Jess couldn’t help but stuff her card into her name badge not wanting to lose her email. A half an hour later, Jess had four more editor’s cards who had asked to see the first three chapters. There was hope and that was all she had wanted.
Finding where Lori and Viola were sitting, Jess plopped down in the seat next to them. “Thank you Lori, and please tell your friend thanks too. I know she had a lot to do with some of those editors coming up to me. I just hope they like the story.”
“Your story will find the right home. I have no doubt. Relax now and enjoy. The band will be starting up next, dancing and dessert. What a combination. Plus, look what I bought for tonight.” Lori pulled out a bottle of wine and that’s when Jess noticed the three glasses.
“So, tell me what’s going on with the two hunks?” Lori asked. “How’s your Mom and the kids?” she asked, handing her a glass of wine.
“Mom is doing great now. She and the kids are touring around the hotel, eating up a storm. As for the men, I have no idea where they are right now. Kind of ditched them. I needed to do this on my own tonight. It’s important for me to make sure I support my kids. I never want to be totally dependent on anyone, well money-wise anyway. That’s why these pitches were important this week. It was either writing or finding a job. Now I really need a nice contract now that everything I owned is pretty much ruined.
She took another drink of wine when both Viola and Lori glanced at her. “What the hell are you talking about?” Viola said.
“Oh, did I forget to mention the my soon-to-be-ex and his crazy brother destroyed everything of mine? I’m lucky I had two suitcases filled with clothes and my laptop with me. They did destroy my desktop, all my paper stuff, my clothes and such.”
“So, you’re getting a divorce, your crazy husband and his brother destroyed pretty much everything you own and you’re sitting here like nothing happened?” Viola said, shaking her head
“What else was I supposed to do? Flip out in front of the kids? It’s not going to help. It’s bad enough that Maverick and Bran both want to replace everything we’ve lost. I mean there is something between us, but for them to do that, it’s just too much. I need to be able to help out. I don’t want to be a burden to them. I mean, come on, Maverick was a stripper. He could have any woman he wanted. And Bran...” She shivered. “Well that man is…I don’t know what to say.”
Viola was looking behind her, with a smile on her face, and so was Lori. “Let me guess. They’re both behind me, right?” Jess tilted her head back, and cringed. “Okay, not happy with me right now.” She sighed and glanced back at her friends. “Excuse me, ladies. I’ll be back.”
With Maverick’s arm wrapped around her waist, and Bran leading the way, the two men that claimed to be her mate led her out of the room to the long hall to the lobby where a group of people seemed to look up as they approached.
“Mother, father I’d like to introduce you to Jess Garthing, our mate. Jess, these are our parents.” Maverick did the introductions. But what she wasn’t expecting was for both Bran’s and Maverick’s mother to both be standoffish to her.
“I know this is all new to you, but what you did earlier shouldn’t be repeated. Our sons are giving you everything that you lost. You should show them some respect.” Maverick’s mom said, as they were preparing to leave.
“Really? Well excuse me, but I didn’t ask them for a damn thing. If it’s put them out too much, then by all means I’ll step back out of their lives. I mean, it’s not like I don’t have enough to deal with. Have a good night. If you will excuse me, I need to get back with my friends and do some socializing so I can replace all that I have lost.” Jess spun around before the men could say a word, but ran smack into her own mom, and she was not happy.
“Mom, don’t’ start.” Jess tried to drag her mother away, but it wasn’t happening. To make it worse, Maverick and Bran were now moving over to them.
“She had no right to say what she did. You’ve had a very bad week and didn’t need this. It’s their son’s claiming you, not the other way.”
“Mom, what the hell did you say now?” Maverick growled, and even his own father frowned as his wife.
“Can’t I leave your side for a second? What did you do?”
But none of it mattered.
Finally, her mother turned and moved closer to her. “Mom, please let me handle this, okay? My life is a mess right now and I don’t’ need anymore. Where are the kids?” she asked.
