by R. E. Butler
“You’re no fun,” China said with a laugh.
“Fact,” Oz said.
“Don’t make me turn this truck around,” Angel threatened.
“I dare you,” Oz said. “It’ll just take that much longer to get home.”
“Damn it. Then just keep it PG rated back there.”
“Maybe PG-13,” China whispered.
“I heard that,” Angel said.
Chapter Six
Oz was head over tails for China by the time they reached Elk Hills. He hadn’t paid a bit of attention to the scenery as they left Kentucky and traveled through Indiana. He’d been entirely focused on his heart-match. She was not only gorgeous, but she was sweet and funny. He liked getting to know about her life, and also her pride. He was certain that he’d want to leave his pride and join hers. He could set up his workshop anywhere, and with her helping paint and decorate, he’d be able to get the online shop off the ground. There weren’t enough hours in the day for him to get done all he needed to.
“It’s mostly lions in Elk Hills, right?” China asked as she looked out the window when they turned into a small development where his house was. He knew he could take her to the alpha’s mansion since it was rightfully his for the next seven days, but he hardcore did not want to live there. It was a big, old fashioned house that looked like it belonged in a historical movie about the Old South.
“All lion,” he said. “It’s small. All the homes and businesses are vetted through the pride because the town is our territory also, so if a human or another shifter type try to move in or set up a business, it gets squashed quick. There was a couple who wanted to open a coffee shop in town a few years back and the alpha and his cronies went to pay them a visit and they left right away.”
Oz got out of the truck when they stopped in front of his house. He held out his hand, helping China down. She was petite, so she had quite a jump to the ground.
“Your house is cute,” she said.
“I grew up in the house and built the swing myself,” he said. “It was for my mom. She used to sit out here for hours, swinging and reading. It was the first thing I built.”
“That’s so neat. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to meet her.”
“Me too. She would’ve loved you.”
“Are you supposed to meet with anyone?” Angel asked through the open truck window.
Oz’s phone had been buzzing with texts the entire drive. He’d answered some, but then decided that he was busy getting to know his beautiful mate and everything else could wait.
“The elders, but I’m putting it off until tomorrow morning. It’s been a long day, and there’s nothing pressing I need to do in the pride that can’t wait until tomorrow.”
“Cool. Do you want me to come with you to the elder meetings?”
“Yep. Probably nine a.m.”
“I’ll be at the mansion with bells on.”
“Not literally.”
Angel rolled his eyes. “Now who’s not fun?”
Oz grabbed China’s bags from the truck and carried them to the porch, then waved at his friend as he returned to her side. Oz was strung tight and had been for the last four hours. He had a fire in his belly that he knew only she could quench.
“Baby?” he asked.
She looked at him. “Yep?”
“Ready?”
“For what?” she asked, her eyes hooded and a smile curving the corner of her mouth.
“Fireworks,” he said, swinging her into his arms. “Hot monkey sex. Orgasms aplenty. You and me tangled up in the sheets. Need I go on?”
She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck, laying her lips against his throat and giving him a nip. “I’ve got the big picture. We just need to get these pesky clothes off.”
“Your wish is my command.”
He carried her into the house and kicked the door shut. His lion was purring in time with China’s. He loved that they were in sync.
“Tour later, yeah?” he said as he strode with purpose to the master bedroom.
“Yes,” she said, her breath skirting over his skin.
He set her gently on the bed and she reached for his shirt, tugging it from the confines of his jeans. “I’ve been wanting to see what you look like under this shirt all day.”
“I have an idea,” he said, pushing her hands away. “You strip for me, I’ll strip for you.”
“Ooo,” she said, her eyes getting darker. “You first.”
He pulled his phone from his pocket and opened the music app, finding a playlist of slow, mellow tunes. As the first strains of a popular song filled the room from the speaker, he bent and unlaced his boots, shucking them and his socks before he straightened and reached for his shirt. She was on her knees in the center of the bed, watching him intently.
He’d never stripped for anyone before. It was sexy as hell watching her watch him.
She purred as he lifted the shirt slowly over his head. He dropped the shirt to the floor and gave a little flex to show off his hard-won muscles. While everyone was strong because of their lion shifter genetics, it had made sense to strength train just in case he ever needed to fight. And that had paid off when he’d saved China.
“Nice,” she said, her cat purring loudly.
“Like it, sweetness?” he asked.
“Hell, yes. More please.”
Playing his fingers over the belt buckle, he undid it slowly then unfastened his jeans. He watched her as he hooked his jeans and underwear and slowly pushed them down over his hips. As his cock was freed, bobbing hard and heavy in front of him, he didn’t miss the soft gasp of surprise and pleased hum from China.
“I definitely like that,” she murmured. “You’re so fucking sexy.”
He stepped from his clothes and straightened, enjoying how her gaze hadn’t left his cock. He was a big guy all over and was glad she was pleased to see him without clothes.
“Damn,” she said. Her voice was deeper, her eyes gold from her lion and her fingertips looking dark from the press of claws.
“Your turn,” he said gruffly.
