Catching Her Mates

by Rebecca Airies

  He leaned into her, brushing his lips against hers before he opened his mouth. Her tongue lapped at his lips. He couldn’t resist the invitation. His tongue thrust deep, and he cupped the back of her head. The flavor of sweet berries flooded over his tongue.

  Her tongue thrust against his. She scraped her teeth over his lip. Fire simmered through his veins at the aggression. He nipped her lip, before lapping the curve.

  He slid his arm behind her back and traced his fingers over her arm. Warm, soft skin enticed him to further exploration. He traced a meandering path to her shoulder and then to her chest. Her scent deepened and sweetened. Damn, she even smelled like berries.

  He dragged his nails back and forth over her nipples. The reddened peaks hardened and thrust upward as if in demand for more. He plucked at the nipple. It hardened and jiggled when he let it go. So tempting. He leaned down and swiped his tongue across her nipple. More berries. He couldn’t get enough.

  She squirmed, her shoulders shifting restlessly. He trailed kisses down her belly and to her thighs. A slightly salty tang teased his tongue. At his light touch, she parted her thighs for him. Her pink folds glistened in the light. The throbbing ache grew even more as his muscles tightened. He took a deep, calming breath. She had to be ready before he took her.

  “Stroke me, Judge.” She grasped his hand and guided it down to her mound.

  He gripped her hip. Her demanding words prodded the cat within.

  “Don’t push the cat during the claiming.” He tugged her nipple.

  He leaned in and nipped her lip. She gasped. Sharp nails dug into his shoulders. The shirt blunted the sting from her sharp nails. He wouldn’t be able to take much of that without claiming her.

  He lowered his mouth to her breast. She moaned. The rough sound rolled over his skin. He had to pull more from her. Those little sounds were so sweet. He slipped an arm underneath her legs and lifted her, pulling her onto his lap without breaking contact with her nipple.

  Here. Finally, his mate was with him. Her body pressed against his. Sparks prickled across his skin wherever they touched. He sucked on the stiff peak. Sweet and salty mixed together, the combination tormenting and addictive. He couldn’t get enough.

  His tongue curled around the distended nub. She pulled in a harsh breath. She trailed her fingers through his hair and back over his shoulders. Electricity danced across his skin. Each touch built the intensity. They might both burst into flames if this lasted beyond the first claiming.

  He drew hard on the peak. Her back arched, and a small cry escaped from her. The sounds ricocheted through him, spurring him on.

  He traced a path along the soft inner skin of her thigh. Her legs fell open for him at his light touch. The scent of her desire, her cat, and the pheromones surrounded him. Wild need surged through him.

  The urge to rip away his clothes and blanket her body with his rushed through him. Once inside her, he wouldn’t stop until he came and bit her. A surge of blood flooded his cock. There would be nothing better than sinking his teeth in and making his claim.

  He scraped his teeth over the reddened bud. The hardening of her nipples and the slight sheen of sweat on her skin mirrored his own need. Her face and chest flushed with her excitement.

  He skimmed his fingertips up her thigh and traced the folds of her pussy. She shivered and bit her lip. He tensed. Damn, she was rough on her mouth. That tender flesh deserved better treatment. His treatment.

  Her hips wriggled. The curve of her buttocks rubbed against his cock. His balls drew up tight and an ache spiked through his cock. Probably not the best idea to pull her into his lap. Fuck, he couldn’t stop touching her.

  He slipped two digits between the folds and brushed over the clit. Slick juices coated his fingers. A little longer, but damn, he ached to make her his. He flicked the nub. Her hips bucked.

  He pushed two fingers into her to give her something to clench on and drew circles over that excited little bundle of nerves. She writhed. Her head fell back, and she hauled in shuddering breaths. He tightened his arm, trying to keep her still. She rocked into the slow strokes. Her nails dug into his arm as she clutched at his shoulder. She was so beautiful.

  “Judge.” Her hazel gaze locked on him and glowed with passion.

  A thrill skittered through him. She said his name as if he was the only thing she wanted. Her thighs tightened around his hand and she tilted her hips into his touch. Yes. Almost there. Her heels dug into the couch.

