by Brenda Trim
The bitter cold returned in a painful flash, and Cristia clenched her fists and jaw to keep from crying out. The male was incorrigible.
“You’re right, Smokey. I’m not the one who’s preoccupied. Maybe that’s the reason you don’t want me to be a lieutenant. You can’t concentrate when I’m around,” she stated and began walking, completely unaware of her whereabouts.
“Oh, really, kitty. Then why are you walking in the direction we just came from?” Grant said with a laugh.
“Ugh, whatever. I’m not familiar with this property yet,” she countered and turned to meet his sly grin.
He was sexier than a male had the right to be, and Cristia melted at the sight of him standing in the snow. He owned the brawny, woodsman look with his insulated camo pants and black, down jacket. His hair was a disheveled mess, and his cheeks were pink from the cold. She wanted to caress his stubbled face, curious if his whiskers were soft or abrasive.
Suddenly, his expression turned grim and he muttered, “Follow me,” then began running.
She took off after him, struggling to keep up. The flurries increased, and she momentarily lost sight of Grant in the white sheet pelting the ground.
Panicked, she stopped and glanced around. It was then she felt razors skate across her skin. She recalled Grant’s description of skirm magic and followed the trail. Luckily, the snow hadn’t filled in his footprints, and she caught up to Grant within minutes.
When he came into view, Cristia didn’t understand what she was seeing, and it caused her to pause. Grant was shouting orders before he slammed into a young male she assumed was a skirm, given his red eyes and fangs.
Every supernatural in the Tehrex Realm was told several things from the day they were born. One, they were to guard their Fated Mate’s soul with the greatest of care. Two, keeping their existence from humans was crucial, and to reveal it garnered death. And three, they were given details about their enemies, including demons and their skirm. This male fit her parent’s description of a skirm.
“Cole, Katie, tuck and roll,” Grant shouted as a blue demon appeared in a flash of black smoke.
And then the situation went to shit.
The storm gained momentum, obscuring her vision, but Cristia saw enough to watch Grant plow into the skirm, while at the same time, two young children flew into the air. Grant ignored the skirm and headed towards the female whose massive blue wings took flight and caught the children midair.
“You won’t win this one, warrior. I will have my sister back, and when that happens, every last one of you will pay dearly for taking her from me,” the archdemon vowed.
Cristia kicked into gear and ran towards the skirm while Grant flipped a knife from a holster at his back, and tossed it at the demon. It nicked her blue wing and black blood splattered the air and landed on the ground. The toxic blood sizzled and popped on the new-fallen snow.
Cristia glanced at the striplings, who remained brave and quiet, despite the melee around them. It was a testament to how well the pack raised their offspring, and her chest swelled with pride to belong to such an elite group of shifters.
Cristia’s run turned into a full-on sprint, and she lost track of the archdemon when she tackled the skirm to the hard ground. She punched his face then reared back to avoid his snapping fangs. She’d heard the stories about the pain caused by their bite. Grant approached a second later, spewing curses before he stabbed the skirm’s temple.
Cristia jumped up and shouted as the creature flashed on fire. By the time she was on her feet, the young male was nothing but a pile of ash. Glancing around, she understood the reason for Grant’s curses.
“They got away. Motherfucker!” Grant shouted before he pulled his phone out and punched the keypad.
Cristia looked around, worried about the hard snowfall. She didn’t think she could make it back to the Grove before she froze. It wouldn’t kill her, but it would be excruciatingly painful.
“Hayden,” Grant barked into the phone. “I lost Cole and Katie to Crocell. I know what she did now. She had her minions carry the children a safe distance away until she could teleport in and grab them. Yeah. Yeah. No, we can’t make it back. The storm is moving in too fast. There’s a cave near our location. We’re going to hunker down until it passes. You got it. We’ll be home as soon as we can.”
Cristia watched Grant shove his phone back into his pocket then run his hands through his hair. She loved how it stuck out in every direction and was tempted to smooth it back in place. He leaned down and picked up the small pack he’d been carrying then gave her a slight grin.
