His Purrfect Mate

by Aliyah Burke

  “Insulted would be a better word.” Dane nudged her with his shoulder. “A tabby? Really?”

  Aida fought to hold back her laughter. “I did what I had to in order to get you up.”

  “You’re lucky he didn’t eat you for that comment.” A small sexy grin lifted his lips. “And, trust me, Aida, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to getting me up.”

  Unable to help herself, Aida’s stomach clenched in reaction to his statement. She swallowed hard then reached out and scratched behind his ear. “Are you sure? I think you purred when I scratched here.”

  His teeth flashed dangerously. “I have an itch you can scratch, and I promise I won’t be the only one purring.”

  Longing flared up within her. Ignoring it, Aida dropped her hand and focused on her meal. “Sorry, I’m more of a dog lover.”

  “Low blow, solnyshko moyo. And definitely sounding like a challenge.” His timbre dropped at least an octave and got all husky and raspy.

  Her breasts felt swollen, the tips hardening painfully. She shifted on the bedroll, forcing herself to continue to eat the food before her. Calmly. And ignore the Nile which seemed to be flowing from her because of just his voice. Just the sound of his voice…

  “Not a challenge. Stating fact.” She stored her empty container.

  Dane held some food before her mouth, and without thought, she opened and let him feed her. Her teeth and tongue scraped along his finger and thumb. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched his gaze darken. Aida swallowed without tasting and turned away from him.

  “Aida,” he murmured.

  “I can’t.”

  “You hurt yourself by denying this as well. I don’t like that.”

  “Sex doesn’t make the world go ‘round, Dane.”

  “No, but it makes the ride fun.”

  Snapping her head around, she glared at him. “Then, go find someone who wants a fun ride.” Her words were short and sharp.

  “I will never be with another woman.”

  She was bitchy. Extremely so and it made no sense. This emotional roller coaster was going to send her over the edge. “Damn, I want chocolate,” she groused. With a deep breath, she looked at Dane and gasped at the chocolate array he had on a plate in his hands. Milk, dark, and fruit dipped.

  “Ohhh,” she sighed, scooting closer. She licked her lips and reached for one when he moved the plate back. Aida growled warningly. “Don’t mess with a woman and her chocolate, Dane. It’s a good way to get neutered.”

  He tsked but couldn’t hide the flinch. “Be nice, Aida. I just want a kiss, and I’ll give you the whole plateful.”

  Aida damn near jumped him. She kissed him hard and fast before turning her attention back to the plate and snatched it from him. A throaty groan left her when she popped a chocolate-covered banana chunk in her mouth.

  “Damn, that’s good,” she moaned.

  Dane felt like he was about to come in his pants. Watching her eat the chocolate was one of the most arousing things he’d experienced. All her moans, groans, and purrs were close to setting him off. Her eyes were hazy with the look of one who’d been pleasured. Extremely, thoroughly.

  “Had I known chocolate did that to you, Aida, I’d have delivered it sooner. Jesus, woman, you’re going to kill me.”

  His cock hammered against his pants as she sucked her fingers clean and looked at him with a lopsided smile on her face.

  “That kind of mystical crap is more than welcome in my country. Thank you for the chocolate, Dane. It hit the spot.”

  She crawled toward him and pressed him back to the bedroll. Wrapping her body around his, she sighed and burrowed her face in his neck. Only to fall asleep in no time.

  “Fuck me,” he muttered. His cock felt harder than the rock beneath them. “She’s going to kill me.”

  But what a way to go.

  They spent the night in each other’s arms, and he had his nose pressed into her hair. It was by far one of the most restful nights he’d had. Despite his wanting her, it was the solace he found in her embrace that soothed him.

  By the time they made it back to Kees’, his body still ached for her. He waited by her Scout as she said goodbye to everyone, snarling softly when the other men touched her. He was more than ready to have her to himself by the time they left.

  “You’re not doing a very good job of resting, you know.”

  Dane looked at her and smiled over her concern. She seemed to think he needed a lot of time to heal. “I’m fine.”

