Prowl (Pride Riders Book 3) (6 page)

The group split, and the bear shifter slid across the sidewalk on his back. Aristotle broke away from the mass of people, blood dribbling from the corner of his mouth. He leaped, landing on the guy. Straddling his waist, he landed punches on the man’s face and chest. An onlooker grabbed Aristotle by the shoulder and yanked him off the semi-conscious bear.

Ari’s jaw extended to accommodate the teeth filling his mouth, and his features spread to reflect a partial shift. The cheetah reared back, snapping his jaws at the person’s arm. Bane watched as Aristotle lifted a clawed hand and tore into his opponent’s gut. Blood spurted, spattering the side of his face and vest. The animal inside her chortled in appreciation of his visceral attack.

Wisps of heat spiraled in her belly. Her pussy throbbed, intensifying when she leaned forward on the seat. Aristotle could protect her and their kits. Perhaps he
was
the right animal for her. The urgency to leave abated. She pressed her fingers to her lips and whistled.

Aristotle’s arms froze in mid-air. A thin layer of spotted fur covered his torso. He blinked slowly and rose to his feet. The spectators took a simultaneous step back, to give him a wide berth. He stepped over the man’s motionless body, giving the guy a solid kick to the side before walking toward her. The shifter rolled onto his side and groaned. A few folks rushed to the shifter as Aristotle moved away. His animalistic features faded as he prowled her way.

“I thought you left.” The grainy bass of his tone sent currents of desire ripping through her core.

“That was the plan.” She decided to keep things honest between them. Since she couldn’t work up the will to leave, she would ride out whatever it was simmering between them. “I changed my mind. I
thought
you were getting your ass kicked.”

He stood by the handlebars. One eye was swollen shut. “Your disappearance motivated me. The asshole wasn’t about to let me chase after you, so I was trying to kill him.” Aristotle glanced back and returned his gaze to Bane. “He’s lucky you interfered. Dumbass owes you his life.”

“What now?” She had no clue where to go from there. In the commotion Aristotle made with the bear, she lost sight of the lioness that started the entire mess, and her plans to conclude her business weren’t working out.

When she checked her messages at breakfast, her former mentor, Myra, told her to lay low. That meant Malachai had probably reached out to her. It would be in her best interest to find another buyer and take it from there. She growled, angry with Aristotle for distracting her, and even madder with herself for being sidetracked.

She looked him up and down. His jeans were dirty with wet patches on the knees. Threads hung from the seams of his vest and minute red spots dotted his chest and blended into the black leather. Vestiges of the sleek cat he harbored inside him could still be seen in his features. Inspirations struck.

“Aristotle, you were sent to secure the documents I’m holding, right?” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“Why do you insist on calling me by my given name?” He cocked a brow.

“I like Aristotle. It has old world charm.” She unfolded her arms and let them rest at her sides. She was antsy, but wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself. “What have you done to me?” she muttered quietly.

“You are my mate. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.” He brushed her cheek with his thumb. “And yes, we have a buyer for the papers I was sent to retrieve.”

She tilted her face away from his touch.
Stay focused
. “Thanks to you, my deal has fallen through. Tell you what, I’ll hand over the package for a seventy-thirty split in profits.”

“Scoot back.” He dropped his hand and tapped her legs with his fingers. “We’ll talk to El, but first I want to get you home.”

Bane stayed in place, waffling on what to do. “I’ll give you twenty-four hours to help me secure a deal. If it falls through—for whatever reason—we agree to go our separate ways, no questions asked.” She sent a silent prayer to the Goddess that she could actually go through with leaving him and scuttled back on the seat.

“Uh-huh. Whatever you say.” He climbed on in front of her, chuckling. Aristotle walked the bike back. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”

****

Leoane slumped in her seat, watching the cat and his bitch ride past. She’d checked the damage earlier; her nose was broken and she definitely had some bruised, if not cracked, ribs. She sighed and the exhalation made her side ache. Fighting dirty came natural to her; that pussy punch was a classic move she’d learned from Zima.

Leoane sat up. Her sister went into hiding for a reason; they didn’t like each other. Actually, that was an understatement; they despised each other, but Zima was the only family she had left, since the only parent they shared had died.

She glanced in the rearview mirror, and waited until the motorcycle made a left and rode out of sight. Leoane started the sports car she’d rented, and took off after her targets. When Ellory, her godfather, called and asked that she fly over, she jumped at the opportunity to join him. She owed the man for taking care of her through the years. More importantly, she could report first hand to Kaseo exactly what his father was doing.

