Under the Panther's Protection [Black Panthers 3]

by Leah Brooke

  “After challenging me the way you did? Absolutely.”

  A sob escaped, the pleasure so intense that she trembled everywhere. “Please. I want you so much.”

  Joshua smiled again. “I don’t seem able to deny you anything, my mate.”

  She cried out when his lips closed over her clit again, the rapid flicks of his tongue making her clit swell and burn until she thought she would die of the pleasure.

  The tingling heat began in her clit and quickly spread outward just seconds before the rush of sensation stole her breath.

  Her body arched and stiffened as her orgasm crested, her pussy clenching and releasing her juices.

  Joshua made a low, throaty sound of pleasure and need, his hands firming on her thighs. Sliding his tongue repeatedly through her slit, he slowly lowered her, running his hands up and down her body, leaving a path of warm awareness in their wake.

  He closed his hands on hers and gently flipped her to her belly, positioning her on the large pillow. Bracing a hand beside her head, he bent over her, brushing his lips over her shoulder. “Are you okay, baby?”

  “Hmm. Better than okay.” Turning her head, she lifted her face for his kiss. “I’d be even better when you take me.”

  The feel of his lips on her shoulder sent a surge of warmth through her while his low chuckle sent shivers of delight dancing over her skin.

  “Is that a fact?”

  His intimate whisper and the slide of his hand down her side held an affection that tugged at her heart while the feel of the denim-clad bulge pressing against her bottom had her pussy clenching with the need to be filled.

  Gripping his forearm, she turned slightly, touching her lips to his. “How do you do this to me?”

  Brushing his lips against hers, he lowered himself, bracing his weight on his elbow, freeing his hand to run it over her hair. “Do what to you, my mate?”

  Reveling in his warmth and tenderness, she reached up to thread her fingers through his hair, a moan escaping when he slid a hand down her back to her bottom.

  Looking into his eyes, she leaned closer. “How do you make me feel so safe? How do you make me want you every time you touch me, even after I come?”

  His slow smile turned her insides to mush, shattering her defenses. “Do I? Good. It’s only fair that I make you want me because you do the same to me.”

  She tightened her hand in his hair, urging him closer to touch her lips to his again, her breath catching at the contact. “I missed you.”

  Joshua’s eyes flared, his hand tightening on her bottom. “Good.” He bent again to nibble at her lips before lifting his head to smile down at her. “I hate to be the only one. I can’t even sleep without you.”

  Fiona gulped, averting her gaze, her heart pounding furiously. “You don’t have to say that.”

  Shaking his head, Joshua blew out a breath, his gaze softening. “You’ve been lied to so much that you have trouble believing me. You will, my mate.”

  He rose and moved away, briefly leaving her chilled, but after a rustle of clothing, he covered her body with his again. “When I bought this sofa, I pictured you naked on it.”

  Sucking in a breath when he parted her thighs and thrust into her, Fiona fisted her still bound hands in front of her. “And the rug in front of the fireplace?”

  Joshua began to move almost immediately, stroking slowly while covering her body with his. “I couldn’t resist.”

  He took her hands in his and freed them, entwining their fingers. “I wanted to get everything here as soon as possible because I wanted to surprise you.”

  Getting to her knees, she lifted into his thrusts, trying to get him to go faster. “I love everything.”

  Joshua scraped his teeth over her shoulder. “I hadn’t counted on having to look at all this stuff every night.” His voice had deepened, the misery in it obvious. “My home is empty without you. Seeing all this stuff just makes me miss you more.”

  Fiona blinked back tears, need and love combining into something so powerful she couldn’t contain it. A sob escaped, followed by another. “I missed you so much. I dream of you.”

  “I know the feeling, my mate.” He began to move faster, his movements taking on a raw desperation. “I ache for you.”

  “You have me.”

  “And I’m keeping you.”

  Gripping his hands, Fiona pushed against them, lifting into him. “Yes.”

