Hunted & Seduced

by Shelley Munro

  The thud-thud-thud of running feet had them both turning, Ellard slightly in front of her in a protective stance.

  Ry came to a skidding halt with Nanu and Kaya behind him. Lynx and Shiloh appeared secs later and everyone stared at them.

  “Who is that?” Kaya demanded. “I can see through—Ellard, is that you? Who is with you? If you’ve been playing around on Gweneth, I’m gonna flatten you.” She took two steps forward, halting when Ry seized her.

  Shiloh folded his arms across his chest and broke into a grin. “Gweneth, have you been holding out on us?”

  “That’s Gweneth?” Ry demanded.

  “Pretty sure,” Lynx said. “Gweneth and Ellard came out here to talk, and that’s Ellard.”

  Gweneth padded up to Ry and sat on her haunches in front of him. Ry hauled off his black tunic and tossed it aside. “Anyone else want a run?”

  Lynx let out a whoop and flung off his tunic. Secs later, both he and Shiloh were in feline form, running through the trees.

  “Not fair,” Kaya huffed, her nose lifting.

  “We’ll go for a drink instead,” Nanu said.

  Gweneth went to them and rubbed against their legs. A purr emerged from her as they both petted her while Ellard waited for her. A purr! Then she bounded off, tearing after Ellard and the others for a game of chase. Exhilaration roared through her with each leap and jump. Best game ever.

  “Did you enjoy that?” Ellard asked.

  Gweneth placed her palm on the keypad at the entrance to her suite. “I loved it. Everything seems so much more. I could hear small animals scurrying through the forest, and I could see more and the colors. So vibrant.”

  “Some felines see in color,” Ellard said as they entered. “Others in black and white. That seems to run in families.”

  “I’m going to sanitize.” Gweneth hesitated then nodded as she came to a decision. “Would you like to join me?”

  “Yes.”

  The immediate agreement suffused her with pleasure, and she took his hand and led him straight to the sanitizer room. “We haven’t finished our talk.”

  “Sounds ominous.”

  “It’s not, but I want you to understand what I need from you. Love isn’t enough.”

  “It’s not?”

  Gweneth turned on the sanitizer and started to strip. “I need to be able to count on you. If, for example, something happens to your arm, you can’t decide you’re not good enough for me again. This is the last time I’m going to tell you. I like what is in here.” She tapped on his head. “And here.” She placed her hand over his heart. “Physical appearance doesn’t matter to me.”

  Ellard hesitated. “I promise to try. I can’t guarantee I won’t make mistakes, but I will try hard to remain positive.” He stared at his arm. “Missing an arm—it makes me vulnerable. I can’t protect you.”

  “I don’t need protection. I need a man who will stand and fight at my side.”

  “We’ve already done that.”

  “And we were good at it.” The twinkle in his eyes abraded some of her determination, and she castigated herself, bolstering her reserves. It was important he understood and accepted her conditions. She stepped inside the sanitizer and held out her hand again. He whisked his tunic over his head and stripped off his remaining clothes and footwear with quick efficiency. “I love you, Ellard.”

  “I don’t know why I fought so hard,” Ellard whispered and tugged her against his chest. “I found it hard to believe my luck.”

  “Not luck. Design,” Gweneth said.

  “I love you too. I do.”

  “I know it,” Gweneth said. “That part was never an issue.”

  “I want a proper mating.”

  Gweneth pulled away. “If we do that, there is no going back.”

  “I know. Do you love me enough to take a leap of faith?”

  Gweneth stared at his plain face, his pretty green eyes, his ghostly arm and the glint of the green jewels from his new ring. She thought of how she’d feel if something happened to Ellard, if he turned to another woman.

  A feline growl escaped her and his eyes widened. “What?”

  “Yes, but I’m warning you, if I find you slipping and behaving as if—”

  He blocked the rest of her words with a kiss. A soft kiss. A tender kiss. A kiss that said so much more than mere words. She wound her arms around his neck and leaned into his strength. Gradually, the kiss went from sweet to demanding and his hands—both his hands skimmed down her back, pulling her even closer.