The trip would have also given her a chance to try and make peace with Zima, who was a die-hard Pride supporter of their Alpha. Her half-sister was as cracked in the head as their Pride Chief, but there was always a method to Zima’s madness. Kaseo and Ellory both had sound arguments in the politics of how the Pride should continue, and now that she’d spent time with Ellory, she was conflicted.

But there was something Ellory wasn’t telling her. And Kaseo, for whatever reason, had drawn his mother Myra into the mix. That panther shifter just topped off the Alpha’s crazy with a dose of her own.

Everything was becoming convoluted. Maybe Kaseo’s plan was best; bring everyone together and clear out the old guard, then start fresh with a young Pride in a new country. Leoane sucked air through her teeth, and a sharp stabbing pain spread along the side of her head. The initial meeting with Aristotle hadn’t gone well, and Kaseo wouldn’t be happy about the results. Maybe she should try and corner the bird instead. What was her name? She tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. Ursala, La, yeah, that’s what everyone called her.

She caught sight of the cycle, blowing through a yellow light and hung back, easing to a stop as it turned red. The cheetah continued to head west.

Based on the information Ellory had given her, they should be heading into Eldridge’s territory. The Oregon state line was only a half-day’s drive away. She didn’t need to follow them too closely, and—contrary to orders to watch and report—she needed to figure out a way to become part of the Pride. Although her agenda paralleled Ellory’s at the moment, plans would be changing soon enough once Kaseo made it to the states.

Chapter Six

 

Night was wrapping around Ari and Bane like a dark, sexy veil. He turned down the path that would lead him home. His family knew where he lived, but the only one who ever visited was his sister La, since he chose to live in a tree house. No one in his immediate family minded the heights; rather, they were lazy fucks who complained about the climb. Instead, they usually congregated at El’s house or Trott’s Bar. Since the tavern was under reconstruction, they tended to meet up in the parking lot. After all, old habits die hard.

There was a doorless shed at the base of the tree to protect his bike from the elements. Steep, narrow steps spiraled around the trunk up to his house. Carved from another tree he felled himself, the steps blended with the bark.

He pulled into the open lean-to and shut the engine down, sliding the kickstand in place and allowed the bike to tilt gently to the side. The paint job was scratched where Greta toppled over. Gently, he ran his fingers over the scratches. He would take care of the damage soon.

Bane rose and slid from behind him. She spun in a circle and placed her fists on her hips.

“You live in an old shed.” It wasn’t a question. Her brows drew together and the corner of her lips turned down.

He tapped down his mirth. In the waning rays of the setting sun, it was hard to see the stairway which led up to his home. “No, I live there.” He pointed an index finger straight up.

“In a tree?” She scratched her head.

“It’s where I’m most comfortable.” Ari held out his hand. “Follow me and watch your step.” Bane grasped his fingers and followed him out of the building. He peered up through the branches, where clusters of needles rustled in the light breeze wafting through the ancient redwood. “Careful of the prickles; they’re sharp.”

“Couldn’t you have picked a house closer to the ground?” she muttered behind him.

“Where’s the fun in that? From my perch, I can see for miles, and no one can sneak up on me. If I dismantle a few steps, no one can follow me into the higher branches.” They circled the deeply furrowed bark. “It suits me. If you had a choice, where would you live?”

“I like dens, places you can burrow into and create trap doors, easy escape hatches.” She hung back and dropped her head back. “As pretty as the view might be, I don’t see an emergency exit.”

Her expression was cast in shadows and he couldn’t see the reaction to his words. “We jump.”

“And how many times have you done that, because clearly you bumped your head on the way down.” She released his hand and stepped up next to him. Gently she caressed his face. “Your eye looks better.”

He leaned in and brushed his mouth across her cheek. “I’ll be all right by tomorrow. Do you trust me?”

Bane turned her head, her lips a hairbreadth from his. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”

Ari caged her with his arms. Coarse, rutted bark bit into his palms. The scent of her arousal, tinged with a hint of honey, curled around them. He eased a leg between her thighs and hiked her up. Her top caught on the bark, pulling the material taut across her breasts. Ari brushed his cheek against hers, reveling in her softness of her skin.

She skimmed her palms up his arms and over his vest, slipping her fingers through the short strands at his nape.

