Catching Her Mates

by Rebecca Airies

  “Definitely. Do you think that they were after you or just anyone?” Maggie glanced at the unconscious man.

  “I don’t know. It could be either one. Yes, there have been indications they might try to get to John through us. On the other hand, they’ve also gone after anyone they consider vulnerable at times.” Judge lifted a shoulder. It was probably the former even though they wouldn’t be able to prove that without a confession.

  “I’ll be glad when this is all finished. I won’t worry so much when the leader behind these attacks is discovered.” Maggie folded her arms across her chest. “I constantly wonder if Penny will somehow stumble into one of those poisonings or attacks. I don’t know what will happen if she’s hurt in one of these episodes.”

  “That might set things off for her mates.” Judge shook his head.

  He dialed the number and contacted the police. She spoke on the phone. Good, she’d gotten hold of John. She finished talking before he did. By the time he finished, he looked toward the door. John and Logan strode out of the bar. John stopped only long enough to spot them. His long stride carried him across the pavement between them in short order.

  “Are you both all right? Maggie said that you were hit.” John stopped a few feet away and looked at the car that still shrieked its strident alarm. “Logan, could you call inside and tell Tony to make an announcement for whoever owns this car to stop that damn alarm?”

  “Will do.” Logan nodded. He edged to the back.

  “I’m all right. I have a bump on my head and probably some bruises on my ribs.” Judge pushed his lips into a smile. Pain slashed through his head, but numbed a bit. Adrenaline surged through him. Maybe he had a concussion. Ribs were most likely bruised.

  “You’re seeing a doctor tonight.” John leveled a hard glare at him. “And you, Maggie?”

  “I barely got hit. I took the other man down before he could try to hit me with the metal pipe. You’ll find some blood on the ground because I got him with my claws. He twisted away and tried to make a run for it. I took him down again. He knocked me off and got away.” Maggie grimaced.

  “I’d like you to see the doctor, too.” John stared at the woman.

  “You’re just afraid of my brother.” Maggie grinned.

  “Not afraid so much as I’d like to avoid any trouble. He’s the alpha of our Pride and can make my life hell.” John lifted a shoulder.

  That was putting it mildly. The next few hours dragged with statements and a visit to the clinic. It was even worse because Leslie wasn’t with him. Freaking John. John had insisted she go home with Archer and wait for them. She’d glared at John, but it hadn’t changed anything. He couldn’t wait to get home. Not that he’d be doing anything tonight or likely tomorrow. He had broken ribs. No concussion though, which was the only good news. With whyr healing and changing to his cougar in a few days, he should be fully healed in two weeks.

  He turned to John. “You have to find out what they’re after this time. Each attack is getting closer. I can’t lose her.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  John glanced over at Archer lounging in the armchair. Judge should be home soon. After the last week, Leslie was tense and fidgety, but she’d refused to go out. Somehow, they had to give Leslie an uninterrupted night that didn’t end up with someone getting hurt.

  A night at home should do that. Not exactly the special evening she deserved, such as a nice restaurant, dancing, or something to show her how much she meant to them. Until they could do that without risking harm to her or someone else, they’d have to find other ways.

  Today, they had plans. Judge needed to get home, and then they could begin what would hopefully be a hot night. John glanced at his watch. Not too late, but after the time Judge had told Leslie. Maybe they should distract her so she didn’t worry. Judge would get here. He had a couple things to do first.

  “What are you in the mood for tonight? I assume we’re getting something delivered since there’s nothing on the stove and you told me not to cook.” She held a couple menus. Her dark green shirt was tucked into the waistband of her black jeans.

  “We’ll decide that soon. So when this is over and you get out of school, how would you like to go somewhere?” John tilted his head. He’d like to make her a little more rumpled.

  Maybe she’d be diverted by the discussion. They’d go somewhere, but arranging it would take time. Too soon for the deeper things, like the mating ceremony and a wedding.

  “A trip would be nice.” She nodded with a smile.

  “Where would you like to go?” Archer leaned forward.