  “I know. Doesn’t mean I won’t worry.” She grinned and focused back on the road.

  “What, Aida?”

  “I’ve been meaning to ask you something, but other things have been popping up.”

  Dane touched her face, bringing her gaze back to him. “Stop the vehicle.”

  She did with a slight frown. “What?”

  “Shut off the engine.”

  Aida looked at him. “Is something wrong?” Even as she asked, she did as he’d said.

  “Yes.” Dane got out and waved her back to the tailgate which he lowered.

  “What’s wrong?” Her eyes darted around; her hand hovered close to the butt of the gun strapped to her side.

  Dane lifted her onto the tailgate and stood between her legs. “Ask me your question, Aida. There is nothing out here to disturb us.”

  She sighed heavily. “You had me stop for that?”

  “This must be an important question to you, solnyshko moyo, if you’ve been trying to ask. I told you before, you are what’s important. So ask me your question.”

  Aida worried her lower lip then glanced around. Dane followed her eye movements with his but waited and held his tongue.

  “What’s an enforcer?”

  Out of all the questions he expected, that one was nowhere near the list. How in the hell had she even found out?

  “How do you know about that?”

  “I hear it in your mind. You’re worried about it, why I’m not sure.” She blinked and laid her palms across his chest. “I want to know what it is.”

  His heart skipped a few beats. “It’s pretty much what it sounds like.” Her eyes narrowed. “I enforce laws.”

  “Like a cop?”

  He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t lie to her. “No. Cops bring people in. When I go out…”

  “You go to enforce the punishment.”

  “Yes.” He could feel her withdrawing from him even though she didn’t actually move.

  “I see.” Her fingers plucked at the fabric of his shirt. “Thank you for telling me, and for telling me the truth, not lying. We…we should get going.” Aida got up and walked through the back to the driver’s seat.

  Before long, they were heading back across the vast wilderness. He let Aida shower alone, despite his desire to be in there with her. When Dane finished his own shower, he found Aida cooking dinner. The sound of a helicopter reached him, and he scowled. Aida stood beside him at the door when the sleek black bird landed.

  “Friend of yours?” she asked.

  “That’s the general.”

  “The one who detained you?”

  Dane grinned at the anger in her voice. It was wonderful how protective she was of him. “That’s been cleared up.”

  Aida grunted, making her opinion on that very clear before walking away.

  The blades stopped, and the door opened. Dane watched General Brad Herbert climb out and head toward him with a packet in one hand. Stepping out to meet him, Dane found he actually had a smile on his face.

  “General,” he said easily.

  Brad’s one eye narrowed slightly. “You drunk, son?”

  “No, sir.”

  A smile crossed the wizened face. “All the years I’ve known you, and this is the first damn time I’ve seen you smile. A real fucking smile.” He shook his head in bewilderment. “I want to meet her.”

  Dane furrowed his brow. “Sir?”

  “Don’t play dumb with me, Crypt.” He waved the file.
“Let’s go in and talk.”

  The dogs walked up and watched the general cautiously, and Dane heard him say under his breath about how no other dogs would get close to him. A real smile and dogs liked him. Dane led the way inside, and immediately, his gaze found Aida.

  “Aida?” he called out to her.

  She lifted her head, and a slight smile graced her lips. Wiping her hands off on a towel, she headed toward them.

  General Herbert stepped past him and stuck out his hand. “Hi, ma’am. Sorry for the intrusion. I’m Brad Herbert.”

  Brad? Since when has this man never used his military title?

  The slight lift of her brow told him Aida had been expecting a title as well. “Mr. Herbert. Nice to meet you, I’m Aida Roberts. No need to be formal here.”

  The general sniffed the air and said, “Lovely to meet you. What are you cooking? It smells divine. Been a long time since I’ve had a home cooked meal.”

  Dane couldn’t believe it. Aida glanced at him briefly before looking back at the general. “Well, you are more than welcome to stay for the meal, as long as Dane is fine with it, General.”

  Brad looked at him so fast, Dane almost laughed. He knew Aida had thrown him. “You’re cooking, solnyshko moyo. Your decision.”

