Panther's Pride [Black Panthers 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Leah Brooke

  Not about to let him intimidate her, she smiled expectantly. “Of course—as long as it doesn’t have anything to do with that spanking you threatened me with.”

  “I’ll save that for when you misbehave.” His expression altered, the warm amusement in his eyes turning to erotic fire in a heartbeat. “You liked when I touched your ass, and when I ran my finger over that tight opening. I’d be willing to bet you’d go crazy if I breached you there.”

  Glenna gasped and tried to jerk her hand from his, but he held firm. “What are you saying?”

  His eyes narrowed, glittering with erotic intent. “I’m saying that there are many ways to play. Many ways to enjoy each other.” Lifting her fingers, he stroked them with his, a smile playing at his lips as he watched her steadily. “There are other ways to make love, and other ways to give each other pleasure.”

  Melting at the husky intimacy in his voice, Glenna leaned closer, intrigued by the fire in his eyes. “Tell me.”

  Leland smiled, his eyes warm with approval. “You liked it when I pressed my finger against your tight little hole. I can lube it good and press my fingers inside. If I’m patient enough, and prepare you properly, I can take your ass with my cock the way I took your pussy.”

  Glenna gulped, turning to look at Joe for confirmation, her puckered opening tingling at the erotic image conjured by Leland’s words.

  Joe nodded, his smile tense. “It’s true. Jesus, don’t look at me that way.”

  Chuckling, Leland sat back. “Oh, yes. She’d like that. You can see it in her eyes.” Sitting forward again, he kept his voice at a husky whisper. “I’ll be the one to take your virginity there.”

  Glenna swallowed heavily, her bottom clenching. “That sounds painful.” Even the threat of pain, though, couldn’t keep her from wanting him there.

  “Not if you’re prepared properly.” His voice dropped several notches. “And I’m going to take a great deal of time preparing you. By the time I’ve finished, you’ll be begging me to fuck that tight ass. Fuck. Let’s get the hell out of here. This conversation has my cock hard enough to pound fucking nails.”

  * * * *

  Leland’s cock still pressed painfully against his zipper as he walked beside Glenna through the grocery store.

  Her sweet scent drove him crazy.

  Every breath he took tormented him.

  Every movement she made enticed him.

  Each hungry glance, each soft smile, each gentle teasing made him want to toss her onto the nearest surface, rip her jeans from her and fuck her hard and deep.

  He couldn’t be with her and not want to fuck her, and her growing confidence only made him want her more.

  She had him so wound up that he hadn’t thought about the possible danger at the farm, and with a jolt, realized he hadn’t even checked in with his pack mates at all today.

  They should have been the first thing on his mind when he’d woken that morning, but the scent of Glenna and the warm feel of naked woman cuddled against him had erased everything else from his mind.

  “I’ll be right back.” His irritation at himself made his voice harsher than he’d meant it to be.

  Damn it.

  Glenna, who’d been busy picking out fruit, whipped her head around, the flash of hurt in her eyes making him feel like a heel.

  The way she looked to Joe for reassurance made him feel even worse.

  Joe took one look at the cell phone Leland had pulled from his pocket, his eyes widening in understanding and surprise. “Shit. I didn’t even think about calling to check.”

  “Neither did I.” Leland ran a hand down Glenna’s back in apology. “Stay with her.”

  Joe raised a brow, moving closer to Glenna. “I’m not going anywhere. Come on, honey. Let’s finish the shopping so we can go back to your house.”

  Glenna’s soft voice reached him as he walked away, the hurt in it still apparent. “Is something wrong?”

  Fighting the instinct to turn back to her, Leland called the farm and purposely kept walking, not slowing until he went out the door.

  “Hello?”

  Recognizing Graham’s voice, Leland continued to walk down the sidewalk. “I’m sorry I didn’t call earlier. How is everything?”

  “Everything’s fine. We searched, but didn’t find anything. No one’s caught the scent again. Whoever it is, he’s gone. It’s probably nothing—just someone hunting. I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.”

