Authors: Nancy Corrigan
“Tell me about the shifted cub that was seen in your bar.”
Josh blanked his face and glanced at the man who spoke. The guy
on the opposite side of the bar stared at him with unblinking brown
eyes—contacts probably. They looked too normal to belong to a shifter. Even
those with ordinary-colored irises couldn’t hide what they were, at least not
from those humans who knew what to look for.
Shifter eyes were multifaceted, like a gemstone. In the dim
bar, they should’ve had an otherworldly glow. His plain orbs didn’t. The only
reason Josh knew the man’s secret was the cat fangs he’d let show when he’d
ordered his drink.
He wasn’t from the pride but the shifter had to be a blood
relation of Kade and Rafe. His rough-cut features were too similar. The
knowledge didn’t ease Josh’s anxiety.
Josh leaned a hip against the corner of the bar and returned
the glare. As much as he wanted to match the shifter’s focused glare, he had to
blink—he was only human—but he refused to look away. No way in hell would he
acknowledge this newcomer as his alpha by lowering his head. “I don’t know what
you’re talking about.”
One corner of the shifter’s mouth lifted. Another hint of
fang showed. “Hasn’t your owner taught you any manners? When your better asks a
question, you should give a truthful answer.”
The guy’s calm voice came off as if he were explaining the
rules of life to a child. It only pissed Josh off. He matched his cocky grin. “If
I ever meet one, I will.”
A full smile spread over the man’s face. Instead of warming
it, he looked colder, more of a predator than any of the other felines Josh had
met, even Zach. Old. That was the vibe Josh got from him. Too bad the added
years hadn’t taught
him
manners.
“That answered one question for me, human. Now answer the
other.”
“Unless you’re suffering from memory loss, you only asked
one.” Josh leaned closer. “And hell will have to freeze over before I ever tell
you shit.”
A rumble of laughter shook the shifter’s chest. He stretched
his hand out to the side and wiggled his fingers. From the corner of his eye,
Josh watched as two women started shoving each other to reach that extended
hand.
“Don’t fight ladies. One at a time.”
A brunette with boobs swaying freely under her t-shirt slid
her fingers along the guy’s palm. In one smooth move, he yanked her in front of
him. With his gaze still on Josh, he kissed her before closing his eyes to eat
at the woman’s mouth. It was a tactic Josh had witnessed other shifters use against
each other when they refused to concede a dominance battle but didn’t want to
fight.
The stranger tugged the woman onto his lap. He slipped his
hand up her skirt. Josh sighed and turned away. He didn’t need to be reminded
of sex, not now. He took two steps before the shifter’s voice trailed after
him.
“You walk away. I win.”
Fuck that.
Josh pivoted, leveling a hard glare on the newcomer. “I’ve
got better things to do then watch you make your way through my customers.”
The guy whispered something in the woman’s ear, smacked her
on the ass and watched her walk away. The crowd swallowed her. He faced Josh
wearing a look he would’ve labeled as respectful if it weren’t for the
condescending laugh trickling out of his mouth.
“I like you, human. It’s no wonder why you’ve been claimed
as a pet.”
Josh tensed, fists clenched at his sides. He took a step
forward. The shifter’s raised hand stopped him.
“I’m sorry. I forget myself. The politically correct term is
‘beloved human’ and one I’ve always found amusing. Humans aren’t worthy of our
love, let alone our protection.”
Josh leaned across the bar, fists clenched so he didn’t
strangle the arrogant bastard. “You,
cat
, are pissing me the fuck off.
Let’s get a couple of things straight. First, you need to lower your voice. I’m
the only one here who knows what you are. No need to draw attention to your
uniqueness or your stupidity. Second, I’m no one’s pet. And finally,” he
paused, waiting until the guy raised a brow before adding, “you have five
minutes to finish your beer before I throw your ass out.”
Josh straightened, slid the bowl of pretzels his way and
grinned. “Drink’s on the house.”
The shifter scooped a handful of the little twists and
shoved them in his mouth. A long moment passed while he chewed and they resumed
their staring contest. In a blur of movement, the guy fisted Josh’s shirt and
yanked him close.
