by Dia Cole
“And now I need you to claim me,” she whispered back into my mind. Her aching desire rushed through our bond.
She needs me. She needs this. I crushed my lips down on hers and devoured her moan.
She rocked back against me.
Our lips and tongue mated in a frenzied dance before I got control of myself. I needed to give her what the others hadn’t. I needed to do more than just fuck her. Resolute, I pushed her back against the shower wall and dropped to my knees. Water sprayed my face and back, but I paid it no mind. All my attention was fixed on the center of her.
Her mouth made a sweet little O as I parted her thighs and moved one of her beautiful legs over my shoulder.
Then I delved into her with my lips and tongue—exploring her in a way none of the others had. Her honey-sweet flavor forever imprinted on my tongue. I’ll crave her taste forever.
She screamed and rocked against my mouth. “Please, please,” she begged.
Unable to resist her plea, I clamped my lips around her clitoris and sucked hard.
She convulsed in fits in spasms and sagged into my arms.
It was my turn to chuckle as I carried her over to the tile bench that stretched almost a third the length of the shower.
She looked up at me with hungry eyes as I positioned her on her back with her legs hanging off the end. “I need you inside me.”
“I want to give you more pleasure,” I said as I knelt down on the shower floor and nudged her thighs apart.
Water beat down on us as I slipped two fingers inside her and stroked her to a rhythm that had her writhing in ecstasy. Her desire radiated through our bond, amplifying my passion.
“Oh, God, Mason.” She reached down and grabbed me.
The feel of her slick fingers moving up and down my throbbing erection destroyed my plan to make slow love to her. Trembling, I rose over her and thrust between her legs. Bloody hell. She was like a hot, wet vise clamping down on me.
Our bond magnified each movement. Her lust became mine and my passion became hers.
As she arched off the bench, pressure built inside me. Unable to help myself, I slammed into her harder and harder. Our wet bodies slid against each other under the spray of the hot water.
“Yes,” she cried, anchoring her legs around my waist.
With her wrapped around me, I picked her up and carried her to the middle of the shower. With my hands supporting her buttocks, and her back against the tile, I pounded into her giving her everything I had.
“Oh, Mason,” she panted into my ear. She raked her nails down my shoulders as she took every thrust. “I’m so close.”
I pulled back and angled my hips so the top of her mound scraped against me with every thrust.
She detonated in my arms.
I swallowed her cries of pleasure and surrendered to the vortex roaring inside me. My knees gave out with the power of my orgasm and I sank down to the shower floor with her in my arms. “Wow,” I panted when I was capable of speech.
She burrowed her head into my neck. “Wow is right. Glad I saved the best for last.”
I kissed her forehead, filled with so much emotion I couldn’t hold back. “I’m falling in love with you, Havana.”
She pulled away, her gaze searching mine. “You barely know me.”
“I know that I could search the world over and not find another female as beautiful, smart, brave, and sexy as you.” She was the one for me. Now and forever.
She smiled and pressed her body up against mine. “It’s crazy as hell, but I’m falling for you too, Mason.”
I’m not sure how long we lay there under the pouring water, but at some point we got out of the shower and toweled each other off.
What started off innocent turned into something far naughtier and moments later I was taking her on the bathroom counter.
When we’d both orgasmed again, I hugged her tightly. Part of me never wanted us to leave the bathroom, but the loud growl of her stomach made it clear she needed something to eat.
Wrapping the towels around us like togas, we opened the bathroom door and stepped into the bedroom along with a cloud of steam.
“About damn time,” Liam said. He stood with his arms crossed and his back resting against one of the bedposts. Thankfully, he’d put his pants back on. “I thought we were going to have to send in a search party.”
Gabriel sat nude on the edge of the bed, his one-eyed gaze on Havana. “How are you feeling?”
“Hungry.” Her cheeks, already flushed with the steam of the shower, grew redder. “I mean, hungry for actual food.”
Remembering the lunch I’d made her, I rushed into the hallway and grabbed the tray. “I’m sorry, it’s gotten a little cold.”
