Bitter Change

by Mara Lee

  Lothos mentally tallied up the years. “It's been a long time.”

  Ethenia pulled her head away from Lothos. She eyed him wearily. “Who's Venus?”

  “A friend, a fellow Loopin.” Lothos said tersely.

  Ethenia narrowed her eyes. “How many damned ex-girlfriends do I have to contend with, you beast?”

  Lothos's mouth dropped open. “I never said she was an ex-girlfriend,” he said.

  “You didn't have to. It was written all over that guilty face of yours.” Ethenia turned toward Sophie. “And you, why would you invite one of his exes here?”

  Sophie laughed, “Because she's very powerful, loyal, and a good friend. We need all the friends we can get right now.” Sophie saw Ethenia's puckered expression and laughed, “Do not worry. If you feel left out, Venus favors the softer sex as well.”

  Ethenia gasped. “I never, I mean … I didn't…” she finished helplessly.

  Sophie took pity on her then, and stopped teasing. “How quickly can Matthew and Michaela get here?” Sophie asked.

  Xethre shrugged, “Since they abhor public transportation, quickly.”

  Sophie nodded pleased. She knew that meant that they would be flying—literally, to reach her home. “Good, so,” Sophie laughed, “I suppose I will be setting more places at the table for tomorrow night's dinner.”

  * * * *

  Later, Lothos found himself growling again, but for a very good reason.

  He reached down to clutch at his angel's hair but she pulled away from him and shook her head. He wanted to scream in frustration. Ethenia knelt before him—her delectable mouth open and running itself up and down his hard cock. “Oh, angel,” he ground out.

  Ethenia smiled around the hard flesh in her mouth. She clearly loved the taste of him. He was achingly hard in her mouth. She could feel each vein in his cock pulsing as she licked and sucked him down. She relaxed her throat and let him slide even further. When he hit the back of her throat she hummed, the vibrations shook him to his very core. He began to grow, if possible, even harder. Ethenia dug her hands into the taut flesh of his thighs and continued to suck him off. She rolled her tongue down the length of cock. When she reached his balls she gently sucked each one into her warm mouth. She seemed to love to make him moan and growl. To torture him.

  Lothos felt sweat popping out on his brow. God, how much longer could he endure this torture? His heart was pounding so hard he could hear it thudding in his ears. His cock was jumping and pulsing under Ethenia's expert ministrations. He felt his blood, alive and screaming through every pore. He reached down to touch her, but the shake of her head, stopped him. “Angel, you're killing me.”

  Ethenia grinned, “I don't want you dead, Lothos,” punctuating her point by licking the head of his cock with one sure stroke of her tongue. “I still have use of you, yet,” she said with a broad smile. Ethenia dove down and took the entire length of him in her mouth. She reached down to play with her moist pussy, teasing her hard clit with her fingers.

  Lothos began to pant. His breaths were coming out short and ragged. He thrust his hips forward. He felt it building, higher and higher. His cock began to swell and he bit his lip so hard he drew blood. “Angel, angel, I'm … God I'm coming…” he shouted before he released his seed into her mouth. He felt the shakes overtake his body and he looked down and saw his golden angel licking her lips.

  Ethenia captured a stray drop of seed on her tongue. She savored it and swallowed. She smiled when Lothos groaned raggedly.

  Lothos reached down for Ethenia. She came into his arms eagerly. When their flesh met they both moaned, simultaneously. Lothos ran his large hands down the expanse of her back, loving the feel of her skin. He had just inserted one of his fingers into her dripping pussy when the doorbell rang. Lothos swore.

  Ethenia groaned.

  Lothos clenched his hands into fists. He bent his head over Ethenia's neck and began to ply her skin with soft bites. The doorbell sounded again. “Fuck.” He shouted out.

  “Yes, let's,” Ethenia said, grabbing at his back. She screamed her frustration when he pulled reluctantly away from. “Ignore it. Let Sophie get it, it's her damned house.”

  Lothos nodded, “I know, I know. But Sophie is otherwise engaged, as you well know it.”

  He knew Ethenia could smell sex in the air, and it wasn't from the oral sex or foreplay that she and Lothos had just engaged in. Shit. Sophie and Xethre were fucking like bunnies, just like she and Lothos should be doing right now, instead of arguing about who was going to answer the damned door. “Fine, get the door,” Ethenia crossed her arms and sulked.