  “There’s more than enough,” she said, heading back to the kitchen.

  One blue eye held his. “Solnyshko moyo. Your sun?”

  “Da, solnyshko moyo.” And it was nothing but the truth. Aida was the light with which he could combat the darkness within him. She was his sun, and he’d known it since the first time he met her.

  The men walked to the living room and sat across from one another. General Herbert handed him the file. Dane opened it and nodded as he read over the list. Some of the men he knew and some he’d personally worked with. He looked up when Aida placed coffee down between them and walked away silently.

  “Thank you.” Thank you, he said mentally much more intimately than his murmur.

  You’re welcome.

  Dane heard the sadness in her tone and lifted his head to glance in the kitchen. She wasn’t even facing him. How could he leave her?

  “What do you think?” Herbert questioned.

  “Some good names here. I’ve heard of some and know a few others. Some… Well, they look good on paper but it’s almost too good.”

  “We need you, Crypt.”

  Food’s ready whenever you are, Dane.

  Dane closed the thick file and set it down. “Let’s eat,” he said, getting to his feet.

  Soon, all three sat at the table. Dane listened to Brad compliment Aida and ask her questions. The sadness still existed in her tone, and he liked it less and less the more he heard it. When she got up for dessert, he could feel the general watching him. Meeting the wise gaze, Dane arched a brow.

  “Yes?”

  “Didn’t say a word.”

  Aida left them alone after dessert, and Dane handed the file back to his CO while they stood by the helicopter.

  “You need to come back, Dane. I’ll give you this night, but in the morning, I’ll be back for you.”

  His tiger roared in fury. Dane tamped it down, barely restraining the flinch which came from the razor-sharp claws tearing at him from the inside. “Yes, sir.”

  The man stared at him before climbing and starting the motor. Dane backed up as the blades began to whirl. He stood there, hands in his pockets, as it lifted to the air, carrying the general away. When it was little more than a speck in the sky, Dane walked back inside. Not seeing her, he moved to the back rooms. Aida was in her closet, hemming and hawing.

  “Everything okay?” he asked.

  Her head popped out from behind the door a frustrated smile on her face. “Not really. Thought you’d be going with him.”

  Dane slid closer. “I wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye.”

  Her eyes sobered. “When’s he coming back?”

  “In the morning.”

  “Okay.” Aida stepped fully into the closet.

  “Aida, can you come out of there?”

  A few grunts reached him and made him think randy, lustful thoughts. Then, she emerged, sweaty and flushed, neither of which helped in his current state.

  “What?” There was a slight bite in her tone.

  “Okay? Okay!? That’s all you have to say?”

  Her mask of composure slipped a fraction, and he was nearly blindsided by her agony. As fast as it fell, she restored it.

  “There’s really nothing else to say, Dane. We knew this was inevitable.”

  He snarled in swiftly rising fury. Shoving it back under a wall of ice, he nodded. “Fine.”

  Aida frowned and walked toward him, wiping her hands off on her pant legs before shoving them through her hair. Staring up at him, she said, “That’s not fair, Dane.”

  “What isn’t?” His words were cold and emotionless.

  “The anger.”

  The hell it wasn’t. “Who’s angry?”

  Her gaze filled with pain. “Would you be happier if I succumbed to the tears I’m fighting to hold back? Begged you to either stay or take me with you?”

  Tears I’m fighting to hold back. “Yes,” he said, his word strained.

  “And after I do all that, Dane, and you still walk out of my life, not only am I heartbroken but also humiliated because you turned down all I had to offer.” Her voice dropped to a mere whisper. “How is that fair to me?”

  Dane stared at her in silence. She was right. He couldn’t take her with tomorrow. He reached for her and pulled her in close. She fit against him perfectly. Burying his nose in her thick hair, he held her tightly.

  “I just want…need to know that I’m not the only one this is hard for,” he whispered, baring his soul for her.

  “Never doubt it, tiger-mine.”

  “I need you, Aida,” he admitted.