  His cock filled her completely, the feel of his warmth and solidness surrounding her cocooning her in a world of feminine bliss and making her feel safe to let go.

  “Mine.” Joshua’s thrusts shortened, digging at the spot inside her with heat and vibrations that had her clenching on him. The primitive sounds of hunger and pleasure rumbling from his chest rippled over her.

  “Oh God!”

  He slid a hand under her, holding her more firmly for his thrusts, his fingers moving over her clit with every stroke. “I. Can’t. Fucking. Get. Enough. Of. You.”

  Fiona’s body tightened as she came, the pleasure so sharp that she began to sob.

  It crested, holding her in its grip, the feel of Joshua’s cock filling her and the sound of his deep growl sending her higher.

  His teeth closed on her neck, his primitive and erotic hold making her feel even more vulnerable and feminine.

  Another sob escaped, the sense of being out of control alarming.

  The vibrations and heat spread to her clit, making it swell beneath his fingers.

  Joshua surged deep, his rough growl vibrating against her ear as he gathered her even closer. “I’ve got you, my mate. I’ve got you.”

  His strokes to her clit slowed, easing her down and then stopping altogether. “You come so hard, baby. The way you milk my cock drives me crazy. No wonder you got pregnant. It’s like your soft pussy wants every drop.”

  He licked her neck where his teeth had been, the gesture soothing and affectionate. “I want you more every day, my mate.”

  Fiona took a shuddering breath and let it out in a rush, the intimacy staggering her. Words of love bubbled inside her, but she didn’t want him to think she said it only because she carried his child. “I want you, too. So much.”

  Her eyes burned with unshed tears, the depth of her love for him hitting her hard. “It scares me.”

  Joshua slowly withdrew from her and gathered her close. After wrapping her in one of the soft throws, he sat on the sofa and settled her on his lap. “Me, too, baby.” He bent to touch his lips to hers before straightening to smile down at her. “You could rip my heart out, and there’s not a damned thing I can do about it. We’re both in the same boat, my mate. We’re just going to have to trust each other.”

  Cupping his cheek, she nodded. “Okay.” She snuggled into him, the lack of sleep making it difficult to keep her eyes open. “I know you can’t tell me about your work, but just don’t lie to me. I’m sorry, but this is so comfortable, and I can’t stay awake.”

  Joshua ran a hand over her hair. “Sleep, my mate.”

  Something in his low tone unsettled her, but she was too tired to try to figure it out.

  “’Kay. Just for a few minutes.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Joshua continued to stroke Fiona’s hair long after she fell asleep, spreading it over his chest like a curtain of silk, her words playing over and over in his mind.

  Just don’t lie to me.

  He’d lied to her.

  He knew she wouldn’t believe him when he told her that he was a shapeshifter.

  He’d have to show her, and he could only hope she’d adjust to it as quickly as her sister had.

  His main concern centered around the baby she carried and how she would take the news that their child would also be a shapeshifter.

  Having the responsibility of a child filled him with a satisfaction he hadn’t expected, and knowing that he would have the duty of teaching his child how to live with being a shapeshifter gave him a sense of purpose that he knew would change
his life.

  He bent to kiss Fiona’s hair and slid his hand under the throw to cover her abdomen.

  His mate had already changed his life in ways he hadn’t imagined, and he was sure she would change it in many more.

  Stilling at the faint sound of footsteps approaching, he lifted his head and sniffed the air, smiling when he recognized Joe’s scent.

  Sliding his hand from under the blanket, Joshua rose with her in his arms, turning to settle her on the sofa with her head on the large pillow.

  Murmuring softly to her when she frowned and moaned, Joshua ran a hand over her hair. “Sleep, my mate. I’m right here.”

  He covered her with another throw, making sure her feet were covered, his gaze drawn to the fireplace as he straightened.

  The evenings had started to get colder, and the idea of making love to his mate in front of the fireplace appealed to him even more than when he’d bought the rug.