  Lothos gave her a loving smile before walking out of the room and rushing to answer the door. The quicker he answered the door, the quicker he could get back to more important matters.

  * * * *

  Venus Porter waited impatiently on Sophie's porch. She tapped her foot and narrowed her eyes. If the reason she was standing outside was because Sophie was screwing somebody upstairs, she would kill her. Sophie knew better than to start without her.

  Venus tossed her fiery hair over her shoulder and swore. She was just getting ready to open the door the good old-fashioned way—with her fist—when it swung open. Venus's mouth dropped open in surprise right before she laughed and launched herself at the person standing in the doorway. “Lothos, baby!”

  Lothos gripped Venus by the ass. Her legs were twined around his waist and her arms were around his neck in seconds. “Hey carrot,” he said, laughingly.

  Venus pulled back. She couldn't believe that Lothos was here. Why was he here? “Lothos, what are you doing here?”

  “Sophie didn't tell you?” he asked.

  Venus snorted. It was just like Sophie not to tell Venus everything, or even anything. Sophie loved throwing everyone for a loop. She liked holding all the cards. “That one? She keeps secrets better than a mute person. Sophie only told me that she was in a spot of trouble and that she could use my help.”

  Lothos rolled his eyes. “It's good to see you Venus.”

  “Do you mind letting go of my man?” The woman's voice was frigid as the north wind from behind the couple.

  Venus craned her head. Her eyes opened wide. She looked from the woman who stood in the doorway to Lothos. “Yours?”

  Lothos nodded, proudly.

  Venus smiled broadly and planted a fat kiss on his mouth. “Oh, Lothos, I am so happy for you. You found her, your bond mate.”

  “Yes, he did. Now will you get off of him,” the golden-haired beauty said through clenched teeth.

  Venus laughed as Lothos set her down on her feet. Well, it would seem that Lothos had bagged himself a jealous bitch. She stuck her hand out. “Hi, I'm Venus. Venus Porter. It's nice to meet you…” She waited.

  Lothos's mate hesitated only a moment before taking the woman's offered hand. “Ethenia, Ethenia Deveux.”

  “Well, glad to make your acquaintance, Ethenia. Now that the introductions are over can we go inside?”

  Lothos laughed. “Sure. Sophie would be here to greet you if…”

  “She wasn't screwing someone upstairs?”

  Ethenia gasped, “You could smell her from outside?”

  Venus laughed, “No, I know her, well. Come on kiddies, let's get our butts inside.” She walked right past the startled couple.

  Ethenia turned to Lothos, “Well, she's something all right.”

  Lothos grinned, “You haven't seen anything yet, angel.”

  Ethenia's brows drew down. She wasn't sure if she liked the sound of that.

  Chapter Eight

  Ethenia stared warily at the redhead now occupying the kitchen. Venus had promptly dropped her bags and headed to the kitchen. She was now foraging through the fridge. Every now and then she pulled out armloads of food.

  “Are you intending on hibernating,” Ethenia asked dryly.

  Venus laughed and took a bite out of a raw piece of steak. “Nope, eating, I'm starved.”

  “Yeah, I can
see that.”

  Venus handed the raw piece of meat to Ethenia. “Want some?

  Ethenia shook her head, “I prefer my meat cooked.”

  Venus gasped, “Why?”

  “I like how it tastes.”

  Venus was still shocked. “Tastes? How can it possibly taste like anything? You've killed the flavor entirely. It only tastes like something when it's raw.”

  Ethenia shrugged. “To each their own,” she said blandly.

  Venus shuddered, as if Ethenia's comment about cooked meat was like eating poison.

  Ethenia took the time that Venus was eating to study the other woman. She frowned. Lothos's ex was stunningly beautiful. Why didn't he have any ugly exes? Venus was about five foot five and voluptuous. She had large breasts that were currently hidden under a tight white t-shirt, but it was obvious that she wasn't wearing a bra. Her hips were full and her legs tapered down to muscular calves and slim ankles. She had shockingly red hair that fell to her butt in an abundance of cascading curls. Her eyes were bright green. Not the forest pine of Lothos's, but the color of rich emeralds. She had pale skin but her cheeks were tinged a fine pink, along with her full lips. Ethenia wished that Venus wasn't so cheerful. She wanted to hate her.

