Catching Her Mates

by Rebecca Airies

  He leaned in and kissed to her shoulder. She hummed. He scraped his teeth over her shoulder. The essence of berries rushed through him with every inhale. She was such a feast for his senses. Golden skin, delicious taste, and addictive smell.

  “You taste wonderful, angel.” Judge’s voice drifted to him.

  Archer glanced over. Judge lapped at her shoulder. Archer turned back to enjoying Leslie. Move slow and draw it out. He drew in a deep breath. His body tightened, and his cock throbbed with the rapid beat of his heart. He had to have control.

  He licked at her skin and slid his palm over her back. The warmth of her skin tempted him to more. She rocked back against his touch. Hunger surged through him.

  He kissed her shoulder and chest. How could she taste so sweet? He traced along the waistband of her pants. She wriggled. The delicious aroma of her arousal rose. That’s what he needed. Every thought out of her head other than the want pulsing through her.

  He trailed his tongue over the slope of her breast. He lapped his way to the darkened areola and around it. He nibbled at the bud. She moaned. The sound rolled through him. Was it because of something he did or because of something Judge did? At the moment, it didn’t matter.

  He found the button to her pants. He flicked it open and drew the zipper down. Her feet scooted outward, widening her thighs. He slid his fingers beneath the edge of her panties. So warm. He drew circles along her mound, easing down until he cupped her. Slick moisture coated the lips. The wetness surrounded his fingers as he pressed between the plump folds.

  “Do you like this?” Archer curled his finger up and stroked over the bud.

  “You know I do. I want one of you to make love to me.” Leslie stroked his shoulder.

  “Angel, whenever we touch you, we’re loving you,” Judge nibbled at her neck.

  Great answer. Archer wouldn’t have said it in those words, but they perfectly described it. “Let’s lay you down on the bed.”

  “You better not leave me hanging.” She gripped his hair.

  “We’re not going to leave you hanging.” Judge took her arm.

  Archer eased his hand from her pants. Tingles raced across his palm. Soon, he’d touch her again, and this time they wouldn’t have to interrupt it again.

  Judge urged her back to the bed. When she stopped beside it, he pushed the pants and panties down her thighs. Archer knelt beside her. Her heels came off with a slight tug, and he sent them flying. He drew her pants the rest of the way down her legs and off. He threw them over his shoulder. Finally, naked.

  “Why don’t you lie back here, angel? Let us take care of everything.” Archer drew his hand over her hip. Let him get his mouth on that sweet pussy. He licked his lips. Lap up all those juices and watch the pleasure wash over her.

  As she settled onto her back, Judge crawled onto the bed beside her. He stroked her stomach. His palm drifted up to play with the nipple of one breast as he lowered his mouth to the other. She wriggled, and stroked Judge’s back. The soft flush tinting her skin thrilled Archer.

  Archer knelt on the floor and gently widened her thighs. After this, he’d probably head straight for the shower and turn that thing on cold. He gritted his teeth. His cock ached, the blood pumping so hard he felt each throb.

  Her pink folds glistened with juices. As he leaned in, he inhaled. Her berry flavor mixed with the rich scent of her arousal. It rushed straight to his head. He gripped the covers. Fuck, she smelled delicious.

  He lapped at the pink folds. She moaned, and her leg tilted even farther outward. He pressed closer to her fragrant folds. Her hips rolled a little, as if begging him to touch. He slipped one hand in and traced her entrance.

  Silky skin and warmth welcomed him. He lapped at her clit. She clenched his hair. Prickles stung his scalp. Good, she wanted. He dipped two fingers into her, slowly stroking back and forth. Hopefully, he could hold out long enough to bring her pleasure.

  Her moans spurred him on. He grazed his teeth over her clit. She stiffened, and a shiver rolled over her body. That small sound wasn’t enough. Not there yet.

  He licked and lapped at the bud, dipping down to gather the juice that spilled out. Exhilaration burst through him. He lashed the bud with his tongue. Her hips bucked up, and she moaned. That sweet flavor and her response. He couldn’t get enough.

