His Purrfect Mate

by Aliyah Burke

  “You don’t…I…I…” She gripped his arms as he continued to feast on her neck.

  “Meet me later. Tell me you’ll come back.” His hands grabbed onto the flesh of her hips, and he ground against her. She gasped and thrust back.

  “I don’t know you,” she protested.

  “What do you want to know? You already know more about me than anyone else I’ve slept with.” She stiffened against him. Dane nipped her carotid. “Don’t be angry. I only speak the truth. We’ve spent nearly a week together, Aida. Because of you, I’ve been walking around aroused the whole time. Tell me you don’t feel it between us.”

  She is ours! Claim her!

  Her entire body shook. “I’ll be back in three hours.”

  “One.”

  “Two?”

  He grinned. “Two,” he agreed. Dane stepped back. “One hundred twenty minutes, Aida, I’m counting.”

  “I’ll be back.” She walked out, saying, “Good night.”

  Dane could feel his beast at the surface. Need for Aida made his cock swollen and heavy. Swiping his tongue along his lips, he picked up the faint remnants of Aida’s taste. He hissed low, flexing his hands as if his claws were extended.

  “I shouldn’t,” he muttered.

  Yes! came the fierce roar of a tiger. We need her to survive.

  All his plans of leaving her untouched vanished when he’d almost lost himself over to the darkness. For centuries, he’d been alone, doing whatever was asked of him. Even killing those he’d once called friend. But never, before today, had he been so close to losing the battle. It seemed odd that he, who stood well over six feet, weighed two hundred and a quarter, and had spent his life as an enforcer, had found his saving grace, his mate, in a woman who barely reached his shoulder. She radiated nothing but goodness and light.

  You don’t want to tie her to you. That’s admirable. Accept us. We’ll take all of it away. The ever present taunting voice of the darkness whispered to the fraying edges of his control.

  Dane clenched his fists and dropped his head back. The roar at the tip of his tongue. He knew he was taking the choice from her, and it nagged at him. He didn’t want to do that. Maybe, just maybe, he could continue to hold out for a bit longer.

  “Dane?” The tone, soft and sensual, floated across the hut and wrapped around him.

  His eyes jerked over to the entrance of the building. Aida stood there bathed in the glow from the fire. She wore the same thing, and he blinked a few times to ensure it wasn’t his imagination.

  “You came.” Part of him had expected her to bolt. He’d not exactly been a gentleman before.

  “Two hours.” She walked toward him her gaze locked onto his. “Are you okay?”

  Dane moved to her as well amazed at how quickly time had passed during his battle against the darkness. Stopping millimeters from her, he raked his eyes hungrily over her face. Silent, he reached behind her and released her hair from its confinement. A low rumble rose in his chest the moment he tightened his hands into the silken strands. Aida stood there, lips parted, watching him, waiting. Allowing him to make the first move. Her trust humbled him. Tightening his hands in her hair, Dane held her there and kissed her.

  He licked her bottom lip and slipped it in his mouth briefly. Then, he slid into her mouth. Her tongue was right there to meet his, and she whimpered when they stroked along each other. Need pounded through him. Lightning shot from his head to his feet when she nipped him and moaned low in her throat. His cock pushed against the denim of his pants.

  Her taste was addictive. Dane devoured her, dominating her mouth and inhaling her unique flavor like a dying man. His body ached for her, and he almost came right then when she looped her arms around his neck and hooked one leg high on his waist. Dane jerked away with a low graveled groan and met her gaze. His skin felt flushed with wanting her.

  “Why did you come back?”

  “I said I would.”

  He loosed the hold he had on her hair. Aida tightened hers. Her fingers combed into the locks at the base of his neck and teased the skin.

  “You’re playing with fire, Aida,” he rumbled dangerously.

  Her fingers tugged on his hair. “I’m already burning, so what’s a little more fire?” His beast roared in agreement. “I’m more than willing to do this, Dane, but you have to tell me you have protection.”

  Protection? Dane didn’t carry condoms. His tiger swiped out, and he actually flinched.