“That scar on your face and the scent oozing from your pores
is the only reason you’re still breathing,
human
. To kill you would
bring the wrath of half the country’s shifters down on my head, not to mention
my own damn family. It won’t, however, protect you from getting your ass beat.”
He sat back and grabbed another scoop of pretzels with his free hand. “Now, tell
me about the female cub that was seen in your bar.”
Josh stared at the hand still clenched in his shirt until the
shifter released him. “If you want to know about the cats living here then go
to them with your questions.” He smirked. “I don’t have any answers. I’m just
the
beloved human
and am not privy to their inside issues.”
“My cousin would only lie to me, pulling the pride leader
card, which is why I came here first.”
“Look, asshole, enough with the games. I’m not sure what you
think you’ll learn from me but I’m not sharing anything about the Alexanders or
their friends with you.”
The guy studied him another long moment before the grin
returned. “And that answered another of my questions. Thank you.”
Josh bit back a growl. He planted his palms on the counter. “What’s
that supposed to mean? I didn’t say anything.”
The shifter raised one finger. “You are an alpha, despite
your unfortunate species limitations.” Another finger went up. “You’re protective
of what’s yours and somehow my cousin and his friends have found their way into
your fold.” A third finger rose. “And finally, I must reluctantly admit that
you’re worthy of Devin’s protection.” He dropped his hand and leaned forward
until only a few scant inches separated them. “The only question left is why I
smell a female cub on your clothes. Care to answer that one since you didn’t
like the wording of the other one?”
Josh silently berated himself. He always showered and
changed before tending the bar in case a stray shifter showed up, like the
feline royal in front of him. After the fight last night with Zeb, he’d been
too aggravated to focus on the practicalities of being the guardian of a shifter.
No excuse. Just because he’d been pissed-off at the world, he had a
responsibility to protect his family. Hell of a fine job he was doing.
He shrugged. “Nope. Don’t feel like answering that one
either.”
“That’s okay. I’ll find out on my own.”
Josh opened his mouth and closed it without saying anything.
The words got stuck in his throat. The woman who walked into the bar often left
him tongue-tied.
Mira.
Josh took slow, controlled breaths in an attempt to tamp
down his desire. Lust had a certain scent to it. Pheromones or something like
that. The nonhumans always commented on how quickly he responded to Mira. He
didn’t mind the teasing. It was no big secret he wanted her.
Mira’s rich laughter rang out. His heart pounded hard,
anticipation building as he waited for the crowd to part.
So much for not
reacting to her.
“And that answers another question.” The shifter chuckled. “I
hope you enjoyed your time in her bed. It won’t ever happen again.”
Josh turned his attention from the entryway to the shifter.
And stared.
Another rumble of laughter shook the cat’s chest. “Oh yeah,
I like you, human.”
“Wish I could say the same.”
A smile spread over the man’s face. “I think that’ll change.
If you follow my rules, that is. I can take care of pets as well as Devin can.”
Josh chose to ignore the comment, not wanting to fight while
Mira was close. Besides, he’d learned the older the shifter, the less civilized
they acted. “You know Mira?”
Sadness replaced the amusement. The shifter nodded, a single
dip of his chin.
“Aron?”
“Beautiful Mira.” Aron spread his arms wide. “Come to me.
I’ve missed you.”
Mira approached the bar and Josh fought the surge of
jealousy tensing his muscles. Shifters indulged in physical contact any chance
they got. Hugs, caresses and kisses didn’t mean the same for them as it did for
everyone else. He’d stood by and watched while many of the pride and pack
members had held Mira in their arms. Never before had he wanted to hurt any of
them. Now? He wanted Aron’s blood on his hands for even suggesting she touch
him.
He fought the reaction, but no matter how hard he tried to
push it away, his jealousy built with each step Mira took toward Aron. Josh
clenched his jaw to stop his demand she come to him instead. He might want her,
but he didn’t own her. She could hug whoever she wanted.
Mira rounded his side of the bar and shimmied in front of
him. The jealousy faded, but a sense of possessiveness he had no right to
replaced it. He couldn’t help feeling as if she’d chosen him and that it gave
him the right to keep her.
Jesus, what the hell is wrong with me?
