Hoyt growled and pulled her up to face him, but his expression was anything from mad. His mouth turned up in a sexy grin, and his gaze locked with hers.
“It seems Chax is claiming to be our other mate,” he stated. “He wants both of us. Does that please you? He wants to live up here on Earth with us, and we would live as long as he does. And if he is your other mate, sweetheart, he won’t hurt you. He would protect you. As far as Wol-itelm, we’ll have to wait and see what happens with that.”
His words sank in, and she jumped off of his lap. “Two mates? Are you nuts? I haven’t even agreed to having one! You say he would protect me, but I’ve read about demons, and they can be tricky, Hoyt. Are you willing to trust my life that easily, because I’m not! Again what’s to say Chax didn’t make that dragon move and talk?”
She peeked at Chax. He was definitely handsome, but could she trust him, let alone have him touch her?
Chax stood up. “May I?” he asked Hoyt.
Hoyt eyed him and nodded.
Not trusting Chax, Tabatha backed up. He moved closer, but stopped when he got within arm’s reach.
“I know this is all new to you, but I give you my word I would sooner die than let anything happen to you. You’re my mate, Tabatha, and for demons, that is special. Not many of us find our mates. To have a mate on Earth is a gift so precious you probably can’t understand it.” He looked around the room. “This being here and not having to deal with the politics of my world is priceless. All I’m asking for is a chance. I didn’t make the mark move; only Wol-itelm can do this. That was very real and he will be with us soon.”
Tabatha studied him for a moment. “All my life I’ve been afraid, Chax. I’ve worried that the people who killed my parents would come for me. Or that Melody would get caught in the crossfire. Due to that fear, it took me weeks to decide if I could move in with her.”
Will I be able to deal with their sexual appetite?
“We will all be there for you, little one. Trust him and me,” Wol-itelm said.
Tabatha had always known what the special rooms in the back of The Red Fox Bar were for. She had heard stories about ménage encounters there and even had an acquaintance who was happily in a ménage romance. However, would she be able to handle sex with a demon, a werewolf and the other one who was likely a god? Or even out in public if the need arose?
“I guess with time we will see, Chax. I can’t promise anything right now. It’s just too soon.”
“We’ll all have to make some adjustments,” said Hoyt, “but we can do it if we take it one step at a time.” He pulled her back onto his lap. “We’ll give you time. I know this is all new to you.”
She settled onto his lap, losing her train of thought. Tabatha glanced at Chax, then back at Hoyt.
“But, he hasn’t answered my question about Kenneth,” Tabatha stated. She turned to Chax and raised an eyebrow.
“She has a good point. Aren’t you contracted by him?” Hoyt asked Chax and relaxed a little.
The guards backed down.
An evil smile crossed Chax’s face. “That little creep can’t do anything about my destiny. You see, I can’t attack my mates, and Kenneth has no say about this. Therefore, his contract with me is voided, but since he’s attacked ‘our’ mate, I’ll have fun with him before I destroy him. I’ll make him a present to my former boss. He loves souls.”
Chapter Six
Hoyt laughed and wrapped his arms around Tabatha’s waist and squeezed. He motioned to one of the guards by the door, and the man spoke into an intercom. Soon the music started to flow again from the downstairs band.
“Why don’t you stay and talk with us?” asked Hoyt. He moved his hand up her stomach, his thumb brushing the swell of her breast.
She tried to pull away, but his touch felt too good.
“So you’re okay with sharing me? I thought you said you’ve been waiting all these years for me?” Tabatha’s voice trembled with anger as she pushed his hand away. “Now, simply because Chax says he’s our mate, you’re going to believe him and turn me over to him?”
Tabatha felt the growl before she heard it.
“Do you really believe I would give you to anyone so easily?” Hoyt questioned. “Don’t get me wrong, Tabatha, you are mine. But I also know what it is to have a mate and be unable to touch that person or say anything to them. All we’re asking is to give us a chance to show you what it’s like to be a threesome.” He framed her face with his hands.
