Staking Their Claim

by Rebecca Airies

  And at times, she’d felt useless and like a burden because of her inability to do things. Yes, she’d managed to do the basics while she’d been at her house, but most of her meals had been out of box or easy fixes because she didn’t have the energy to make a full meal.

  “I don’t know anyone who actually likes dishes. They do them, because otherwise the mess just gets bigger. For a minute there, you had me wondering.” Leslie grinned.

  “Oh, no, I’m not that strange.” Penny shook her head.

  “How are you adjusting to being mated?” Chloe asked. “I know for me it was an adjustment. Enjoyable, but sometimes I didn’t know if up was down.”

  “I’m adjusting all right, I guess. For the most part, I’m not worried about that.” Much. Penny kept that last to herself. Of course, she had concerns about the relationship. Being part of a ménage was new, but it was the emotions. Would they become more than caring and lust? “I’m more worried about the guy coming after me. Dawson, Griffin, and Ethan have been so supportive.”

  “And we’ll always support you. If we get our hands on the guy that’s after you—” Ethan came in, carrying a tray with drinks.

  “You’ll call the police and let me take care of him,” John cut in and glared at Ethan.

  “We’ll leave some for you.” Griffin carried another tray in.

  “He better be alive.” John tapped his foot.

  “And he’ll be alive.” Ethan laughed. “Although it won’t be easy. As long as he stays away from her after the justice system gets through with him, there won’t be any problems.”

  “Look who’s here.” Dawson walked in with Shonna and Dixie.

  “Hey, girl, no cast, but you still have an extra accessory there.” Shonna strode over and hugged her.

  “Yes, it’s definitely hard to coordinate around.” Penny returned the squeeze.

  “Maybe I should get some casts in sparkles. As a concerned doctor, I should make sure my patients are happy.” Judge lifted his eyebrows.

  “Don’t bother. Sparkles would be just as bad as the big, black monstrosity.” Leslie patted his leg as she snuggled closer.

  “I do have to say that it works, even if it is a fashion disaster.” Penny patted the brace.

  “Are you into fashion? I didn’t see a lot of clothes in your closet when we grabbed them.” Ethan pulled a chair over next to her.

  “Not in a ‘buy the newest thing’ way. But I like to get things that will look good on me.” She grinned over at him. “I don’t need a lot of clothes.”

  “You do look good in your clothes and out.” Griffin strolled over and dropped a kiss on her cheek. “I’m off to help Dawson in the kitchen. I’ll be back soon.”

  “Do you need some help? If there’s something to chop or peel, I can do it.” She put her arm on the chair.

  “We’ve got it under control. We’ll be out to join you in a few minutes.” Griffin ruffled her hair.

  She smoothed it back down and scowled as he walked out.

  “So have you been interrupted by pride business yet?” Shonnawove her way to one of the empty seats.

  “Interrupted?” She leaned forward. “What do you mean?”

  “The alpha of our pack is older, but it’s common knowledge that he can barely get through a meal, much less a party, without being interrupted.” Shonna settled in a plush armchair.

  “That’s not the way it is in my pride.” Ethan sliced his hand through the air. “It wasn’t that bad even when I took over. I do get calls sometimes, but they know not to bring minor things to me and try to play it off as an emergency. The cougar council also takes an active role. That takes some of the tasks off me.”

  “When you asked that question, I had no idea what you were talking about. I wondered if maybe I missed something.” Penny relaxed back against the couch.

  “Maggie told me to ask about how your job was.” Dixie leaned forward.

  “My job is great, but Maggie probably told you to ask me about my boss.” Penny raised an eyebrow. Dixie was a little more subtle than Maggie.

  “Well, yeah, but I planned to work my way to it. I didn’t want to be so blunt.” Dixie grinned.

  “Really, you didn’t want to be blunt?” Chloe laughed.

  “Hey, I have other facets to me.” Dixie grinned. “How is your boss?”

  “My boss is, well…him. He’s not so bad since the men are with me. I can tell that he’s not exactly thrilled, but he hasn’t said anything.” She heaved a sigh. The man resented her. Buying into this practice hadn’t been easy or simple. If she’d known the history, she might not have signed the contract at all.