He
released a shuddered sigh, pushing the unsettling emotions away, and slipped an
arm around her waist.
Lips pressed to her forehead, he inhaled her fragrance and
let it seep into his lungs. “Mira.”
She surprised him by linking her hands around his neck.
Standing on her tiptoes, she rubbed her cheek against his. Scent marking him.
In public.
Fucking hell.
His cock hardened instantly. “What are you doing, kitten?”
Mira pressed the length of her body to his. “Greeting you.”
“Darling, I asked you to greet me.”
Mira faced the shifter. “No, you were testing me to see what
Josh means to me. Now you know.”
Mira and Aron studied each other, careful not to lock gazes.
Josh had picked up on many of the little nuisances of shifter body language
over the past couple of months. Actually, that wasn’t quite the truth. He’d
been a part of their culture since Jazz had come home with two babies in tow
five years ago. He just hadn’t wanted to admit it.
“Why are you here, Aron? You’ve avoided me for centuries.”
Aron glanced between them before sliding his gaze to Jazz
who stood off to the side, quietly watching them. Hell. Josh had been so
focused on Mira he hadn’t noticed Jazz. Not good. Mistakes like that could cost
a man his life. He turned his attention back to the biggest threat in the room.
Aron’s pinched brows spoke of his indecision—another similarity many shifters
shared. When not in hunting mode, their expressions and body language offered
excellent indicators of their mood.
“I heard of the Council’s order for you. I came to talk to
Kade about it, but since you’re here, shall we discuss it instead?”
It wasn’t the only reason. Josh studied him. Why not mention
his interest in Molly? Was it possible he was simply curious about the little
girl? Mira tightened her grip around the waistband of his jeans and distracted
him from his thoughts. With her knuckles brushing his spine, sparks whipped through
him.
“That is not something I want to talk about here,” she
snapped.
Aron smirked. “Don’t you want your pet to know he’ll be
losing you?”
She slipped out of his arms and planted her palms on the bar
separating them from Aron. “Do not call Josh by that derogatory term again. I
will not warn you twice.”
Josh ground his teeth. No way. She would not protect him.
Hands on her hips, he yanked her against his body and
pressed his lips to her ear. “If Aron wants to tussle, he can meet me in the
field. I’m always up for a good fight.” He focused on the shifter. “Fists only.
No claws or teeth. Got to even things up. Otherwise, it’s not fun.”
Another big grin spread across Aron’s face. Full feline
fangs showed as he bared his teeth. “You’re on. You pick the time. I’ll be
there.”
“You plan on staying?” A hint of panic laced Mira’s words.
Aron’s eyes mapped a path down her body. “Damn straight. I’ve
been away from the pride too long. Three centuries too long.”
Jazz stepped closer and fixed Aron with a hard glare. “A
return my brother-in-law isn’t privy to. I know exactly what your slip of
protocol means, mister, and I won’t stand for your snubbing of Kade’s authority
here.”
“Aaahh, the newest member of the pride.” Aron stood and
bowed. “Jasmine Alexander, mate to Rafe, welcome to the family. My life for
yours.”
The greeting he’d heard every shifter make to Jazz was a
literal vow. He’d learned that after asking several of them about it.
Aron bent his head and kissed Jazz’s cheek, breaking the tension.
“I see why my little cousin became enamored with you.” Aron
lifted her chin, turned her face side to side and nodded. “Yes. A very good
choice indeed. You’ll give Rafe beautiful cubs.”
Fire lit her eyes. Jazz hated when the shifters treated her
as Rafe’s property, even though according to them she was. She opened her mouth
to no doubt deliver her opinion. Josh cleared his throat in an attempt to
salvage the situation. “I’ll let Kade know you’re here. In the meantime, drinks
are on the house.”
“No need. I’ve informed Rafe of our
guest
.” Jazz
looked him up and down. Her nose wrinkled. “Kade is on his way over.”
Aron leveled his gaze on him. “Good. Then, I can officially
place my bid to court Mira.”
Mira closed her eyes, an attempt at calming her agitated
cats. It didn’t work. Josh’s heart raced under her ear, betraying his agitation
and spiking hers. She couldn’t exactly blame him. She wasn’t happy at the
moment either.