  He slid his fingers back and forth. Her inner muscles clenched. Come on, angel. Don’t hold back. It hadn’t ever been more important to give anyone pleasure.

  “Archer, come up to me. I want to feel you in me.” She tugged at his hair.

  He groaned and continued to drink in her juices and torment her clit. Those words tore at him. He’d love to be inside her. But not while she was hurt. Tonight, she didn’t need either one of them heaving over her or under her. Too much chance that she’d end up in pain.

  Her hips bucked up, and those inner muscles clenched and trembled. She was close. He drew in a shaky breath. He wouldn’t last too much longer. The last thing he wanted to do was come in his pants.

  He sucked at the nub. Her breath caught, and her body bucked upward. Tremors ran over her. He kept lapping, extending her bliss for as long as possible. When she finally stilled, he lifted his head. Her skin glowed, and a soft smile curved her lips.

  After a few moments, she lifted her head and looked down at him. “Why didn’t you come to me?”

  “Angel, your pleasure and safety are more important to me than my own.” He stroked her hip. “When you’re feeling better, we can do anything you like, but now, you need rest. Let’s get you settled in bed.”

  Archer settled beside her and pulled her against him. He kissed her neck. That had been too close. If he hadn’t heard that car, she could have been killed. And they still had no idea who was giving the orders. Could they keep their sweet cat safe?

  Chapter Ten

  Would there ever be a time when she could sleep late or cuddle with her men?

  Leslie stretched as she stood by the bed. She rubbed at her eyes and tried to push away the dragging lethargy. The sun streamed in through a gap in the curtains. It would be nice to pull up a chair and curl up in that warm sunny spot. A lovely, lazy day. Unfortunately, not in the cards.

  Finally, she was completely unpacked. She grinned. They hadn’t exaggerated that they wanted her to feel at home here. They’d offered to let her decide on new furniture. She could be happy here, but they did need some things to soften the hard masculine look in most of the rooms. Hell, some wall decorations would do wonders.

  She pushed back the covers and winced. Her wrist ached a little, but even that would probably fade soon. And if it didn’t, a little pain reliever would take care of it. She had to get dressed, eat, and prepare herself for a day at work. Yuck, she’d rather do almost anything else.

  She started toward the bathroom. Water splashed against tile. Someone was in the shower. Warmth curled in her belly. Maybe she could join one of her men. She glanced at the clock. Freaking time. If only it wasn’t so late.

  She pushed open the door. A uniform lay on the counter. John was naked in the shower. What delicious things she could do to him. She shook her head.

  Focus. He has work. I have work. Can’t happen. She grabbed her toothbrush and some toothpaste from rack. The counter might be big, but even a speck of toothpaste would show up on that pressed and pristine outfit. She headed to one of the other bathrooms for a shower and to brush away the morning breath.

  After she finished, she walked down the hall. The aroma of smoky, meaty goodness drifted on the air. Bacon. She headed to the kitchen. Her stomach grumbled. Hopefully, he made a lot of that bacon.

  She wandered into the kitchen. Her bare feet padded across the cool cream-colored tile. A shiver ripped up her back. Maybe next time, she’d put on some socks.

  Archer moved along the counter nearest the stove, placing platters down and then back to the stove to grab a pan. He dumped eggs onto one of them and slid hash browns onto another. It was so nice to have a man who co
uld cook.

  “Good morning, Archer.” She took a seat at the island. Her finger traced along the veins in the creamy white marble.

  “Um, morning, Leslie. As soon as I get a moment to steal a kiss from you, it will be a good morning.” Archer winked before he turned back to the food.

  So damn tired. Last night, she’d tossed and turned. Not from her wrist. That car. She’d caught just a glimpse as it passed. When she closed her eyes, vehicles raced at them again and again. She’d bolted up repeatedly with her heart racing and her heart lodged in her throat. Unfortunately, her jittery reaction had woken Archer and Judge just as often.

  In a few hours, she had to be at work. Her bosses would probably put her in the back doing inventory or unpacking boxes. Something that might give them cause to fire her for not doing her job.

