by Faith Gibson
“Aw, fuck!” Ryker groaned, his erection buried deep inside. He rotated his hips, grinding against her mound, and the pressure built again.
“Don’t stop. Oh, goddess, please don’t stop,” she begged.
Ryker kept pressing against her clit, and a second but no less powerful orgasm rocked her. Rhi slapped his bicep when the last spasm subsided. “Stop. Gotta… too sensitive…”
Ryker brushed her hair back from her face, kissing her forehead, her cheeks, her chin, then finally, her lips.
“You are perfect, Rhiannon Spencer. I’m so glad for that rainstorm.”
“Yeah? Why’s that?”
“If it hadn’t started pouring, I’d never have pulled off the interstate. I’d never have found the adorable, sopping-wet woman in the dumpster. I’d never have found the other half of me.”
Rhi kissed Ryker, smiling against his mouth. She thanked her goddess for sending the rain.
Ryker eased out of her body and went into the bathroom, wetting a washcloth to clean the mixture of blood and semen from her legs. He stretched out next to her, pulling her onto his chest. Ryker stroked his fingertips over her skin, lulling her to sleep. When they woke, it was early morning. They headed downstairs to get breakfast started. Mac and Eli were already busy in the kitchen. Rhi expected things to be awkward, but they weren’t. If Mac and Eli had heard Rhi and Ryker having sex, they didn’t let on. The four of them sat down at the dining room table, eating together as a family. Rhi didn’t mind sharing Ryker with his daughter. She was glad Mac was there. The two had bonded over their ordeals living within the Ministry, and she wanted them to continue getting closer. It had been too long since Rhi had a friend, and she wanted that in Mac.
“Eli and I were talking,” Mac said once they were all seated. “Once I explained how the family has plenty of money to send us both to college, we’ve decided we’d like to go.”
“That’s wonderful. I’ll call Lucy after supper and have her get busy on Elijah’s identification. Tomorrow we can look into you all getting your GEDs,” Ryker said. He turned to Rhi. “What about you, Angel? Are you interested in college?”
“Not really. I’d like to do what Rory said and maybe work in a florist or somewhere with a greenhouse.”
“We’ll look into that too. Whenever you’re ready.” Ryker brushed his fingers across her hand before going back to eating. Rhi glanced up to see if Mac was watching, but her attention was on her boyfriend.
“Rhi and I were talking,” Ryker started after he had cleaned his plate. Mac snorted, and Ryker glared at her which made her laugh harder. “That right there” — he pointed at his daughter — “is why we were having this particular conversation. What would you think about me building a bigger house? Maybe one with two suites on opposite ends of the house? I was thinking somewhere with a little bit of land where Rhi could plant a big garden. Maybe have a greenhouse for the colder months.”
“Ooh, can we get a dog?” Mac asked. Rhi was surprised Mac would want one after what happened to her face.
Ryker crossed his arms over his chest, but he was smiling. “And who’s going to take care of it while you’re off at school?”
“Well, I thought I’d take some online classes first. You know, to get me used to school before I attempt going to a campus. I’d rather figure out I’m not smart enough from the comfort of home than in front of a group of people.”
“Honey, you are smart enough. And if you need help, Lucy can help you.”
“Lucy has her hands full without having to tutor me.”
“I’ll take care of the dog,” Rhi offered, batting her eyelashes. She’d always wanted a pet. “Uh, if that’s okay.”
“Oh, I see how it’s going to be. Eli, you and I have our work cut out for us with these two.”
Elijah had been mostly silent up until that point. “Yeah, but I’d give Mac anything in the world if it makes her happy.”
“Good answer, Son.” The corner of Eli’s mouth turned up in a hint of a smile at Ryker’s words. “How about this. Let’s talk about getting a new house first. That way when you do get a dog, it’ll have plenty of room to run. You two can work on your education, get into your new routines. Get yourselves settled a bit.”
Mac tilted her head to the side. “You really want us all to live together?”