She never thought she’d see Aron again. For years, it’d been
her secret hope he’d come for her. Not anymore. Now the reappearance of her
promised mate angered her. She took a deep breath and fixed him with a hard
glare. With her attention on the male who’d abandoned her, she placed a palm
over Josh’s chest so Aron knew exactly where her loyalties lay, even if she
couldn’t claim him.
Josh stiffened.
She froze. Her pulse matched Josh’s rapid beat. Desperate to
remain calm in front of Aron, she slid two fingers between the buttons of Josh’s
shirt. As soon as she touched his skin, a sense of rightness swept through her,
the same as it always did when she was with him. Strength replaced the
crippling anxiety. She allowed it to seep into her along with his warmth.
Eyes narrowed on the pompous male sitting on the other side
of the counter, she snuggled closer to Josh. She was playing with fire but
couldn’t resist touching him. After the scare yesterday, she needed to reassure
herself he was fine. Luckily, there were no shifters in the bar who had any
right to tell her she couldn’t.
“Don’t play games, Aron. Why are you here?”
“Because you need me. I heard what they’re doing to you.” He
gave a half-shrug. “Figured if you had to pick an Alexander, you might as well
pick me.”
He gave her the smile that used to make butterflies take
flight in her belly. Seeing it now only annoyed her.
“And I must confess,” he paused to glance down at her lower
belly, “I’m tired of letting other males dip their dicks in your honey. It’s
about time I claim your pussy as mine.”
Josh shoved her behind him, reached across the bar and
fisted Aron’s shirt. He dragged him close. “Do not disrespect Mira. Apologize.
Now.”
“I’m only stating the truth. Mira’s body is mine, always has
been. My cousins are one thing but I sure as hell won’t share it with a lesser
male like you.”
Josh shoved Aron off the stool. The shifter flew back a good
ten feet before knocking over a group of humans on his way to the ground.
Screams rang out. Chairs crashed to the floor. Thumping feet echoed as the other
bar patrons scrambled to get out of the way of the fight.
Mira had a moment to ponder where Josh had gotten the
strength to toss a three-hundred-pound male around before he rammed his fist
into Aron’s face. Bone cracked. She cringed.
A sense of déjà vu swept over her. The last time Josh had stood
up for her, Devin had clawed his face. She couldn’t let Josh get hurt because
of her a second time.
Terror made her limbs shaky but she ran forward. The
onlookers parted without prompting. Respect rose at the sight that met her. Josh
held his own against Aron, a millennium-old shifter. Both males rolled across
the floor as they tried to gain the upper hand. Punches flew. Blood sprayed.
The blur of bodies reminded her of a no-holds-barred shifter fight minus the
claws.
Movement caught her eye, yanking her attention from the
fight. Jazz weaved through the crowd on the opposite side of the tussling males,
a pitcher of beer in each hand. A flick of her wrists and she dumped the
contents onto their heads. They jerked apart, foaming amber liquid soaking
their shirts, and mirrored each other’s pose—hands flattened on the ground and
scowls on their faces. They looked ready to restart the brawl at the slightest
wrong move.
Mira grinned despite the tenseness of the situation. Josh,
bloody from the fight, turned her on. Big time. Not a reaction he’d understand but
true nonetheless. She swept her gaze over him, thoroughly enjoying the way his
wet shirt molded his muscles. Gods, he had a body worthy of a lover’s
attention.
A spark of jealousy flamed to life knowing there were women
in the bar who’d gotten to enjoy what she hadn’t, including Jazz, her dearest
friend. Instead of allowing the green-eyed monster to take root, Mira embraced
her response to seeing him crouched and aggressive, ready to defend her honor.
Far safer for the humans who thought they could touch him.
She continued her slow perusal from the expanse of his chest
to his stubble-covered jaw. His lifted lip and narrowed eyes warned her Aron had
broken their truce and ended her chance to visually worship Josh. She shifted
her gaze to Aron at the same time he turned his head to look at her. The corner
of his lip lifted in a smile she suspected women melted under.