His claws were ready to come out and shred her clothes, but he focused on watching her as she tossed her shoes and socks aside, then slowly peeled off her jeans and shirt. She was wearing a sexy bra that was all lace and flowers, her breasts overflowing from the delicate cups. She had the best curves he’d ever seen in his life, and he wanted to trace them with his fingers and tongue.
And he was going to fucking do that if she got a move on with getting naked.
“You look impatient,” she said, her fingers resting on the center of the bra between the cups.
“You’re taking longer than I did,” he said. He sounded fully impatient, but he couldn’t help it. He was impatient for her. He wanted her to be his immediately, to join with her as mates and see where the night took them.
To the heavens, again and again for sure.
She gave him a sultry look and twisted her fingers, the bra opening. Slipping it from her shoulders, she cupped her breasts and he barely stayed put. He wanted to bury his face between those sweet globes.
Her fingers slid down her sides to her panties, and he nearly roared. Climbing onto the bed, he grabbed her around the waist and hauled her up against him, shredding her panties with the claws of his free hand and slamming his lips against hers. Their tongues touched, sliding together. His body heated another hundred degrees. He thought he might melt if he didn’t touch her and taste her.
She moaned as he laid her back on the bed, pushing her thighs to make room for himself. He wanted to do a hundred different things, but right now he just wanted to make her come. He craved it on a cellular level.
Leaving her lips, he trailed kisses down her throat and across her chest, plumping her breast with his hand and sucking on the nipple. She arched under him, burying her fingers in his hair, as he licked and sucked until she writhed. He tended to the other in the same way, feeling her body warm as he drew her slowly toward pleasu
re.
He kissed down the center of her body, laving his tongue around her belly button, before pushing her thighs farther apart to make room for his shoulders. She was wet already, her pink center beckoning him. He licked a slow line from her entrance around her clit, circling the bud. Her legs slipped over his back, her toes sliding up and down as he licked and sucked her clit.
He pushed a finger inside her, feeling the clutch of her silken walls as he searched for the place to send her into orbit. She moaned and moved under him, her hips flexing and her hands fisting in his hair. He added a second finger, enjoying her sexy moan.
And then she gasped, her hands tightening almost painfully in his hair, and he knew he’d found the spot.
Closing his lips around her clit, he moved his fingers against that place until she screamed his name and shuddered, and he felt her pussy contract as she came. He slipped his fingers from her body and climbed up her, settling into the cradle of her hips and thrusting home. She felt so good he was certain the earth had stopped turning for a moment. His whole world narrowed to her, the pleasure of being inside his mate was all that mattered.
Her nails scored his back as she cried out at his possession, her eyes flashing from chocolate to gold and her fangs peeking from her parted lips.
He’d never seen anything sexier in his life.
He moved out of her, flexing his hips back until just the thick head of him was inside, and then thrusting back in. He gripped the headboard, his claws digging into the wood as they moved. She lifted her hips and met his thrusts, their eyes locked as they rocked together.
“Fuck, China,” he said when her pussy began to clutch him rhythmically.
“I want to come with you,” she said with a rough voice.
He slid his hand under her hips, using the headboard for leverage as he changed the angle of his thrusts into her body by lifting her from the bed. She let out a deep groan when he stroked into her, and he knew he had just the right angle.
Her breasts bounced as he fucked her and he was mesmerized by them. He took her hard and fast, driving them both to completion. He didn’t stop until she came, gripping him like a fist and drawing his orgasm out. He roared as he climaxed, his claws digging furrows into the headboard he’d carved himself.
She snarled and then struck, sinking her fangs into his neck. His cock spasmed again, another round of come shooting from him as her fangs embedded in his flesh. When she released her hold on him, he bit her, sinking his fangs into her skin and marking her as his mate.
He eased from her skin and stared down at her. She was trembling, her eyes a beautiful mixture of brown and gold. “You’re fucking amazing, China. And mine.”
She pressed her hands to his face and lifted her head for a kiss. “You rocked my world, Oz. You’re mine too.”
His lion was preening. He’d loved his female well.
He pulled from her body and crashed onto the bed next to her. She tilted her head back and looked at the headboard. He’d gouged some huge chunks out of it.
She rolled to the side and faced him, a contented smile on her face. “I like that I affected you so much you couldn’t hold back.”
“Baby, my cat was so close to the surface I’m surprised I don’t have a tail.”
She giggled and kissed him before settling with her head on his chest. “That was amazing. You’re amazing.”
“We’re amazing together,” he said, draping an arm around her.
“I need something to drink,” she said.
“Want some water?” he asked.
“Nope,” she said, and then she was sliding down his body and taking him into her mouth.
His sexy vixen. “Ah,” he said with a chuckle. He put his arm under his head and watched her lick him like a lollipop, his cock springing to life almost immediately. “Drink away, beautiful. I’ll repay the favor.”
She grinned at him, her lips stretched around his cock, and he let out an appreciative growl at the sight. His mate was tending to him. How the hell did he get so lucky to land such an amazing female?
As pleasure sparked within him, China locked eyes with him and drove him to the height of bliss
No one had ever taken care of him like her.
