by Piper Stone
“Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh.”
I heard his dark chuckle seconds before he slapped his hand against my pussy lips, the harshness of his actions thrusting me into another raging climax. Lights popped across my field of vision in vibrant colors, the ecstasy rolling through with enough intensity my heart skipped several beats.
He brought his hand down against my bottom several additional times then plunged his fingers back into my tight channel, immediately shoving me into another delicious wave. Exhausted, I eased back onto the counter, doing everything I could to control my breathing.
His actions savage, he let off a series of husky roars.
Claiming me.
Taking me.
Seconds later, he leaned over me, the explosive heat from his massive body matching the low-slung growls permeating the air.
“Now, I fuck you.” Yanking me from the counter, he shifted me around to face him, holding my body several feet into the air.
When he brought me down, thrusting his throbbing cock deep into me, I moaned, my muscles trying desperately to accept the thick invasion. I was forced to wrap my legs around his waist, clawing his shoulders as he fucked me, yanking my body up and down in rapid motions.
“Oh... God...” My words were slurred, my heartrate spiking. I was shocked at his vehemence, the force he used as he brought me up and down on his shaft over and over again, as if nothing could stop him. I clung to him, my fingers digging into his shoulders as the savagery continued, every brutal plunge yanking me closer and closer to another round of sheer ecstasy.
He was dominating and aggressive, his strength unequaled. I’d never experienced another man so ruthless in his actions, the hard fucking destroying every inhibition. My pussy clamped around his thick shaft as he drove in even deeper, the tip sliding into my womb. The rawness of his actions, the way he drove me caused a wave of bliss heightening every sensation.
I’d been shoved into another reality, one allowing me to accept that he was taking what belonged to him. There wasn’t a part of my body that hadn’t exploded in fire, my nipples aching to the point of pain, every muscle in my body twitching. He’d ripped away every defense, shoving me into a world of darkness.
His darkness.
And I hungered for more.
More of the man.
More of the beast.
As the intensity shifted into an utter frenzy, his growls becoming roars, I could tell he was ready to erupt, filling me with his seed. Acting on their own, my pussy muscles squeezed, the explosion of electricity stealing my breath.
As he erupted, filling me with his cum, he lowered his head, biting down on my neck. A moment of pure euphoria swept into me. Then the simple statement he spoke left me with chills.
“Now, you are mine.”
Chapter Five
Jabari
War.
There’d been talk of Breeds initiating their own war for almost a decade. While garnering our freedom had certainly prevented many of the various Packs, Claws, Dens, and Streaks from considering something so drastic, dissention was still ripe. There was also no trust, which I’d always maintained, my anger at the humans burrowing just below the surface. My father’s instincts were always right.
We would need to be prepared.
“Work with the other Breeds? That’s ridiculous,” Micah stated with defiance.
I’d gathered a group of our soldiers together, men I trusted, although some remained angry at being forced to survive as humans. After being given our freedom, so many had believed we would return to our animal form, living out the days in the wild as our ancestors had. Then the reality had sunk in.
We were no better off than before, the inability to shift at will a continued issue. That left so many forced to work within the human confines in order to provide food and other necessities.
“We may have no other choice,” I commented, attempting to keep my voice even. I gazed at the others, the fifteen or so panthers who were highly trained to keep the Claw alive.
“And the reason?” Degan asked. As always, he was the calmest of the group, methodical in everything he did.
“A faction of humans may attempt to round up every alpha male.” I could tell my answer surprised many of them.
“For what purpose?” Traeger threw out, swirling his drink as he glared at me.
“To exterminate them.” After issuing the two words, there was a quiet hush within the group.
“Then you are in danger. We cannot allow anything to happen to you.” While Degan’s words might not have been appreciated, several of the others in the room murmured their approval.
Micah snarled. “This faction of humans needs to be hunted.”
“And we may be forced to do that, but our success may depend on working with the other Breeds. I will contact Luca tomorrow in order to establish a meeting.” While I would heed my father’s words, my gut told me the meeting needed to be sooner versus later.
“What else aren’t you telling us?” Traeger challenged.
I had a feeling he knew I’d already mated by the sneer on his face.
“Nothing that you or any of the Claw need to be concerned with at this point,” I stated with authority, making certain that I locked eyes with every single soldier. They knew I loathed being challenged on anything. “You can go. You know what you need to do.”
While none of the others defied me, I could feel their growing anger, the uncertainty of what we could face more troubling than the majority wanted to let on. While I understood their concerns, my father was right. It was time to take the lead. I walked toward the back door, moving out onto the deck. As I took a sip of bourbon, I gazed up at the moon, barely able to keep my thoughts from drifting to Raven. I’d been drunk off her fragrance alone when I’d left her house, unable to think clearly for almost an hour.
While I’d left her nestled under the covers, I’d stood outside her house, unable to accept that I could no longer live without her. There was a chance she’d make good on her promise, calling law enforcement in an effort to track me down, her resistance to our mating as intense as my own. However, every inch of her body had betrayed her. Her needs were just as great as my own, desires that refused to be denied.