He inspected her the same way she had Josh, head to toe, as
if she were the prize he’d won. His smile faded on a deep inhale. He groaned,
no doubt scenting her arousal, and stark hunger flared in his eyes as he focused
on her breasts.
Oh no, she refused to let the obnoxious male think her
desire was for him.
She ran forward and slipped on the wet floor. Josh caught
her before she fell and steadied her with an arm around her waist. She glanced
over her shoulder to make sure Aron didn’t plan on restarting the fight. The
warning in his expression was clear—don’t touch his rival. Too damn bad. She
hadn’t cared what he’d wanted for centuries.
Aron’s pissed-off eyes left her face to focus behind her.
She held her breath while both males stared each other down. Finally, Aron
shoved from his spot on the floor, reached out and plucked some human’s beer
from their hands. Gaze still on Josh, Aron drank then turned away, conceding
the prize—her—to Josh. It felt like a victory but she guessed Aron had only
done so to avoid another fight in front of humans. Still, she refused to pass
up the opportunity to properly thank Josh for defending her.
She faced him. Up close, his swollen eye and split lip stood
out starkly. Seeing it dimmed some of her lust as concern took over. Blood
trickled from a cut along his temple and mixed with the sweat glistening on his
skin. Nothing appeared broken nor did he appear to be in pain.
Thank the gods.
The dusting of dark hair covering his jawline drew her attention
to the cleft in his chin. She’d always been fascinated by the little dip.
Unable to resist, she ran her thumb over the bone. Electricity whipped down her
spine and ignited all her nerve endings. Her clothes rubbed against her
sensitive skin. She wanted to rip them off and press her naked body against the
hard ridges of Josh’s stomach. To avoid doing exactly that, she focused on his
mouth.
For months, she’d hungered for a taste. With Josh’s intent
blue eyes locked onto hers, she couldn’t understand why she’d resisted him. His
scent drew her closer. Josh’s warm breath bathed her face, filling her lungs
with his essence. A tremor to run through her limbs. The natural urge to submit
rode her hard, another thing Josh wouldn’t understand. It didn’t stop her
instincts from rising. She wanted to worship his body and beg him to take her
any way he wanted.
Her breaths quickened as images of them together, naked and tangled
in passion flashed across her mind, pictures her cats fed her to urge her to
give them what they wanted.
Her animal spirits weren’t aroused by Josh, not in the
literal sense. They were comforted by him. They knew he’d protect their cubs.
It was simpler, yet more profound. Josh was to the beginning and the end to
them and the one person they’d always return to.
A shifter’s instincts and primal drives were the reason
finding a royal’s
one
was so profound. One whiff, one look and they
simply
knew
. Because of their possessive nature, they wanted her to mark
their chosen male in every possible way so nobody dared take him away.
As much as she trusted her cats, she simply didn’t
understand how Josh could be her
one
. Her apprehension spiked as the
thought to hold, making her doubt everything, even her attraction to him. As if
sensing her unease, Josh pressed his thumbs into her skin and rubbed small
circles over her hipbone. The slight touch felt as intimate as if he were
fondling her breasts. Each stroke sent a tingling bite along her nipples only
his mouth could ease.
She mimicked the caress on his biceps. The subtle vibrations
under her fingertips betrayed how much he enjoyed her touch, yet despite her
silent invitation, he didn’t kiss her. Hoping to entice him, she leaned closer.
She licked the drops of blood off his lower lip, taking his unique flavor
inside and healing the wounds along the tender flesh.
Josh groaned. He dug his hands into her hair. A rough tug on
the locks forced her to lean back and open to him. She did and he slipped
inside. No hesitation now. He commanded the kiss and explored her mouth with
the deep unquenchable hunger she’d sensed growing in him over these past couple
of months. Every day, the lust burned a little hotter.
Her limbs trembled. The needs he ignited threatened to
consume her, but by the gods, it’d be bliss. Utter ecstasy without constraints.
Each swipe of his tongue over her cheeks and teeth fanned the fire. He banded
an arm around her waist and slammed their bodies together. Her breath escaped
in a whoosh, an exhale he greedily swallowed.