  Aida smiled sadly. “I’ll take that as a no, so, guess I’ll have to make do without you inside me.” She lowered her leg and arms. Dane’s rush of anger died the moment her hands settled on the waist of his jeans.

  “No,” he rasped. Her eyes, wide and full of surprise, flashed up to his. “Aida, stop. I’m trying so hard not to rip your clothes off and take you hard and fast against every fucking surface in here. You touch me, and I’ll lose control.” His words were tense with pain and longing.

  Dane lifted her and carried her to the bed where he undressed her. Her sweet aroma wafted to his nose, and he struggled for control. He stared at her lying naked on the bed, lust overflowing in her own eyes. The only thing she wore was her necklace. Brushing their lips together, he used one hand to trail over her luscious body, mentally memorizing each curve, dip, and swell. She writhed beneath him. Dane continued to make love to her mouth, willingly drowning in her taste.

  His cock throbbed when he passed over her mound, the hairs holding proof of her desire. He slipped a finger between the lips, and she moaned in his mouth. Her tight wet slit gripped him hard, and he almost erupted in his pants. He added another. And another. Thrusting them inside of her, he grinned against her lips as she rode his hand. Her fingers dug into his scalp, pressing her mouth against him. Hard, hungry, insatiable.

  There’s no way I’ll be in you with a condom on, Aida. That stuff won’t ever be between us. So if it means me being in pain then so be it. Plus, I don’t know if I can be inside you and not claim you as mine for all eternity.

  Dane broke the kiss and moved down to settle between her legs. He cleaned his fingers, loving how she tasted. Like sunlight and honey. He leaned closer and placed his mouth over her pussy. At the first touch of his tongue, she mewled and gyrated against him. Holding her in place, Dane began to feast.

  Aida couldn’t think straight. She could barely find her breath. Dane knelt between her legs, giving her the most mind-blowing orgasms she’d ever experienced. His thick fingers thrust into her, never giving her a moment’s rest. His mouth sucked on her clit like it was candy. The arm over her belly prevented her from moving.

  Oh fuck me! Clamping her mouth shut, she tried to refrain from screaming. Wave after wave of ecstasy poured over her. Her fingers sank into his hair and pulled when he stabbed his tongue deep within her.

  He’s going to kill me.

  When she stopped coming, Dane rose up and crawled up her still shuddering body, pressing kisses along her skin, inch by inch. When his lips covered hers, she was close to yet another orgasm. He pulled back and stared down at her. His eyes were intense. He watched her from underneath his black hair and curvy lashes. Those amazing eyes of his overflowed with need, hunger, and possessiveness. Dane nipped her collarbone then laved his tongue across it. She shivered again.

  “Take your shirt off,” she commanded.

  He complied, and Aida sucked her lower lip in her mouth. A work of art. Rising up on her knees, she moved toward him. Placing her hands on him, Aida began to explore. He was all hardness. She curved her nails and dragged them down his chest. A sound erupted from him, and she looked up into his molten gaze.

  “Did you just purr?”

  Danger flashed in his eyes, and he captured her hand only to press it against the obvious ridge in his jeans. She licked her lips and squeezed. Aida felt a rush of wetness between her legs. Reaching out with her other hand, she undid the button, his harsh breathing teasing her. However, when she touched the zipper, his hand covered hers.


  She met his eyes. Why is he stopping me? I can see the craving in his gaze.

  “Aida,” he ground out, all gravelly and making her hair stand on end. It was almost an animal-like growl.

  She didn’t give him a choice. Shaking off his hand, she lowered the zipper. Dane shimmied out of his pants, and she felt another pulse throb through her. I did say no without a condom, right? She wavered in her previous decision. Dane wore a pair of stone gray boxer briefs, and it amplified his large erection.

  Sucking on her lower lip, she reached out and slowly lowered the final article of clothing between her and what she craved. His cock sprang free, the large head leaking pre-cum. Aida looked up at him to find his gaze still boring into her. Begging her for release, but she knew he’d never voice it.