  Venus caught Ethenia's inspection of her and grinned. “So, what's this all about,” she asked past a full mouth.

  “Ethenia's ex is an asshole, he's coming for her and we're going to kill his ass,” Lothos said, walking into the kitchen.

  Venus scowled. “Sophie pulled me away from work, for a domestic problem?”

  Lothos sighed. “It's complicated.”

  Venus threw down the chicken leg she had been devouring. “Oh come on, how complicated can it be? She's with you, she's no longer with the jerk, the jerk wants her back and you want to keep her. You don't need me, you need a damned counselor.”

  Ethenia colored.

  Lothos's expression went seriously dark. Venus's eyes went wide with surprise. “You will watch the tone you take in the presence of my mate, Venus.” The power that rolled off of his words was frightening. His energy filled the room and the pulsations were hot.

  Venus registered shock. She touched her cheek as if she had been slapped.

  “Venus, thank you for coming,” Sophie strode into the room, wearing nothing but a smile. Xethre glided in after her. Sophie clucked her tongue. “Venus, are you brandishing that sharp tongue of yours?” She didn't let Venus answer before she turned on Lothos. “Lothos, be mindful of the energy you expend. You're playing with things that you cannot yet control.”

  Lothos was shocked at what he had just done. It wasn't supposed to be possible. He was Loopin, yes, but he was not an alpha? What had just happened? It had looked as if his words had physically stung Venus. He turned questioning eyes to Sophie.

  Sophie sighed, “We'll discuss it later, I promise.” She came and gave Venus a big hug. When she pulled away the look in her eyes was chiding. “Venus…”

  Venus sighed. “Ah, you've been picking my brain, haven't you?” She looked slightly chastised. “Yes, yes, I know. I spoke out of turn, I was rude. But I was angry that you pulled me away to deal with someone's pissed-off ex-boyfriend.”

  “He's Ethenia's pissed-off and abusive ex-alpha-boyfriend.”

  Venus's eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open to form a gigantic O.

  Sophie nodded, “He's tracking Ethenia, and it won't be too much longer until he finds her. He's evil, Venus, and very strong. I think he's using black magic.”

  “Oh boy.” Venus said, whistling.

  “Uh-huh. I didn't want to tackle the situation alone. I believe that he's going to bring people with him, possibly Pack members, and I wanted to be prepared.”

  Venus nodded. “Of course, of course, well, I've been spoiling for a good fight.”

  “This is serious, Venus.” Sophie said.

  “So am I. Work, work, work, I never get out to play anymore.” Venus flipped her hair back. “I'm due for a good workout.” Venus went back to eating her chicken leg that she had retrieved. She looked at Xethre. “He the vampire you told me about?”

  Sophie nodded.

  Venus looked Xethre up and down. The vampire smiled at her intense perusal. “Not bad, not bad. Killer eyes.”

  Xethre laughed.

  “So, it's you, me, the vampire, Lothos and his mate, against what…”

  Sophie sighed, “I don't know how many we'll be against. And the vampire and the mate have names, Venus.”

  Venus groaned. “Yes mother,” she said sarcastically. She turned to Xethre first. “Nice to meet you, I'm Venus Porter.”

  Xethre inclined his head regally. “Alexethre Roistkauff.”

  Venus nodded, and turned then to Ethenia. “We've already been introduced.”

  “So, be polite and address her by her name, Venus,” Sophie said, annoyed.

  “All right, all right.” Venus hopped up on the kitchen counter and continued to eat.

  Sophie rolled her eyes.

  Lothos felt like laughing. Yes, Venus was just as he remembered her to be. He winced when Ethenia punched him on his arm. “You've got to stop doing that, angel.”

  Ethenia glared at him. “Then stop looking at her.”

  Lothos smiled. “It's nothing, angel.”

  Ethenia grunted and gave him a warning look.

  “I believe we should all bed down for the night,” Sophie said with a wide smile.

  Venus nodded, still munching contentedly. She looked over at Xethre; he was staring at her with laughing eyes. She grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “How about the dead guy shows me where I'm going to sleep tonight.”

  Before anyone could answer, Xethre bowed chivalrously. “I would be delighted to lead the way, Ms. Porter.”

  Venus cocked her head to one side and sashayed forward. She winked at Sophie before leaving the kitchen.