  Amused that his mate seemed to be on his mind for almost every decision he made, he shook his head and turned away, anxious to see what Joe wanted so he could get back to her.

  He slid on his jeans and crossed to the door as he fastened them, unable to resist glancing back at Fiona to see that she still slept peacefully.

  The sight of her lying there, her dark auburn hair shot with dozens of shades of brown, red, and even blonde, splayed over the pillow, her cheeks flushed from lovemaking and sleep, took his breath away.

  He opened the door to see Joe sitting on the steps to his front porch and went out to meet him, easing the door closed behind him.

  Turning his head, Joe glanced up at him. “Is she okay?”

  “She’s fine. Sleeping.”

  “After driving all night, I’m sure she’s exhausted.”

  “You didn’t come out here to ask about my mate.”

  Joe shrugged, turning toward him, resting a booted foot on the step below him. “Glenna’s worried about her, and when my mate is upset, it upsets me. Besides, we’ve survived all these years in peace because we stick together. Christ, it’s been almost twenty years now.” Smiling, he leaned back against the porch post. “It seems we’re going to start having women and children around, and every one of the pack has a responsibility for each one.”

  “I can take care of my own mate.”

  Joe inclined his head. “And Leland and I are more than capable of taking care of ours. But there will be times when we’re not around or when someone else is closer. They have to learn to trust everyone. It’ll be better for all of us.”

  “I agree with that. I know everyone’s looking after your mate.”

  “And we’ll all look after yours, which brings me to the purpose of my visit.”

  “Wondered when you’d get around to it.”

  “I heard about our visitor.”

  “Did Dane and Miles tell you we lost him?”

  “Yeah. He wants something, but we can’t figure out what. Hell, we don’t even know who, but we’re all pretty sure he’s a shapeshifter. What we do know is that he’s been coming around much more often and is getting daring. We can’t help but wonder why, all of a sudden, he seems almost reckless.”

  “Something’s gotten to him.” Joshua stiffened, his sudden insight terrifying. “It’s happening more often since you and Leland started seeing Glenna.”

  He glanced toward the doorway, careful to keep his voice low. “And this time, he was closer to my house.”

  Blowing out a breath, Joe got to his feet. “We think he’s interested in the women, but we don’t know why.”

  Joshua couldn’t imagine anything more frightening. “What better way to get revenge?”

  “Exactly. We only know that he wants revenge because that’s what he told Glenna when he tried to kidnap her, but we don’t know why.” Joe glanced around. “We let the trees and brush become overgrown to avoid prying eyes, so we thought at first that he just wanted to watch us.” His expression hardened. “But he already tried to kidnap Glenna. I know Fiona’s leaving again, but when she gets back, we’re all going to have to keep a sharp eye on her. It’ll be better for everyone if you tell her the truth about us. At least she’ll know the danger.”

  Joshua nodded, his stomach clenching. “I know. I just can’t tell her and let her leave. She needs to adjust to it, and I’d rather have her here instead of several hundred miles away while she does.”

  “Just make sure you tell her as soon as she gets back.”

  “I have every intention of doing just that.”

  Letting her know what to watch out for would give her an advantage that could make all the difference.

  And letting her know that a pack of shapeshifters would be there to protect her should give her the security she needed.

  * * * *

  Walking toward the farmhouse, Fiona glanced up at Joshua. “Are you hungry, too?”

  Joshua blinked as if coming out of a trance, his hand tightening on hers. “What?”

  “You’re sniffing the air. The steaks smell good, don’t they?”

  “Yeah.” He smiled, his eyes glittering. “And I am hungry. I worked up a hell of an appetite.”

  Fiona giggled, her body still humming from their recent lovemaking. “It’s not my fault that you have a shower fetish.”

  He stopped abruptly, turning her to lift her against him. He firmed his hands on the backs of her upper thighs, silently urging her to wrap her legs around his waist. “I don’t have a shower fetish. I have a mate fetish.”