  Aida took his length in her hands, feeling the heavy weight of him. Leaning closer, she swiped her tongue over the crown, tasting him. He moaned and delved one hand into her hair. Opening her mouth, Aida took him in. Running her tongue around the edge of the large bulbous head, she began to enjoy him. His hips thrust his thickness into her. She squirmed closer and used one hand to caress his balls. His grip tightened, and he pistoned faster. She sucked him like a lollipop, eyes drifting closed when he placed his other hand into her hair as well. She could feel her own juices pooling.

  A low rumble rose from his chest and she drew harder on the cock in her mouth. “Aida,” he uttered. His voice made her breasts ache even more. “Aida, baby, stop.”

  She didn’t want to, nor did she have any intention of do so. “Uh uh,” she grunted.

  “Shit!” he swore.

  Aida released his ball sac to grab his legs, her nails digging into the backs of his thighs. A low groan was her only warning before he came. His erection pulsed, and she took everything he gave her. When nothing more came, he withdrew from her mouth. Aida stared at him; he was still extremely hard.

  “Come here,” Dane ordered gruffly, tugging on her hair to get her up to him. Aida stared at him. “My turn,” he said, lowering her back to the mattress. With a whimper of surrender, she gave herself over to him.

  * * * *

  Aida stirred and yawned. Cracking open her eyes, she noticed one, the lantern was still on, two, it was dark out, and three, a muscled arm lay draped over her midsection. Her naked midsection. Her body flushed as she relived her experiences from last night. Dane had never slipped his cock into her pussy, but he made her feel so damn good. Still, Aida found herself wishing she’d had protection. For the chance to feel his thickness moving inside her.

  Dane! She gulped. I need to get out of here.

  The sensation of being watched trickled down her spine. Turning her head, she found Dane’s eyes upon her. They still smoldered with untapped passion.

  “Sneaking out?” he asked, his voice, low and raspy, stroking her body to full alertness with those two words.

  “Before the whole village wakes up.” She touched his arm but instead of releasing her, he drew her in closer, his stiff erection making itself known.

  “Stay, solnyshko moyo,” he murmured, trailing his fingertips along her upper arm. “Stay with me.”

  Aida hesitated. His touch intoxicated her, and there was something more in his plea, something which went beyond the present moment in bed. Almost like he spoke of forever, and it scared her. “I can’t. I have to go.”

  Dane grumbled low but released her. He kissed her shoulder and asked, “When are you leaving?”

  “Sometime today. I promised to play football with the kids. You don’t need to come with me.”

  “Go now, Aida. Go now before I forget there is no protection.” There was a bite to his tone.

  She swallowed and climbed out of the bed, dressing quickly in her discarded attire. Brushing a mass of wavy hair away from her face, she shoved her feet into her boots, not even bothering to tie them. The sound of a zipper reached her. Aida licked her lips. Every inch of her skin still highly sensitive.

  Without looking at him, she headed for the door. She didn’t make it. His hand circled her wrist and spun her back toward him. Eyes wide, Aida stared at him.

  “Not like that, Aida,” he said, releasing her.

  His thick black hair, hung in his face, and she longed to reach up and smooth it back, exposing the chiseled masculinity of his features. “Not like what?”

  “No anger.”

  Running her tongue over her teeth, she sighed. “One, I’m not angry and two, even if I was, it’s none of your biz.”

  His eyes flashed dangerously, colors becoming hard. “We’ll see. And Aida. Next time,” his gaze seemed to fill with flames, “next time.”

  He’s so confident there will be a next time.

  “There will be one, Aida, so you had better get your protection ready.”

  Despite the fire his words gave her, she glared at him, hands on hips. “I don’t think so. You’re capable of buying your own condoms.” Spinning around, she slipped out into the predawn day.

  Her dogs were waiting for her when she got to her hut. “Hey, boys,” she said, sitting on the bed and patting them. Lying back, Aida closed her eyes and tried to sleep. It didn’t work. Each breath she took made her clothes move which in turn made her think about Dane’s touch. How he made her body sing with the simplest of touches. The memory of the wild scent of his skin. The deep rasp of his voice which alone could give her an orgasm. It did, in fact.

  Rolling over, she swore and punched the pillow. A cold nose nudged her. Feeling the muzzle and recognizing the scars, she muttered, “I’m okay, Ruger. I just…I’m okay. Go lay down.” He left as quietly as he’d arrived.