“I don’t see why not. At least at first. There’s no reason for you and Eli to have to worry about anything other than school. Not when I have the means to support us all. I think the three of you have been through enough for one lifetime, and if I can make it better, I will. If you don’t want to live with me and Rhi, I’ll help you find your own place. Whatever is best for you and Eli.”
Mac got up, walked around the table, and draped her arms around Ryker’s shoulders. She leaned her head against his and whispered, “Thank you.”
Ryker patted Mac’s arm. “No need to thank me. I missed out on so much of your life, so I’m being a little selfish wanting you around as long as I can have you.”
Rhi sighed as she stood and began gathering dirty plates. She tried not to think about her own father, but it was almost impossible not to. The man had given his reasons for what he did to Rhi, but she would never forgive him for taking her to Haven and leaving her in Josiah’s care. As she began filling the sink with soapy water, Mac joined her.
“You want me to wash while you rinse?” Mac asked.
“Works for me.” Rhi changed places with the other woman. “If I get a vote, I’d like for you and Eli to stay with us. At least for a while. I spent the last ten years being ignored by everyone, and it’s nice having a friend around.”
“A friend who’s going to be my stepmom,” Mac said, grinning.
Only if Ryker and I were to get married. Rhi wasn’t getting her hopes up. “Is that going to be weird for you?”
“Nope. You make my dad smile. I’ve not known him long, but before he met you, it was rare he smiled about anything other than the twins. Those two can make anyone laugh. I can’t wait for you to— Ow!” Mac pulled her hands out of the water, holding her finger. “Damn knife.”
Rhi grabbed Mac’s hand and held it under the running water. She called on her gift and pushed it into the cut on Mac’s finger. The bleeding stopped, and the cut sealed itself.
“What…? Did you do that?” Mac was looking between Rhi and her now-healed finger.
Rhi shrugged. “What good is having a gift if I don’t share it?”
“That’s amazing.”
“What’s amazing?” Ryker asked as he and Eli entered the kitchen.
“I cut myself.” Mac held up her finger to show her dad.
“I don’t see anything.”
“I know. That’s why it’s amazing. Rhi healed the cut.” Mac grinned proudly.
“Mac, why don’t you go sit with Eli? I’ll help Rhi with the dishes.” Ryker hip-checked his daughter out of the way, and Mac’s face lit up again. It was a beautiful thing to see. The scar didn’t detract from Mac’s beauty. Speaking of faces…
“Hey, Mac? I need a makeover. My eyebrows are out of control, and I want to get my hair trimmed. Would you be willing to go with me?”
“Sure. If you want, I can call the same girl who did my hair. She does Lucy’s too.”
“I’d appreciate that.” Rhi turned and put all the dishes back in the soapy water from where Mac’s blood had dripped on them.
“I’m glad you said a trim.” Ryker nudged Rhi’s shoulder with his own. “I know it’s your hair, but I really like it long.”
“Me too, but it needs some TLC. In Haven, I had to cut it myself, and let me tell you, it’s not easy.” While Rhi washed the dishes, she kept the mood light by talking about her mom. When they were finished cleaning the kitchen, Ryker led her upstairs. Mac and Eli were watching television in the living room, and as much as Rhi liked the couple, she was ready for more alone time with her male.
Ryker sat down on the bed and leaned against the headboard. “Come sit with me. There
’s something I want to talk about.”
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No, Angel. You’ve done everything right, and that’s what brought us to this conversation.” Rhi settled next to him, and Ryker slid his arm around her shoulder. “Remember when we talked about Gryphons claiming their mate?” Rhi nodded. “It’s the human equivalent of getting married. I’d be honored if you would let me claim you.”
Rhi climbed onto Ryker’s lap, straddling his legs so she could see his eyes. “Really? You want something permanent with me?”
Ryker pushed her hair behind her ear. “I do. I want us to build a new house and fill it with kids. Don’t get me wrong. I love Mac with all my heart, but I missed out on watching her grow up. I want that. I want to watch my child grow from a tiny seed inside your stomach into a tiny human. I want to teach him or her to ride while you teach them all about nature. I want that with you. I want you to make our house a home. And I want you to be mine forever.”