“C’mon. We need to get to safety before it’s too late. Thanks for the assist back there. We almost had Katie,” Grant confessed as he started walking.
“I hesitated. Maybe you’re right about me. If I hadn’t stalled, we could’ve saved the kids,” she admitted.
“Bullshit,” he barked. “If you hadn’t been with me, I could’ve died. That bitch is pissed, and she clearly thought I was a Dark Warrior. Crocell wouldn’t hesitate to kill me. Besides, you did a helluva lot better than I did the first time I encountered skirm. See this scar?” Grant asked as he tugged his collar aside. “That’s where the bastard took a chunk out of me. You did good, Cristia. I didn’t give you enough credit, and I’m sorry for that.”
Cristia watched Grant’s shapely ass as she followed his footsteps, thinking life didn’t get much better. He’d given her praise and she was practically skipping from the joy she felt at hearing him thank her for a job well done.
Too bad they were going to be trapped in a cold cave for Goddess only knew how long until the storm passed. Her body wanted a bed by a fire with a cup of hot cocoa. And, if she were honest, she wanted a certain bear, naked by her side, so that she could have her wicked way with him.
4
Squinting through the snowfall, Grant wrapped his arm around Cristia’s waist. His bear rumbled in contentment at her closeness, while at the same time, it growled for a taste. His need for the sexy feline shifter was growing exponentially.
She surprised him and proved to be a great asset during the brief encounter with the archdemon. He would be hurt, possibly even dead, had she not been there.
He smelled the damp cave ahead, and they reached its entrance a few minutes later. Cristia brushed the snow from her jacket and was all smiles once she stepped into the protective cavern.
“I wish I had your tracking skills. I would’ve frozen out there without you. Please tell me there’s wood to build a fire,” Cristia pleaded as she vigorously rubbed her gloved hands together.
“Yes. I use this cave from time to time when my bear needs a break. I keep kindling, logs, and blankets on hand. I even brought some food up here last week. I knew there was a storm coming and something told me I needed to be prepared,” he shared as he once again pondered the undeniable directive to get this cave ready.
He didn’t receive premonitions, but he did believe in Fate, and it seemed she’d given him a guiding hand in this matter.
“Thank the Goddess. I’ll take a cheeseburger and fries with a vanilla shake,” Cristia quipped.
“I didn’t take you for the vanilla type,” Grant said with a wink.
“The only thing I like vanilla is my ice cream,” she teased back.
Before Grant realized what he was doing, he wrapped both arms around her waist and pulled her close. Her ample breasts smashed against his chest, taunting him mercilessly while her stifled moan sang through his system. Her soft curves were the perfect compliment to his hard definition. As he gazed into glowing green eyes, he knew he was going to have this female.
This was a horrible idea. Grant was tasked with training her and if things went sour between them, this arrangement would bite him in the ass. Unfortunately, there was no stopping now. The switch in his mind flipped on, with no off position in sight.
His erection kicked in his jeans and prodded her stomach. Cristia’s arousal deepened and her scent filled the cave. Godd
ess, she smelled delicious. And fuckable.
Rarely a week went by that Grant didn’t have female company, but his arousal had never reached these levels. Unable to resist any longer, he lowered his mouth to her tempting lips. Electricity zapped between their flesh and raced through his bloodstream on high voltage as their lips meshed together. She tasted sweeter than the purest honey.
“I’m going to light a fire then we’ll continue this,” he murmured against her mouth.
“You’re hot enough to melt an iceberg, but I’ll appreciate that fire later,” she said as she fanned her face.
He chuckled and ran his fingers across her jaw then quickly set logs in the stone ring and lit the wood. It didn’t take long before a fire was blazing, and Grant turned to grab a blanket and noticed she’d found his stash. She quickly spread several beside the fire.
“What can I say? I’m an eager jaguar,” Cristia murmured with a shrug.