  “She’s been busy, and her boss damn well better behave. He will not be playing the games he did with the other human vets who tried to buy into the practice.” Ethan reached over and clasped her hand.

  “You did talk with him.” She turned to look at him.

  “Yes, and I spoke with his alpha to let him know about what the man had been doing and that I wouldn’t put up with that.” Ethan squeezed her hand. “He won’t cheat you.”

  “I just don’t understand why he’s offering the partnership and doing his best not to have a partner.” Chloe clasped her hands together.

  “I can only guess he needed the money for some reason, but this time it bit him in the ass.” Penny rubbed her hands on her skirt. She’d been lucky.

  “Whatever his motive, don’t give him a reason.” Chloe’s brows drew down.

  “I wouldn’t let him run me out like the others. I like the city and I’m not giving up.” She waved her hand. He never went past the verbal jerkiness. Maybe he’d done more with other new vets.

  “I like a determined woman,” Griffin said from the doorway. “We have about ten minutes before everything is ready. Dawson is keeping most of the steaks nice and rare.”

  “It smells delicious.” Penny glanced over at him.

  “It’s even better in the kitchen. I was tempted to swipe more than a bite.” Griffin strolled over to her.

  “And Dawson wouldn’t let you or did you decide not to spoil your dinner?” She tugged at his shirt.

  “It wouldn’t have spoiled my dinner, but Dawson is a lot like Mom. You don’t mess with his food while he’s cooking.” Griffin drew his fingers over her cheek. “There are only two people who can get away with it with my mom.”

  “You dads?” she asked.

  “Yep. They take tastes any time she cooks.” Griffin glanced at the clock. “And are you ready to move to the dining room?”

  “Sounds good. I’d love some more of this peach tea.” She picked up the now empty glass and smiled.

  “We’ll get you some. I’ll carry you into the dining room.” Griffin bent down and scooped her up.

  “Sounds wonderful. You could get my crutches.” She rubbed her face against his chest. Not that she minded. It was more the principle of being carried around in front of everyone.

  “Not necessary when you have us.” He turned. “If you’ll join us, we can sit down and enjoy our meal.”

  Griffin led the way. She ran her hand over his back and savored his smell. The man was just so damn appealing. Not just his looks, but the way he treated her. Is it simply because I’m his mate? Whatever it was, she was pulled to him even more every day.

  He placed her in the chair next to the head of the table. She turned and eased the big boot into place.

  “Gorgeous.” Griffin stroked his hand down her back.

  “Thank you.” She reached out and ran her hand over his back.

  “You’re welcome.” Griffin walked off. “I’ll be back. I’m helping Dawson bring in the food.”

  The others filed in and sat at the table. She relaxed as they settled into their chairs.

  “How’s your new job, Leslie?” Penny glanced down the table.

  “It’s great. I love working at the firm.” Leslie grinned. “And the people are awesome.”

  “That’s fabulous.” Penny turned in the chair. After the troub
le she had, Leslie deserved to have good things happen.

  “Have you had any more difficulty with the women from your old home?” Shonna asked.

  “No, I haven’t seen them. It’s not as if we ran in the same circles anyway. The only time I ever saw them was when I went home. Not that I want to. The bitches broke some of my favorite pieces.” Penny shook her head. They shouldn’t ever be a problem again.

  “Pieces of what?” Chloe frowned.

  “Glasswork. It’s my hobby.” Penny waved her hand. “With the leg and everything else going on, I haven’t had time to do it.”

  “I’m sure those women have other things on their mind at the moment. In fact, they’re probably so busy they won’t be bothering anyone.” Ethan patted her hand.

  Penny glanced at him. The muscles along his jaw twitched. Definitely not the time ask questions. He knew something about those women. She took a deep breath. He left the room and went into the kitchen.

  Leslie sat in the center of all of her men. They stroked her hair or shoulder. Sometimes, they didn’t seem to even realize it. Would Ethan, Dawson, and Griffin ever love her like that?