  “Time to put your hands on the back of the couch. I need you on your knees.” Judge rose with her still in his arms. So small and slender.

  She nodded. Was the desire so high she couldn’t speak, or was she lost for words? Either option thrilled him. Sensations should rule her mind, not thoughts or words.

  He put her on the couch and placed her palms on the back. She gripped the fabric. Perfect. He stripped out of his pants and shirt, tossing them away. Even the few inches of air now separating them was too much.

  “Fuck me, Judge.” She reached back and grasped his arm.

  He smiled and urged her palm back onto the upholstery. A low growl rolled from her. Hmm, a demanding little cat. Good. They needed a strong mate to stand by their side.

  He wrapped his arm around her, urging her hips back against his. His cock nestled between the crease of her buttocks. The warmth of her skin set every nerve ending alight. He gripped her hips tight. He was in control here.

  Her wrists begged for cuffs or rope. He shivered. Her bound and helpless. Fire raced through his blood. Her wrists held out in front of her or over her head. His pulse throbbed at his temple and in his cock.

  He shook his head. Fuck, stop thinking about that. She’s here, waiting to be claimed. They both needed it.

  He eased back, guiding his cock to her entrance. Her juices coated the head. The heated nectar tore at the last of his restraint. She tensed, and her breath caught. He nudged into her. Quivers ran over her body.

  He held her as he slid into her. Wet heat surrounded the sensitive flesh. He gritted his teeth and fought the urge to slam into her. Before he lost control, she’d moan her pleasure. He cupped her mound. She gasped. Her hips ground down, and her inner muscles clenched. A groan ripped from him. He closed his eyes. Too good.

  “Angel, you’re going to make me come.” He leaned over her. His jaw ached, and he exhaled. Get control. She will not remember this as the time when I left her wanting.

  “Move, Judge.” She glanced back.

  “Like this?” He pulled out and rocked into her. Electricity prickled over his skin. The pounding desire ratcheted to a higher level.

  He grazed her clit. She bucked into his touch. An answering heat surged through him. He tensed as the urge to come pulsed through him. Her hips surged back into his. Her inner muscles rippled over him. His chest tightened, and he gasped.

  He hauled her back into his thrusts. Her sweet scent swirled around him. His finger circled the bud of her clit. Small moans tore from her. Her hips canted down into his touch. The muscles around his cock tightened. He moaned and thrust deep. She had to come soon. He refused to leave her wanting.

  Judge drove into her hard as he strummed that sensitive nub. Her inner muscles trembled and clenched on his shaft. He tightened his grip on her hips. She cried out. Her back arched.

  Yes, mine. He leaned forward, and his teeth sank into her shoulder. She trembled. He gave into the desperate ache. His hips crashed against hers.

  The continuing clutch of her muscles tugged away the last of his control. Fiery heat ripped over his body. Tremors shook his body. A low growl rolled from him. His woman. He plunged deep until the last shiver faded.

  He rubbed against her, marking her with his scent. God help any whyr near her who didn’t acknowledge that. He’d take on anyone who threatened his relationship with her.

  He lifted his mouth away from her shoulder, but lowered it again to rub his face against her neck. His tongue swiped. Sweet with a hint of berries and a little
tang of salt. He could spend days making love with her. And he would love her again and again over the years.

  Her scent, the pheromones of a female cougar needing her mate, had his shaft stirring again. Not yet. With a sigh, he loosened his arms. Later, they could hold her. Now, Archer needed to take his mate and make her his.

  * * * *

  Archer stepped forward. The rich scent of sex provoked him. He trembled. Frustration screamed his body. He clenched his fists. He wouldn’t deck Judge, even if he was taking too long.

  Whyr were territorial during the first mating, even with partners. Fucking understatement of the century. A low growl rolled through him. I will not take her to the ground and mount her. He could do better than that.

  He picked her up and carried her back toward the bedroom. Her lips fluttered and nibbled along his neck. Stings blossomed as she worked her way up. The woman’s touch was lethal.