  Leland tightened his hand on the phone, cursing when he realized that he stood at the store window, searching for a glimpse of Glenna. Turning away, he didn’t bother to disguise his anger and frustration. “There should be enough signs to keep trespassers away, and I’ve kept all of us alive and out of danger by worrying. Joe and I smelled him last night.”

  “What? Where?” The panic in Graham’s voice’s didn’t surprise him.

  The pack had always been fiercely loyal to its Alphas, but more importantly, they all loved each other as brothers, and respected what Leland and Joe had done for all of them.

  “Outside the restaurant.” Leland told Graham where they’d been. “It was in the air for just a few seconds, and then it was gone.” Scrubbing a hand over the back of his neck, he blew out a breath that did nothing to ease his frustration. “Hell, it could be just a coincidence, and we could be chasing shadows, but it shook me that whoever it is saw us with Glenna. I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong, and I don’t want her in the middle until we figure it out.”

  “No one could ever argue with your instincts. They’ve kept us all safe more than once. But, uh, you’re the one who’s putting her in the middle.”

  “And you think I don’t know that?” Looking back toward the front doors of the grocery store, Leland couldn’t help but wonder if his instincts had failed him in one aspect of his life—the woman who’d somehow worked her way under his skin.

  Glenna.

  The woman that had turned his world upside down.

  “I’ll have to start distancing myself from her.” His steps lengthened, taking him closer and closer to the woman whose effect on him had become a huge distraction—and therefore a danger to his pack—and went against what he’d just promised himself he would do. “Stay alert. I want to know about anything out of the ordinary, and I want to know immediately if anything happens there. Immediately. I’ll be home shortly.”

  With another curse, he jabbed the button to disconnect, pausing just inside the automatic door as the scent of his woman drifted to him. Clenching his jaw against the wave of longing, he followed her scent, his cock stirring at the sound of her soft laughter.

  She turned as he approached, her hesitant smile and shadow of unease in her eyes like a fist tightening around his heart.

  He was in trouble. Big trouble.

  No matter how badly he wanted her, his responsibility to his pack had to be his first priority. He had to remember that—and harden his heart against an emotion he couldn’t afford.

  Chapter Eight

  Glenna glanced at Leland yet again as she put the groceries away.

  He’d been unusually quiet since their trip to the grocery store, and it had started to grate on her nerves. One minute, he seemed thoughtful, staring at her as if she was a puzzle to be figured out—the next minute, he acted as if he was furious at something—or someone.”

  Glancing at him periodically, she smiled at Joe. “I can’t believe the amount of food you bought. Are you sure you don’t want to take some of this home?”

  Joe took steaks out of the bag and stacked them, pausing to kiss her temple before taking them to the refrigerator. “We eat a lot.” Snagging an arm around her waist, he pulled her close, kissing her deeply before releasing her. “I plan to spend quite a bit of time here, and I’m going to need my energy.”

  Leland’s lips twitched. “I’d starve if I depended on that rabbit food you eat.”

  Lifting her chin, she gave him a dirty look, still disturbed by his mood. �
�You can leave anytime you want, you know.”

  He took a step closer, and then another, his eyes narrowed dangerously. “You trying to get rid of me, honey?”

  Standing her ground, Glenna shrugged. “You’re grouchy, and seem to be in a bad mood about something. I figured you didn’t want to be here.”

  He took another step closer, wrapping a hand around the side of her neck, using his thumb to lift her chin to stare down at her. “If I didn’t want to be here—I wouldn’t be here. The problem is that I want to be here too damned much.” His other hand covered her breast in an angry gesture she suspected meant to be an insult, but his touch and eyes gentled, the reverence in his caress quickly turning it into something else. “I want you so damned much, I shake with it.”

  Lifting her hands, she ran them over his chest, thrilled at his sharp intake of breath. “Good, because I want you, too.”

  With a curse, Leland stepped back. “You’re making me crazy.”

