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

by Leah Brooke

  Running a hand over her abdomen, Leland touched his lips to hers, keeping his voice low. “You’re our mate, and I’m sure as hell not losing sleep at night, aching for you, because of the way you smell. Now, look at me, damn it, and push.”

  Blinking back tears of joy, Glenna stared into Leland’s eyes, gripped Joe’s hand and pushed as hard as she could. With a cry, she threw her head back against Joe’s shoulder, her breath coming out in a rush when the baby slid free.

  “I knew you loved me. Mitch, is the baby okay?” She tensed when she realized how quiet it was. Gripping both Leland’s and Joe’s hands, she kept her eyes on Mitch, the terrifying silence dragging on for several excruciating seconds as he concentrated on the baby.

  Suddenly, her baby’s cry pierced the air.

  Mitch blew out a breath and grinned, his gaze meeting hers. “It’s a boy!” After another loud cry, Mitch glanced up at her again. “Doesn’t seem to be a problem with this kid’s lungs.”

  The tension in the room broke in a rush of laughter, but the events of the day finally caught up with Glenna.

  Instead of laughing, she started to cry, and once she started, found she couldn’t stop.

  Sobbing uncontrollably, she clung to Joe, unable to speak.

  She was safe.

  They loved her.

  She had a son, and he was healthy.

  “Hey!” Easing out from behind her, Joe gathered her close, crooning to her when she buried her face against his neck. “What’s all this? Hey, baby. Please don’t cry. You’re killing me here.”

  Leland closed in on her from the other side. “What’s wrong, honey? Tell me. I’ll fix it, I swear!”

  Sniffing, Glenna lifted her head, a giggle escaping at the desperation in Leland’s voice. “Nothing’s wrong. Everything’s wonderful. I just can’t stop crying.”

  Fiona rubbed her leg. “It’s no wonder. You’ve had a pretty eventful day, honey.” Wiping away tears, she sniffed. “He’s so beautiful.”

  Joe moved aside as the nurse brought the baby to Glenna. “He sure is.” The catch in his voice told Glenna just how much this meant to him. “Almost as beautiful as his mother.”

  Settling the baby over her, Glenna glanced at Leland, incredibly moved to find his eyes shimmering with tears. “I love you so much.” She buried her face against Joe’s chest. “Both of you.”

  Cuddled against Joe, she looked up at Leland. “What are we going to name him?”

  Leland shared a look with Joe. “I’d like to name him after my father. Jonas. He was the Alpha of our pack, and his message explained everything we felt for you.”

  Glenna tilted her head to look up at Joe, who smiled and nodded. Turning back to Leland, she smiled. “Jonas. I like it.”

  Mitch looked up again. “I understand the waiting room is filled with people waiting for news. Who’s going to do the honors?”

  Leland’s big hand cupped the baby’s head. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  Joe’s arm tightened around Glenna’s back, nuzzling her hair as he traced the baby’s tiny hand with a large finger. “Neither am I.”

  Mitch grinned. “Fiona and I will do the honors.” He turned to the nurse, rattling off a list of instructions, and waiting until the nurse left the room before turning back. “I know everyone is going to want to see all of you and get a look at the baby. They won’t leave until they do, and if I try to get rid of them, I’m going to have a riot on my hands. This baby took a lot out of your mate, and her circumstances didn’t help. She’s going to be weak for a while. I’ll get her discharged as fast as I can, because I can watch her at home and know that my instructions will be followed, but they’re only going to get a few minutes apiece. She’s weak and needs rest.”

  Leland glanced up and nodded. “She’ll get it.” The underlying steel in his voice, and the warning in his dark eyes when they met hers again dared her to argue.

  She didn’t have the strength.

  Crossing his arms over his chest, Mitch eyed Glenna. “You’re to rest. A lot. If I hear any complaining about what you’re not allowed to do, I’ll have you back here so fast your head will swim. I’m in charge, and you’ll follow my instructions to the letter. Understood?”

  Glenna nodded. “Understood. Believe me, I’ll do whatever it takes to get strong again.”

