Taste for Alphas: Paranormal Fantasy Shifter Romance

by Milly Taiden

  “What did I do?” She gasped.

  She jumped out of bed and tossed clothes out of her way to find her purple fuzzy robe. Spotting a hair tie, she twisted the long, curly and very messy mass into a bun on top of her head. Then she rushed to the bathroom and washed her face and brushed her teeth. Finally, she found her glasses on the dresser and put them on.

  Nope. She was not going to look at her reflection or she would surely have a mild panic attack.

  Loud laughter and the smell of coffee urged her to the kitchen. Theron sat in a pair of sweats and no shirt at her kitchen table with a plate of food. Connor sat next to him in boxers and a tank top with a cup of coffee in front of him.

  To make it all even better, Gerri sat there with them. Smiling.

  “Hi?”

  “Come over here, darling.” Theron slapped his lap and motioned her forward.

  Blood heated in her face. She’d never been overtly sexual with men like she had the previous night, so this was new territory.

  “Sweetheart, you need a better robe,” Gerri said, her gaze taking a deep dive down to the material that dragged behind Tally.

  “Thanks, but I like this one.” She strolled forward, almost tripping.

  “Well, it clearly doesn’t like you.” Gerri shrugged. “Come eat. I made enough food for everyone.”

  Tally’s dining room table, which was seldom used, was covered with plates of food. From scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, to fruit and pastries. It was like a restaurant had moved into her apartment.

  She bypassed Theron’s lap and sat on the fourth and empty seat at the table. She opened her mouth but no words came out. Really, what could she say to Gerri? That she was angry at her for sending her two of the hottest men she’d ever met? Men that had given her more orgasms in one night than those she’d given herself throughout her thirty-two years? Instead, she went for the coffee and prepared herself a mug.

  “Are you okay?” Connor asked. His worried frown appeased her fears somewhat.

  “Yes, I’m fine,” she lied.

  Connor, Theron and Gerri glanced back and forth at each other.

  “You are most definitely not fine,” Gerri stated. “You are clearly having an emotional dilemma.”

  She would not, could not, talk about that with them. No way in hell.

  “Connor,” Theron said, taking the attention off her. “Maybe if we explain our way a little, Tally would understand some.”

  Gerri stood. “I’ll go back and do dishes. You all talk.”

  She wanted to listen to them, but she also felt she had to address Gerri. Didn’t look like she’d get the chance now.

  “Do you prefer to speak to us together or one on one?” Connor asked, reading the turmoil inside her. He was clearly perceptive and she had a difficult time as it was talking to them at the same time.

  The men glanced back and forth at each other and Theron stood. “I’m going to take a shower.” He leaned over the table and kissed her. “I’ll be back shortly, beautiful.”

  Connor watched indecision flash through Tally’s eyes. He smelled her confusion over the new situation between them. As Omega, his first instinct was to calm her down. As a man who wanted her for a mate, he needed to make sure she was comfortable with how things worked for their pack.

  “I need to understand what it is you two want,” she said, voice low. There was a slight tremble to it that kicked him hard in the gut.

  “You know we are shifters,” he stated, more to verify what she already knew.

  She sipped the cup of coffee and glanced at him, her gaze direct. “Yes, but I didn’t realize you all shared women.”

  “Not all packs do. Things vary from one to the next. For Wildwoods, sharing a mate is custom and part of the norm. It’s a way of life.” He grasped her hand on the table. “Other packs share a single mate among multiple pack members. We’ve come across the single couple packs. Nothing is taboo in the shifter world.”

  Questions lit in the depth of her gaze. “What do you mean nothing is taboo?”

  He shrugged. “When the heat strikes, couples could have sex anywhere. People shift and don’t have clothes, it’s natural to walk around naked.”

  Her eyes widened and her mouth turned into a perfect pouty O. “Walk around naked?”

  He grinned. She probably didn’t realize it, but when he’d said people have sex anywhere, her cheeks had turned a dark crimson and she’d licked her lips.