  “Ditto.”

  Leland’s lips twitched. “Too bad. With any luck, a job will come up, and I’ll have to leave for a week or two. Maybe then, I can work you out of my system.”

  “Going cold turkey, huh?”

  His eyes narrowed. “If that’s what it takes.”

  Taking advantage of the opportunity, she struggled for nonchalance as she gathered more groceries. “What do you do for a living?”

  Joe finished putting the steaks away, turning as he closed the refrigerator. “We help people who can’t get help anywhere else.”

  Frowning, Glenna glanced at Leland, who wouldn’t meet her gaze. “What does that mean?”

  Leland’s eyes met hers, the cool distance in them making her shiver. “It means we do shit that the police can’t do, and the government won’t do.” Slamming his hand on the table, he jumped to his feet. “Damn it!” Bracing his hands on the table, he leaned close. “We have no business getting involved with a woman like you.”

  With another curse, he straightened, glancing at Joe. “I’ve got to go check on the farm.”

  With a last look at her, he turned away and headed for the front door.

  Standing in the middle of the kitchen, Glenna watched him go with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach as she waited for the door to slam behind him. Her pulse leapt when he appeared at the kitchen doorway again. Stiffening as he rushed toward her, she sucked in a breath when Joe wrapped an arm around her waist from behind, yanking her against him just as Leland gripped her upper arms.

  With a harsh, threatening sound, Joe held her close. “Easy, Leland. It’s not her fault.”

  “I know that, damn it!” A look came over Leland’s face, a look that knotted her stomach. “Do you honestly think I would hurt her?” Tightening his grip on her arms, he yanked her against him. “I’d cut my own hands off before I’d hurt her. Damn it.”

  Pulling her from Joe’s hold, Leland wrapped his arms around her, burying his face against her neck. “I shouldn’t want you so damned much.” Lifting his head, he gripped her chin, tilting her face to his. His eyes narrowed, moving over her features as if searching for something. “You’re making me crazy.”

  Relieved, and incredibly touched, Glenna laid her hand over his cheek and smiled. “Good. I’d hate to think that I’m the only one who feels this way.”

  “Oh, baby.” Pulling her against him again, Leland sighed, his body tight against hers. “I wish it was that easy. I can’t afford to be distracted. Too many people count on me.” He pressed his lips to her hair again before straightening. “I’ve got to check on things. I’ll see you later.”

  “I’ll be there in a minute. I want to talk to you.” Wrapping his arms around her from behind, he pulled her against him, his lips warm against her neck. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours. I’ll cook some steaks on the grill, and open a couple bottles of the beer we bought, and tease myself thinking about your enticing nipples.”

  Closing her eyes on a moan, she shivered with delight and dropped her head back onto his shoulder. “Enticing?”

  He groaned against her neck, sending another shiver through her. “Absolutely.” His hands slid under her cotton top, hot as they slid higher. “They press against your top and drive me crazy. I never wanted to leave the frozen food section.”

  His cock pressed against her back at the same time his hands covered her breasts. “Maybe I’ll even have a nibble or two during dinner.”

  Closing her eyes, she lifted her arms, wrapping them around his neck, wishing she didn’t wear a bra. “Now, you’re teasing both of us.”

  “That’s the idea.” He lifted her bra out of the way, tugging lightly at her nipples, and groaned at her soft cry. “It’s only fair to make you as crazy as you make me. I’ll be back soon. Miss me—and don’t wear a bra tonight.”

  * * * *

  Smacking his hand on the steering wheel didn’t make Leland feel any better.

  Neither did the dark looks from Joe.

  Glancing at him, he met yet another one of those disapproving looks. “Stop looking at me like that!” Tightening his hands on the steering wheel, he concentrated on the road. “I don’t like being dragged around by my cock. Glenna’s too much of a distraction. Hell, I forgot all about the farm. So did you. For us, women have to come and go. We can’t afford to become attached to them. You know that as well as I do.”