The tight press of their bodies left no room to
misunderstand Josh’s reaction to her. The ridge of his erection pushed into her
stomach and hardened the longer they kissed. She rubbed against him, trying to
show him without words she’d give him anything. A shudder ran through him in
answer. His kiss turned wicked. Each groan and rolling thrust of his tongue
satisfied her.
She slipped her hands under his shirt. The hot,
sweat-slickened skin under her fingertips teased her with promises. She
tightened her grip on him and pulled him closer. It wasn’t enough. Her sex wept
and clenched on air. She wanted his cock inside her, filling her up and giving
her what no male ever had.
Submit to him. Here. Now.
Her thought or her cats?
She wasn’t sure and didn’t care. She wanted his claim more than anything else
in the world. Her body went lax in his arms as she gave in to her primal
instincts.
As if he’d been waiting for her acceptance, he lifted her relaxed
body and pressed her more fully into his erection. The new angle pushed the
head of his shaft against her jeans-covered clit. Excitement thrummed through
her. The thump in the bundle of nerves echoed in her ears, demanding to be
touched—his mouth, cock, fingers. It didn’t matter how as long as he stroked her
nub and gave her release.
Desperate for the bliss she knew he’d deliver, she shoved
her hand down the waistband of his jeans. The flexing of his buttocks as he
ground his erection into her pulled a moan from her chest. She couldn’t wait to
have him inside her.
She slid her hand between them and popped the top button of
his jeans. He grabbed her wrist. Confused by his refusal of her touch, she
eased back. Josh’s face filled her vision. The desire stamped there didn’t
support his actions. She opened her mouth to ask why he’d stopped her but
snapped it closed as the catcalls and hoots of the crowd around them finally
registered in her lust-induced fog.
He grinned and she offered him a matching smile, albeit a
shaky one. She suddenly felt shy with all the humans whistling and cheering
them on.
“You taste good, Mira.”
Heat flushed her cheeks. The simple words rocked her and filled
her with happiness. “So do you.”
“You like to make a big entrance. Don’t you, cousin?”
Kade’s voice boomed over the murmurs of the crowd and the
classic rock playing in the background. She turned to watch him stride toward
them. His displeasure rolled off him. With his gaze locked onto her, she knew
exactly what caused his bad mood. She raised her chin.
Let him be mad. It
was simply a kiss, one I don’t regret.
Kade stopped in front of them, hands clenched at his sides.
The pissed-off male flicked annoyed golden eyes between each of them before
settling on Aron. “Why would you start a fight with someone under my
protection? You know I can’t let this go unpunished.”
“Don’t blame this on me.” Aron pointed at Josh. “He started
it. I was simply trying to enjoy my beer.”
Josh offered a hand to her. She took it and he pulled her to
her feet. Both shifters followed the simple gesture as if they’d never seen a
person do such a gentlemanly thing before, but she knew exactly what put the
livid glint in their eyes. She had allowed a male whom they considered a lower
pride member to help her instead of reaching for them. A slap in the face to
both of them. Like she cared.
Gaze on the shifters in front of her, she stepped closer to
Josh. He laid his palm over her lower back. The subtle show of ownership wouldn’t
go unnoticed, nor would her acceptance of it. Yeah, she was in for a stern
lecture. At the moment, she didn’t care.
She smirked and focused on Aron. “I disagree. You were the
one looking for a fight. You always were a showoff.” She motioned toward the
empty booth in the far corner. “Why don’t we get a table in the back? I’m sure
Aron will want to visit for a few minutes before he goes home.”
Aron dismissed the couple of human women who’d descended on
him to offer their version of comfort with a wave of his hand. He inclined his
head. “I agree. It’s a tad loud for conversation but I can promise I won’t be
leaving anytime soon, sweet Mira. So don’t you worry. I have plans,” he
grinned, showing off a hint of fang, “and you’re a part of them.”
Curiosity showed on Kade’s face. “Is that right?”
Aron nodded and casually looped his arm around Jazz. “Oh,
yes. My wandering days are over.”
Josh called out a drink order to one of the waitresses and
led Mira forward before she could comment. She and Jazz slid in one side of the
booth. Josh claimed the spot next to her, but Kade and Aron glared at each
other, neither taking a seat. Coiled muscles and narrowed eyes marked their
silent battle of superiority.