  “Gweneth,” he whispered.

  She pulled away and briskly washed. “Ready to dry.”

  He followed suit and nodded. She hit the dry control. The dry cycle clicked off.

  “I’m tired. I need a rest,” she said.

  “I find myself in need of a break too. My second-in-charge is capable of conducting the training this cycle.” His gaze caressed her face and body and slid back to focus on her hair. A rash of goose bumps broke out on her skin—the good type that spelled excitement and eagerness for the coming cycle portions. “Could you take your hair down for me?”

  “Of course.” Naked, she padded to her sleep chamber, her fingers busily working through her braid and loosening the strands. She hadn’t thought about her hair while she shifted. A fascinating process since her braid had remained intact. She’d bet makeup would stay in place too. A happy thing since she wanted to look her best, not only for Ellard but for herself. A snort emerged. Well, maybe she did put some stock in appearances after all. She tested the thought and nodded. It was more a fastidious cat thing to do with cleanliness and grooming.

  Soft solar light poured through the windows, the storm-blue window screeners open to full. The faint scent of a floral perfume floated on the air—lavender with a hint of green herbs. Gweneth pulled back the pale blue covers of her gel-bed and slid into comfort. Out in the main reception room, she could hear Ellard talking on his com. He finished and strode into her chamber to join her.

  “I like your arm.”

  He glanced down and lifted his arm, then clenched his fingers into a fist. A sense of wonder etched into his expression. “I love my new arm.”

  “Can you feel textures in the same way you used to?”

  He crossed the distance between him and her gel-bed. “May I?”

  “Yes.”

  He rolled toward her and skimmed ghostly fingers over her cheek, down her neck and came to rest on her breast. “I feel the softness of your skin, the beat of your heart, the fullness of your breast. I’d call that a big win.” He pressed his mouth to her brow and pulled back to regard her with a serious mien. “I love you, Gweneth. I want you and our child more than anything. I know my behavior, my attitude hasn’t been the best, and I’m sorry I’ve hurt you.”

  “Ah, Ellard.” Her feline stirred beneath her skin, the restless movement a reminder of her twin nature. “I have loved you for a long time. I watched you go about your job, trying to ignore me. I watched the way you trained your men and interacted with your brother, and every time, you claimed a bit more of my heart.”

  “I never thought I’d meet a woman who made me feel this way. A mate.”

  Happiness curled through Gweneth, warming her from the inside out. The corners of her mouth lifted, an outward expression of her mood. “Enough talk. Kiss me.”

  Their lips met with urgency, their bodies melting into each other. She explored his spectacular chest, his ridged abs and bulging pectorals, his flat stomach, the contrast of hard and smooth tantalizing and satisfying. Hers to fondle and pinch and stroke. When he went to flip her over onto her back, she resisted.

  “No, let me go on top.”

  “Anything you want, kitten.”

  “Huh! I’m going to remind you of your words if we argue or have a loud discussion.”

  “Am I going to regret this?” The corners of his eyes crinkled, the amusement in him taking flight and gifting her with a sensual smile. Her toes curled.

  “No.
” She settled herself on top, straddling his hips and grinning down at him. “I don’t think so.” She shifted toward his toes, her butt coming into contact with his erection. “I don’t think either of us will regret this.”

  “You’re beautiful, kitten.”

  “Thanks.” She leaned closer to kiss him, and he sucked one nipple into his mouth. Heat and need roared through her as fast as a spaceship at full speed. She gasped at the sensations, at the ache that settled in her pussy, but was determined to take this at her pace. She traced her fingers over his cheekbones and brushed soft kisses to his eyelids. His eyes remained closed and a smile curved his lips. Firm lips. Sensual lips. She traced them with the tip of one finger and the curve deepened. Black hair framed his solid features. Taken separately, they were good features, but for some reason they didn’t combine with the perfection of his younger brother’s. Gweneth pressed a kiss to the bridge of his broad nose. Some people might worry about their children inheriting his plain features. Not her. She would teach their children true values and be the loving parent she had lacked.