“Do you know how hard it was for me not to just scoop you up and run like hell when your family was killed?” He continued. “But I couldn’t. I knew you deserved to have some freedom and to mature as a woman, a person. I can’t wait any longer for you, Tabatha. I’m sorry.”
His mouth came down hard on hers. His teeth grazed her lips until she opened for him. Her tongue dueled with his as his hand roamed to her breast and squeezed. He pulled away to nip at her neck, waving to the guards to leave, and they filed out of the room. Melody’s laugh drew her attention to the far corner of the room, where Shane had her backed up against the wall.
“I have to admit the thought of watching him take you from behind has made me hard as a rock.” Hoyt slipped his hand into the front of her halter-top. “You should see what Chax has hidden in his pants. Look at him. See how hot his gaze becomes when I touch you?” He pinched her nipple between his thumb and index finger.
Chax moved from the opposite couch and sat down next to them. “Give us time,” he murmured. “I can only give you my word I won’t hurt you, Tabatha. I know that’s not much, but right now that’s all I have.”
Tabatha stared at Chax, then looked back at Hoyt, who nodded and continued his hand play.
Do you really think just because you practically cleared the room that you can do whatever you please? Give me a break!
“You forget I’m Alpha here, baby, so I can do as I please. Plus, no one better interfere with my mate or I’ll rip their heads off. Oh, and baby, I can smell your heat, so please don’t tell me this doesn’t turn you on.
Tabatha rolled her eyes. Okay, quit talking to me like this. Anyway, whatever the case with the other doggies, it doesn’t include me.
Hoyt threw his head back and laughed.
Chax’s lips turned up into a smile, indicating he heard everything they had said.
“Doggies, hmm… I don’t think we’ve ever been called doggies. I’m afraid this doggie plans to hump you soon, little girl.” Hoyt pinched her nipple and leaned down to nibble on her neck.
Chax slowly pulled her legs up onto his lap and slipped her shoes off. He started massaging her feet; his huge hands making her feet look tiny in comparison. Tabatha moaned.
“You have blisters on your feet. What happened?” Chax gazed into her eyes.
“My car was stolen this morning,” she said. “I walked to work and then home again. You try walking two miles in pumps. I have other shoes, but I wasn’t thinking. I was already late for work.”
Tabatha sighed, and he stopped rubbing her feet.
“That moron caused this to happen to you? I will make sure he suffers greatly.” Chax resumed the massage again. Careful of her blisters, he lifted one foot up to his mouth, kissing every inch of it, his gaze never leaving hers. “You have such dainty feet. So many of our demon females have enormous feet and no breasts. But your breasts are large enough to satisfy any man or demon.”
She slid her feet from his lap. Slipping from Hoyt’s grasp, she adjusted her top. “If you two will excuse me, I need to use the restroom. Maybe this time I won’t have any interruptions. Melody, are you coming?”
Tabatha put her shoes back on, grabbed her purse, and fanned herself with her other hand. Putting a little more wiggle in her walk, Tabatha smiled, knowing the men watched her.
God, Hoyt must have the heat up high! But she knew it wasn’t the temperature of the room.
Tabatha didn’t say a word to Melody as they walked down the stairs to the restroom. Glancing at
her friend, she held her finger up to her mouth, hushing her before she could say anything. They could talk in the restroom without the men hearing them.
Melody pushed open the bathroom door. “Okay what’s up?” She turned and waited.
“I need to get out of here and think. Can you open that window?” Tabatha smiled.
Melody strode straight to the windows. “Okay, I think I can disarm the alarm. You’re lucky I work at a security place or we’d be here all night.” She turned and smiled at Tabatha. “I’m sorry, Tab. I didn’t know all this would happen.” She felt around the windowsill. “I can’t believe those two think you’re going to go along with their plans. Two mates? God, you are so lucky to have two gorgeous men who want to please you! So where are we going?” She asked as she worked the alarm, disarming it.