  Ethan strode into the room. He put a full glass of tea in front of her and sat in the seat at the head of the table. Dawson and Griffin carried in the food and placed it on the table. They sat down and the food was passed around.

  “You are so damn lucky.” Dixie took a bite of steak and moaned. “They’re gorgeous and they can cook.”

  “Yes, they can and I’ve loved everything they’ve cooked. And from what I’ve seen, the entire Black family is blessed in the looks department.” She slid a glance at Ethan and grinned. “But don’t inflate their ego. They already have a big quota of arrogance.”

  “It’s not arrogance if it’s true.” Ethan patted her hand.

  The meal and the company was wonderful. The damn stalker kept her isolated. Finally, she’d been surrounded by her friends, having fun again.

  When they left, she hugged Chloe, Leslie, Shonna, and Dixie. She stood in the hallway and smiled. That was great. Now, though, she could ask about other things.

  “Come on, Penny! We have some plans for tonight.” Dawson scooped her into his arms.

  “You do? Well, I have some questions.” She raised a brow. Any plan that involved them sounded great, but she wouldn’t be distracted.

  “You do? What questions did you want to ask?” Griffin tugged her hair.

  She swatted at his hand, but he just stepped back.

  “Well, this is mainly to Ethan since he was the one who talked about it, but if either of you know, please, answer.” She relaxed against Dawson.

  “What about?” Dawson tightened his arms.

  “Ethan said the women from the house I rented were busy and wouldn’t be bothering anyone. What are they doing and how does he know they’re so busy? Did he say something to them?” She narrowed her eyes. Since she was out of the house, the issue was over. Especially since she was a human.

  “Yes, I did.” Ethan stepped up beside them as Dawson paused at the door to the room.

  “Why?” She trailed her fingers over Dawson’s neck.

  “Because the way they behaved is not how the people in my pride act.” Ethan met her eyes.

  “Oh.” That made sense. It didn’t have anything to do with her. A weight dropped into her stomach.

  “Now, how about we discuss the plans we had.” Dawson carried her into the room.

  “What plans did you have?” She licked her lips.

  Chapter Eleven

  “I want to watch as Dawson and Griffin take you together, but before that can happen we need to prepare you.” Ethan strode over to the nightstand and pulled out a bottle of lube.

  “And do you plan to watch tonight?” She smiled. Heat burned in his eyes.

  “No, I’ll play with you while they prepare you and then I’ll make love with you. Afterwards, I’ll help them make you hot and watch as you come apart in their arms.” Ethan tossed the lube to Griffin.

  “That sounds wonderful.” She grinned. As if she’d ever say no to some sexy play. “How did you want to start?”

  “I’ll lie on the bed and I want you to straddle my face.” Ethan sprawled on the bed.

  Fuck, now that was an image. She walked around the bed so that she didn’t have to crawl over him. Not that she would have minded brushing her body against his. His mouth on her pussy needed a more direct approach.

  “How would you like me?” She smiled, pausing to unstrap the boot.

  “Knees on either side of my head and your hands on the blankets.” He raised his hands.

  She took his hands as she climbed up onto the bed. As soon as she was sure of her position straddling him, she released him. She lowered until her hands touched the soft blanket. He gripped her hips. Hot breath feathered over her pussy. A tingle rippled up her spine.

  His tongue flicked across the lips. Her inner muscles clenched. She caught her breath. His tongue lashed over her clit. She rolled her hips up. That felt so good. If he didn’t slow down, she’d come even before his brothers prepared her.

  A hand ran down her back and over the curve of her buttocks. She shivered. Who is that? She glanced back. Griffin smiled as he trailed his fingers over her butt.

  “I didn’t want to surprise you and cause you to clench. I’ll start.” Griffin held up the lube.

  She nodded and faced forward. Her hands clenched on the blanket. Will this hurt?

  Ethan’s tongue lapped over her clit. A slash of pleasure ricocheted through her. She rocked downward onto his stroking tongue. It had never felt this good. More of that and she’d go straight over.

  Cool lube drizzled between the crack of her ass. She tensed. Damn, they should warn a girl. Freaking cats playing with her like prey.

