by Crystal Dawn
“Hank, you get everybody back to work. It’s just a guy trying to get a date. I’ll have Ariel run him down and we’ll see if it worked on her or not. Get to it.”
Viv pulled out her phone. “Ariel?”
“I already know. It’s our latest cat leader and he says he’ll bring her back. He’s a bobcat, most of the lynx are. She’s alright, don’t worry about her.”
“Okay. I suppose it will be alright.”
“It will be.” Ariel said cheerfully.
“You heard?” She asked.
“I guess you white wolves do have crazy lives.”
“You were warned but you jumped in anyway. Now you get to learn construction.” Viv said.
He followed her to the building where the crew was working, but not very hard. Viv quickly got their attention. “No one interested in a bonus around here? We’re almost done. Just get with it and everyone will get a nice bonus.”
Now he saw they were working harder and Viv went into a room that was being painted. “We’ll get the room done by quitting time. Only the walls need done.” They began to paint and he was impressed with her skill. He did alright, but she went over his wall before she let it dry.
“Hey, was I that bad?”
“No, but you’ll be glad I went over it. I just smoothed out a few spots. If this was a management problem, I’d be glad of your expertise. It’s a construction issue so you should be glad of mine.”
“I am, Beautiful. I just wanted to save you from having to do more work.”
“And you did by helping. Hopefully now that this room is finished except for the cleanup, they’re caught up.” They went out to the rest of the house to see most rooms were ready to be cleaned and the job was almost complete. People already lived in all but the bottom level. The wonderful thing was they were two weeks ahead even with all the issues and problems. “The cleaners will be in tomorrow and the crew will get their bonus and a day off before the next project.
“Who will take charge of the next project?” He asked.
“Haze will. If she needs help, Mairi and me will assist.”
“If you don’t help Haze, what will you do?”
“Mom has me starting on four more apartment buildings. There’s a housing shortage, not just here, but in the surrounding towns. Even if the other cats find their own places, humans may come in from the towns that need workers but have no places to live.”
“Does that happen a lot?” He asked.
“Sometimes when work is available, new people flood an area. Housing sometimes never catches up. It’s hard to drive in daily for long distances. Right now that’s happening in towns near here with major employers. We’ll either have cats grabbing the apartments first, or offer them to surplus people from the surrounding area. Ariel has started working on houses in Berryville and even Green Forest. There are several rundown ones empty and in need of lots of love. Once all the big houses are done, Ariel will go back to her usual work.”
“I thought this was what she did.” He said.
“No, new construction isn’t her thing. She loves to remodel old houses. It’s more challenging, but very rewarding.”
“I never heard that. Why is she doing this then?”
“It’s to help all of you. You’re houses would never get done if she didn’t help.”
“Is she really that nice?” He asked.
Chapter 7
Mating Fever
“Hell yes. You’ve met her. Do you really have to ask?” She questioned. Ariel was the nicest person anyone knew.
“I was just asking. It’s hard to believe in this day and age.” He held his hands in front of him in a gesture of surrender.
“She likes making people happy. It’s her way to do something good for someone every day.”
“Like do a good turn daily?”
“She’s not a boy scout, but both her boys were Eagle scouts. They are good people too.”
“I’ve heard a lot about them too. One got rid of Hemple which was a community service. Now he leads the St. Louis pack. The other took over a pack that had sunk deep into disrepair and troubles. He’s fighting to get them back on their feet.” He observed.
“It’s true both of them are exceptional leaders and warriors. They are also easy to like and get along with unless you are bad to people.”
“You have an interesting family.” He admitted.
“I do and I love them all. Now that I’m back, I don’t know how I stayed away so long.”
“You won’t have to do it again. Not anymore. We’ll always live here where your family and most of mine will be.”
“There’s no way you can be sure of that.” She replied.
“But I am. We will take trips, all over the world even after we have cubs, but this is home for us and them. Don’t you feel it?”
They pulled in at Ariel’s just in time for supper. The aroma of grilled steaks hit her hard. Hunger was slamming into her and she hurried in with Channing on her heels. Ariel was already at the table with Blake next to her. That was unusual because he rarely made it at meal time. Maybe things were finally settling down. No one deserved some rest and relaxation more than those two.
The two of them grabbed a tray each and loaded it up with everything they needed except dessert. Her tray couldn’t hold any more. It might be the change or it might be the hard work they’d just done to keep the project on target. If it was the change, there would be other signs soon according to the things Ariel had told her.