  “Yes. Sex is natural. So is nudity. We’re very sexual creatures.” If she was going to be part of the pack, she needed to know what she would be getting into.

  “So you...” She cleared her throat. “You and Theron, you want me?”

  “Yes.” God, how they wanted her.

  For the first time ever, the men and the animals were in sync. She’d been the answer they needed. They wanted her for a mate. And there would be no turning back.

  “For how long?” She scrunched her nose. “You want me as a lover, shared between the two of you for a while?” She pushed her cup to the side and pursed her lips. “So if one of you gets tired of me, does the other one get me? Or do you both pretty much just go with mutual votes?”

  Chapter Six

  “Don’t do that.” He shook his head. “That’s not how we are.”

  She leaned forward on the table, the scent of her distress mingled with anger. A new light of hostility sparked in her eyes. “I’m sorry but I just don’t see how a relationship of being lovers could work long-term.”

  That was the main problem with non-shifter mates. They didn’t get the different way of life. “We are born and raised this way.”

  He knew he wasn’t getting through to her, so he stood and marched around the table. He offered her his hand and watched her stare at it for a second. She took it. He moved to her long sofa and pulled her on his lap. She struggled for a moment, but once she saw he wasn’t letting her go, she stopped and sighed in defeat. He shifted her so her back was leaning on the armrest and he could look at her face.

  “What is the one thing you’ve always wanted in a mate?”

  “A partner? I guess someone who is honest and can love me for me and not for who he feels I should be.”

  “Think of us as the first men that will give you that.” He pushed a stray curl behind her ear. She blinked with curiosity behind her glasses.

  “What do you mean give me that?” She glanced down at his mouth.

  He wanted so bad to stop the conversation and kiss her. She had the most beautiful pouty lips and he’d never tire of watching her slide her tiny pink tongue over them.

  “When we search for a mate, it has to be someone who is perfect for us on multiple levels. Mainly we have to be attracted to her in our human bodies. Your scent has to attract the animal inside.”

  She raised her brows in obvious shock. “Wait, you and Theron had to want me and so did your...eh, wolves?”

  He nodded. “We hadn’t had luck until you. We love a woman with curves. That is just our preference. You’re gorgeous. I wouldn’t dare compare you to anyone else because nobody else has made me want her as much as you. No other female has made Theron and I agree she is the one meant to fit as our third and make us whole.”

  “I...I don’t know what to say,” she mumbled. “There’s so many women out there that have a lot more experience with two men.”

  “Oh, darling.” He brushed his lips over hers, not able to contain himself any longer. “You are the one. No matter what any other woman has, you have given our connection the emotional boost it needs for Theron to lead and for me to engage the pack. You’re who we need. Something about you is perfect for us.”

  “Connor, this all sounds so nice, but what happens when you tire of me?” She sounded sad.

  “That won’t happen.”

  “What do you mean? It happened with my ex-husband and a host of ex-boyfriends. I have bad luck with men.”

  “A mate is for life. There are no others once one is found. Only on
e mate for our pair.”

  “You mean to tell me that without knowing me at all, but based purely on instinct and scent, you two feel I’m right to spend the rest of your lives with?” The disbelief was obvious in her tone.

  “Yes.” He didn’t bother denying it.

  “Connor, come on. I’m a pretty modern person, but taking on a relationship with two men, something I’ve never done, is scary enough. Added to that you want this to be something committed? I don’t know if you know this, but we just met. This is crazy.”

  “Give us a chance, Tally.” He glanced deep into the fear he saw in her eyes and tried to soothe the tumultuous emotions in her heart. She was a strong woman, but fear could make her choose the path they didn’t want for her.

  “I have to think.”

  “I have an idea,” Theron said, entering the room as she finished her sentence. He was freshly dressed and appeared unperturbed by her words. He gave Connor an open mental link to allow him to see his thoughts.

