She took a deep breath and tried to focus. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. The room tilted and spun. She clung to his shoulder, needing that physical surface to hold onto. Her life had shifted.
“Are you sure?” John asked.
She nodded.
“We don’t want you to regret losing your job or blame us for it.” Archer leaned over and put one of his hands over hers.
“Well, it’s scary being without a job for the first time in years, but that’s not your fault. It’s the damn people over me who made it impossible to work there and who were looking for a reason to fire me.” She straightened her shoulders. “I won’t blame you. I can’t promise that I’ll always be in a good mood about it and that I won’t panic at times.”
“Your bosses were assholes. I know a good lawyer, and we can see what he says about this. I can tell you where I won’t be shopping from now on.” John narrowed his gaze.
“Not worth the fee. I want all of that to be in the past. On the other hand, I know a whole slew of people who won’t be shopping there.” Leslie grinned. “As I said when I met you, the situation there was bad for a while. If not this, something else would have precipitated me leaving or them firing me.”
“All right, we’ll help you out of your bad moods and try to soothe your panic.” Archer nodded. “But just so you know, I wouldn’t care if you put together a whyr wives’ club and held luncheons as long as you were happy. Once you graduate, we’ll have a celebration, and you can begin your new career fresh.”
“Ah, the celebration, if you’re not talking about a private celebration where you let me do wonderful things to your bodies, you’re going to have to get together with Chloe. She’s already said she wants to throw me a graduation party. But she’s a reasonable person, she’ll share.” Leslie bit her lip.
“We’ll get together with Chloe and throw you a great party.” Archer nodded.
“That will be great. Just don’t upset Chloe. Her mates are a little overprotective of her.” Leslie patted John’s chest. She so didn’t want to see them launched anywhere. “Oh, and if you decide not to be supportive, Chloe and Dixie were talking about this game they want to try out.”
“I’m curious about that, but something tells me that the less I know, the better I’ll sleep at night.” Archer leaned down and kissed her.
Chapter Eleven
Leslie stared at the computer screen and reread the same passage. Thunder and lightning reverberated from her speakers. Today, the sounds didn’t help her concentration. She dropped her head into her hands. Fuck, she was stuck.
She pulled in a few deep breaths, trying to get control. With a small push of her foot, she spun the chair. Her gaze landed on the bookshelf. A few figurines sat on one level and books occupied another. Her office was taking shape, but Archer, Judge, and John had done all the work.
The first class since losing her job had been interesting. She hadn’t absorbed much of the lecture, but she’d gone. That was all that mattered to her. This distraction wouldn’t stop her from finishing her school.
She turned back to the screen. Archer worked from home today so that John and Judge could begin arranging their schedules. They didn’t want to leave her alone.
She twitched her shoulders. An ache bloomed between her shoulder blades. A massage chair would be wonderful right about now.
If what John believed was true, then Archer and Judge offered just as big a target as she did. Not that they showed any worry about it. All their concern centered on her, because “she was so small that almost anyone could pick her up and walk off with her.”
Overprotective male idiots. She was not that small. She was just a little below average height. On top of that, she had a nice set of claws that she didn’t mind using. They might be big, strong males, but they could be ambushed as easily as anyone else.
Stupid fucking foxes. She bunched her fists. That was a huge generalization. Not all foxes were crazy and stupid. Some foxes were upstanding citizens and wouldn’t have any part in this. Because of the ones who did fit, she lived like a freaking prisoner, guarded and escorted everywhere.
They’d gone back to their favorite method of causing trouble. Poisoning. They’d hurt children.
There was no coming back from that and pretending that nothing happened. If law enforcement didn’t get these people, someone from one of the other groups of shapeshifters would. Hopefully, it didn’t come to that. Someone without all the evidence could hurt an innocent person. The ones behind this needed to be stopped, not made to look like victims.
She ran a hand through her hair and focused on the screen. Homework first and drive myself crazy later. Maybe she could bother Archer with more questions. He knew something.
A metallic clicking caught her attention. She turned her head. Only one person would be at the door without her hearing the sound of voices or a fight. Archer strolled into the room. He smiled.
“Hi, Leslie, I wondered if you wanted something to eat.” He stopped beside her.
“Maybe a little later, I wanted to get a few more things done before I take a break.” She glanced at the computer screen and bit her lip. It shouldn’t be this hard to get through this.
Archer touched her shoulder. A sharp jolt shot through her. She jumped.
“You’re awfully tense. That was a little painful, wasn’t it? I can feel the tightness in the muscles beneath my hands. Why don’t you lean forward, and I’ll give you a massage? Then I can go start lunch, and you can study for a while. I’ll come get you when it’s ready.” Archer’s thumb circled over the muscle at her neck.
She bit her lip. That was so damn tempting. On the other hand, he gave to his brothers and her. The man was always helping. She wasn’t going to take it as if it was simply the way it was.
“Only if you’ll let me give you a massage after lunch.” She glanced up at him. Would he take the deal?
He watched her for a moment. “All right, sweet cat, I’ll take that massage. Now, let me work on your tight muscles so that you can get back to work and feel comfortable.”