  Turning to Joe again, he frowned, not giving his friend a chance to answer. “You and I are both old enough to remember how our parents fought. The jealousy. The accusations. Because of the women, the men brought too much attention to themselves—and paid for it with their lives. You and I are responsible for the safety of the pack, and I’ll be damned if I let a woman—any woman—endanger them.”

  Joe sighed, tapping his fingers on his thigh. “I know. I know.” He ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. “Glenna’s different. It feels different with her.”

  “I know. She responds as if she’s made for us, and makes me hard with just a fucking look. I’ve never been so focused on a woman before. I feel sick to my stomach just driving away from her house. It makes me fucking restless, which is ridiculous.”

  Joe rubbed his own stomach. “I know what you mean. With other women, my instincts warned me to keep them at a distance. With Glenna, it’s the opposite.” Grinning, he glanced at Leland. “She’s adorable isn’t she? Did you see the way she pursed her lips when she was picking out fruit? She does that when she’s thinking about something. Christ, everything about her excites me.”

  Irritated that he’d missed that, Leland clenched his jaw. “It drives me crazy when she lays her hands on my chest and starts rubbing. She does the same thing with my shoulders.”

  “It’s like she’s petting us.” Joe chuckled. “And she’s a cuddler. I never liked that before, but I want her to cuddle next to me.” He stared out the window, but Leland knew Joe saw nothing except Glenna. “She’s always stroking me, but then again, I’m always doing the same thing to her.” Grinning, Joe turned back. “I sure as hell love the feel of her hands on me.”

  Imagining Glenna stroking his cock, Leland shifted restlessly in his seat. “She heard you roar.”

  “Shit.” Joe looked momentarily startled. “What did you tell her?”

  “I told her she was imagining it and that I didn’t hear a thing. Then, I distracted her.” The memory of how he’d distracted her had his cock stirring again. He turned onto the road that would take them home—his body tensing when he passed the place they’d met Glenna. “I had some trouble of my own. Like you said—instincts. I don’t know what the hell happened, but I felt myself shifting without meaning to. That hasn’t happened to me since I was a fucking teenager. How the hell are we supposed to take care of our responsibilities to the others if we can’t even control ourselves?”

  “It’s not that bad, Leland. So, we forgot to check in with the others this morning. That doesn’t mean we’re shirking our responsibilities. It’s about time we got to enjoy our
selves.” Joe sighed. “We’ve done nothing but work. We’re entitled to have some fun. Even with everyone around, it’s damned lonely at night without a woman in my bed. You do what you want, but I’m going to hold on to Glenna for as long as I can.”

  Turning onto the hidden entrance, Leland glared at Joe. “Fun is one thing, but this goes way beyond fun. I’m not walking away from her—just backing off. You’d be smart to do the same before she sucks us in any deeper.”

  “You make her sound cold and calculating—like she’s trying to get her claws in us or something.”

  “If she was cold and calculating, neither one of us would even be discussing her.”

  Bringing the truck to a stop, Leland gritted his teeth, struggling to push away the memory of how soft and fragile Glenna felt in his arms.

  Staring out the windshield, he blew out a breath, already missing her. “If she was cold and calculating, I wouldn’t feel this way. She’s getting to me, Joe, and what it could do to me—to the pack—scares the hell out of me.”

  Turning his head, he met his friend’s gaze squarely. “It can’t end well. We both know that. I know that the longer I let this go on, the worse it’s going to be—and there isn’t a fucking thing that I can do to stop it. I can’t walk away from her. I can’t.” Opening the door, he cursed. “As soon as I check on some things and see if there are any calls I have to return, I’m going back.”

  Joe smiled. “So am I, and this time I’m taking a change of clothes. I plan to still be there in the morning.”

  Leland got out and slammed the door behind him. “Yeah. We both will.”

  She could use his weakness against him, something he couldn’t allow.

  His pack mates depended on him, and he couldn’t let his obsession with a woman to threaten that.

  No matter what it cost him personally.

  * * * *