  * * * *

  Xethre ran his tongue over his sharp teeth. The red haired wolf had a beautiful ass. It was round and cushioned nicely. He would love to sink his teeth into her soft flesh, love to feel her blood flowing, love to—

  “Going to stare at me all night?” Venus turned on her heel to face Xethre. Her eyes glittered with challenge.

  Xethre blinked, surprised. When was the last time he had encountered such forwardness? Venus Porter was more than brazen. Her complete lack of fear delighted and tempted him.

  Venus grinned, “Well?”

  Xethre was by her side before she could say another word. He saw by the look in her eyes that she was shocked at his materialization ability. Good, he liked to keep them on their toes. “Do not bite off more than you can chew, little girl,” Xethre growled low in her ear.

  Venus moved to Xethre's front and rubbed against him slowly. “Oh, but don't you know, we wolves have really sharp teeth. Biting is our favorite pastime.”

  Xethre tensed. He could feel her soft, rounded flesh pressing against his cock and his cold blood was beginning to warm. He closed his eyes and let his body sweep in the sensations of her practiced moves. When he opened his eyes, he found himself face-to-face with Venus's very naked and very luscious form.

  Venus felt her nipples tighten under the heat of Xethre's stare. Cream was already beginning to pool between her thighs and she felt decidedly light-headed. He was a handsome devil, with those strange blue eyes and that blacker than black hair of his. She felt the muscles in her stomach clench at the thought of those strong hands on her body. Loopin were highly sensual creatures. Venus had denied herself for too long and now her body was protesting loud and clear. “Like what you see?”

  Xethre certainly did like what he was seeing. He was also beginning to warm to the idea of taking Ms. Porter down a notch or two—she was obviously used to being in charge. Xethre's eyes twinkled with merriment and his body tightened with awareness of what was to come. “Come here, wolf.”

  Venus's eyebrows shot up. Come here? Had he just demanded something of her? No one told Venus Porter what
to do. Venus remained where she was.

  Xethre laughed inwardly. He had known that Venus would protest in her own way. He had only just met her, but already he knew how fiercely she coveted her independence. Her actions in Sophie's kitchen had spoken loud and clear. Xethre walked slowly over to the antique cherry wood dresser that stood to Venus's right and opened the top drawer. He pulled out two lengths of silken cord and wrapped them halfway up his arm. They were smooth and cool against his now warmed skin. He saw the flicker in Venus's eyes and knew that she was curious and more than a little tempted by his actions. He couldn't help but wonder if this little red-haired wolf had ever indulged in a little role-playing. He could tap into her mind but he knew that would be rude. Instead he decided on a different course of action. He already had the upper hand, the dominant position—so to speak. Why not use it to his advantage?

  Before Venus could figure out what he was up to he had materialized at her side and taken her wrists into his hands. His grip was steel. He was vampire after all.

  Venus struggled. The vampire had her wrists in an unbreakable hold. As he was taller than her, he had pulled her hands up and over her head and now he held them there quite effortlessly. Her eyes flared with temper. She was not one to be controlled. This did not suit her. “Let go.” Venus instilled iron into her words.

  Xethre ignored her.

  Venus snorted. “What now? You gonna sit and stare at my tits all night, while you get your jollies off holding me against my will?”

  “Oh, but I do not believe anything will be taken against your will,” Xethre murmured, his voice was smooth and lush like cream. Xethre looked deeply into Venus's eyes and was not surprised when she blinked and began to sway. The Loopin were a strong breed, but he was vampire and his mind-spells were still stronger than anything the Loopin could conjure.

  When Venus's eyes snapped fully open she was tied, spreadeagled upon the large bed. Venus licked her dry lips. Her heart was pounding furiously in her chest and her belly was quivering, but not from fear. Venus was fully aware that she could break the binds at any time. She was Loopin, and with her strength she could easily snap the silken threads, but strangely she found that her curiosity was riding her. Venus had never been dominated before. She was a high member Loopin, strong, sexy, intelligent and fierce. She had always known her role, the role she had been blessed to fill. Venus would make any alpha proud, and she could and would fill the place next to any Pack Leader. Venus was destined for great things and she knew that it was her right to be choosy. She had spent her life searching for her amouratesh, much like Lothos, and she knew that any man that was lucky to have her in his life had to be worthy of her. This knowledge made her arrogant and more than a little dominant.