As usual the food was good and she cleaned her plate then got some more. This was different, this was much more than she usually ate especially since she finished it with dessert. Her next problem was a different appetite that was hitting her and she was eyeing Channing which made her heat go up. It looked like tonight would be spent at his house again. What the hell was she going to do? Decisions had to be made, but she just kept putting them off.
Eventually, she knew that she would live with him. There was no other way things could turn out. Was she punishing him for taking away her say in the decision? Maybe. Okay, probably. Wasn’t it her right to make him toe the line? Her belly filled with heat and the need perfumed the room. Everyone was looking at her, damn!
“Someone needs to go home and get lucky.” Ariel observed and Channing grinned. His eyes were also lit with the need her scent had created. “The change is coming fast. Make sure to let your inner cat out soon.”
A sound in her head purred. What the hell was going on? Was that her cat in there purring? Yes! I am here now and I’ll help you figure things out. No more punishing our mate. Instead, let’s go home and enjoy him. It was a sexy sweet voice that counseled her. Her plan sounded good and as need rolled over her she grabbed Channing’s hand and pulled him behind her. Her biggest hope was to make it to his house before she lost all control.
“Are you okay?” He asked.
“No, I’m burning up in more ways than one. Let’s get home.”
She’d give him some credit for listening. They got in his SUV and headed for his house fast. Her heat was spiraling out of control and he’d be lucky if he wasn’t attacked in the yard before they got into the house. Finally, they pulled onto the road that led to Channing’s house. She felt like she was on fire and the need was all consuming.
Pulling up near the house he came around to help her out and she jumped him. “Baby, we’re almost where it will be much more comfortable.” He suggested.
“Now. I have to have you now.” It was so bad she didn’t even get mad when he smiled.
He picked her up and carried her into the house only fumbling a little when he opened the door. Thankfully, neither Tamra nor the cook was around. The bedroom door was easier and once it shut, he let her slide down his body. She whimpered. Need was all over her and there was no more time to spare. Now she ripped his shirt off and began on his jeans.
“Wait. These are my favorite ones.” He stepped back to get them off quickly as she began to tear her clothes off her
body. “You smell amazing.”
As she watched, his hard cock popped out of the jeans he was pulling off and moved up and down like it was nodding and the drop it had on the end already fell off. Her mate was so virile he was like a perfect fantasy. His porn star proportions and his incredible bedroom skills didn’t hurt anything.
“Get on the bed!” He demanded now that they were both naked. Her mate didn’t have to tell her twice. She desperately needed everything he had to give before she went crazy.
While she’d heard stories of this heat, she’d never believed it could be that bad. It was even worse than the most severe tale. “I need you now.” What the hell was he waiting for? Finally, she looked over her shoulder as she was on her hands and knees on the bed and he stood behind her. She could feel the head of his cock pressing against her center then slowly sliding in.
Her patience was gone and she pressed back against him to speed things up. She made a weird sound as he slid all the way in. Yes! That was what she had to have before she went over the edge insane. Once he was all the way in he filled her perfectly. He paused, but she needed more. It just wasn’t enough. She moved to let him know what she needed and he began to pump into her slowly at first then faster. That was just what she needed. Heaven help her, this was perfect! Now it wasn’t long before her orgasm rocked them both and he followed right away. She dropped to the bed, tired but at least she was cooling off. He moved to the bed and lay on his back, breathing hard and covered with sweat.
“What do you think about shower, Sweetheart?” He asked.
“Sounds good once I can move.” She agreed.
A few minutes later, he held out his hand for her and she took it. Helping her up, he tugged her along to the bathroom.
“Bath or shower?” He asked.
“Shower. Let’s do it quick I feel so tired.”
“Not too fast, Baby. I’ve got some more to give you.” Channing chuckled and her stomach tightened with need. He knew just how to get to her.
Once they were in the shower and the cool water hit her, she was invigorated. The look of his body water slicked made her desire rise again. At least the cool water kept her temperature where it wasn’t burning her up. Now she began to wash him using her soapy hands to explore his amazing body. She kissed him greedily as her hands started at his neck then worked their way down over his hard chiseled chest. Then she pinched his nipples making him moan.
A little pinch of pain seemed to make the pleasure she gave him stronger. Channing couldn’t wait, he picked her up and in one hard fast thrust he was inside her. Holding her against the wall of the shower, his thrusts were fast and smooth and all she had to do was hold on tight. Her passion rose as he hit all the right spots until she exploded all around him and he followed her right away. They finished cleaning up, but now she was ready to go again.