  “Um, Italy or Greece if we’re talking out of the country. If we’re talking in the US, I want to go to the northwest, Oregon or Washington. I want to spend some time running through the forest there and work our way down the coastline, exploring wherever might catch our interest.” Leslie smiled.

  “Both suggestions sound interesting.” John nodded. Italy had beaches, history, and plenty to see and do. He frowned. “Are we talking Italy wine tour or Italy nude beaches?”

  “They’re called naturist beaches, I believe, but actually, I was thinking of the wine tour part.” She lifted a brow, but her mouth lifted in a wicked smile.

  He tried not to let his relief at that show. Maybe in a couple years he’d be able to handle her in the vicinity of nude males other than Archer and Judge. She wouldn’t want the other men, but territoriality clawed at him now. The problem wouldn’t go away overnight, but he’d beat it.

  “The correct name for the beach is beside the point.” Archer reached over and ruffled her hair.

  The slap of wood on wood drew John’s head up. He tensed. Rhythmic beeps followed. He let out a long breath. Judge was home. Leslie rose to her feet. Would she hold back? She bounced up and hurried out of the room.

  “Let’s move this stuff out of the way so we can have some space.” John rose to his feet.

  “All right. We should have a couple of minutes before they get out here. I’m sure Judge will want a kiss, and they’ll talk a little.” Archer moved to the end of the couch.

  They lifted the couch and chairs and placed them next to the wall. That gave them much more room. Archer carried coffee table and put it top down on top of the sofa. John spread the blanket on the carpet, tugging away the wrinkles and folds. The perfect area for a very private picnic.

  “Look, Judge brought food.” Leslie walked into the living room and stopped. “You knew he was bringing food.”

  “Yes, we told him to. We wanted to have an evening picnic with you in the house.” John smiled. Because no one would be able to peek over the walls like they would a fence.

  “Come sit down. Let’s eat. We can talk.” Archer sat and patted the blanket.

  “A picnic without bugs and only us. I love it.” Leslie smiled.

  “I’m glad you like it.” Archer nodded.

  John left the room to get glasses and the pitcher of sangria. If she’d caught him mixing this earlier, she’d have known something was up, but luckily, she had homework to do. His mouth watered with each inhale of the scent of barbecue filling the house. He put it all on a tray and carried it out to the living room. He passed Judge, probably heading to the kitchen to get plates and utensils. The aroma of barbecued meat wafted from the bags.

  “Who else would be on a picnic with us?” Judge returned with the plates as John poured the sangria.

  “The last time I had a picnic, a pickup football game ran through it.” She lifted a shoulder.

  “An entire game ran through your picnic?” John lifted his brow. Something was a little off about that.

  “Both teams were on the run. Their game had apparently spilled into the manicured flower beds of the park. The gardeners weren’t happy about that. As they chased the boys, they yelled threats about calling the police.” Leslie grinned.

  Judge laughed. “Had you eaten before they trampled your picnic?”

  “No, we had to trash everything and then go find food.” Les
lie shook her head. “But speaking of food, I’m hungry. That barbecue smells wonderful.”

  “Well, then let’s feed you.” John nodded. Definitely. Food and then fun.

  He pulled out the containers of food and placed them in front of him. Chicken, pulled pork, ribs, mac and cheese, collard greens, barbecue beans, and cornbread. A feast to fuel them for the rest of the night. As he did, Archer grabbed one of the spoons and began to dish some of the macaroni and cheese onto the plates. He did the same for the beans and collard greens. Judge doled out some of the cornbread.

  “What kind of meat did you want, Leslie? We’ve got chicken, pulled pork, and ribs.” John glanced over at Leslie.

  “Chicken and pulled pork.” Leslie inhaled deeply. “That smells so good.”

  “Yes, it does. My mouth is watering.” John handed her the plate.

  Once they’d finished eating, they put away the leftovers to enjoy later. The dishes went into the dishwasher. John settled back down on the blanket.