“I think it’s time to open up my parents’ home. It’s been ten years since their deaths—and Ben’s. Who knows, maybe whoever is after me will think I’m with Hoyt. And I’m afraid Hoyt and Chax are saying I have three mates, not two. “
Melody opened the huge windows so they could make their escape. “I knew you wanted to leave as soon as you wanted to use the restroom—and to think I thought this evening would relax you! God must really be playing with us because this is just too much for one person to handle.” She stopped and stared at Tabitha. “What do you mean three mates?”
Tabatha waved her hand. “It’s someone I haven’t met, or for that matter, neither have any of us, but they’re insisting that he’s our other mate. Now let’s get out of here.”
“I’ve got the keys to Shane’s car, but I have a feeling Hoyt and Chax won’t let you leave. The nerve of them to make up another man and say you’re his mate, too. They could invite anyone and say he’s your other mate. What the hell is it with men?” Melody cussed the entire time she wiggled through the window.
Tabitha gave thanks for her crafty friend and her nimble fingers as she slipped out the window, too. Closing it, she ran with Melody to Shane’s car.
Tabatha paused at the corner of the building. A sidewalk led to the parking area. She glanced around, making sure no one was there to stop them.
“Looks clear, so let’s go. I need to go back to my old home and think. I can’t believe they think I’ll just sit there and let them claim me!” Tabatha ran to the car door. “Hoyt and Chax have some nerve. I’m not a bimbo, but I have to admit they’re both hot! Chax’s hands are magical. My feet feel ten times better.”
The air had turned cold since they’d entered the party earlier that evening. Tabatha jumped in once Melody unlocked the car and started the engine. “We’re going to have to stop at that little grocery store on the way. It’s open all night.” Tabatha looked down at her belly dancer costume. “God, that means we’re going to have to go inside wearing our costumes. I still have clothes at my parents’ house, so we can wear some of my old things.”
Tabatha looked out the window as Melody drove. She contemplated the events of the day. Her life was in shambles, but every time she thought about Hoyt, Chax and that voice, desire roared through her. Moisture dampened her panties, and she squirmed in her seat.
“You do know they’re your mates, right? Well, at least Hoyt and Chax.” Melody laughed, glanced over at her, and then back at the road. “Shane knew right away, too. I can’t believe you get two men and maybe even three. That’s so unfair.”
“I don’t know anything anymore, Mel. My life is so topsy-turvy right now. I don’t know if I’m coming or going. Hell, I don’t even know who to trust anymore—except for you and Shannon, but she has her own troubles to deal with.” Tabatha leaned her head back against the headrest. “For the past week I’ve been thinking of my folks. Their wedding anniversary is coming up in a few days. I’ve missed them, and I need to connect with them in some way. Maybe now is the time to open the house and live there again. I guess I was afraid of the ghosts. The place is rent-free, and it gives me a means to sort out my life in quiet solitude. I need a new job, and with you getting hitched soon, a new place to live, too.
She sighed wearily. “I miss my family so much. Just imagine what Ben would say if he were here. He would flip out at me having two men, let alone three.” Tabatha laughed as tears slipped down her face.
“I miss them too,” Melody replied. “I’m just glad I’m going to be there with you when you open the house. It’s time to put the ghosts away, and while we do that, we can just relax. After tonight, I think we both need it.” She smiled and turned up the radio.
Later, the sound of the motor shutting off woke Tabatha. She opened her eyes to see the corner grocery store.
Melody shook her arm. “Come on, Tabby. Let’s grab some food and some stuff we’re going to need before we get to the cabin.”
Tabatha opened the door and inhaled the fresh mountain air. It’s been so long. She got of the car and stretched her limbs.
Tabatha smiled when she walked into the store. She knew the clerk would get an eye full. Sure enough, his gaze heated as he scanned them from head to toe. His jaw dropped, and Tabatha laughed, winking at the man.
“Remember in high school how if one boy looked at you the wrong way, Ben would warn everyone, scaring the shit out of the guys?” Melody stated as they piled groceries in the cart. “Shit, he even did it for me. We had to sneak out to go on our dates, remember? God, I miss him, Tabby. I always had the biggest crush on the stupid lug.”
