under her A.B. tattoo, smoothing his fingers over her hip. Jani drew a finger across her stomach, bringing it to rest on the other hip, opposite her ink.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you.”
With a low growl sounding at the back of his throat, he lowered his head and bit her on the hip, breaking the skin. Fleur stiffened against the pain, telling herself it would be gone in no time. Sure enough, Jani retracted his tiger teeth and kissed the spot, making sure to lick the wound until it healed.
She was in him now, just as he was in her.
He kissed his way up her body, nuzzling her neck and breasts. “Thank you.”
Fleur reached for his ass, pressing him against her, scratching his skin. “Now.”
They didn’t bother with condoms this time. There was no need. Jani thrust his cock inside her, driving deep, and curled over her. He dug his fingers into her hair and fucked her hard, pinning her with his gaze. He seemed bigger than ever before, taut, and hungry. With each flex of his strong hips, he staked his claim again and her body responded in the only way it knew how.
With utter submission and humility. He owned her.
You own me. Jani’s voice sounded in her head for the first time.
Fleur wanted to shout with joy. They were connected in every way now. He’d hear her thoughts. She’d understand his. No one would ever mean more to her.
Come for me, my precious mate.
Just like that, she did. She flew into a million pieces, crying his name, clutching at his backside. On a tortured groan, he emptied himself into her body until they were both spent.
For a long time, neither of them moved. They didn’t breathe. Jani kissed her, his lips tracing his promise on her mouth, her temple, her neck.
You are mine, as I am yours.
Fleur closed her eyes and smiled.
* * * *
Jani awoke to screams. He sat up, his head spinning, terrified for Fleur. However, a quick glance assured him his mate was safe. The screams were not hers, but they were close. As the howls echoed through the woods, Fleur awoke with a start as well.
“Jani?”
“I’m okay. It’s someone else on the island.”
“Let’s go.”
They threw on clothes and followed the sound of feminine anguish. It originated at the cabin closest to theirs, that of Bart and Charlotte Cairo.
“It’s Charlotte.” Fleur’s brow furrowed. “I hope nothing’s wrong with the baby.”
Without bothering to knock on the Cairos’ door, Jani and Fleur barged in. Charlotte lay on the living room floor, her knees knocked to the sides, clutching her swollen belly.
A red-faced Bart kneeled next to her, wiping her forehead. He turned to them. “We, uh, think the baby’s coming. Maybe you guys could call Josh Douglas for us?”
Josh, a doctor and shifter friend, lived and practiced on the mainland. One glance at Charlotte’s strained face told Jani there wasn’t enough time to wait for Josh, but he placed the call anyway.
Charlotte confirmed his thoughts with a screech. “This thing is coming now! Oh fuck. I can’t wait for Josh. What am I supposed to do, hold a wolf inside me?” She let out a couple of big breaths and grabbed Bart’s shirt collar. “You know I love you, but right now I want to take your fucking head off. Ohmigod, this hurts so fucking much!”
More people careened through the door. Anton, Marci, Ryland, and Lia poured into the cabin.
Marci, best friend to Charlotte, ran over to kneel at her head. “Has your water broken?”
“Yes,” Charlotte sobbed. “All over the fucking floor. And before you say anything, I’m allowed to curse all I want. I’m about to pass a baby wolf, but he feels like a goddamned giant.”
Soren, Gioia, Killian, and Nina joined the group at the doorway.
“We heard shouts,” said Soren. The polar bear shifter took one look at Charlotte’s prostrate form and gulped. He averted his eyes. “Whoa. That’s just…whoa.”
His mate Gioia put her hands on his cheeks and shielded his eyes, giggling. “Good God, Soren. For a man who’s saved my life in battle, you sure are squeamish.”
Within seconds, Suzan and her mates Percy and Byron burst in. “I sensed the baby coming,” Suzan said. “I could feel your pain all the way over on the other side of the island.”
“It’s true,” said Byron. “For a moment, Percy and I thought Suzan was going into labor.”