Gently, he dropped minute kisses along her jawline up to her ear and caught her lobe between his teeth. She moaned, squeezing the muscles along his neck.

He traced the shell of her ear with his tongue. “Tell me what you want.” If it was in his power to give her whatever she asked, he would make it happen.

Bane pulled her face away and stared at him. “In what order?” Her lips curved in a half smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Surprise me.” His tone deepened with unchecked emotions. She made him feel things he didn’t think possible. He wanted to erase the doubt he saw flitting across her face. He’d never been so certain about anything in his life. Their mating was meant to happen.

“Trust, security, love, not necessarily in that sequence.” She cradled his head between her palms.

“Sugar.” He dipped his head and claimed her mouth.

Ari felt the moment she gave into the kiss. Bane relaxed. The heat of her core radiated through the denim and flowed into his thigh. She rolled her hips, grinding down. His erection grew, jammed against the metal teeth of his zipper. At the rate they were going, they wouldn’t make to the landing, let alone into his house. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and inhaled deeply.

She kneaded his shoulders. The faint
thud
of her heart pounding reverberated against his chest. Ari eased his hands between them and skimmed them down her body. His knuckles grazed her belly as he worked the button on her pants free and lowered the zipper. He kissed her collarbone, licking and lapping as he dragged his tongue along her neck, swirling his tongue across the mating bite.

Bane slid her hands down his back and grasped his ass, urging him closer. He chuckled against her skin before stepping back. Her warm damp palms slid around his waist. “I don’t want to wait.” He shoved the denim down her legs.

She hopped, trying to get a leg free. “I was hoping you wouldn’t.” Her tone lowered an octave into a sexy tenor.

He undid his jeans, yanking the garment off his hips. His cock bobbed free, curving toward his stomach.

“Watching that never gets old.” Bane closed the narrow space separating them.

Ari toed off a boot and shook his leg, freeing his foot. The step quaked with his movements and she clutched his bicep. He hauled her close and spun them around. He hit the trunk with a light
thwack
. His shoe toppled down the stairs, landing somewhere below them with a hollow
thud
. Her pants tangled around his feet. She giggled as he kicked at the clothing. They were flung over the side of the stairwell. His cheetah’s lips curled back in the imitation of a leering smile.

He cupped her ass and heaved her up. Her dirty, torn T-shirt bunched between them, exposing the gentle curve of her breasts. She clamped her knees onto his hips. Slick heat permeated his rod as he slid it between her folds. Bane kissed his temple and pulled up her arms to set her elbows on his shoulders. He eased his shaft into her channel and she plunged down on his dick. He spread his feet to keep them steady. Bane rolled her pelvis, rose up, and plummeted again. The wood’s rough edges raked his scalp when he bumped his head back. He flexed his pelvis forward as she bounced on his rod. Her passage undulated around his dick, tightening with every lunge. His fingertips dug into her ass as he propelled her up.

Short pants escaped through her slightly parted lips. His leg muscles strained under the rigorous movements and the vest clung to his sweat-laden skin. Their rhythm formed, and his biceps bulged as he directed her movements. Coils of warmth curled through his body. A piercing sting sent a sharp pain through his back. He ignored the discomfort and glanced down watching his dick completely disappear into Bane’s sheath. She arched back and her shirt rose up, exposing dusky brown nipples. He braced his forearm across her back to secure her in place and leaned forward to suck a rigid bud between his teeth. Bane trembled in his arms, as locks of her hair brushed his skin.

He rubbed the edge of his teeth over her nipple and loud yips rent the air. He thrust deep, splaying one palm across her ass to keep her hips at the right angle to thrust deep. His body heat intensified, as if he burned from the inside out, and his heart hammered with such ferocity he was sure it would burst through his chest. Bane’s legs dropped and dangled by his sides. He moved from one taut tip to the other and circled his tongue around her areola.

Ari lowered his lids and white-hot flashes crossed them. In his mind, his beast opened its mouth, sharp teeth protruding from almost black gums. Ari raised his head and opened his eyes wide. Bane pulled herself upright and met his gaze. Her honey badger was close to the surface; he could see the animal in her features. She smiled and triangular razor-sharp teeth filled her mouth.

Bane leaned forward. Her body flush to his, he became aware of every gentle curve. He dropped his arm lower to keep them intimately connected. His cock throbbed in her channel. Satisfaction coursed through him. She nuzzled his jaw and kissed the tendon in his throat before biting down. Warmth flowed over his cock and she pumped her fists on his chest as her body shook. His world shattered, and his seed flowed into her channel. She slumped against him.