“Yes.” Rhi leaned forward and kissed Ryker with all the unexperienced passion she had.
Ryker groaned against her lips. He gently pushed against her shoulders, and Rhi sat back and wiggled her butt over his erection.
“You’re killing me, Angel. I need to tell you something.” Ryker gripped her hips, halting her squirming. “To claim you, I have to bite you. My lion comes forth—” Rhi gasped, and Ryker grinned. “Not like that. Just the teeth.” Ryker’s teeth elongated, but that wasn’t much better than the thought of him letting the whole animal loose on her.
“Won’t that hurt?” Rhi shivered thinking about those sharp fangs piercing her skin.
“No. I’ll bite you when we’re having sex, right as we’re ready to orgasm. The bite heightens the experience.”
“You mean it’s more intense than usual? I don’t know if I can handle that. I mean, you giving me an orgasm is already like an out-of-body moment. I might pass out.”
Ryker caressed her cheek. “You’re precious. And if you pass out, I’ll have to think of a way to revive you.” He winked at her, and she squirmed against his hard cock. She couldn’t help herself. Now that she knew how good sex could be? It was all she could think about. Well, not all. He was talking about building a new home with property where she could have gardens and a dog and kids and—
“Angel? Did I break you?”
Rhi slapped his shoulder. “No, you didn’t break me. I was thinking about… Never mind. Let’s get to this claiming. I need you inside me, like ten minutes ago.”
Before she knew what was happening, Rhi was naked and on her back. She propped up on her elbows while Ryker removed his own clothes. She bit her bottom lip as all his glorious skin was revealed. “Turn around,” she commanded, and Ryker did as she asked. Before Ryker, Rhi had never seen a naked man, but she had a feeling he wasn’t the norm. His back was broad, and his butt was firm and round. She wanted to sink her own teeth into the globes and nibble. Just as she leaned forward to do so, Ryker turned, and his erection was in her face. Hmm, I could nibble on that instead. Rhi sat on the side of the bed and took his erection in her hand, then leaned over and licked the tip.
Ryker gripped her hair and twisted it around his fists. His eyes were darker than she’d ever seen. “Not this time. Right now, my beast is barely hanging on, and if you put your mouth on me, I won’t be able to hold it back.” He released her hair and motioned for her to scoot back toward the pillows. When she was lying in the middle of the bed, Ryker set a knee to the mattress and crawled on top of her.
“I need you, Rhiannon. Need to claim you. Please tell me you still want this.”
“Yes, more than anything.”
Ryker’s erection teased her opening as he leaned over and kissed her. Unlike the first time, he didn’t ease his way in. He thrust in, and before he was fully seated, he began moving in and out with purpose. All Rhi could do was hold on for the ride. And what a ride it was. Ryker making love to her was a beautiful thing, but Ryker taking her hard? It was passionate, possessive, breathtaking. Rhi dug her nails into his shoulders. If she hadn’t been watching his face, she would have missed seeing his eyes change to those of his lion’s. Ryker’s sharp teeth elongated, and when Rhi nodded, Ryker sank them into her flesh.
Her orgasm was instantaneous. The brief pain of his teeth was overpowered by the euphoria that flowed through her body. Rhi’s energy flowed through her, meeting with the mating call, answering in a claiming of her own. Ryker roared with his release, rattling the windows. In that moment, Rhi knew she was where she belonged. Home.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Ryker
Ryker had his second chance, and it was magnificent. He never expected the young, virgin runaway he found in the dumpster to turn his world upside down and then put it back to rights, but she had. Rhi was nothing like he expected his mate to be, but she was everything he needed and so much more. She never shied away from when he needed things a little rough in the bedroom. She met him thrust for thrust with a passion he’d never known.
After the morning of their claiming – because Rhi had claimed Ryker in her own way – they had to explain to Elijah there wasn’t a wild animal in the house. Ryker had sat the young man down and told him about Gryphons. He had shifted into both his eagle and lion, letting Eli get used to seeing a shifter. It wasn’t until they had gone to Lucy’s for a family gathering that he’d let the Gryphon loose. He owed it to Rhi to see what he was, and the awe in her eyes was humbling. Rhi loved his lion best though. Loved for him to shift into the large cat so she could run her hands through his long mane.