Her eyes widened at the sight of the food. “That looks amazing. Thank you, Mason.” She kissed my cheek as I set the tray down on a table next to a wingback chair.
“You can thank me by eating,” I whispered into her mind. I took her hand and led her to the chair.
She gave me another look of appreciation as she dove into the chicken pasta and fruit salad. “This is delicious.”
I couldn’t help beaming with her praise. From now on, the purpose of my existence was to make her happy.
“Hey, I drove out to the cabin and picked up your things,” Liam said, stomping out to the hallway and coming back with her duffel bag.
Havana’s eyes lit up. “Thank you!”
She must’ve said something privately to Liam because he knelt next to her while she planted a kiss on his lips.
Needing to be closer to her, I leaned against the wall near where she sat.
Liam settled by her feet and we both watched her eat in silence.
“She claimed you both,” Gabriel stated with a note of incredulousness in his voice. “I can’t believe it.”
“Believe it, brother,” Liam said with a wide grin.
A shadow moved across Gabriel’s face, but it passed so quickly, I could’ve imagined it. “Since you two can see to her needs, I’ll head out.” Gabriel strode toward the door. His jerky movements telegraphed his anger better than his brittle tone of voice.
Havana pushed her plate aside and stood up. “I want to claim you too, Gabriel.”
Gabriel stopped and wheeled around. “That can’t happen.”
I felt her mood plummet through our bond.
“You don’t want me,” she said, blinking rapidly.
“He’s a fool,” I said, needing to soothe her hurt feelings.
A growl rumbled from Liam’s throat, his need to protect her stirring too.
“No, fuck.” Gabriel scrubbed a hand along the stubble on his chin. “There’s nothing more I’d want in this world than to belong to you, but I won’t weaken you or shorten your life.” He scowled at Liam and me. “Did you not think of that when you accepted her claim?”
Damn. I’d been selfish. Regret stabbed into me like a scalpel.
Liam hung his head.
Havana threw up her hands. “Talk to me, guys. What am I missing here?”
Gabriel crossed the room to stand in front of her. “There’s a reason why Alpha females never claim mates. Once bonded, when one mate dies so does the other. Unlike you and the other Alpha females, Liam, Mason, and I won’t live extended lives. We’ll grow old and die in the same life span humans have and if you’re bound to us so will you.” His words hung heavy in the air.
Havana shrugged. “So.”
Gabriel blinked at her. “Don’t you want to live for hundreds of years?”
Havana rose on the balls of her feet so she could meet Gabriel’s penetrating stare. “What I want is to have a family. I want to live my life with you three. You’re mine, Gabriel.”
He shook his head. “No.”
“Gabriel.” His name was a plea on her lips.
His shoulders sagged and his resistance crumbled. “I’m yours,” he whispered. His entire body shuddered, and I knew the bond between them was snapping in place.
I swatted back the surge of jealousy. I’m hers too.
She must’ve heard me because she broke away from Gabriel. She looked over at me and then down at Liam. “Yes, all three of you are mine.”
We nodded in unison.
I studied the other two males. We were family now—connected through our bond with Havana. It wasn’t the family I’d been searching for, but somewhere inside of me I knew it was the family I needed.
Our female reached up and removed Gabriel’s eye patch.
I didn’t know what private conversation they were having, but Gabriel shook his head.
Havana wrapped her arms around him. “It wasn’t your fault. Don’t let that bitch continue to torment you.”
“Listen to her, brother,” Liam said softly.
Gabriel reached a trembling hand up to the gemstone, but then froze. “I-I can’t. Tasha’s compulsion is too strong.”
“Let me try to break it,” Havana pleaded.
“Do it,” Gabriel said, his body rigid with tension.
“Take the stone out, Gabriel!” Havana commanded, her voice ringing with Alpha power.
Clenching his teeth, Gabriel tore the jewel from his eye socket.
Despite the spurting blood and Gabriel’s muffled groan, Havana didn’t flinch or back away even when the male handed her the bloody gem and transformed into a brown wolf.