Ari reached down and caught her under the knees. Gently he cradled her against his chest and carefully made his way up the stairs with his jeans dragging along behind him.

****

Bane turned over and her legs tangled in the sheets. Sunlight poured into the room from above and she had to blink several times to focus.

Where was all the eye-searing glare coming from?

She lifted her head and glanced around. The room didn’t have any windows. Falling back against the mattress, she looked up. Half the angled ceiling was glass. Thin branches with spindle-like leaves danced beyond the skylights. After a sigh, she sat up and took in her surroundings.

The bed took up most of the room, with just enough space around the frame for leg room on the sides. A large trunk, not quite the width of the mattress, hugged the foot of the bed. She swung her legs over the bed’s edge and her feet touched cool wooden planks. Gathering the sheet around her, she stood and walked to the open doorway.

His home had an open floor plan. A loveseat with several pillows of various sizes was against one wall and next to it was a narrow table. Two keyboards and multiple monitors were on the surface. A desk chair was spun around and pushed back slightly from the table. Oversized rugs in shades of reds and oranges lay parallel to each other. A refrigerator and narrow stove in the tiny galley kitchen were to the left of Aristotle. He stood at the sink with his back to her. Suddenly he wiggled, and then grunted as he rubbed soapy hands over his jean-clad ass.

An overstuffed chair in the corner and a long low bookshelf stacked with hardcovers lined the wall abutting the doorjamb. A heavy, plank door bolted together with black iron bands; she assumed it was the structure’s entrance. Carved into the wood was a tree starting with roots that began near the floor and extended up with branches reaching the clouds. The etching was beautiful. She ambled toward it and skimmed her fingers over the smooth timber.

“Morning, sexy,” Aristotle leaned on a counter cradling a mug in his palms.

She dropped her hand and moved to the center of the room. In the throes of passion she’d marked him, accepting his claim. Now she wasn’t sure what to do next because that shit wasn’t supposed to happen in the first place. Bane sighed and lifted her head to meet his stare. He smiled so wide his cheeks might have permanent indentations.

“Hey, umm, where is the bathroom?” She wouldn’t hold his gaze and twisted her head to the side to look at anything but him.

Aristotle angled his head toward the desk. A sliver of an opening was partially hidden by the desk chair.

“Could you make this place any smaller?” She hiked up the sheet and marched around the furniture.

“Are you kidding? This is five hundred square feet of awesomeness.” His boisterous laughter followed her as she slid the panel door to the side and stopped cold.

The bathroom wasn’t large, but it was packed with all the amenities a woman could want. Tucked in the corner was a shower with multiple shower heads and a bench running the length of the space. Next to it was a pedestal sink, with metal rings in the wall holding various size cups. The oval mirror edge was framed by another ornate carving. Across from that was the toilet, with several thick metal bars above it. Red towels hung neatly over each rod, adding a splash of color. The walls were planks of miter-cut wood fitted against each other like puzzle pieces. They shone under the dappled beams of light flooding the room. She glanced up, and saw more skylights.

“It took me two years to build this place, even with my brother’s help.” Aristotle leaned on the doorjamb next to her. “I carved the door and the mirror frame.”

“This is beautiful.” She fingered the walls.

“Four coats of shellac and hauling that shower up was not an easy feat.” He shrugged. “But it was worth it.” Aristotle reached behind himself.

She cocked her head. “What are you doing?”

“I think an ant bit me on the ass last night.” He twisted around. “Can you take a look for me?” He shoved the waistband of his jeans down.

“There is seriously something wrong with you.” Bane couldn’t help it; she giggled. She gave his behind a curious glance before slapping a palm across his right cheek. He went up on his toes and sighed.

Bane shook her head. “I don’t see anything.”

“Too bad.” He covered the bite on his neck with his hand. His eyes softened and he lifted his lips in a ghost of a grin. “We may as well be connected at the hip now. Get your shower on, sugar.” He lifted his wrist and glanced at his watch. “My father, brothers, and their mates will be here in a half hour.”

She took her gaze off his mate mark. “You could have told me that first.” She ground her teeth together.

“I didn’t want to overwhelm you.” He patted her ass and left her peering at his back. “Plus, you’re the one that wanted to negotiate with El for the documents you secured. If you hadn’t asked to meet them, they wouldn’t even know we were home.” He paused in the doorway.

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