And he couldn’t wait to return the favor, again and again. He was going to make sure that no lioness had ever been as well loved as his China. She was the center of his universe and nothing else mattered.
Just her.
Chapter Seven
China woke to a sunbeam trying to fry her brain. She winced at the bright light coming through the curtains that hadn’t been totally closed. She groaned softly and rolled off Oz, stretching out the kinks that several rounds of lovemaking had garnered her. She was deliciously worn out, and it was all thanks to her sexy mate.
Holy crap, she was mated!
Oz yawned and she went up on one elbow and smiled at him. His cheeks were covered with sexy stubble. She leaned over for a kiss.
“Morning,” she said.
He lifted his phone from the nightstand and said, “Morning, sweetheart.”
“You’re very comfortable,” she said. “But the sun woke me up and now I have to pee.”
She climbed from the bed, a little annoyed at having to leave his warm arms, but nature was calling. The bathroom in the master suite was small, with a glass-enclosed shower, toilet, and sink. He had one towel hanging from the rack, and the only thing on the counter was a soap dish and a toothbrush holder. After she used the facilities, she rejoined him in the bedroom, where they settled back into each other’s arms.
“I could stay like this forever,” she said.
“Me too. If only reality wasn’t intruding.”
“Reality sucks.”
He snorted. “Sometimes. In this instance, most definitely.”
“Should I come with you to the meeting with the elders?”
“I’d love it if you did. We’re mated, and that makes you interim alpha female.”
“When do we need to leave?”
“A half hour, give or take.”
“Shower?” she asked.
His eyes went dark and then he snarled unhappily. “We don’t have time for that. Because if I get you naked in the shower, I’m going to want to do sexy things to you.”
“Do tell,” she said, wiggling her brows.
“All right, vixen, enough sexy talk. We need to get ready to leave, and I think we shouldn’t take a shower anyway. Us smelling like each other is going to make sure everyone knows you’re mine.”
“Smart and sexy. You’re just the whole package, aren’t you?” she said.
“I’m trying, anyway.” He rubbed his eyes and stifled a yawn, which made her yawn.
“So no shower until later.”
“Now that’s a great plan.”
“I should call Demi. She’s probably heading into the school now.”
“Sure thing, love,” he said.
She found her phone and located Demi’s name in her contact list. Her bestie answered on the second ring.
“I’ve been so worried! Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, I promise,” China said.
There was a creaking sound, like she sat heavily in a chair. “Oh, thank goodness. So what happened? What on earth possessed you to take Abbie and go to see Benecio?”
“I had to find out the truth of Abbie’s vision. It was going to drive me nuts not knowing if he was really my mate.”
“Well, you obviously didn’t die, thank heavens, but you risked a lot going there.”
“I did, but it was worth it. Because I’m happy to tell you that Benecio is not going to be a problem for you anymore.”
“So…wait, what? Is he your mate?”
“Hell no, girl, he’s crazy! And…he’s dead. Which is why I know he won’t be a problem for you anymore.”
There was a long pause and then Demi asked, “Are you sure?”
China laughed. “One hundred percent. So you can rest easy, bestie. Benecio is
dead and his people are already back in their hometown in Indiana. No one is going to come after you for any reason. They were only here because Benecio was alpha and demanded it.”
“Did you…?”
“Kill him? No. One of his pride members intervened when he came after me. And that’s part of the reason I wanted to check in with you.”
“What is?”
“I’m in Indiana.”
“I don’t understand.”
“The male who took out Benecio for me is my heart-match. He needed to appear before the pride because he took out Benecio and that means he’s the interim alpha. He wouldn’t leave me behind and his people wouldn’t leave without him, so I’m with him. I stopped home and packed a bag. My cousin is going to keep an eye on my place until I get back, which will be next week. I already spoke to Titus and he’s going to hold my job for me.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Demi said.
“Well, you could say you’re happy for me, and thank my sexy heart-match for taking out your stalker.”
“I’m super happy for you, China, and very grateful. To you and your heart-match.”
“His name is Ozzen, but everyone calls him Oz.”
“Thank him for me.”
“I will.”
China could hear the chatter of kids as they entered Demi’s classroom.
“I’ve gotta run,” Demi said. “I’m so glad you called, and I’m honestly so super happy for you. It’s amazing.”
“It truly is,” China said. “Abbie believes the death she saw when she tried to match Benecio was actually his. She saw me in connection to the death, because I was the reason he died, since Oz killed him to protect me. So I didn’t have anything to be afraid of and I got my forever guy.”
“I’d like to meet him,” Demi said.
“For sure when we come back to Kedrick. And even if we end up staying here, you and I will stay in touch. We’re besties, after all.”
“You got it. Love you, China.”
“Love you too, D.”
The call ended and China smiled when she looked at Oz. “Demi said thanks for taking out Benecio.”
He snorted. “Glad I could be of service.” He reached for her and China snuggled into his embrace. “I know we haven’t made any major decisions yet, but you could’ve told her we’re planning to move to Kedrick.”