  “All right, what did you have planned now?” Leslie settled back on the blanket. “What picnic games did you have in mind?”

  “Well, I thought I’d let you decide that since you are the lady of the group.” John tilted his head. He was easy to please. Her naked and sweaty, calling out his name. Anything that involved that would thrill him.

  “Hmm, well, I think I’d like to ride the chief.” Leslie eased across the blanket and straddled him.

  He reached out and grasped her hips. Oh, yeah, there was his woman. Such a bold cat. She rested her hands on his shoulders and leaned in close to kiss him.

  “You’re a little overdressed for riding me, angel.” He pulled back from her tempting lips.

  “I’ll get undressed. Give me a little time to play.” She cupped the back of his head.

  “I don’t need as much time to be ready as you. If you play too much and I come in these pants, I’m going to turn you over my knee.” John ran one palm over her buttocks.

  “If you come in your pants, it would be a damn shame. I guess I’d have to occupy myself with Archer or Judge until you recover.” A small smile kicked up the corner of her mouth.

  “I’m sure that by the time I finished warming your ass, I’d be recovered enough to start working on you.” John slipped his fingers under her shirt and trailed them over the small of her back.

  Humor and a little challenge burned in her eyes. He swallowed. That might not bode well for him. He straightened his shoulders. She could explore, but he wouldn’t let her drive him crazy without giving her some of the same in return. He’d flick and stroke her little clit until she was ready for him.

  “And touching that portion of my anatomy might heat you up again anyway.” She drew her finger over his collarbone.

  So she’d caught on to the fact that he loved her ass. That happened faster than expected. Then again, she’d been surprising him since he met her. Had she caught on to Archer’s fascination yet? Asking that could wait until much later.

  “It might at that, but I plan to make sure that we don’t have to go that route. I don’t want to wait to feel your pussy clenching around me.” He trailed his hand down her body.

  Although the outline of her nipples pressing against her shirt tempted him, he flicked open the fastening to her pants. He brushed his fingertips against the skin of her belly. The heat and softness lured him to explore further. Her sweet clit lay hidden and waiting to be teased and fondled. And that sweet cream. He couldn’t wait to taste it.

  “We’re going a little fast, aren’t we? What, no teasing me with plucks at my nipples or your mouth sucking and nibbling?” She raised a brow.

  “I have a feeling you’re going to be a lethal little tease, and I want to make sure you’re wet and ready for me.” Yeah, he was skipping ahead of the normal course of events. Self-preservation.

  She leaned down and nipped his shoulder. The display of aggression sent a thrill through him. His cock hardened. He couldn’t wait until she sank her teeth into him in her own claim.

  He took a deep breath. Give her time. The need wouldn’t be as pressing with her because both she and her cat acknowledged their claim. They were in accord.

  “I might tease you, but I know you’re going to enjoy every moment of it.” She straightened and pushed on the buttons. She freed the last fastening and spread the fabric to expose his chest.

  Her soft fingers skimmed over his chest. His breath caught as she drew circles around one nipple. Tingles sparked over his hypersensitive skin at that simple touch.

  He eased his fingers beneath the silk of her panties. Slick moisture teased as he cupped her mound. That slight hint of her desire buzzed through him. His body tightened. He wouldn’t be satisfied until her sweet moans rang through the room and her juices coated his fingers.

  He pressed a finger between her folds. She gasped. Such a sexy sound. But she had to give him more. For now, he’d tease her and take her up fairly slowly. When she scraped her nails over his taut nipples, searing heat spiraled through him. He drew in a hissing breath. The woman didn’t hold back, at all. He curled his finger, giving her clit a long, slow stroke.

  “You’re going to enjoy my teasing, as well.” He eased his hand down and dipped into her entrance to gather her juices. Oh, yes, she was slick already. He drew it up and spread it over the sensitive nub.

  She leaned down and licked his neck. Her teeth scraped the skin. Tingles spread outward from the contact. Holy fuck. She was going to rip his control away. He shifted beneath her. Much more and he’d roll her beneath him.