They headed to the checkout lane as Melody’s phone rang. Tabatha looked down at Melody’s phone the same time she did.
“You had to turn it on, didn’t you? Tabatha sighed, rolled her eyes, and chuckled. “Well, at least we had a nice, peaceful ride here.” She picked up a dildo and pointed it at Melody.
Melody shrugged and answered the phone, placing it on speaker.
“Where the fuck are you two?” Shane demanded as Melody held the phone away from her ear, her expression irritated. “Hoyt and Chax are going crazy.”
“Listen, big mouth, we’re fine right now. We’re grocery shopping and picking up a few other things.” Melody elbowed Tabatha as she put her sex toy up on the counter. “Then we’re going to have our own private Halloween party with no interruptions—from anyone—and no pressure. Tabatha has things to do at the old house, and I’m going to help. We’ll call tomorrow. See ya.” Melody laughed as she hung up on Shane, who was still yelling.
Tabatha just shook her head and paid for the groceries. Melody helped her load the bags into the car. “I can’t believe you bought a dildo. Did you see the look the clerk gave you when you put it on the counter? I thought I was going to have to club him over the head or something.” Melody giggled, shutting the trunk.
Pausing, Tabatha glanced up at the clear night sky. “It’s my business, plus Hoyt has gotten me so wound up I need something to take the edge off.”
Stars twinkled in the dark, and the moon shone brightly. It would be a cold night, maybe one with snow. She loved snow, but she just hoped it would hold off until they got to the cabin. She moved to the passenger door and thought about the long, two-hour drive ahead of them.
Chapter Seven
Melody pulled up to the cedar A-frame cabin. For the last 15 minutes Tabatha had watched out the window looking for any changes to the property. Trees were bigger, and paths were grown over from lack of use. The cabin sat on over 50 acres without a neighbor in sight except for across the lake where a few family vacation cottages stood. A small family-owned store resided about 15 miles through the woods from her property. Over the last ten years, Frank, the owner, had kept the Spinnings’ grounds and always made sure there was gas in the tank for the generator in case she decided to make a last-minute trip back. But nothing inside should have been touched except for knocking down cobwebs and other upkeep to the house.
Tabatha looked over at her friend, and a silent communication passed between them. Sitting quietly, she shared a long moment of contemplation with Melody. The sun rose behind the main house and the outlying vi
sitors’ cabins, its rays outlining the structures. Each abode still sat intact, waiting for holiday occupants.
“You know, the only thing missing is Shannon. I wish she were here. She always liked coming here whenever her mom would let her. My mother always believed that there was something special about Shannon,” Tabatha whispered, almost afraid to speak normally.
It looked surreal, like a long ago dream. A vision of her brother as he chased her out the front door, laughing all the way to the lake, ran through her mind. The door slammed shut as their mother yelled at them to stop fooling around while she hid her smile and watched.
“I missed this place more than I realized. I stayed here as much as I could, just to get away from my mom.” Melody got out of the car and grabbed two bags of groceries from the trunk.
Tabatha restrained her tears and shook her head to clear the haunting memories. “I know. I missed it, too.” She looked up at the front door. “Hey, I know you and Shane are having your ceremony next week, but why don’t we just stay here until then?” Tabatha picked up a bag and headed up the stairs. “You took off work for your ceremony anyway, right? You can help me open up the house, and we can both relax. We can also relive the old days for a little while. I really think I’m going to move back in the old house. I love it here.” Tabatha dug through her purse, pulled out the old set of keys, and unlocked the door, opening it. “Melody, would you go turn on the generator? Here, give me those bags.” Tabatha placed the bags in the hallway. “We’ll have to use the generator for the bare necessities until I can get the power turned back on.”
As she walked into the living room, she could’ve sworn she’d stepped back in time. Outlining the huge stone fireplace, her father’s handmade shelves greeted her. Trophies lined the shelves, her brother’s outnumbering hers. However, despite her having so few, her father always made sure to show her how proud he was of them.
Possession of the Soul Page 5