  Now that she’d tested the idea excitement expanded inside her. Ellard would make a great parent. He was patient and steady and loyal with a good heart. All excellent characteristics.

  “You’ve stopped kissing me.”

  She glanced up to find him watching her, the curve still shaping his lips.

  “You’ll make a good father.”

  “I’m going to do my best.”

  The right words. She melted inside. “That is all I ever ask.” She kissed him, a tender kiss and one she hoped would say everything that lay in her heart.

  He lifted his hands to cup her face. “Please move a little faster. You’re killing me here.”

  Velvet tension slid through her at his intent expression and the chill from his ghostly hand contrasted with the warmth from the other. Flaming stars, she wanted him. Raw need slid through her at the thought of sliding his cock inside her. His fingers trailed across her shoulders and slipped down her back to her hips.

  “I missed you.”

  “I dreamed of you,” he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. His hands kept stroking, stroking, stroking, hands never stopping in one place for long. Gweneth swallowed, her heart beating extra fast. The fingers of his ghostly hand slid between her legs—she knew because of the extra coolness of his touch. A quick punch of heat stole her breath as he delved between her legs. He hit a sweet spot, and she cried out, every nerve ending vibrating with the pleasure.

  “Are you ready for me?”

  “Always,” she whispered.

  She lifted and guided him to her entrance. Secs later, she pushed down without haste. His cock stretched her in a decadent manner, and she lifted a fraction, sinking back down with an easy glide. Gweneth experimented with the pace, with the angle, seeking the special spot that would detonate her senses.

  “Touch yourself,” Ellard said. “You know what to do.”

  He lifted his hands to cup her breasts, the contrast of warm and cold shooting pleasure through her.

  Gweneth feathered her fingers over her clit and combined the caress with a slow up and down. An abrupt pinch of one nipple twisted sensation downward. The arrow of pain swelled and combined with the curl of heat in her pussy. A blissful agony, she thought.

  “Do that again,” she whispered as she rose and sank down on his cock. “Please.”

  He didn’t. Not straightaway. Instead, he teased her with words and actions.

  “You are beautiful, Gweneth. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you, but I won’t fail you again.” Tug. Caress. Tug. Tug. “I will love you and our kitten and make you both happy.” Caress.

  Gweneth trembled, his words as much as his actions driving her pleasure. She lifted and descended, going faster now as heat blossomed and settled at her clit.

  Tug. Tug. Tug.

  A whimper she couldn’t contain filled the room and Ellard laughed, a joyous sound. The tug turned to a sharp pinch and sensual energy soared to life, burning her in a white-hot conflagration. Her orgasm consumed her, the walls of her sex pulsating for long moments. She sucked in lifeforce then leaned down to kiss him, a kiss designed to inflame with the same heat that filled her, to consume him.

  He growled against her lips and rolled until she lay beneath him. Gweneth wrapped her arms around him and moved with him, with each thrust and retreat. He kept his gaze meshed with hers, his eyes smoldering with suppressed tension.

  “I want to bite you.”

  She bared her neck.

  “No, Gweneth. Not just a nibble. I want to create the mate bond.”

  “Yes,” she murmured and moved with a speed she hadn’t known herself capable of. Her teeth sank into his mating spot—the fleshy part where neck and shoulder met. They sank deep and she tasted his blood in her mouth, yet it wasn’t repugnant. He grunted, his hips jerking and driving his cock with short, erratic digs. Then, he shifted his head and bit her at the marking site. A quick slice of pain followed by a roaring pleasure where everything in her world seemed to right itself, bands of connection clicking into place. The heavy fog of desire lifted and splintered into incredible pleasure as she came for a second time. Ellard drove deep, withdrew and thrust again.

  He shouted out, his growl partially smothered by her shoulder. His cock jerked inside her, and she felt the wetness of his semen.

  She lifted her head, instinct telling her to lick the wound clean. She did so with delicate licks and heard the contented purr of her feline echoing through her mind.

  Ellard cleaned her shoulder with quick licks, and each lave of his textured tongue sent a shudder through her.