Her mom laughed. “Jake brought up his game system for the boys and Maverick had a brand new DS bought for Rose. I just wanted to let you know that your sister found the cats and they are both locked in the house now. She also said that the cleaners came and everything has been taken care of. So at least you don’t’ have to go back to that mess.”
“Great, I’ll just need to get a new bed and couch. I can go online and order the stuff later tonight. I have to get back in there. So far I have four editors wanting my book. Well, the first three chapters at least.” Jess kissed her Mom’s cheek. “Go relax. I’ll talk to you later.”
Jess watched her mom move towards the elevator, but not before giving the group behind them a look. She shook her head and made her way towards the hallway that would take her to the pavilion. Jess slipped off her shoes for the long walk back to the party.
“You know you really shouldn’t travel the hall by yourself,” Bran said behind her.
She looked at Bran and noticed Maverick coming her way. “I can’t do your parents tonight, Bran. I’m sorry about Mom, but this week has been a hard one on us.” Jess looked down at her painted toes. “I want to relax with my friends and socialize for a little while, but if you two would like to come and see my world, I wouldn’t mind.”
“You wouldn’t mind us coming with you?” Maverick asked.
“No, I needed the time earlier to face what happened by myself. Look, we have a lot of things to figure out if this mate thing is going to work. If I continue with this writing, I need to do it without interference. That’s one of the reasons I got so mad at Lori. I want to say I did it, that I didn’t depend on others, that I can stand on my own two feet.”
Maverick looked down at her feet and she laughed. “Hey, that walk is long and the shoes, even though they have small heals, will be killing me tonight.”
“Well, we can’t have that,” Maverick scooped her up into his arms and stepped into the long hallway.
“You know you don’t have to do this,” she said, resting her head on his chest. “What are we going to do, Maverick?” she asked.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
She sighed. “Maverick, you didn’t want to be tied down. We’ve only known each other for two days now and already you two are so possessive of me I feel like I’m being taken over.”
“Even when I was small, I had to control things around me. I can promise to listen and try to give you some room, but you have to also promise not to take off. All you had to do was tell us what you wanted. We would have walked you down here and given you the time you needed, but we need to know you are safe, Jess.”
Maverick stopped and looked down at her. “Don’t do it again. Yes, we have a lot to work out, but we can’t do it if you don’t talk to us. And as far as me being free, it was never in the cards. You were meant for us, Jess, and we’re not letting go. Would you really want us to?” he asked.
“What?” Jess rubbed her chest and a small snarl came from inside her. “I don’t think, this is the weirdest thing. It almost hurts the thought of you not being here, but in my head…”
“It’s very uncomfortable. Long ago there were more shifters then humans and we knew when we found our mates, and accepted it. But with changes, it was harder for us to find our mates. We were taught that when we find her or him, to never throw away such a gift, and it is a gift.” Maverick stopped before the door.
“How long do you want to stay here?” Maverick asked.
“Why? Do you have plans for me tonight?” she asked
, teasing him.
“Little Fawn, every night we will have plans for you, but tonight we would like to make it a special night for all of us. It’s the first night we’ll be together as a mated trio.” Maverick placed a kiss on her forehead.
“Is there a special thing that has to happen?” she asked as he lowered her feet to the floor.
“You mean like the marks I’ve already left all over you.” Maverick smiled and held onto her while she put her shoes on.
“How about an hour, maybe a few dances?” she asked. “But be warned, I’ll be stepping all over your feet, because it’s been over 20 years since I’ve danced with anyone.”
“Well then, there will be dancing before we leave.” Bran kissed the side of her neck. “And I will be marking what is mine tonight.”
Jess moaned. “More hickeys?” she laughed when he nipped her.
“You, Miss Sassy Pants, are in trouble tonight,” Bran growled and opened the door, the music thumping through the sound of people’s conversations.
She pulled on Maverick’s shirt. He leaned down and Jess whispered in his ear. “Did my hearing change too?” she asked, and he nodded.
“Your hearing, eye sight and body. Already your body has started to change, men are noticing.” Maverick’s lip curled up and he snarled.