  “Easy. It will be all right.” Dawson sat on the bed. He ran his hand over her thigh. “He’s going to rub that over the ring and slowly press inside.”

  She took a deep breath. They wouldn’t hurt her. Ethan’s tongue slid over her clit. She trembled. The building pressure rose.

  Fingers brushed softly against the tight pucker. She tensed. Ethan’s tongue curled over her clit. She leaned forward. So strange.

  “It’s all right. This won’t hurt.” Dawson ran his hand up and down her back. “Just say the word.”

  She nodded. Griffin pressed his finger against her back entrance. A slight pressure bloomed. She gripped the blanket.

  “Stay relaxed. Ethan, a little more to take her mind off it, but don’t take her over.” Griffin’s hand smoothed over her butt.

  Stay relaxed. Easy for him to say. She drew in a slow breath. Ethan’s tongue tapped at her clit. She tensed. Her breath caught in her throat.

  His tongue teased and twisted over the bud. Fingers probed at the puckered flesh. Flaring sensations swirled inside her. She rocked down into the firm pressure of his tongue.

  A single finger pushed into her. The muscles stretched and a fullness built. She tensed.

  “Easy. It’s not bad, is it?” Griffin eased his finger back and forth.

  “No.” Just different. She pushed back.

  “Good. We’ll make sure you enjoy it. Relax and savor the attention.” His finger sawed back and forth.

  Ethan’s mouth dropped away from her hot flesh. She groaned. He couldn’t stop now.

  “You two better step it up. I don’t know how long I’ll last. Her heat is driving me crazy. I want to feel her underneath me as I drive into her.” Ethan kissed her inner thigh.

  Vibrations rolled over her pussy. She bit her lip to hold back a moan. He swirled his tongue across her thigh.

  “We need to go slow, but I’ll try to move a little faster. The scent of her cream is driving me crazy and I have to wait.” Griffin’s finger withdrew.

  Slick liquid trickled over the ring. She tensed again.

  “Easy, baby, he’s putting more lube on. He doesn’t want even a twinge of pain.” Dawson trailed his fingers over her back and rib
s. “Do you like Ethan’s tongue lapping at your juices? I bet they taste so damn sweet.”

  “Yes, I love it.” She shivered. He set her on fire. And even the strange fullness in her ass was erotic and welcome.

  Ethan’s mouth pressed to her. He hummed. She trembled. His tongue trailed down to her entrance and stabbed inside. She moaned. Tremors rolled over her.

  Fingers pressed at the tight ring. Tingles arced through her. They backed off and then once again pushed. She clenched her hands on the blankets. The tissue stretched as they pressed deeper. Dawson leaned in and feathered a kiss over her ribs. She shivered. His hand eased under her and stroked across her breasts. Her nipples tightened and stinging tingles ran over the flesh. Her desire flared to a higher level at the touch of all three of her men.

  “Push out for us.” Griffin’s fingers withdrew.

  As the tips pressed in again, she pushed out. The thick length slid in more easily this time. Prickles raced through her. She rocked back.

  Ethan’s tongue circled her clit. A rich musk surrounded her and she drew it in. Her body burned with the heat. She trembled.

  “I know you’re close, Penny, but hold on for me.” Ethan stroked his hand over her thigh. “They’re almost ready and then I’ll take you.”

  Her inner muscles clenched. I’m more than ready. She hummed. Tension sizzled through her and she rocked her hips.

  Griffin’s fingers moved inside her. She jerked. Ethan’s tongue drifted across the sensitive nub. Her fingers bunched. So intense, but it would be better if he was in her.

  Griffin pulled his fingers from her. She gasped. What? Before she could move, Ethan lifted her. Dawson helped him turn her. Her stomach flipped. So strong. They didn’t even falter.

  Ethan guided her legs over his until she straddled him. Would she get to ride the big man? He’d said… Who cared if she could ride him.

  His cock pressed against her buttocks. She wriggled back, eager to slide the warm length into her. He grabbed her hips and lifted. His cock brushed over her pussy. Prickles followed its path. She licked her lips. Oh, yes, finally, teasing time is over.