  Chapter Fourteen

  She knew she should refuse. Aida knew she should walk away. Ignore any emotion she had in regards to Dane Sidorov. She knew it. It was best to protect her heart.

  So why in the hell didn’t she open her mouth and tell him to get out?

  Pulling back so she could meet his intense tawny-green-gold gaze, Aida shook her head and said, “Yes.”

  He ate her mouth with a feral hunger, his thick tongue invading her with purpose. Aida whimpered and gripped his biceps while he continued to engulf her with his kiss. Flames arced between them. Aida bit at his tongue and trembled when he stared warningly at her. His eyes were dark with primitive hunger when he ended the kiss.

  “One chance to say no, mate.”

  His words, dangerous and laced with silken promise, touched her deeply even as it roused her excitement even more. She loved this side of him. Her stomach clenched with anticipation. Her pussy creamed and she could feel her nipples ache with want of his callused touch.

  “One final night, tiger-mine. You really want to waste it talking?”

  A menacing rumble rose up from the depths of his chest and Aida wondered what she was tempting. His gaze sparked with a searing heat that damn near launched her into an orgasmic state. He raked his hand down the front of her, and she gasped when her clothes fell from her body, shredded. She’d never even felt the claws on her skin, he wielded them so masterfully. She closed her eyes briefly. Dane spun her around so she faced the closet door, one powerful leg between hers, widening her stance.

  “Dane,” she whispered when he brought her arms up over her head and secured them there beneath one of his large hands.

  His leg lifted her until only her toes touched the ground.

  “Mine!” he snarled in her ear before removing his leg.

  Her pussy clenched with need when he rubbed against her back, his body without clothing. Squeezing her eyes shut, Aida inhaled sharply when the large head of his cock slid into her. One stroke and he was sheathed completely within her. Her slit gripped him as a wave of bliss swarmed her.

  Before she could recover from that,
Dane began to move. This was no gentle, tender loving. It was hard. Primal. Animalistic. He drove hard and mercilessly up into her. Each stroke making her scream in raw pleasure. Her pussy spasamed when he bit the area between her neck and shoulder as if to hold her in place. She wriggled but he growled, clamped down, and pistoned harder. Aida couldn’t get any moisture in her mouth to speak. She needed one more thing, just that final push.

  Dane!

  Mine! The word roared through her mind.

  Yes! She knew there was no one else for her. This was her one love. He was hers as she was his. She had known it for a while now, but finally, she accepted it wholeheartedly. Completely.

  A burst of warmth exploded within her and she shook from the increased feeling it poured through her. Dane plunged forward once more, his bite still holding her in place, and shuddered against her back while he erupted within her.

  Aida screamed as his release triggered her own. That’s what she’d needed. Stars flickered behind her eyes, and she rode out the aftershocks she experienced. Her body sagged with total exhaustion. Dane slipped out of her and carried her to the bed where he lay her down.

  He rose up over her and she swam in his gaze. “Dane,” she murmured, her voice scratchy and hoarse from her screams.

  “Slow and easy this time, solnyshko moyo.”

  He lowered his head and began to pay homage to her body. When he eased his hard shaft back into her, Aida didn’t know how much more she could take. Her nerves seemed beyond frazzled. This time, when he came deep within her, he whispered words in her ear, words she didn’t understand but ones which made her feel cherished.

  Aida had no idea when she fell asleep. All she knew was, when she woke, she was sore. All over. There was a lone light on in the room. Dane’s arm lay along her hip, holding her to him. Even her eyes felt extremely heavy. She slowly moved his arm, and just when she believed she could slip by, he tightened it and drew her in close.

  “Where are you going?” he rumbled softly in her ear.

  “I was going to take care of my boys.”

  His lips caressed her skin. “They’re fine. I let them out around four. It’s barely five.”

  “Oh.”

  She shifted, and he rolled her so they were face to face. Aida memorized his face, hard angles of masculine perfection. His eyes had a hooded sensual look to them. She could feel the heat he created within her building all over again. It had been hot and intense before but now…now, it had increased one hundred fold.