  She licked her way down his chest. He drew in a shuddering breath. He should have more control than this. Her light touch sent his blood rushing through him and had his cock throbbing with need.

  He rubbed circles on her clit, not stopping until she moaned. Her hips pressed down. Now, he had her.

  Her nails sank into his shoulders. The slight sting lanced right through him. He eased his fingers down and pushed two into her. She had to be desperate and aching before he lost it. He settled his thumb over her clit and swept it back and forth slowly. She’d fall apart before he did. He wouldn’t leave her wanting.

  She traced his chest. Nails scraped over his skin, leaving stinging trails as she dragged them over his nipples. Her hips canted. Whimpers fell from her lips as she rode his hand.

  A soft flush rose over chest and cheeks. So beautiful, responsive, his. He slid the digits deep. He curled them a little as he tugged them almost free of her channel. She pushed down.

  “Take off your shirt, sweet cat.” John leaned forward and brushed his lips over hers. The fewer clothes he had to peel her out of, the less chance there was of them being shredded. He didn’t have enough patience to get her out of them with everything in one piece.

  She shivered. Her hands lifted to her shirt. She pushed the buttons free, working her way down the row. When it parted, she tossed the shirt away. A blue bra molded to the mounds of her breasts. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from them and the contrast of dark fabric to her light gold skin. He leaned forward and ran his tongue alongside one of the straps. A hint of salt and the sweetest berry taste flooded his mouth.

  “The bra, too. I want to see those hard nipples.” He leaned back to give her room.

  With circling sweeps, he played with that hooded nub. He gazed up at her. If she realized he’d taken over, she’d give him hell. He’d deal with it later. Now, she had to burn with need until she couldn’t think of anything else.

  She rocked her hips against him. Gorgeous. He curled his finger up. She flicked open the front closure of her bra. The top of the small mounds were flushed a gorgeous pink. Her hardened nipples stuck out, as if begging for attention. His cock ached. Damn, she looked good riding him. He gripped her hips.

  “Archer, could you come hold her and get her out of those pants while I do some rearranging with my clothes.” John looked over at his brother. These pants had to go. Soon, he had to have her soon. He withdrew his fingers fro
m her and pulled his hand out.

  “With pleasure.” Archer knelt behind her.

  One of Archer’s arms banded around her. He lifted her away. Judge quickly tugged her pants off. Archer’s palm cupped her pussy. She wriggled in his arms. He plucked at her nipple. He held her, toying with her.

  John unzipped his pants and pushed them and his boxers down to his knees. He couldn’t waste the time to kick them free. He reached up for Leslie. His fingers slid over her warm skin and tightened. Archer released her, lifting his hand to his lips as he backed away.

  John gripped her hips. She reached between them and positioned the head of his cock at her entrance. He drew in a hissing breath as the heated juices coated the head. Fuck. He clenched his teeth. Hold on just a little longer. Until she found her pleasure. She slowly lowered her hips.

  Her heat surrounded him. The muscles rippled and clenched around his shaft. He drew in a hissing breath. His chest tightened, and blood pounded through his veins. He gripped her hips. The searing heat ripped at him, making it near impossible to remain still and not slam her down onto him. He held back. We do this at her pace, not mine.

  “Ride me, sweet cat.” He stared into her eyes.

  They glittered with excitement and hunger. Her muscles tensed, and a slight tremor ran over her body. So responsive. She swept her hands up his chest to his shoulders.

  “You’d have to tie me down to stop me.” She leaned in and pressed her lips to his.

  She kissed him. Her tongue thrust against his lips. He opened for her, darting his tongue against hers again and again. Maybe she’d take the hint. She nipped at his lips. His thighs tightened. That aggression would send him over. If she didn’t start moving soon, he’d take over.

  She lifted upward. Her inner muscles gripped his shaft, as if to hold on even as she rose. His lips pulled back, and a growl broke free. Burning heat ripped through him. He nipped her lip before diving back in for another deep kiss.