“Hmmm, interesting.” Jess grinned and went to move away from him.
“Watch it, Little Fawn, I tie up little submissives and spank them.”
“Am I your submissive?” she asked.
“You are our submissive, slave and mate, but always you will be our heart.” He kissed her nose and swatted her butt.
* * *
Maverick scanned the room for the tenth time, not liking that they were so exposed. Derek was still out there. Even though he doubted that he had made it inside the hotel, he would feel better when this convention was over.
Jess laughed at something Viola said and glanced at him. “Listen, we’re going to call it a night. I’ll see you guys in the morning. Viola, are you going to meet me for laps?” she asked
“Are they going to let you?” Viola asked.
“She can join you at the pool. We have no problem with her doing what she came here to do. We just want her to be safe, especially with everything that has happened to her this week,” Bran said, and stood. “How about one more dance before we go up?” he asked.
“You really want me to step all over your feet again?” Jess teased.
“Little Sass, you can step on my toes as much as you want as long as my arms are around you.” Bran said.
“Jess, you have found two amazing men, but you two better not hurt her.” Her friend said. “Don’t forget to send those three chapters to the editors before you get too busy.” Lori said, wiggling her eyebrows.
Maverick shook his head and watched as Bran and Jess made their way to the dance floor.
“So it’s true, she’s your mate?” Cadoc asked, taking Jess’ seat next to him. “Are you going to still dance?”
He turned to look at Cadoc. “No, I’m not going to dance. It’s time to step up to the plate. I’ve been thinking about my replacement.” Cadoc shook his head.
“No, I’m not ready,” Cadoc said.
“Now see that is where I think you are wrong. Cadoc, it’s time to step up and shape up our young men. They all look up to you and I think you’ll do fine.”
Maverick turned and glanced at Cadoc. “What?”
“We were thinking. This convention is huge and it’s mostly women. What if we follow it once a year? If you met your woman here, maybe some more of our men can find their mates?” Thankful that the music and noise was loud enough that her friends couldn’t hear, Maverick said, “That isn’t a bad idea. As a matter of fact, have the men mingle this week. I’ll speak with Jess about this later tonight. We might be able to set something up. Good work, yes you will do good as the manager of the team.”
Cadoc moaned and shook his head. “I’ll try and do you proud.” He stood and looked around, but Maverick frowned. “You know Jake is back right?”
“No, I didn’t know that. Where is he? I’d like to see my best friend.” Cadoc asked
“Right now, he’s upstairs entertaining Jess’ daughter and son. It seems her daughter is Jake’s mate.” Maverick watched Cadoc stiffen just as Jess and Bran came up.
“Did you and my son…” Maverick stood, but already knew the answer. He looked down at Jess, who was frowning.
“What’s going on?” she asked. “Hello Cadoc, how are you doing?”
“Remember when I was trying to explain about our men always having a best friend, that we share our mates? Like Bran and I share you?” He reached up and brushed her hair back.
“Are you telling me Cadoc is mine?” she squeaked.
Bran growled. “No. I’m your’s and Maverick’s, but if I’m not mistaken, Cadoc is Jake’s second?
Jess stood there for a few seconds, when she started to snarl. Bran wrapped his arms around her. “Stop now,” Maverick said.
“But he has a damn rating system. Do you know what that will do to Rose if anyone tells her? This is bad.” Jess said.
“Cadoc, walk with us out to the hallway so we can explain a few things. Bran, carry her out. We don’t need her shifting in here. She’s still not in control of her cat.”
Maverick turned to her friends. “Ladies, we are calling it a night and will see you tomorrow. Now, remember do not walk the hallway alone, go in pairs at least. If you need someone, call the front desk. They will send someone for you.”
Both women nodded and said their goodbyes. All the while Jess kept her eye on Cadoc. As soon as they stepped out into the hall, Cadoc turned to her. “I promise you that if she is our mate, your daughter will come first in my life. I screwed up and for that I’m sorry.” Cadoc sighed. “Maybe that is why I was drawn to you, because of your daughter.”