  Her eyes closed, and she lowered her head. Fuck, the crap was long past old. Her shoulders slumped. They’d fire her soon regardless of what she did or how much she tried. She took a deep breath. Put up with the shit for as long as possible. I need that paycheck even without the rent and utility bills.

  If the guys didn’t back her when she lost her job, Dixie would try to give them an attitude adjustment. She bit her lip, trying to push the image out of her head. John, Archer, and Judge skimming across the floor and into a triangle of huge white bowling pins. Her mouth kicked up. Chloe, on the other hand, wouldn’t need to do anything but point and tell one of her guys to go do it. Especially if she was pregnant by then.

  “Now what brought on that laugh?” Archer stalked over to her.

  “I was thinking about something Chloe and Dixie said last night.” Leslie turned to face him.

  “Um, well, since you’re not immediately explaining it, I’m not sure that I want to know.” Archer leaned down and grazed his lips over hers.

  His tongue brushed over her lips twice before she opened for the thrust of his tongue. The slight bitterness of coffee hit her. He cupped the back of her head and held her still. She reached up and ran her hands over his shoulders. The lazy kiss lured her in.

  She eased closer to him, trailing her nails over the soft cloth of his shirt. His warmth seeped through her clothes. When he pulled back, she tightened her grip on him.

  “Sorry, angel, I have to go finish breakfast.” Archer grasped her wrists and gently tugged her hands away.

  She tracked his movements as he went back to the stove. He pulled a pan of biscuits from the oven and set it on a mat on the marble countertop. She braced her bare feet on one of the rungs of the stool. The man had everything so organized. No way could she be that neat and orderly.

  “Did you sleep well once you finally got to sleep last night?” Archer put the biscuits into a basket and brought them over to the table.

  He made it all look so easy and quick. She shook her head. Still, early days with them, they’d learn to work together.

  “Yes, I did. I know I kept you and Judge awake for a while though.” She grimaced. That was one of the drawbacks of sleeping between them. She couldn’t move without it affecting one or both of them.

  “I slept so don’t worry about it. Judge would have if he hadn’t been called in early to help with a MVA.” Archer lifted a shoulder. “He wouldn’t have gone if he didn’t think he was in good enough shape to handle what was required of him.”

  “After breakfast, I’d like to talk to you, Leslie.” John strode into the kitchen.

  “Why not during?” She tilted her head and stared at him as he stalked over to her. No need to put it off.

  His lips brushed over hers in a brief kiss. His tongue pressed for more. She opened eagerly. Damn, it was good to see him. When had he joined them last night?

  His tongue claimed hers, and his arm swept around her, lifting her off the chair. She leaned into him. The hungry caress thrilled her. Her arms wrapped around him.

  “Damn, I’d like to take you straight back to bed.” John’s lips drifted from her mouth, across her cheek, and down her neck.

  “I wouldn’t mind.” She grinned.

  “Let’s go to the table. Our meal is waiting.” John put her on her feet and guided her to the table.

  “You never answered my question.” She poked his chest. It wasn’t like him to try to avoid the subject.

  “I don’t want to ruin your appetite or the meal for you. I don’t think you’re going to take it so well.” John took a deep breath.

  She blinked at him. What could he mean by that? Nothing would make her mad enough to miss eating or sad enough for that matter. They were her mates. Humans waffled about things when they mated, not whyr.

  “Let’s talk about it after breakfast as he suggested.” Archer brought Leslie a cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice. His mouth opened again, as if he meant to say something. He closed it without even a single sound emerging.

  So Archer knew what John meant to tell her and thought it would upset her. As if worrying about what they wanted to say wouldn’t kill her appetite. Why not get it over with?

  Those two obviously didn’t intend to change their minds. Leslie sat and dished up some of the eggs onto her plate. She took some of the bacon, hash browns, and two biscuits. A little of everything, so that they wouldn’t start arguing that she needed to eat. John held out a small jar of peach jam. She scooped out a bit and plopped it on the clear spot of her plate. Freaking control freak men. A little hint about what they wanted to discuss would be great.