He prowled to her side, all the while telling himself to go slow and take his time. She slowly unzipped her jacket and let it fall to the floor. Her long hair was a tangled mess and her cheeks were flushed from the cold. Sexy as hell.
Grant didn’t miss her heated gaze, or the hard nipples pressing against her thin sweater. The seductive sight melted every good intention from his mind.
She sashayed toward him and grabbed his neck, pulling his face to hers. She initiated the kiss with fervor and the intensity made it difficult for him to think. He licked at the seam of her mouth and dove inside her hat cavern when she parted her lips. His errant cock was guiding his tongue as it slid along hers. Every inch craved to be enveloped by her heated core. Needed to be deep inside her as she screamed his name in climax.
Cristia took what she wanted and fisted her hands in his hair before she tilted her head to take more of his mouth. The kiss was urgent, needy and passionate. Their teeth clashed and she bit his lower lip. The act was primal and aroused his animalistic instincts.
It was then that he felt his bear stir for the first time. Intimacy had never enticed his beast. Females scratched a physical itch, but his bear never lifted its head in interest. Now, with Cristia, it wanted to take control.
His hands slid down her back and cupped her ass, squeezing the firm globes. He wanted to bend her over and fuck that fine ass, but first things first.
“Mine,” his bear snarled in his head.
Grant was too irresistible for her sanity. His musk surrounded her and called to her primal nature. He kissed like a God, but she needed to feel his flesh against hers. She broke away and pushed the lapels of his jacket off his shoulders. “Off with it all, Smokey. I want you. Now.”
“Are you sure you can handle all this?” he teased with a wink, and then his jacket was on the floor followed by the remainder of his clothes.
Not to be outdone, Cristia quickly removed her clothing then stood there admiring the view.
He was magnificent. Perfectly bronzed skin and a large, muscular body built for long, hot, sweaty nights. Cristia’s gaze snagged on the impressive length between his legs. Oh, he was going to satisfy all her needs.
The cold registered for a split second against her naked body before her blood heated and her mouth watered at the sight before her.
Grant reached out and tugged her to his chest. His palms engulfed her entire backside. She wasn’t a petite female, but the way he manhandled her body made Cristia feel downright tiny. As a curvy female, that was a difficult feat to achieve, and she loved it.
His eyes become a bright shade of blue, evidence of his arousal. The hottest male on the planet wanted her and Cristia refused to let anything stop what promised to be the best sex of her life.
The fact that he was her mentor tickled her rational thought, but she shoved it aside. The hell with it, her desire couldn’t be deterred even if she tried.
His lips parted slightly, and she felt his hot breath against her face. Suddenly, he paused scant inches from her mouth. Cristia opened her mouth, ready to beg him to continue when his lips crashed down on hers. His aggression tore a groan from her. He tasted of spice and the outdoors, and it drove her wild with need.
She lifted one leg and wrapped it around his hips. The head of his cock brushed against her core and wetness seeped from her entrance. She jumped and his grip tightened on her ass as he settled her in place against his body.
“You are so fucking hot,” he murmured as he rubbed her against the hard line of his body. Everything from the tips of her nipples to her clit was teased as he moved. She didn’t care if the bear fucked her standing up, she needed more.
Breaking away from her mouth to place kisses down her neck, he squeezed her backside and the friction was enough to send her over the edge as his cock dragged over her bundle of nerves in just the right way.
She cried out and tensed in his arms, and wasn’t embarrassed by the speed with which he had her climaxing. A whimper left her throat when his fingers inched closer to her drenched core from behind. Using her thigh muscles, she lifted a little to give him better access.
“I’m going to set you down so that I can fuck you, Kitty,” he murmured.
No one had ever called her kitty before. This male did it with a sensual growl that had her jaguar purring. In fact, her animal was clawing at her insides to be introduced. Soon, she promised her animal. She was going to have the male first and then she would entertain testing the compatibility between a bear and a jaguar.