  Connor’s fears for Tally dissipated somewhat. Theron’s idea was sound. If they could pull it off, then she wouldn’t have the worries in her mind.

  “What’s your idea?” Tally turned to Theron.

  “We date.” He grinned. “It’s what humans do, right? Date to get to know if someone is mate material?”

  She nodded. “They do, but wait, so this means the whole mate thing is off the table?”

  “No!” he and Theron said at once.

  “It means you need to be reassured and we are happy to do whatever is necessary for you. You’re our priority now. We want you to be happy and comfortable or we won’t be,” Theron replied.

  “Well.” She frowned. “I still have this wedding to go to. I guess that’s as good a place to start as any. But that’s not until next weekend.”

  “How about we start with something simple,” Theron suggested. “Come with me for a walk.”

  Connor nodded when she glanced at him. “Go for it. I think spending time one on one first and then as a group could really help you see how much this can work.”

  “Are you sure? Won’t that mess with the idea of being a...”She gulped. “A triad?”

  Theron grinned. “Not even a little. Connor and I know each other well enough to know neither would ever try to push the other one out of the way. What we want is unity.”

  “I’ll shower and change in your guest room,” Connor offered. He sensed she needed the time to be alone, to think about what they offered and to decide what she wanted. “We’ll go and give you some time to yourself. Tomorrow, Theron can come and take you for that walk if you’re in agreement.”

  The last thing they needed was for her to feel like she was being pushed into anything. They wanted her ready, willing and able to be the woman for them. Though they already knew she was the one, she still had to come to that conclusion. No amount of pushing or pressure on their part would encourage her trust. That would come with time.

  Theron glanced at Tally. She wore a long, sexy dress that hugged her curves like a second skin. It wasn’t tight, it draped perfectly over her large breasts, small waist and abundant hips. His mouth watered the moment he saw her.

  She’d worn her hair in a ponytail that drove him crazy. He loved her curls and wanted to see them hanging loose down her back. She pushed a long strand behind her ear and adjusted her glasses. The prim, schoolteacher look had never been such a turn-on.

  How was it possible that she did that to him? She was so unaware of her beauty. It would probably kill him if she continued to bite and lick her bottom lip for much longer. She hadn’t said anything of his holding her hand the entire time they’d been walking through the massive park. He’d deliberately brought her to one that bordered his land. It was silly, but thinking of her that close to his home brought a smile to his lips. If only he could do something to alleviate the confusion he sensed in her.

  “What is it that concerns you about a relationship with us?” he asked.

  She sighed loudly. They went a few steps more before she finally answered. “I’ve been married to the jerk you met a few days ago. I’ve dated so many men that only wanted to sleep with me or to find a woman to take care of them.” She stopped and turned to him. “Frankly, I’m sick of it. I’m not doing it anymore.”

  “You shouldn’t have to. A partner should be someone who takes what you already have and makes it better. Someone who makes you happy to have them in your life.”

  Her sad smile broke his heart. “That’s what we’d like to think. And that’s what men always advertise. I’m not sure I’m the right woman for you two. I’m too bitter.”

  “You’re not bitter. You have just had some very bad experiences and I understand your hesitation.” He cupped her cheek and stared deep into her troubled eyes. “All I can ask is for you to give us a chance. No pressure. If at any point you feel the need to go or that this isn’t working, we understand,” he lied. They’d probably die without their third, but he wouldn’t tell her that. She didn’t need to be pushed. She needed coaxing.

  She pursed her lips and turned back to strolling. “When I was a kid, I swore my parents had the most amazing marriage ever. I mean really awesome. They were always hugging and smiling and laughing. I wanted that for me.” She chuckled. The sound came out a pained laugh. “Then I grew up. I heard the yelling behind closed doors. I saw the bruises she tried to hide. I questioned her and do you know what she said to me?”

  Waves of her pain surrounded them. He had a hard time yanking back the animal who wanted to offer her comfort. He bit back the growl threatening to escape and pulled her closer to his side. “What did she say?”