She nodded and leaned forward. His palms rested on her shoulder for a moment as if letting her get accustomed to the warmth. She tensed. His grip tensed and relaxed. She wriggled her shoulders.
Her muscles were tight and could use some rubbing. And so could she, in the full body way. She lowered her head, in case a reflection off the computer screen revealed her grin. If she didn’t tear her mind away from the idea of rubbing up against him naked, he’d realize what she was thinking.
“Relax. There might be a little stinging pain as I work at these muscles. Your shoulders and upper back are knotted with tension.” He tightened his fingers on her shoulders briefly before rubbing and squeezing in slow firm strokes.
She groaned. He hadn’t been lying about that ache. Stings shot through her with each grip and release. The tight cords loosened slowly under his ministrations. His thumbs circled as he worked just above her shoulder blades.
“What have you been thinking about in here?” Archer kneaded. “Your muscles are knotted, angel.”
She sighed and shook her head. The attacks, the future, you know not much. “My mind was circling for the most part.”
“On what?” Archer continued to rub and stroke the taut muscles.
“The near disaster a few days ago and what they want. The fact that I’m not the only target. You and Judge are also someone they’d want to hurt. Around and around, no end of the thoughts.” She bit her lip. Hopefully, he didn’t think she was afraid that they wouldn’t protect her. That wasn’t the case. She could count on them. On top of that, no one needed offended male cat.
“We know that we might be targeted, but we’ve both been through training. John insisted on it when he took the job as the chief of police since the family of the last chief was targeted several times. He knows what we’re capable of, but you, he doesn’t know that. Judge and I also are very careful when we go out, and as irritating as it gets, we always ca
ll either John or someone else to tell them where we’re going in a situation like this.” Archer kneaded the muscles.
“Well, I guess I understand a little better why none of you seemed worried about going out yourself.” She nodded. “I’m glad to know that you take precautions when there might be trouble coming after you.”
“There are times when I do worry, and I know that Judge does, too. Leaving late at night or early in the morning can stretch the nerves.” He stroked down her back and up again.
She relaxed. That slide and glide would be so much more intense if she didn’t have a shirt on. With every inhale, the musky, spicy note filled her senses. Her breasts swelled and ached.
His hands or the solid muscles of his chest, anything would be better than the confining grasp of her bra. She gripped the armrests. Later, she could press against him and explore. Work first. Afterward, maybe she could spend the day snuggled up to him.
“There. Your muscles are much looser now.” He lifted his palms away.
She almost grabbed them and pressed them back. Damn, that ended too soon. The man needed to learn to linger and wind down.
She straightened and rolled her shoulders. Ahh, fabulous. No pain. “They do feel much better. Thank you, Archer. I’m looking forward to giving you your massage later.”
“Well, I’ll be more helpful than you were. I’ll take off my shirt so that you won’t have any trouble getting to the skin you’re stroking.” He winked at her, before turning and striding back to the door.
“Archer, when we get to it, you might want to lose the pants, too. I’m not going to stop at your waistline.” Leslie swept her eyes down his body. Sizzling current burned over her palms.
“I’ll think about it. Now, I’m going to cook something to eat. If that look in your eyes is any indication, I think we both might need the sustenance.” His brows rose up and down. “If I’m naked or nearly so, it’s only fair that you get that way, too.”
“I won’t mind taking off some of my clothes, but right now, I should get back to my studies.” She glanced at the computer. Hopefully, she could read through the information.
“I’ll be back when food is ready.” He turned and shut the door behind him.
She turned back to the computer and began reading. So much easier without the pain and tension. She made some notes about the subject matter.
Archer deserved some extra attention. She shook her head. Focus on the work. When that’s done, I can drive him crazy.
She started on the next section. The doorknob clicked slightly. She glanced back. Archer stood in the open door.
“Lunch is ready. Are you at a good stopping point?” Archer raised a brow.
“Yes, I’m at a good spot. I can take a break, and I’m looking forward to what comes afterward.” She rose to her feet and stretched, reaching for the ceiling.
“Let’s go. We can talk while we eat, and then I’ll let you give me a massage. I might not be tense, but I’ll definitely take any opportunity to let you rub all over me.” He wiggled his fingers with his palm up.
She strolled over and slipped her hand over his. His grip tightened briefly before he led the way to the kitchen. Plates sat on the wooden kitchen table along with silverware. She breathed in. Her mouth watered. Yum, steak. This was so much more than a quick, easy lunch of sandwiches and chips.
“Sit down, sweet cat. Let me get the food and drink.” Archer pulled out her chair.
“That smells so good. I didn’t expect a full meal.” She smiled and watched as he uncovered a bowl and brought it over to the table.
Steam wafted up from broccoli and carrots. He deposited a platter of steaks next and then a bowl of seasoned rice.
“I wanted something more filling than sandwiches.” He went to the refrigerator and brought out two drinks.
“Well, thank you, sandwiches would be good, but this is so much better.” She grinned.
Once he sat down, he dished out the food. They’d talked a little, but most of the time, the discussions centered around what was happening today. She’d only gotten to know a little bit about them.