Perhaps the spiritual gods above had wanted to make an example, forcing the merciless panther into accepting the surreal. I almost laughed at the thought, the bourbon having little effect tonight. I remained hungry, even as my instinct reminded me that I still had to be careful.
I’d been the young cub who refused to follow the rules, instigating dangerous activities with several of the others. Once I’d learned to shift at will, my true rebellious nature had taken hold and I refused to follow anyone’s guidelines, especially those forced on us by humans. That had almost landed me in one of their prisons and would have if not for my father’s influence on certain powerful members of the human society.
That had been the very reason I’d been refused my rightful place as the alpha for many years. I stretched out my arm, fisting and flexing my fingers. A part of me was forced to admit that I enjoyed being human, including fucking a beautiful woman. I’d never felt the same intensity toward one of our females, although I’d maintained my bad boy reputation over the years.
Raven...
I was ravenous with hunger, my cock pushing hard against my jeans. The question remained of what to do with her. At some point, I’d need to bring her into the fold, although since I’d yet to accept my responsibilities, she would be seen as a threat.
When I heard the door open, I bristled, prepared for an onslaught of bullshit. And I wasn’t in the mood. A dark chuckle was followed by a sigh. I could sense Degan’s apprehension.
The beast didn’t want to infuriate me.
As Degan flanked my side a few feet away, he leaned over the railing, staring up at the sky. While he was much older, the effect of the chemicals kept his appearance youthful. At least his wisdom was infrequently in the form of condemnation.
“You have som
ething to say?” I asked after several seconds, loathing the tension between us.
“When you were born, there was great excitement, a moment of joy during a time when everything was bleak. Everyone was hopeful as you grew into your own, wanting nothing more than for you to take your rightful place.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “However, you had other ideas, a desire to delve into every aspect of your human form. Many of the older panthers lost faith, believing you would never accept your responsibility.”
“There seemed to be little point in becoming the true alpha for some time, Degan. As if that status meant a damn thing to anyone, especially the human.” I took another gulp of my drink, already in the mood for another one.
“While I understand your hesitation, a true leader is always needed, no matter the circumstances. You are very powerful, Jabari, almost as much so as Luca. And the lions have flourished over this last year.”
“Because of the birth of several cubs.”
“Yes. While many of our Claw may not be happy with the fact you’ve already chosen a mate, others are well aware of what that will mean. However, you must accept your true nature. You have no choice. I fear there is great danger ahead.”
I tipped my head, eyeing my friend. “Exactly what my father told me. If my mate is discovered, she will be killed.”
“Then you need to bring her to safety.”
“She isn’t ready to accept her destiny. She fights me, refusing to understand that she has no choice.”
“Never forget that you are still partially human. We all have choices to make, some more difficult than others. Take time with her.”
I huffed before taking a gulp of my drink. “I don’t know if I can tame her.”
He laughed softly. “You will, but that will take time and patience, which is something few panthers have. Human women are frustrating, but well worth the effort.”
“It sounds like you know from experience.”
Degan’s eyes shimmered as he turned his head in my direction. “I’ve had my share of beautiful humans over the years, one in particular who was very special.”
“Then why didn’t you mate with her?”
“Because I wasn’t prepared for the backlash from the Claw for one thing. I also refused to place her life in jeopardy much the same as you are. You have to remember that things are different now. No longer is it illegal to mate with a human, even if neither the animal kingdom nor the majority of humans believe that it should occur.”
Which meant that the woman’s life would have been in danger from both sides.
“The doubt and condemnation continues for both species but mating with her is necessary. I will protect her with my life even if that means losing my own.”
“You care for her deeply,” he said quietly.
I inhaled at the thought, a vivid image of her defiant face rushing into my mind. “I do.”
He turned and headed toward the door. “You are alpha. Now, you are ready to rule. With a mate by your side, you will empower the Claw. You will also be our savior.”
Savior. I wasn’t entirely certain I wanted the burden, but there was no choice.
After he left, I tipped my glass toward the twinkling stars. Ready to rule. Degan was absolutely correct.
“Soon, Raven Youngblood. Soon.”
* * *
Her scent.
Her taste.
Her softness.
I adored her rounded curves and long legs, the way she glared at me defiantly before realizing that I was in full control. She would learn to surrender to my needs.
And I would teach her about the ways of utter pleasure.
The thought left me hot and bothered.
Restless, I rolled onto my back, staring at the ceiling, my cock throbbing. My needs were increasing, the desire for her stripping away all rationalization. I didn’t need to close my eyes in order to see her face. Images continuously popped into my mind. Her gorgeous body. Her incredible face. A smile that could light up the world.
A growl slid up from the very darkness of my being, further increasing my hunger. I would take her again soon.
To feast and fuck.