  Fuck, if he didn’t hurry, they wouldn’t make it to a bed. And they needed the cushion, comfort, and room to roll and cuddle after. He dashed down the hallway. He wouldn’t give that up.

  She stroked his shoulders. The warmth of her skin seared through the thin fabric of his shirt. She squirmed in his hold. Her soft hip slid against his stomach. He tightened his grip until they entered the bedroom. Her moist breath puffed over his shoulder. A shiver raced down his spine.

  A nip on his neck stopped him in his tracks. Now. He had to have her now. He released her legs as he guided her upper body to his chest.

  She wrapped her legs around him and ground against him. Fuck, she was torturing him. Her boldness offered a challenge and thrill he couldn’t resist. He held her against the wall and slid his hands down to her buttocks, holding her in place.

  He lowered his head to one of her reddened nipples. His mouth watered. He had to have a taste. She gripped his hair and tugged. Prickles ran over his scalp. He sucked at the hardened little peak, worrying it with his teeth and drawing it deep.

  A sweet taste flowed over his tongue. He could get drunk on her. After a last nibble on the bud, he kissed his way over to the other. Her fingers tightened, trying to pull him closer.

  He teased and played until she moaned. The soft musky scent of her arousal rose. Good, but she had to be hotter. He lifted his head and licked his way up to her collarbone, lapping at an unmarked area. Soon he’d sink his teeth there, claiming her as his brothers had.

  He lowered her to her feet and turned her to face the wall. She groaned. He smiled. She hadn’t wanted him to stop. Neither did he, but he had to get her in a better position. Otherwise, he’d lose control and come before he slid into her sweet heat. That would be a damn shame, and his brothers would never let him live it down.

  He drew his fingers up to her breast, pinching one hardened peak. With the other hand, he cupped her pussy and pushed two digits into her. Sweet, wet heat welcomed him. He settled his thumb over her clit. Her inner muscles tightened.

  As his fingers shuttled back and forth in the wet heat, he dragged his thumb across her clit. Her upper body pressed forward, pushing the taut bud of her nipple into his palm. The move forced her buttocks back, putting her in the perfect position. He shook his head. Not yet. Just a little longer. He pumped his fingers into her and rotated his thumb on the sensitive area.

  She moaned, and her hips rocked against him. He couldn’t take time to get out of his pants. He’d waited too long. His control shredded. The need to take her rode him too hard.

  He opened his pants and pushed them down enough to free his cock. The head brushed over her buttocks. A spike of near pain slashed through him. He tensed. Soft, warm skin brushed against him. He took deep breaths, trying to fight away from the edge. Fuck, he was too sensitive.

  He guided his cock to her entrance. As he slid his shaft into her, he clenched his jaw. Slick moisture eased his way. Her inner muscles clenched. He held still, trying hard to keep his control. Demand pounded through him. Mate her. He stroked her clit.

  She shoved back against him. Her inner muscles rippled. She had to go over. As he pulled out, he caressed that sensitive bud. He wouldn’t be that asshole who didn’t satisfy his mate.

  “Please, Archer,” she breathed the words in a raw whisper.

  Her hips undulated as he surged forward. He sank his shaft into her again and again. Her breath caught, and tremors ran over her body He plunged into her. Almost there. He teased her clit again. She screamed. Her body jolted in his arms. He bit, digging his teeth in as he shoved into her.

  His hips churned, and his muscles tightened. The sizzling burn built and flared out of control. It had to be soon.

  Lightning ran up his spine. He came, plunging into her, trying to extend the delicious sensations. It was too good to give up. He was never letting her go.

  When the sensation faded, he eased away. He glided his palms over her stomach and hips. Fuck, she was so sexy. He pulled her back against him. His hold tightened for a moment as he kissed to her shoulder. Finally, they had their woman in their home. A slight scuff drew his gaze to the right. Judge stood there.

  “I have a bath running for her. She can soak for a little while before we eat.” Judge stepped forward.

  Archer lapped his mark before he stepped back. He nodded to Judge and guided their woman into his brother’s arms. Well, at least the urge to pound his brother’s face in had faded.