  Aida couldn’t understand it. I knew what it was going into it. So why the hell do I wish it was something more? After thirty minutes more, lying there tossing and turning, Aida got up and left to get some water to heat for bathing. The dogs at her side, she walked to the outskirts of the village and watched the sun rise.

  “There isn’t a more beautiful place in the world to me.” With a contented sigh, Aida turned and walked back to her hut, getting water on the way.

  She stayed at the village until the afternoon. Christopher tracked her down where she sat in the shade of the school’s awning.

  “Hey, Aida.”

  “Christopher,” she said, wiping the sweat off her brow.

  “So how was it?”

  “Excuse me? How was what?” Her gaze picked out Dane and Tau, and she became mesmerized by the way he listened to whatever it was the child told him. Dane truly was very good with children.

  “Your trip with Dane. Didn’t I tell you he was good?”

  Oh, he’s good all right. “Yes. It was fine.”

  Christopher narrowed his eyes and turned her face to his. “What happened between you two?”

  “What are you talking about?” she asked looking away, back in the direction of Dane.

  “You’re fidgety.” His brows rose. “You knocked boots with him.”

  “Jesus, Chris. I have not fucked Dane Sidorov,” she hissed in a low tone, despite knowing he’d see past her declaration. She only called him Chris when she wanted him off the subject he was on.

  Dane raised his head and pinned her with his gaze. Her heart beat out of control, and she swore his callused hands were touching her, bringing her yet again to another fevered pitch. She struggled for moisture in her mouth.

  “Look at me, Aida.”

  Tearing her eyes from the one which held her prisoner, she looked at Christopher. “What?”

  “Maybe you should.”

  “I should,” she agreed. “Wait. I should what?”

  “Knock boots, do the horizontal mambo, get your oil changed, tires rotated—”

  “Damn, Christopher. Enough already.”

  “Call it whatever you want, but you should do it. I’ve seen him watching you. He wouldn’t turn you down.”

  She slapped a hand to her head, not truly believing they were sitting here having this conversation. “So you want me to pro
stitute myself?”

  “Of course not, don’t be daft. I’m just saying if the opportunity arises, maybe you should take it.” He kissed her cheek. “That’s all.”

  Aida just kept her eyes closed. She could feel Dane’s angry gaze on her. Deliberately turning her back on him, she headed to grab her bag from her hut. When she turned around, Dane was there, filling the doorway.

  “Come on in,” she said sarcastically.

  “Aida,” he said.

  “Yes, Dane?” His gaze seemed haunted, and immediately, she grew concerned. “Are you okay?”

  “What you do to me,” he rasped before pulling her tight against his hard body, devouring her mouth.

  Holy hell! She couldn’t stop the response her body gave, and she didn’t want to. Dane Sidorov was like a damn drug, and she was desperately craving him like an addict. Arching into him, she moaned and kissed him back with all the passion she had within her. Her pussy gushed and her breasts ached.

  With a guttural snarl, he ripped his mouth off her and stared at her. Aida could see the myriad of emotions streaking through his beautiful eyes. His chest heaved with each inhalation he had but it truly was the eyes. Looking into them, Aida found something primal, wild, deadly, and dangerous. For the first time since she met him, Aida felt a smidge of fear at what he could truly do should he wished to hurt her.

  His gaze hardened, and he captured her chin in his hand. “I would never hurt you, Aida.”

  Okay, that was freaky.

  “Ever,” he reiterated. When she remained silent, he spoke again. “Tell me you know that.”

  “I know that,” she said quietly and honestly, reaching up to cover his hand with her own. Dane’s eyes gentled. Aida removed his hand from her chin. Bending down to pick up her pack, she threw it on her shoulder. “I have to get going. Goodbye, Dane.”

  “Not goodbye, Aida.”

  “If you say so.” Aida reached up to lay her hand against his cheek. “Until next time then. I hope you find whatever you’re looking for to free yourself from the anguish surrounding you, Dane. I truly do.” With a small smile, Aida walked out into the late afternoon sun.