No sooner had his four paws hit the ground than he was taking his human form again.
I couldn’t help but be impressed with his speed and control. I’d never seen anyone transform so fast. His position as head Enforcer was clearly well deserved.
Gabriel straightened his spine and opened two eyes. He smiled down at Havana, without the lines of tension that had marred his face as long as I’d known him. “You’ve made me whole.”
She rose up on her toes and kissed his lips. “Now you need to do something for me.” She looked over at Liam and me. “You all need to do something for me.”
“Anything,” our three voices echoed in the bedroom.
She let her towel drop to the floor. “Make love to me.”
21
Havana
I woke caged between Liam and Gabriel, gasping for breath.
Gabriel’s muscular chest pressed into my back while Liam’s soft chest hair tickled my nose.
With Liam’s muscular bicep draped over me, no wonder I felt like I was suffocating. Swallowing my laughter, I carefully scooted out from under his arm. Trying my best not to jar the men, I crawled to the edge of the bed and stepped onto the plush cashmere rug.
Although Liam frowned and moved his arm as if searching for my warmth, he stayed sleeping.
The most intimate parts of my body ached in ways they never had before. Without even making a conscious decision, I transformed into my wolf and back. Immediately, all my aches vanished, even the slight burn between my legs.
I blushed thinking of how the four of us had made love straight through the night. Each man had taken me one after another. We’d only broke occasionally for food. I trembled as the scandalous memories assaulted me. Oh my! I’d had more sex and in more different positions in the past twenty-four hours than I’d ever had in my life. Except for the time with Nathan, my inner voice corrected.
For the first time thinking of him didn’t bring about a dull ache in my chest. I’m over him, I realized in surprise. Mating with Gabriel, Liam, and Mason had eased my pain and fused back together the pieces of my soul.
Smiling, I padded over to the dresser and searched the drawers until I found a white T-shirt. I held the soft cotton up to my nose inhaling the faint scent of sandalwood that would forever bring to mind my ex. The shirt was something Nathan would’ve likely worn under a button-down dress shirt, and something my new sexy mates would pair with jeans that I would slowly remove with my teeth.
Stop, shouted an inner voice. What kind of madness would possess you to have sex with three different guys? For a moment, shame and guilt rolled through me. With a shake of my head, I batted the feelings away. I refused to feel any regret for the naughty things I’d done last night and the even naughtier things I planned to do with my guys at the earliest opportunity. The old rules—the human rules, didn’t apply anymore. A low rumbling growl escaped my lips as I pulled the shirt over my head. I’m a freaking Alpha female werewolf and they’re my mates. I grinned as I looked over at Liam and Gabriel. Well, two of my mates anyway. Where’s Mason?
He’d definitely gone to sleep with us. After my body’s raging need for sex had finally ebbed, we’d all collapsed together on the mattress. Mason had lain at my feet, giving me the most relaxing foot rub before I’d passed out. Maybe he’s in the bathroom. I peered inside, but the bathroom was empty.
My next guess was the kitchen. Mason had demonstrated impressive culinary skills several times over the past twenty-four hours. What a catch. I couldn’t help grinning. They all were. Liam so gentle, but fiercely protective. Gabriel whose sexy dark edges couldn’t overshadow his strength and loyalty. And Mason who—
The sight of the gorgeous blond doctor stepping into the room with a tray laden with food temporarily distracted me. The delicious aroma of coffee, bacon, and eggs had me inhaling deeply. Mmm.
Mason stopped when he caught sight of me standing in the middle of the room. He’d clearly been up for a while as it looked like he’d showered and dressed in a fresh polo and chinos before making breakfast. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes. I was just looking for you,” I whispered back.
“I hope you brought some of that for us,” Liam’s loud voice boomed from the bed.
Gabriel opened his two beautiful dark eyes and looked over at the tray of food. “That smells amazing.”