  He bent to touch his lips to hers. “I can’t seem to get enough of her.” Nuzzling her temple, he slid his hands to her butt. “You were naked, wet, and had that fascinating stream of bubbles sliding down your breast. How was I supposed to resist that?”

  Threading her fingers through his hair, she blinked up at him, giving him an innocent smile. “You were talking on the phone when I went in there. You could have waited until I was finished.”

  “And miss having you naked, wet, and at my mercy? Are you kidding?”

  Fiona wiggled against him, the memory of their shower sex making her clit tingle with renewed awareness. “No. I’m not kidding. You have something on your mind, don’t you? Despite our shower sex, you’ve been preoccupied since I woke up.”

  Joshua’s eyes became shuttered, leaving her chilled. “We’re going to be leaving for a job tonight.”

  Fiona stiffened. “You wouldn’t be so upset at that. You’re hiding something from me. Put me down.”

  Joshua’s lips thinned, but he reluctantly set her on her feet. “Don’t.”

  She struggled to pull away from him both physically and emotionally, but when he pulled her back and gathered her close, she found herself in trouble with both. “Don’t what?”

  Gripping her chin, he lifted her face to his, the warning in his eyes clear. “Don’t turn away from me.”

  “Listen, asshole—”

  He ran his thumb over her bottom lip, his eyes sharp. “I have something to tell you, but it’s going to have to wait until you get back.”

  “Why can’t you tell me now?”

  “Because I’m leaving tonight, and you’re leaving tomorrow. It’s something we have to talk about. I’m very afraid that it’ll change the way you feel about me.”

  “Look, I know you feel responsible for me because of the baby, but—”

  “It has nothing to do with the way I feel about you, damn it!” Raking a hand through his hair, he blew out a breath, his eyes flashing. “I know you don’t trust me, but stop jumping to fucking conclusions!”

  He took another breath, turning away from her for the first time since they’d met. “When you get back, we’ll talk. Until then, I just want you to trust me.” He turned and pulled her close, kissing her hard. “I know you don’t trust easily, but I would never hurt you.”

  Running a hand over her hair, he pulled her closer. “We’re going to go track some criminals who’re hiding in the Grand Canyon.”

  Fiona blinked at that. “You can reall
y track someone in the Grand Canyon? That’ll take weeks.”

  “Not for us. We’re really good at tracking, but the cell reception is going to be terrible. It might be several days before I can talk to you. I hate not being able to check on you, but if you need anything, I want you to call Mitch. I put his number in your phone. I’ll call you as soon as I can.”

  Fiona nodded. “I’ll be fine, Joshua, but if you’re not going to be here, I’d rather leave tonight.”

  Taking her hand, he started toward the deck where everyone had gathered, the smell of steaks grilling making her stomach rumble. “You can stay at the farmhouse with Glenna.”

  “No. I’d better get back. I’m sure Brock is going to have to fly you, so I’ll just take a commercial flight.”

  “I think it would be better for you to stay here tonight. You can send some time with your sister and your nephew.”

  Struggling to hide her fear that whatever Joshua had to say to her would end their relationship, Fiona shook her head, knowing she’d never be able to hide it from her sister. “I think it’s better if I get back.”

  “Fine, but don’t even think about staying there. I already told you—I’ll find you and bring you back here, kicking and screaming if necessary.”

  “I know. I’ll be back.” She reached around to squeeze his butt. “Being pregnant makes me horny, and I plan to use you relentlessly.”

  Joshua’s slow grin made her stomach flutter. “I’m at your mercy, my mate.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  After four days of searching, Joshua found himself uncharacteristically impatient.

  Wearing a backpack that had been specially designed to be worn while in panther form, he continued across the long, narrow ledge, with Joe and Leland right behind him.

  After reaching the end of the ledge, Joshua leapt to the next ledge, about five feet away and ten feet below, his large paws not making a sound.

  As soon as he landed, he caught the scent of another human.

  Knowing that Joe would quickly follow, he moved enough to make room for him and scanned the area, looking for the source of the scent.