“Great,” bemoaned Charlotte, panting. “Now everyone can watch. Pull up a seat, folks. Who are we missing? The janitorial staff? Random strangers?” She turned her face into Bart’s chest and let out another howl.
Marci turned to the assembled friends. “Uh, I don’t suppose anyone here has ever delivered a shape-shifter baby?”
Jani was shocked when Fleur put up a hand.
“I have,” she said quietly. “Or at least, I’ve watched it done.”
Charlotte pinned her frantic gaze on Fleur. “Her. I want her.”
Fleur took a deep breath and raced over to Charlotte. She kneeled between the expectant mother’s knees and gently spread them farther apart. “My grandmother was a midwife. I assisted her once a long time ago when she was called out on an emergency. I was just a kid, but she had to bring me with her, so I got to see what she did up close.”
“Right now,” said Charlotte, grasping Fleur’s sleeve. “I don’t care if your grandmother was the Dalai Lama. Please take this thing out of me.”
Fleur called to Jani telepathically. Everyone on TV always asks for clean towels in these situations. I guess I need some too.
He nodded and quickly ransacked the Cairos’ bathroom for linens, bringing them to her. She placed one over Charlotte’s tummy and thighs to help preserve her modesty, and another one under her legs.
“I don’t know how to help her.” Bart’s shoulders slumped.
Fleur smiled. “Just keep doing what you’re doing. Is the baby late?”
“Yeah.” Bart nodded. “By a couple of weeks. We were told that wasn’t unusual.” He brushed Charlotte’s wet hair out of her face and grinned at his mate, his eyes misty. “I love you, Charles.”
Jani grinned when Bart used his nickname for Charlotte. He’d always thought it was a funny nickname for a woman, but he wasn’t about to tell him so now.
Charlotte curled her fingers against the hardwood floor. “I love you too. I’m sorry I yelled at you but I’m probably going to do it again.” She inhaled sharply, hit by pain, and shouted. “Fuckdamnshitpisshell!”
“Okay.” Fleur caught Charlotte’s attention. “I want you to look at me and I’m going to talk you through this. You’re doing fine.”
“It really hurts,” Charlotte said, tears streaming from her eyes. “Are all these things so big?”
“Your little guy does seem to be stocky,” said Fleur. “I bet he’s going to be a linebacker.”
“No.” Bart shook his head. “A hockey player. A forward.”
Fleur giggled. “A hockey player, then.”
“Is he okay?” Charlotte’s voice cracked. “Our baby?”
“Of course,” Fleur said. “My grandmother told me shifter babies know what to do. It’s the animal instinct.” She pushed up the towels so she could see better. Prodding Charlotte’s distended belly, she dispensed with the towels altogether. “Sorry. I need to see.”
Charlotte managed a laugh. “It’s okay. Nothing this crowd hasn’t seen before.”
A nervous laugh rippled through the gathered friends. As shifters, they’d all been nude in each other’s company at some point.
Jani watched Fleur, amazed his mate could be so calm in such a situation. He had no idea she had this talent. She calmed Charlotte and Bart with a few words, helping them focus, while distracting them from the struggle. Miraculous. He’d never expected to see this nurturing side of her. It wasn’t long ago he doubted she even had one.
She’d make an incredible mother one day. He could see her now, teaching their children, wiping their tears, and sharing in their joys. One day, he would love to put his seed in her belly and see what happened.
You’re already fantasizing about getting me pregnant, aren’t you?
I won’t lie, he responded. I am. You’re amazing.
Smiling to herself, Fleur massaged the area around Charlotte’s opening. “The baby’s crowning.” She grinned. “You should see all his dark hair. Now on my count, I want you to push once. And…push.”
Charlotte squeezed her eyes shut and bore down. Jani realized he was holding his own breath, wishing he could help Fleur in some way. However, it didn’t appear she needed the help. He wasn’t exactly sure what she was doing but she seemed to have everything under control.