I eased a hand under the sheets, stroking the base of my cock, unable to get her off my mind. While I realized that bringing her into the Claw would be offensive to some, my father was right. It was time to take control of leadership.
A strange odor wafted into my nostrils, driving all my senses to a heightened level. Hissing, I rose onto my elbows, staring out the window at the moon. Within seconds, my hackles were raised, my panther coming close to the surface.
Attack.
That wasn’t possible.
But I knew my instincts were correct.
As I reared up from my bed, my senses on overload, I had no doubt our village was under attack. I could feel the presence of humans attempting to surround us. I rushed toward the front door, throwing it open with enough force that a portion of the hinges were stripped away from the wood. Racing outside, I issued a bellowing cry, beckoning for the others.
I took another deep whiff as I turned in a circle, able to gather the humans’ stench from a few miles out. They’d left their vehicles at the edge of our property, now heading toward us on foot. The bastards had actually underestimated us.
Or this was an unusual method of attempting a surprise ambush.
Either way, they would learn they were inferior.
We’d developed human skills, perfecting weapons training as well as learning the art of what humans called war. We had a significant stockpile of various guns, lasers as well as those from a century ago, items we’d secured during our establishment of the village. In truth, we had enough firepower to blow up the entire city if necessary. That wasn’t our objective. Certain laws remained in place, regulations created not long after shifters came into existence.
Do not kill humans unless necessary.
Tonight, that rule would be challenged. I hungered for the taste of dissident blood, enraged that the government had refused to arrest the various factions determined to tear us apart. As dozens of others rushed from their homes, prepared to face whatever enemy had dared to attack us, I issued another bellowing cry.
Tonight, we would hunt as panthers. They would soon understand our full wrath. Sadly, given the majority were no longer able to shift when desired, many would be required to stay in human form. That was particularly dangerous, but I needed a full force in order to fight them. As Micah and Traeger advanced, still in their human form, I glared from one to the other before taking another deep whiff.
“What the fuck is going on?” Micah demanded.
“Humans. At least thirty of them,” I answered, my heart thudding.
“Why would they attack now?” Traeger snarled.
“Your damn work with the governor.”
I hissed at Micah, although he was right. There were few within the village who understood why I’d agreed to work with the government, dissention high.
“Likely. Make certain the village is protected. Then we hunt,” I instructed.
“To the death?” Traeger asked, a hint of glee in his voice.
“If necessary.” No one was going to threaten us. No one.
I raced into the night, my beast immediately breaching the surface. I could smell the bastards, could hear their blood racing through their veins. They assumed they would catch us off guard, unprepared for their tyranny. They had another think coming.
Anguish rushed into me, forcing me onto all fours. I continued growling, my roars lifting above the trees. As my bones began to reshape, my muscles seizing, I took several deep breaths. I had no doubt where the strike had been initiated by the governor, his anger at my refusal the cause.
A deep growl erupted from my throat, the sound reverberating into the darkness. The humans were moving in, heading through the dense forest. However, my senses told me that they weren’t law enforcement. Soldiers had a particular way of handling a confrontation. Perhaps I’d underestimat
ed the governor’s reach.
Or his loyalty to the human race.
The pain continued even as the transformation was almost complete, my heart racing. As my panther surfaced, claws digging into the ground, I released another series of warning roars, attempting to give the fuckers one last opportunity to leave our property.
Instead of retreating, they advanced at a quicker pace, their stench overpowering. I could also sense the quickness of their rapid heartbeats, the way their muscles tensed as they braced for a confrontation. A portion of me had no care that I was partially human. I wanted to hunt down every one of them, ripping out their throats.
One day, I would allow myself the luxury of doing just that.
As we began to race deeper into the forest, within seconds we were only two hundred yards out.
“Wait,” I commanded.
While those unable to shift flanked both sides, not a single one of us made any sound as the humans continued their approach. I could hear their murmurs, could smell utter joy on their breaths. They had come for blood of their own.
They didn’t bother maintaining silence, their almost jovial attitudes and bantering a further indication that they were dissidents. While they were still extremely dangerous, the majority had never had formal training. Their ugly words reverberated into my mind, pushing me into the kind of rage that I had difficulty controlling.
“Let’s get the fuckers.”
“Stupid animals. They won’t know what hit them.”
“Just be quiet, for fuck’s sake. We’ll have one shot at this.”
A low-slung growl remained in my throat, my hackles raised. Several of us inched closer, our sleek bodies moving in stealth-like formation. I scanned the forest, clearly able to see several of them hunkering behind clumps of dense underbrush.
As if they could hide from us.
As if they had a chance at survival.
I yanked back my natural tendencies, my mouth watering at the thought of sinking my canines into their flesh.
The cracking sound of limbs continued as the group drew closer, enough so I gathered a glimpse of their weapons. The majority carried high-voltage laser guns, capable of killing with a single shot. While the Breeds were able to heal from injuries, including those from the majority of weapons, this was not one of them.