Grant carefully laid her on the ground as his body hovered over hers. Without pause, he delved right into kissing first one breast and then the other, making her eyes roll back in her head. His chest was a solid wall of muscle beneath her fingertips, and she dug her nails into his firm flesh. His breath heated one pert nipple before he sucked it into his mouth. She arched as he suckled her flesh until it burned with need.
She nearly climaxed again as she raked claws along his shoulders, certain she drew blood. His husky groan was more bear than she expected and Cristia opened her eyes to see if she brought on a shift. His beast looked out at her behind Grant’s eyes, but his body remained in human form. Her jaguar gazed back and roared. These two were aching for an introduction.
“I’m struggling to keep her back,” she panted.
“Me, too, kitty, but I’m not done with you. They can wait,” he husked, and his rough tongue licked across her hard tip. Hell yes, they could wait.
Sweat slicked their skin, and she relished the feel of his body as it glistened in the firelight. Wanting to return the favor, she tweaked his nipples then bit into his shoulder. He groaned and devoured her breast like it was his last meal. She wrapped one leg around his waist and brought her aching center in alignment with his hard shaft.
“Enough foreplay, Smokey. Fuck me,” she pleaded as she writhed beneath his massive body.
“Mmmm, you smell sweet as honeydew,” he whispered and inhaled deeply.
Impatient, she grabbed his erection and squeezed, pumping up and down his length. Her speed increased when he reached down to test her readiness. She grabbed his hand and shoved his fingers deep inside her womb. The friction was incredible, but she needed more.
Lips, tongue, and teeth came together as he grabbed her hands and lifted them above her head. His cock parted her flesh, and he thrust home. The pain was brief but intense enough that she cried out. He stopped immediately and gritted his teeth with the effort of holding back.
The discomfort was temporary and gave way to pleasure as he filled and stretched her as a male should. She gave him a nod and chuckled when he sighed in relief.
He reclaimed her lips as he pumped his hips against her. “Goddess this is crazy, but it feels so fucking right with you,” Grant muttered against her mouth.
“Yes, so good,” Cristia panted, as she met him thrust for thrust.
Grant twined their fingers and held her in place as his free hand snuck between their bodies and fingered her sex.
Her body wound tight as she neared climax again. She held back
, wanting this to last longer. This bear brought her to release with ridiculous ease, but she loved every minute of it.
His thick fingers slid through her folds before he pressed and rubbed her clit. She bit into his shoulder while her muscles clenched around his shaft.
“I’m close,” Cristia warned as her body coiled tightly. She wanted him with her this time.
“Goddess, yes. Cum for me, kitty,” Grant demanded and pinched her bundle of nerves.
Stars exploded behind her eyes as her orgasm ripped through her like wildfire. She felt Grant’s climax follow as her body shuddered with pleasure.
The sight of him with his head thrown back and his jaw clenched tight as he released into her body was enough to put her right back on the edge before her climax waned.
Blinding pain suddenly ripped through her abdomen and tears sprang to her eyes. His glowing blue orbs were wide with shock even as his face twisted in ecstasy.
As their orgasms continued, she relished the feel of this epic moment in time. It had finally happened to her. She welcomed the pain from the brand that magically burned into the flesh on her stomach, and, instantly, something deep inside clicked into place. Life was as it was meant to be and she knew the look on her face mirrored the blissful one across his.
“Ah, my beautiful Cristia. You’re my Fated Mate,” Grant panted as he kissed her with gentle reverence. “Now it all makes sense to me. Why I loathed the idea of you becoming a lieutenant, and why I desperately needed to be inside you.”
“This is a good sign. We’ve been blessed by the Goddess and things are only going to get better from here,” she promised.
Cristia had her other half by her side, and she felt like she could conquer the world. They would find the missing children and get mated on the next full moon.
5
Grant led Cristia inside Jesaray House with his arm wound tight around her waist. The snowstorm had weakened, and they took a chance, making their way back home. He was tempted to stay in the cave with his salacious mate until the storm stopped completely, but they both wanted to rescue the missing striplings. Cristia surprised him by braving the cold and making the entire hike without one complaint.