“Just one more push, Charlotte, and you’ll get a chance to hold your baby boy.” Fleur sucked in a deep breath so Charlotte could imitate her. When they’d both inhaled, Fleur said, “Push!”
Charlotte did, her shoulders trembling in Bart’s arms.
All of a sudden, a gooey bundle appeared in Fleur’s arms. Jani put a hand to his mouth, entranced by the sight of Fleur holding the baby. Her mouth spread in the widest, happiest smile he’d ever seen her wear, and she turned to him, her eyes bright with tears.
You did it, he said. You really did it.
She shrugged, her head cocked at an adorable angle.
By God, he wanted to run over and pull her into his arms and never let go.
Frantic footsteps sounded outside the door. Josh Douglas, a sheen on his brow, forced his way through the crowd of friends. “I was already near the docks and came as fast as I…I see we have a baby.” He smiled at Fleur and took the little one from her. “Did you do this?”
“Yup.”
“Great job. Thank you.” Josh turned his attention to the infant and its mother.
As the group began to utter congratulations, Jani made his way over to Fleur, his arms outstretched. “Come here.”
She hugged him. “I have baby goo all over me.”
“I don’t care.” He buried his face in the crook of her neck, absorbing her green apple goodness, tinged as it was by Charlotte’s fluids. He’d never grow tired of inhaling his mate’s scent. She surprised him in so many ways and he prayed she’d never grow tired of him.
Impossible, she declared.
Someone tapped Fleur’s shoulder and they both looked up. Suzan stood there smiling, flanked by Percy and Byron. “Congratulations,” she said. “I knew you guys mated before I even walked through the door.”
“Is it that obvious?” Fleur asked, laughing.
Suzan rolled her eyes. “Oh yeah. I could smell your combined scents about fifty feet away. I’m happy for you.”
Byron and Percy stopped to shake hands with Jani. Acknowledging it in public for the first time, he’d never felt so proud.
Marci and Anton approached. Anton clapped a hand to Jani’s back. “So I guess this means I lose my chief advisor. Or am I gaining a new cousin in Budapest?”
“Fleur and I haven’t discussed our living arrangements yet,” Jani said. “This is all still new.”
“You’ll figure it out.” Marci hugged Fleur, kissing her on the cheek. “Thanks for helping my friend and her baby. We owe you so much.”
Fleur shook her head. “The little guy was pretty much already here by the time I did anything. No one owes me a thing. I was glad to do it.”
Ryland and Lia approached. “You were as cool as a cucumber,” Ryland said, patting Lia’s belly. “Maybe you could be there when Lia gives birth.”
“Yeah,” agreed Lia. “I’m sure I’ll need the moral support.”
Jani knew this was the moment Fleur was finally accepted by everyone on Gemini Island. Any lingering suspicion disappeared the moment she helped deliver Charlotte’s child. His chest swelled with joy. If Fleur had Ryland’s seal of approval, she would be accepted by anyone else associated with the Ursa Resort.
Fleur smiled at Ryland and Lia. “Anything for my friends.”
Jani kissed the top of her head, feeling some of the shadows lift from his mate’s soul.
“Hey,” Charlotte called. Josh had propped her up with pillows and she looked almost as comfortable as in a bed. “No one can leave before saying hello to baby Lloyd.”
Everyone turned to the new parents. Bart held his son, kissing the baby’s cheeks. The happiness surrounding the trio warmed the entire room and Jani spied tears on a few faces.
“Baby Lloyd, huh?” asked Ryland, stepping forward. “I like it.”
“Actually,” said Bart. “His full name is Lloyd Ryland Cairo.” Bart’s eyes misted as he nodded at Ryland.
“Seriously?” Ryland wiped his own eyes. “That’s a mouthful.”
“He’ll wear it proudly.” Bart held the baby out toward Ryland. “Wanna hold him, Ry?”