  Chapter Six

  Leslie stared. Her yellow-and-white living room had once been peaceful and comforting. The place was chaos.

  Empty boxes lay on the floor and furniture in varying stages of assembly. Archer had taped a few of them into form. Others spread across her coffee table like a bulky stack of brown cards.

  She’d stayed with them the night she’d met them in the restaurant and the two days following. Since today was Saturday and most of them were off the full day, they’d decided to move her things.

  Her stomach tightened, and a gnawing pain settled there. Was this too soon? As far as whyr went, this was normal. Whyr mated for life. Would she mess this up? So much could be destroyed with a few words.

  She picked up a pile of coasters from a side table and put it into a shallow box. They didn’t have to do this now. She’d paid her rent only last week. They had time to pack up the big stuff and the nonessentials. She had no problem moving her clothes over there and leaving most everything else here.

  John, Archer, and Judge vetoed that and accused her of trying to back out of the mating. Not what she meant at all, and it could prolong the mating. If she couldn’t reassure them, the pheromones would stay at a high level until they were sure.

  “How are you doing in here with the small stuff?” Archer leaned in the doorway.

  “I told you I don’t have a hell of a lot of knickknacks in here. Everything’s in the two boxes there, and one of those boxes has an afghan that my grandmother gave me.” She waved. The lack of clutter here should be clear. “Everything else is furniture. I disconnected the television connections. I don’t know what we’re going to do with that. You three don’t need another television. I’ll grab some boxes and go start on my clothes.”

  Damn, those men had a lot of electronics. As for televisions, they had three that she knew of. There could be more. They had one in the bedroom, one in the living room, and one in a den.

  Archer waited as she gathered the boxes. Her muscles tightened under the almost unblinking gaze. Whatever was on his mind, he wouldn’t wait long to tell her. None of them held back when they wanted something.

  As she carried the boxes, he remained there. When she almost reached his side, he straightened and turned to her.

  “We’re not going to try to take over your life, Leslie. I know that insisting that we move everything out of here might seem arbitrary at the moment, but there are reasons.” Archer leaned close and put an arm around her waist.

  “You could tell me about them, but that’s not really what’s been on my mind during this move. It’s not that I’m resisting it. I know we belong
in the same house after you claimed me.” Maybe the answer would soothe whatever bothered him about her response to the rush.

  Her small rental house sat on a small lot. Perfect for her before she mated. Her own little space and not an apartment building. She shuddered. All the strange people around her day in and day out. Her cat would go crazy. She did all right at work, but that was temporary from the moment that she stepped in the building.

  “We will tell you about them, soon. Maybe when we get everything settled here. Why were you a little insistent that we could move only a few things and leave the rest until later?” Archer walked with her back up the hall.

  She grimaced. The answer wasn’t simple. “I don’t want to mess this up, Archer. Yes, I know this is permanent. I’ve been a cougar all my life and know everything about a mating, but I’ve also seen some hellish matings where the people come together only to make babies because they can’t stand each other. I don’t want that for us.”

  “It’s not going to happen. You’ll find that we’re more than ready to compromise with you on things, Leslie. Even though we’d like to make everything all right in your life, we know we can’t, but together, we can work on it.” Archer held out his hand. “How about I help you pack up the small stuff in your room?”

  “There’s a lot more of it in there than there was in the front room.” Leslie glanced at the boxes in her hands along with the wrap she stuffed inside. They’d need more.

  “Working together, it won’t take too much time. Do you collect something?” Archer asked.

  “Don’t let him distract you in there,” John warned as he came back in the house. “This will never get done if we spend all day in bed. And Leslie, I did hear some of what you said.”

  So that’s where he’d gotten to. He’d disappeared about ten minutes ago. Judge had left a while ago. He’d gotten a call from the hospital.

  She bit her lip. “Does it make you angry?”

  “Only that you didn’t tell us about it immediately even though we weren’t listening very well.” John walked over and stroked his finger over her cheek. “You’re more than a body that can give us babies. We’ll have those when you’re ready. I know you’re in the middle of school right now. We wouldn’t want to take away something that is important to you.”