  Overcome with love, she cupped Leland’s jaw and nuzzled against Joe’s chest. “I have quite an incentive to be strong again as soon as possible.”

  Leland smiled, the relief in his eyes unmistakable. “And I’m going to be with you every step of the way.”

  Joe smiled and ran a hand up her thigh, his eyes glittering with emotion. “We both will. We want you strong again as soon as possible, too.” He waited until Mitch and Fiona left the room, and leaned close, brushing his lips over hers. “I love you, my mate. You don’t have to do anything alone ever again.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Taking a deep breath of the clean, brisk air, Glenna stared awestruck at the snowcapped mountains.

  She pulled her sweater more firmly around her, strolling toward the edge of the yard, and the newly erected fence that would prevent anyone from falling into the ravine. Feeling better than she had in months, she pulled her cardigan closer and leaned on the top rung, mesmerized by the incredible view spread out before her.

  It looked like a painting, but no painting could capture the magnificence of the scene in front of her.

  The large cluster of evergreen trees at her left, mirrored in the landscape in front of her, were small against the vast mountains, but partially blocked her view of them from the house.

  This was the first time she’d been this far out in the huge yard in months, and she loved every minute of it.

  She loved this place, and had found an inner peace here that she’d never even imagined.

  She loved the life she had here with Joe and Leland, the closeness between them growing every day.

  With no warning, hands slid around her from behind, flattening on her stomach, while warm lips brushed against her ear. “This is quite a walk from the house. Are you allowed to be out here?”

  After a brief jolt, she settled back against Joe, humming in appreciation at the warmth. “Mitch gave me a clean bill of health this morning.”

  He removed his own jacket and wrapped it around her before pulling her close again. Rocking her, he nuzzled her neck. “I didn’t know you had an appointment this morning.”

  Tilting her head to give him better access, she leaned back against his shoulder and covered his hands with hers. “I didn’t tell you because you and Leland fuss and worry about me too much.” She’d seen the concern and sharp watchfulness in their eyes over the weeks since she’d given birth, and didn’t want them to worry anymore. Tilting her head, she smiled at him. “I made Mitch promise not to say anything. I wanted to have a physical before I told you. He agreed—reluctantly—but I had to promise to tell you what he said as soon as he was done.”

  Joe traced his fingertips over her cheek, his eyes hooded. “What did he say?”

  Lacing her fingers with his, she guided his hands under the hem of her sweater to her belly, wanting the feel of his hands on her bare skin. It had been a long, slow recovery, but she’d followed Mitch’s orders to the letter and gradually gained her strength. “I told you. He gave me a clean bill of health. He was very impressed with the results of my tests, and assured me that I can resume all normal activities.”

  To make sure he got the hint, she moved his hands higher to her breasts, sucking in a breath at the warm feel of them. “All normal activities.”

  Chuckling softly against her neck, Joe massaged her breasts, his fingers gentle on her nipples. “Did you really ask him that?”

  Lifting her arms, she circled them around his neck, remembering the time she’d asked him the same question. “Of course. If I didn’t ask, how would I know?”

  Sliding a hand down the front of her sweatpants, Joe groaned and tightened his arm around
her waist. “Did he say anything about abnormal activities?”

  “Hmm.” Anticipation sent a shiver of delight through her, her nipples and clit throbbing for attention. Throwing her head back against him, she cried out when he unerringly found her clit and began to stroke. “He knows you and Leland. I’m pretty sure—oh, God—he considered everything.”

  The slow slide of his rough fingers over her clit sent a decadent thrill through her and had her racing toward the edge with a speed that shocked her.

  “So that’s why you’re not wearing a bra.” The hand at her waist slid to her breast again, his fingertips moving over her nipple, lightly caressing and driving her need even higher. “Do you miss breast-feeding Jonas?”

  “Yes.” She cuddled against him, her breath hitching when his finger on her clit began to move faster. “I’m just thankful that he’s doing so well. I feel bad that I couldn’t give him what he needed.”