“I sure do.” The lodge owner took the swaddled baby from Bart, moving carefully, as if worried he’d engulf him. He showed him to Lia and kissed the infant’s forehead. “Hey, little buddy. Before long, your dad and I will show you how to fish. We’ll take you out on the lake and teach you how to throw a ball. Not on the lake, of course. That would be dumb. Oh and we’ll teach you all about your awesome Uncle Lloyd. He saved your mommy’s life, you know? And your Aunt Lia’s. You’ve been named after a brave man.”
Charlotte called to Fleur. Jani released his grip on his mate so she could sit on the floor next to Charlotte.
“I want to thank you, Fleur,” the new mom said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”
Fleur hugged Charlotte. The two women spilled a few tears, wiped each other’s faces, and began to laugh.
Jani waited for his turn to hold baby Lloyd. When his cheeks began to hurt, he realized it was because he couldn’t stop smiling. Everything had fallen into place somehow, even though the world seemed in shambles a few short weeks ago.
He used to worry admitting his love for Fleur would send him down a dark path of uncertainty. How could he have been so wrong? He already understood loving her was the best thing he’d ever do with his life.
Chapter 11
FLEUR squeezed Jani’s hand as they approached Luke Miller’s cabin. She hadn’t seen her mother since they left her with the bear shifter, and she felt guilty for not having visited.
“There’s no reason to feel guilty.”
She forgot he could read her thoughts. Even though it felt natural to have him privy to her emotions, it still surprised her.
Jani let go of her hand and draped his arm around her shoulders. “Remember what Luke said? No contact for a few days, not until the drugs are out of her system.”
“I know. I just feel I should have been there.”
“What could you have done for her?”
“I don’t know. Shield Luke in case she started throwing plates?”
Jani chuckled. “Luke knows what he’s doing.”
“I hope so.”
He stopped walking and turned to face her, rubbing his hands along her arms. Everything will be okay in the end.
His love, such a potent force since they mated, radiated around Fleur like an aura. He only needed to touch her to make her feel better. When life seemed askew, one kiss from Jani restored her balance. They’d only been mated for a couple of days now, but their bond still shocked her with its intensity. She stood on tiptoes and dropped a kiss on her man’s mouth. You’ve already made everything better for me.
At the touch of her lips, Jani grabbed her around her middle and held her tight. Not satisfied with
her chaste kiss, he took her mouth again. This time, he demanded entrance and she gave it to him willingly. Their tongues met at the same time their spirit animals met. His tiger, as possessive as the man who housed it, curled around her wolf. The two creatures seemed in sync, their movements complementing one another’s. Fleur experienced the same sense of unity, of communion, in Jani’s bed. When their bodies joined in a frenzy that calmed into an awe-struck peace, she knew bliss.
If anyone had asked her to describe bliss before, she wouldn’t have known what to say. But now? Bliss was the feeling she got when Jani reached for her hand. It was the heat of his breath on her skin and the way he uttered her name. Bliss had a color now and it was the sage green of his eyes.
By the time their kiss ended, several minutes later, Fleur’s body was primed. Her nipples stood at attention and her panties felt scratchy and uncomfortable.
“I know, mindenem,” Jani said, discreetly sweeping his thumb over her breast. “I want you too.”
She rested her head against his chest. She knew what this was, this all-encompassing sensation she’d die without his touch.
The mate bond.
It had already taken effect and as much as it excited her, it hung around her neck like a chain-link noose. All shifters endured it at some point during the mating process. The primeval force drove them together, making them desperate for one another’s touch. Fleur had expected it to feel powerful, but she hadn’t realized it would seize her like a sort of madness.
The bond had called to her the previous night, waking her out of a deep sleep hours before sunrise. Her body had turned toward Jani before she could even process her need. He’d been awake too, staring at the ceiling, but welcomed her into his arms before she could articulate her desire in a murmur. She’d clambered atop him and had needed no foreplay to ready her. She’d been wet and hungry.
“Ride me, my mate,” he’d said, digging his fingernails into her bottom.
She had, teasing him into a state of frenzy for the better part of an hour. Afterward, they’d collapsed back onto the mattress, soaked in each other’s sweat, gasping.