Ryker had found eight acres not too far away to build a house on, and after going through plans, he and Rhi had decided on the perfect design. The house was exactly as he envisioned it, with two master bedrooms and plenty of other rooms for any children they had together. He couldn’t wait for it to be finished so they could all move into it together.
“Uncle Right!” Major yelled, running into the game room where Ryker was shooting a game of pool against Hayden. Ryker grinned at the way Major said his biker name.
Hayden tried to correct him. “It’s Ri-yut.”
“That’s what I said. Right.”
Ryker shook his head. “What’s up, Little Dude?”
“Look!” Major held up his pointer finger, and Ryker leaned over to inspect it.
“It’s a finger,” Ryker deadpanned.
Major giggled, but he was turning his finger back and forth. “It’s not bleeding.” When Ryker saw movement out the corner of his eye, he looked toward the door where Rhi was standing, holding Marshall’s hand. Ah, now he got it; Rhi had worked her magic. In more ways than one. Marshall’s love for Natalia was matched only by his love for Rhiannon. The two of them spent many hours outside playing in the dirt, talking to plants, and Rhi teaching the younger twin about gardening. Ryker didn’t realize there were plenty of things that could be planted in the colder months.
“Can we ride now?” Major asked, bringing Ryker’s attention back to the older, more rambunctious brother. Major had taken to motorcycles like Ryker had when he was that age. The kid didn’t care how cold it was. He put on layers and settled into the sidecar Hayden had designed for Mayhem’s bike.
“You have to bundle up first.” Ryker tussled Major’s hair, and the boy took off running through the house yelling, “Lolly! Bundle me up!”
“Are you coming with us?” Marshall asked Rhi.
“You don’t think I’m going to let you boys have all the fun without me, do you?” Rhi swung their joined hands, and Marshall gave his own giggle. “Go get your coat and gloves, and I’ll be right behind you.” When Marshall ran off after Major, Rhi strode over to Ryker and raised her lips to him. Kissing was one of Rhi’s favorite things to do, and she didn’t care who was around to watch. Ryker obliged, keeping it chaste. Riding his bike with a hard-on wasn’t fun, and with Rhi snuggled against his back with her arms around his waist, her fingers stroking his abs, it was how he found himself ridi
ng more often than not. Rhi had taken to the bike so well she had asked him to teach her how to ride by herself.
Josiah was still in the wind, but Ryker knew with Henry and Julian helping Lucy, they would find the man. Gideon and Lewis had their day in court. Kerrigan and Mac had testified against them both, and the guilty verdict along with long sentences had been enough for the women. For Ryker and Warryck? Not so much. With several Hounds at his back, Ryker had intercepted their transport van when the men were being moved from the courthouse to the prison. Sultan had used his Gryphon voice on the officers so none of them were harmed, but he couldn’t say the same for Gideon and Lewis. By the time his and War’s lions were finished with the men, they were barely breathing. Ryker and his brother left their bloody, broken bodies in the woods for any scavengers to find. As Gryphons, they were supposed to protect humans. As mates and fathers, they had taken out revenge for the females the two men had dared harm. Ryker went to bed that night with Rhi in his arms and slept better than he had in a long time.
The mercenary work was going well with Quinn being their handler. One night while they were getting ready for bed, Rhi stopped singing mid-song and asked Ryker about being a mercenary. When he asked how she found out, she admitted David had told her about the family’s business. Ryker explained everything about their profession, and his Angel just nodded and made him promise to be safe before she went back to singing softly.
With Lucy’s help, Rhi, Mac, and Eli had studied hard and passed their GEDs. Mac still wasn’t comfortable going to a college campus, so she and Eli had enrolled in online classes. Ryker could see the positive changes in his daughter the longer she and Eli were together, and the more time she spent with the other mates. He had offered for all three of them to see a counselor, and so far, they were all doing well with a professional’s help. They were also experiencing the Lazlo family’s brand of love, and it was helping to ease the pain for their pasts.