I couldn’t help smiling at the deep relaxation I could feel radiating from Gabriel. When I’d coaxed him into ending Tasha’s cruel punishment, I’d hoped to end his physical suffering. It was a bonus that much of his emotional pain seemed to have lifted too.
The bloodstained acorn-sized jewel that had tormented him for so long sat on top of the dresser next to the eye patch Gabriel would never wear again. As I glared at the stone, it sparkled in the sunlight streaming through the window. It didn’t matter how beautiful it was, I was chucking that thing in the trash the first opportunity I got. Gabriel didn’t need the reminder of what that evil bitch had forced him to do.
“Hey, hey!” Mason cried as Liam and Gabriel descended on the tray he was holding like a pack of wolves. “Make sure you leave some for Havana.”
Both Enforcers froze and turned to look at me.
“Sorry,” Liam mumbled through the strips of bacon hanging out of his mouth.
I laughed so hard at their guilty expressions, my eyes watered. “Looks like you boys worked up one hell of an appetite.”
“You can say that again,” Gabriel said, with a wicked grin. He grabbed one of the coffee cups off the tray and brought it over to me. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“Good.” As I took the cup, I couldn’t help staring at his body. His gorgeous naked body. Feeling my face warm, I said, “Thank you. For yesterday, and, um, last night.”
He leaned over and kissed me. “The pleasure was all mine, princess.”
The warmth of his soft lips sent a tingle down my spine, but thankfully it didn’t trigger the agonizing lust that had possessed me yesterday.
Mason pushed the tray into the dark-haired man’s back. “She’d have a better morning if you let her eat. She’s famished.”
My stomach rumbled loudly as if to underscore his words.
“Hey,” Mason yelled, as Liam reached over to grab another strip of bacon.
Laughing, Gabriel stepped back and let Mason herd me toward the wingback chair.
The doctor kept Liam at bay while I ate some of the eggs and bacon.
“I made some muffins too,” Mason said, uncovering another plate.
“Thank you. This is so amazing, Mason. But you don’t need to wait on me like this.”
“But I like to,” Mason said flashing me a heart-stopping grin.
“He’s an Omega,” Liam said, trying to snatch another piece of bacon from the tray.
Mason smacked his hand with a snarl. “Omega or not, I’ll still put you in your place if I have to. Wait until she finishes.”
I shook my head as I sipped some of the delicious dark coffee. “What’s an Omega?”
“The most submissive of us,” Liam said, looking longingly at the tray. “Lykos are either Alphas, like you, Betas like us—” he waved between himself and Gabriel “—or Omegas like Doc here.”
“Oh,” I said, looking at Mason with new eyes.
Mason briefly met my stare and then lowered his gaze. “It’s in my nature to care for you and the others.”
“And it’s in my nature to fight and protect what’s mine,” Liam added giving me a wolfish grin.
“So what is in the Alpha’s nature?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
“Leading their faction,” Gabriel called out from across the room. “Or in Tasha’s case, killing her enemies, inflicting pain on the weak, and torturing Lykos and humans for sport.”
What a nasty bitch. I hoped I’d never encountered her again, but if I did, I’d do everything in my power to destroy her. Assuming she doesn't destroy me first. The last bite of muffin turned to ash in my mouth. I managed to swallow it down and then set my plate on the tray. “You can have the rest,” I said to Liam. When Mason shot me an anxious look, I patted my stomach. “I couldn’t eat another thing.”
Liam gleefully grabbed the tray, carried it to the bed, and dove into it as if he hadn’t had a meal in weeks.
“You should grab something before he inhales it all,” I called out to Gabriel who stared out the window with a pensive look on his face.
He shook his head. “The storm broke last night. We were so…distracted, we didn’t notice.”
I stood and walked over to his side. The view was breathtaking. Outside, there wasn’t a cloud in the bright blue sky and a thick blanket of glittery snow covered the ground and all the pine trees in every direction. It looks like a winter fairyland. Happiness bubbled up inside me like champagne. “This will be my first white Christmas,” I exclaimed, reaching out and clasping Gabriel’s hand.