  Ellard, she thought, drowning in the pleasure.

  Yes, kitten?

  Ellard?

  He smiled. I can hear you.

  “But not all the time. I know how to block,” Gweneth said.

  “I don’t.”

  “Mogens taught me. He will help you or I can tell you how to do it. Ry and Camryn have strict rules. They keep some things private.”

  “I can see the wisdom in that,” Ellard said. “I might want to surprise you with a present.”

  Gweneth reached up to stroke his face. “I like presents.”

  “Are you pleased?”

  “Very pleased,” Gweneth said. “During my younger rotations I dreamed about a kind mate, one who loved me. One who would keep me secure yet give me freedom to express myself too. You are that man.”

  “Grata, kitten. You unman me. I can feel the connection. I know you mean every word you say.”

  “I love you, Ellard Tetsu, and you should never doubt this. Let’s rest until this eve.” A mischievous smile earned one from him in return as well as a nod of approval. “And this eve, we can join everyone for the blacklight meal. We can tell them the good news—that we’re officially mates and are expecting a child.”

  “The perfect plan, kitten.” Ellard separated their bodies and drew her against his chest with a purr of satisfaction. “I love you, and I’ve never been this happy.”

  “Good.” A wealth of satisfaction filled her, and she remained silent for a time. Then an imp of mischief sprang to life and she couldn’t resist. “We’ll have lots of adventures together.”

  Ellard groaned and kissed her forehead, holding her secure in his embrace. “That, kitten, is what I’m afraid of.”

  “Just small adventures,” she promised and halted his protest with a little wriggle and a passionate kiss. Best cycle ever, and she could hardly wait for the rest of their cycles together to unfold.

  The End

  Thank you for reading Hunted & Seduced. If you enjoyed this book, I hope you’ll consider leaving a review and joining my readers’ group. The perks of the readers’ group? Well, you’ll receive two free books—one contemporary and the other a paranormal romance. You’ll get previews of new stories and see my covers first. I’m a big reader, and I like to recommend the books I’ve enjoyed plus there are contests, and going
forward, there will be access to short stories and ARCs. So, what are you waiting for? Join my readers’ group today.

  Happy reading,

  Shelley

  Excerpt – Festive & Seduced

  House of the Cat, book 5

  Planet Viros

  “Ry Coppersmith is impossible.” Camryn O’Sullivan, former jockey from Earth, glowered at the retreating back of her feline shifter mate. His black hair, currently loose, lifted in the gentle breeze as he dodged locals shopping at the market stalls and socializing with friends in the cobblestone market square. She lowered her gaze to his perfect backside and watched until he disappeared under the archway into the honey-colored stone castle.

  The castle, hereditary seat to the House of the Cat and home to the king of Viros, perched on top of the hill like a benevolent dragon guarding the residents of Viros, the only city on the planet of the same name. Buildings spilled down the terraced hillside until the city reached the protective walls below—a legacy of the on-again, off-again, currently off war with the neighboring House of Cawdor, inhabitants on the planet of Gramite. Luxurious houses and the businesses to cater for them stood on the first terrace below the castle, the accommodation and stores becoming smaller and less illustrious with each successive and larger terrace. A central staircase leading from the bottom terrace, just near the city gates, allowed citizens and visitors access to the various streets and ended at the public square outside the castle.

  “What’s wrong?” Jannike asked, her frown fierce as she rubbed her swollen belly.

  “Ry is driving me crazy with his overprotective careful-you-might-break-a-nail behavior.” Camryn threw her hands up in a theatrical gesture, raising her gaze from the sea of dwellings and businesses, past the sliver of forest visible beyond the wall to the perfectly clear blue skies of Viros.

  A snicker came from one of her friends and she whirled to nail them with an evil eye, but the culprit had turned poker-faced. She suspected Kaya—the only unmated one of her friends. Kaya’s bright blue eyes, the exact color of her chin-length, straight blue hair, held explosive humor, and Camryn wanted to yank on her pointy ears in retaliation.