  “So do both of you have full days planned?” She glanced from Archer to John.

  “Yes, I need to go back to the station today. Tony had the Wild Beat’s parking lot on surveillance cameras. With any luck, we can identify the car or the person from one of the angles.” John took a big bite of the thick bacon.

  “I’ll be busy, as well.” Archer looked at John and then back to her. “We’ve unpacked everything we brought over from your house, but did you have any homework to do for your classes?”

  Something significant lay behind that glance. She tilted her head. Had something else happened last night?

  “No, I don’t have any homework. I’ve already read the chapters that were needed.” She waved her fork. “I’m just looking forward to finally being finished with these courses so that I can start a new career.”

  And get away from that damn store and the managers there. She clenched her jaw. Better not say that or she might not stop. Even shouting it to the world wouldn’t be enough.

  They finished breakfast without any further tension rising. Once she put down her fork, she sat and drummed her fingers on the tabletop as they finished theirs. She wriggled in her chair and took a deep breath. It was so hard to be patient.

  When they finished, she helped clear the table and load the dishwasher. John tugged her back to the table. She didn’t get a chance to take a seat. He pulled her into his lap. She leaned into him. Now this was so much better than sitting alone. He wrapped an arm around her.

  “Are you ready to tell me what you wanted to speak with me about?” She slipped an arm around his shoulder and glanced up at him.

  “Yes.” John nodded. “I want you to call into work for today at least.”

  She bit her lip and sat there. That wasn’t going to go over well with her bosses. She had the time. It shouldn’t be a problem, but it would be. A weight settled in her stomach. Her hands began to sweat.

  “Why? I’m not hurt that bad.” She pulled back and touched his chest. The jerks at her work would make her day as difficult as possible, but that was par for the course lately.

  “It’s not because you’re hurt. Not completely. You shouldn’t have to work when you’re in any pain. The main reason I want you to stay home today is that I’d like a chance to see if I can narrow who is behind the attempt to run you three down and learn if it’s connected to the other attacks.” John hugged her close.

  Yes. She clenched her fist. Can’t answer that fast. Need to think about the consequences.

  “Is this necessary?” She worried
at her lower lip.

  “Yes, if it’s connected to the attacks on others, especially poisonings, things could get dangerous. You’re going to be a vulnerable spot for us. The people we suspect are behind this know how important a mate is.” John’s hand swept up and down her back.

  “All right, I’ll call in and see if I can get a day off.” She nodded.

  “And if they don’t give you the day off?” Archer asked.

  “Then I guess when the trouble is over, I’ll be looking for a temporary job to help with the bills here. In the meantime, though, I won’t give up my school. I’m too close to finishing, and I only go to school three days a week.” She frowned at them. “I only have a couple of months left.”

  “You’ll finish your school on time.” John patted her shoulder. “And a job isn’t necessary. If you want one, that’s great.”

  She pulled out her phone and called her boss. She waited on the man to answer. She wriggled in John’s lap. He was already there, and he rarely left his office.

  “Hello,” her boss, Clive Nilsson, said.

  “Hello, this is Leslie Morgan. I’m calling because I need the day off. I was almost run down by a car last night, and the police would like me to stay out of the public until they know whether the incident was targeted.” Leslie clutched at John’s shirt. The department store employed a lot of people. Almost everyone who worked there was human.

  “I don’t believe you. I’m sure that you overindulged and don’t want to be here. The policy is twenty-four hours for a sick day. If you’re not here, I’ll mark you as a no-show, and you won’t have a job to come to.” Nilsson’s voice dripped with dislike.

  “If you don’t believe me, that’s your choice. I place our customer’s lives higher than you do apparently. You’ll have my keys and ID card by the end of the day.” She lifted her chin and hung up the phone.

  John and Archer stared at her. She lowered her head. Her hand shook. She put the phone down and clasped her fingers together. Had that really happened? A heavy weight settled in her stomach as if she’d swallowed rocks.