“What did you want to talk about, Leslie?” Archer’s head cocked to the side.
“Well, we can start with something basic. Family. Of course, there’s John and Judge, but do you have any other brothers or sisters?” She slid her knife through the steak.
The meat was so tender it barely took any pressure. She speared a slice and popped it into her mouth. Grilled to perfection.
“Yes, we have a sister. What about you do you have any siblings?” Archer cut off a piece of steak.
“Two brothers and a sister.” She smiled.
“Do you see them often?” Archer asked.
She took a deep breath. No, and that’s a good thing. How do I say that without sounding like a cold bitch? “No, my brothers live in California and my sister lives in Florida.”
“What about your parents? Do they live here?” Archer frowned.
“They live in Florida with my sister.” She gave a small shrug. Time to change the subject. “What about your parents?”
“They still live here as does my sister. Do you talk to anyone in your family much?” Archer raised a brow.
She stiffened and cut another bit of steak. Damn, he’d caught her hesitance, maybe her tone. “I talk my brothers at least once a month.”
“Do they know that you’ve been in college?” He frowned.
“No.” No way in hell. They talked to her mother and fathers far more often than she did.
“Why not? And don’t hedge. We’re part of your life now. You trust us, don’t you?” Archer asked.
“Yes, I trust you. If I tell them, then they’d tell my mother. I didn’t want to deal with my mother’s reaction.” She bit her lip. Yeah, it was a little cowardly, but she’d had enough to deal with without her mother telling her it was a waste of time because she’d just quit.
“Your mother will have to know eventually.” Archer raised a brow.
“I know. And I know that her reaction wouldn’t affect whether I finish or not, but I didn’t want to listen to that or deal with the frustration. I know what she’d say. I lived with her attitude for years.” Leslie lifted a shoulder. She’d tried, but neither her efforts nor wishes made it different.
“Bad relationship with her?” Archer put his fork down.
“Not so much bad as simply I’m not the one she has anything in common with. Both her and my fathers had a favorite. One that couldn’t do any wrong.” She took a long drink of tea and closed her eyes. Damn, she sounded like a spoiled child.
“Not you or your brothers if the sister in Florida is any significance.” Archer reached over and clasped her hand.
“Yes, she favors my sister. But it’s not as if my brothers or I were ever mistreated. The only thing missing was that we didn’t get the same amount of support.” She gave a slight nod. They weren’t bad parents. They did love their children, but there was more there for one.
“Angel, if you can’t talk to your parents, our parents will be there for you. Especially since they’re going to be in the same town as you when our babies are born.” Archer smiled.
“Grandchildren are something they’re looking forward to?” She tilted her head. Children. Her heart slammed inside her chest, but warmth flowed through her.
“Very definitely. My sister isn’t mated yet, so the first grandchildren will probably come from us.” Archer chuckled. “That will give you points with them. But they’ll love you anyway.”
“Well, there goes my next question. How did you get this house? I have a friend who was looking for something close to here. They couldn’t find anything within three blocks of this neighborhood. Apparently, no one moves out and sells.” Leslie slanted a look around the kitchen. The house was in a nice neighborhood and almost anyone would want to live in the large houses surrounded by the huge, well-kept yards.
“My grandparents sold it to us. It never hit the market. I’d bet that’
s the case with a lot of the other houses around here. They go from family to younger members of the family.” Archer’s eyes narrowed. “So do you have any preferences for headboards? John and Judge are still not decided.”
“Not a preference per say, but I do have some that I like. I’d been looking at a new bed and wanted to get a new frame, as well, but that was still a few months away.” She put her fork down. “Let me get my tablet, and I’ll show you what I had marked as possibles.”
She walked into the living room and grabbed her tablet from the coffee table. On the way back, she powered it up and brought up the app she’d saved the pictures on. They probably wouldn’t go for a few of them. Too girly. He took the tablet and began swiping through the images.
“They’ll say that one’s too fragile looking, and they don’t want to get something only to have it bend the first time they use it.” Archer swiped again.
She frowned. Bend the first time they use it? Too fragile? What were they going to use it for? It clicked. She gasped, and heat rushed up her cheeks. Sex with ropes or cuffs. He thought it would bend.
“There’s one near the end. It reminds me of a fan of feathers without the actual feathers. If you want sturdy, that might do. Sturdy wasn’t what I had in mind. I was looking for something pretty and that I liked.” She waved her hand and went back to eating.
“We’ll talk to John and Judge about it.” Archer put the tablet on the table.
“Yeah, I thought some of the designs might be too girly for you. Considering the size of your bed though, you’re going to have to have it custom-made so any design you pick can be reinforced or made with a sturdy material.” Leslie rolled her eyes.
“I hadn’t actually thought of it that way, and I don’t know if Judge and John have either.” Archer tilted his head.
They finished eating. She rose and rinsed off the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. She turned around and leaned against the counter.
Now for the good part. Her hands, a bottle of oil, and a naked man if she could talk him into stripping out of everything.
Catching Her Mates Page 11