  Joe tugged at her nipple, a groan rumbling from his chest at her sharp cry of pleasure. “You were already weak, and breast-feeding him was taking too much out of you. It’s not your fault he wasn’t getting enough.” Joe chuckled softly, his voice filled with pride. “Our son’s a little pig. Speaking of our son, where is he now?”

  Glenna found it hard to concentrate on their conversation, especially when her clit began to burn—a warning that she wouldn’t be able to hold back much longer. “He’s with his Uncle Vincent and Mitch. Your son has his uncle wrapped around his little finger. Are you going to keep talking, or are you going to finish what you started?”

  His voice lowered, becoming more intimate, a tenderness in it reserved just for her. “Oh, I’m definitely going to finish what I started, my mate.” His fingers firmed, moving faster over her clit. “It’s been a long time since I heard those sweet cries you make when you come. I need to hear them again. I need to feel you come apart in my arms and know that you’re well and strong again.”

  Grateful for his firm hold, she spread her legs wider, holding on to his forearm and crying out at the sharp pleasure. “I am. You’ve all taken such good care of me, but I don’t want to think about that now. I feel so good. This feels so good.”

  It had been too long, and her lover knew her body too well—his determination to elicit pleasure from her not to be denied.

  “This feels good to me, too, baby. I’m just glad you’ve regained your strength again.”

  Gripping his arms, she squeezed her eyes closed, absorbed in sensation. “I need to be strong. I have two lovers who need a strong woman, not a wimpy one.” The tingling grew hotter, the flames of desire licking at her. Her knees buckled completely as the heat exploded, leaving her clinging to him, crying out as the waves of pleasure washed through her. She felt dizzy, her head spinning, depending on his solid strength to steady her. “Oh, God. Joe, that feels so good.” Her breathless cry ended on a moan of delight, her body trembling in the aftermath.

  Moving his lips over her neck, Joe caressed her waist as he slid his hand from between her thighs. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it, baby?”

  Turning her face, she rubbed it against his chest. “Yes. Too long for all of us. You and Leland have been so patient. I feel like all I’ve been doing is lying around. I knew you and Leland were bossy, but I didn’t realize that Mitch was so tough.”

  Joe chuckled and bent to kiss the top of her head. “You’re better, though, aren’t you? Stronger? You were already weak from malnutrition and exhaustion, and Mitch said that the baby took more out of you than he’d expected. When you get pregnant again, he’s going to increase your vitamins, and we’re all going to watch you closely. You’re going to rest, eat, and take it easy.”

  The thought of having another baby sent a surge of warmth through her. She still found it hard to believe that two such exciting and loving men belonged to her, and that she’d become part of their large, extended family. Tilting her head back, she moaned when he nuzzled her neck in a particularly sensitive spot. “You want more babies?”

  Lifting his head, he smiled down at her, his eyes possessive and indulgent. “Of course, but I’m not in any hurry, and I don’t think Leland is either. We want to make sure you’re strong enough.” He ran a hand over her bottom and grinned, turning her to start back toward the house. “Of course, you have some say in it, too.”

  Glenna poked a nail into his hard stomach. “Gee, thanks.”

  Running a hand over her hair, he studied her features. “I saw Joshua pulling in as I was on my way out here. He just got back from taking your sister to the airport and looks slightly stunned. How long is she going to be gone?”

  Glenna shrugged, hiding a smile. “A couple of weeks, at least. She wanted to make sure I was better before she left to visit Mom and Dad. Then, she’s going to come back to visit again before she starts looking for a job. She’s decided to come back here to be closer to her nephew. I have to say, I’m surprised my parents took the news of our relationship and the baby better than I thought.”

  Joe kissed her temple. “I’m glad. Your father’s a very interesting man.” Chuckling, he shook his head. “When I was talking to him, I had the feeling that if he knew what we are, he’d fly up here to study us.”

  Glenna shivered at that. “It scares me sometimes to think about what would happen if anyone knew. I’m amazed that you managed to keep it from my sister.”

  Joe’s lips twitched. “She’ll find out sooner or later.”