“That could be the case, but Jess’ daughter is special Cadoc, and I warn you now. You will not only answer to our woman, but to us. She’s…” Maverick looked to Jess.
Jess sighed. “My daughter is innocent and honest to a fault. She’ll never be able to do the college scene. In some areas Rose is a genius. She can sit down and read a 300 page book in one night, but put any math in front of her, and she freezes. Or for that matter even English when she’s doing papers. She has a bit of autism, but don’t get her wrong, she’ll rip your head off if you hurt her. There is also the fact that she already has a boyfriend. As I told Jake, allow her to break it off, do not threaten the boy. He’s just like her and Rose is very protective of the few friends she has.” Jess waved her hand at the room behind them. “She couldn’t do this. Crowds terrify her.”
“Jake is in Bran’s old room. Remember, what I said.” Maverick headed down the hall with Bran and Jess. Cadoc following.
“Don’t forget to ask your woman?” Cadoc said, as they stepped into the elevator.
“Ask me what?” Jess asked.
“Cadoc had a good idea. Since this convention happens once a year and it usually has over a couple thousand women in attendance, we like to have the Chippendales or our men come to each event. If we could give the ladies a show and our men can mingle, maybe they would even find their mates?”
* * *
“That’s not a bad idea, but you’d have to speak with Kathryn, she’s the one in charge of the convention. You might also offer maybe some of your men to do some photo shoots with the women. It would get you closer to them, too.” Jess was nervous, the way both men kept staring at her.
The elevator stopped and Cadoc got out, but not before he promised to take care of her daughter.
“I don’t know if I really like the idea of that man near my daughter,” Jess grumbled.
“They were meant to be just as we are.” the elevator opened up to the penthouse and Maverick stepped out in front of them. He didn’t stop, but went right to the bedroom, opening the doors.
Bran lowered her feet to the ground. “Strip
, Little Sass. Then you can send out those chapters before you take a bath.”
“Yes sir,” Jess said. Both men turned and stared at her for a second.
“While we are in the bedroom, ‘Master’ will be used. ‘Sir’ will be fine on certain occasions, but not here. Now, do as you are told Little Fawn.” Maverick started to strip out of his shirt. “You’ll find your laptop over there on the desk with your backpack.”
Jess took off her badge and placed it by the desk before doing as they asked, stripping out of her clothes. Maverick took her clothes from her and patted her butt. “Get to it.”
She had to admit it was totally weird sitting at a desk and working, but Jess managed to send the first three chapters to all four editors. She shut the laptop off and turned to see Maverick and Bran both standing there watching her.
“Come here, Little Fawn, “Maverick said.
Jess rose and stood in front of them, glancing down at the floor. “Do you think…” she stopped talking and looked up.
“Do I think the arthritis is gone now that you are one of us? I believe so.” He held out his hand. “Let’s see, shall we?” Maverick said.
She placed her hand on his as Bran stepped next to her, placing his hands on her hips. “We’ve got you,” Bran stated as Jess went down on one knee, then the next. So far there was no pain, as she leaned back, siting on her heals as she had seen in so many pictures.
“Very good, Little Sass. Place your hands palm up on your knees, spread those legs open a little more. So pretty and such a good girl,” Bran said, placing a kiss on the top of her breast before standing and moving back to where he had been, next to Maverick.
Her hands were shaking, stomach was in knots and Jess swore she was dripping down her thighs.
“Can you smell her? She’s ready for us already before we even touch her.” Maverick moved around her. He didn’t touch her until he knelt down in front her. “Do you know how beautiful you are right now?”
He slid his hand up her thigh. “Look at me, Little Fawn,” he ordered, as two of his fingers slid up and down her wet pussy lips. “You’re shaking, easy pet.” Maverick said as he slid his fingers inside. “Just as I thought, our woman is tight.” He slid his fingers out of her and Jess would have fallen forward if she hadn’t grabbed onto his arm.
Left My Heart in Sin City Page 8