  “She said that cheating comes natural to everyone. That it was my responsibility to accept it and let it go. That if I wanted a marriage to work I would have to understand my place as a woman.” She shook her head. “I don’t buy that for a second. I refuse to believe it and I won’t settle for it.”

  “So she feels it’s okay to have a relationship with a partner that isn’t committed to being with only one person?”

  She nodded. “It gets better. She said the only way she’s stayed married this long is by having affairs herself. All her time away with family and friends allowed her the ability to meet up with men and do her own thing.”

  His chest ached with the bitterness spilling from her lips. She hurt badly and he didn’t know how to stop it. “You have to understand not everyone thinks that way.”

  She shrugged. “I know. I’ve met other couples who don’t have that as part of their lives. But the truth is, I have bad luck with men.” She veered off the main park path and crossed to a desolate hill with a thick grassy patch. She stopped, glanced down at the view of the forest and sat down. “I have awful luck with men. Hell, I have terrible luck in general. You both don’t need my bad luck in your lives.”

  “Let us be the judge of what we need. All we want from you is a chance.”

  She gazed out in the distance. “I have no experience with shifters other than Gerri. And she’s a handful.”

  He grinned at the sound of her soft laugh. “That she is. She has been like a mother to me and Connor.”

  Tally folded her legs under her and turned to him. “How do you do it?”

  He saw interest and curiosity spark in her eyes. “Do what?”

  “How do you share a woman and not worry that she will fall in love with one over the other or more than the other?”

  That was tough. “In an ideal world, you’d fall in love with both of us. We want you to have the emotional link with both of us to create a strong bond.”

  She nodded slowly but said nothing.

  The breeze swirled strands of her hair forward. He leaned close and placed the strand sticking to her lips behind her ear. Her eyes widened behind her glasses. Then, to tantalize and drive him completely crazy, the scent of her arousal drifted into his lungs. Her heartbeat accelerated under his touch. Her skin heated and she licked her lips.

  “I hope you
understand.” He moved closer, pushing her to lean back on the grass, until her back hit the ground.

  “Understand?” Her voice quivered.

  “I can’t stop myself.” He stared at her mouth and allowed the hunger he felt inside to show itself a bit in his features.

  Her eyes widened and she gasped.

  “I can’t control my need to feel your body under me,” he said and leaned over her. He groaned as he lay between her legs, his cock nestled over her pussy. “You are so soft, Tally.”

  She gulped. “Theron, I don’t think—”

  “That’s right, darling. Don’t think. Just go with your instinct.” He leaned down and crushed their mouths together. She tasted divine. Like the sweetest honey and ripest fruit. Her body cradled him with her softness. He almost came on the spot at the first swipe of her tongue over his. No longer tentative with her touches, she thrust into his mouth and moaned. The sound was sexy as hell. For every groan, she moaned. For every thrust, she curled her tongue over his. He pulled at the hem of her skirt, pushing it up her thigh. He needed to feel her smooth skin under his palms.

  She yanked her face sideways, whimpering, “Oh, Theron. Christ that feels good.”

  His cock jerked in his jeans. There was little he could do to stop the thrusting between her legs. She spread her legs wider and glanced into his eyes. “Do it. Now. Here.”

  Normally he wouldn’t let himself get carried away this way. But her eyes, dark with desire, and her lips, swollen with his kisses, had his wolf pushing at the skin. Everything inside him shifted into pleasure mode. It was all about getting her off right now.

  He kissed a path down her neck, to the neckline of her dress. With a single tug, her bra popped above the dress. The sheer lace holding her breasts showed off her puckered brown nipples.

  She wiggled under him, the heat of her core driving his cock to painful hardness.

  “Please...” she moaned a husky little plea that sent shudders down his back. She probably didn’t realize how much she affected them. At that moment, all he wanted was to please her. To see her smile and watch her body unravel when pleasure hit.