  Pursing her lips, she thought about how her sister would react if she found out that they were shape-shifters. “Did you see how unhappy Joshua looked when Fiona said she was leaving?”

  Joe’s slow grin melted her heart and sent another rush of heat through her. “I’m going to trust you with something that I want you to keep to yourself. Your sister is Joshua’s mate.”

  Glenna gasped, pulling him to a stop and jumping to stand in front of him. “What? Are you serious? How do you know?” Her pulse leapt with excitement. “Hell, she’s not going to like that. Oh, it would be so wonderful to have her here!”

  Laughing softly, Joe hugged her close. “I know, my mate, but Joshua isn’t taking it well, and Fiona isn’t cooperating at all. As for how I know—I had a feeling about it when he brought her here. He kept sniffing her and couldn’t seem to stop looking at her. He got really jealous every time one of the others spoke to her. I asked him about, and he admitted it.”

  Flattening her hands on his chest, she leaned into him. “Fiona doesn’t trust men. This should be interesting, especially when she finds out he’s a shape-shifter. My sister’s gonna freak.”

  “Stay out of it, my mate.” Joe’s hands went to her waist, his tone brooking no argument. “They have to sort it out for themselves.”

  Pouting, Glenna looked up at him through her lashes. “You never let me have any fun.”

  Sliding his hands higher, he teased her nipples with his thumbs. “Oh, I don’t? We’ll just have to see about that. In the meantime, it appears that I’m going to have to keep you busy to keep you out of trouble. You’re becoming a little too brave lately.”

  “Yep.” Glenna lifted her hands to his shoulders, wishing his devious fingers were on her bare skin. “You never know what kind of trouble I’ll get into if you don’t give me the attention I need. I forgot to ask about your phone call. Did you get another job?”

  It delighted her that they now trusted her enough to tell her about the jobs they took, and even though Joe and Leland hadn’t gone on one since they’d brought her to the farm, she knew it was only a matter of time before they left again.

  It scared her, but she knew that as the Alphas’ mate, she had to be strong, especially in front of the others. They knew of her fear, and did the best they could to ease it, while she was careful not to harp on it.

  Joe smoothed a hand down her back, his eyes searching hers. “Yes. We’re going to leave for Arizona tonight. There’s a couple of escaped convicts who decided to hole up in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and their
best trackers can’t find them.”

  “And you can?”

  Joe smiled. “Absolutely. We have a reputation for being the best trackers around, which is why it drove us crazy when we couldn’t find you. We have some unique abilities that other people just don’t have, but tracking a car across state lines isn’t one of them. We’ll find them, as we eventually found you.” Bending, he touched his lips to hers, his fingers closing over her nipples. “And get paid handsomely for it.”

  Running her hands over his chest, she sucked in a breath at the sharp stab of pleasure. “Oh, God, I want you so much.”

  Joe groaned and lifted her, urging her to wrap her legs around his waist. “Let’s go upstairs. There’s no way I can leave without having you again. It’s been too fucking long.”

  He took her mouth in a passionate kiss, the hunger in it curling her toes inside her sneakers. Carrying her across the yard and up the stairs to the deck, he deepened his kiss, the arm around her tightening as he swallowed her moans.

  She pressed her slit against him, and her breasts against his chest, frustrated that their clothes prevented her from feeling his hot skin against hers.

  He went through the back door, hardly slowing as he carried her into the kitchen. Lifting his head, his eyes remained on hers as his hand clenched on her bottom. “You two have the baby?”

  The feel of his hand on her bottom made her still-tingling clit even hotter, and created an awareness around her puckered opening that had her twisting restlessly against him. Fisting her hands in his hair, she tried to pull his head back down, stilling when his words finally penetrated. Confused at the sudden change of subject, she blinked up at him, struggling to fight her way through the fog of arousal surrounding her.

  Mitch chuckled from her left. “Yeah, we’ve got him. Go take care of your mate.”

  Joe’s eyes, filled with erotic intent, held hers as a slow smile spread over his features. “I intend to.”