After they dried off, he picked her up carrying her to the bed. It seemed she couldn’t get enough of him or his beautiful cock. By the third time, she had to suck him until he was hard again before he let her ride him. Her dominant mate was really tired since he let her take control. She grinned as she rode him like a rented mule. Her orgasm was so close she threw her head back and just rode harder until a scream of ecstasy was pulled from her.
Channing was below her holding her hips and it wasn’t long before he yelled her name to the heavens. Exhausted, they could sleep for now until the need built again. She had a feeling when they woke, it would hit hard.
Hours later, she was proven right as her belly twisted with need and she felt hot as hell. Channing still slept but as she checked out his goods, he was hard as a rock. Her need was on her and he was ready. She mounted him and began to ride him hard. His lids flickered then opened and his eyes held the heat she needed.
She sped up until she was riding wildly toward her release. Nothing would hold her back as rocked and rolled toward the bliss she needed. Channing arched up under her and his hands held her hips trying to move as needed. His name was on her lips as she found her ultimate joy. He followed right behind her yelling her name loud and clear.
This had been amazing, but now her stomach growled needing food and lots of it. Once fed, she had no doubt she would need more of this. Much more. She showered quickly leaving Channing in bed recuperating. Thank goodness he was working at home until she was done with this undeniable need. Had he gone somewhere like the coalition house, she would have been forced to hunt him down and take him wherever he was. That’s how all-consuming this need was. Her cat purred. She was enjoying the hell out of it.
It had brought them closer together. They had explored their physical relationship and cuddled a lot. The thing they hadn’t done much was talk. That was because they were either making love, eating, or sleeping.
Several days had passed and Channing looked tired, but he was managing. It reminded her of the saying that when a woman is willing, a man will always rise to the occasion. He’d certainly done that repeatedly. The heat seemed to be easing, but it wasn’t through with them quite yet. She was glad no one had been hanging around bothering them. Yes, she meant Tamra. The female seemed odd and she didn’t think the family bond was there, but what did she know?
Hector was alright. The guy was likable and seemed to have features and other things in common with Channing. She’d spoken with Samuel on the phone and he was nice too. Maybe the females of the family were different. For now she wouldn’t worry about it. She would enjoy the hot sex and good food. Sleep would get squeezed in there and that’s how she would get by until it was over.
It was a surprise that none of her family had come by to check on her or even call. Her cheeks heated as she wondered if they knew what she was going through. Ariel always seemed to know everything. There was a plate of food in front of her and she ate with her new improved appetite. It would probably ease some once the heat was done, but it would never be a human sized appetite again. At least she could enjoy her sweets without worrying. That might be the best part of changing.
Channing came in to eat. He’d checked on his texts just now. She eyed his ass in his tight jeans and his bare chest. Immediately, she began to warm up. “Are you getting warm again?” She just nodded and he began to eat quickly.
Chapter 8
Mated Bliss?
Her heat was almost over and he’d never thought something like that would make him feel relieved and happy. Never had he heard of a female having such a bad case of it. Especially since he knew deep inside that she’d conceived before she’d gone into heat. While that wasn’t unheard of, sometimes it took the body and the change a little while to catch up to what was going on, her heat had been extreme.
She was asleep and he wished he could be in bed wrapped around her resting too. The problem was keeping up with her hadn’t been easy and his responsibilities as a leader had suffered. As he worked through his emails, he was glad to see some of those problems had been dealt with by the people that had them or others he worked with like Samuel or Serenity.
He didn’t want to have to explain to anyone his mate had worn him out during her heat. No male wanted to admit that. So he simply said he was tied up and left it at that. Who would dare question him? Now he got down to the serious business of running his house. Several people had showed up without jobs or a place to live. Serenity had put them in the big tent with the window people and sent them to Ariel for jobs.
His new PA had turned up and Serenity had put her in the large guest cottage behind his house and shared her work with her. The new PA had met with Ariel and begun to help with getting jobs and housing for the new people coming in. She’d put out the word that she was handling that. That was why he only had a thousand emails not ten thousand. It looked like Serenity had begun toeing the line too and might be able to be in charge of something.
Now that he was mated, he planned to have some regular time off to spend with his mate and later his cubs. “Oh my god! I’ve not been getting anything done at all.” Viv screeched from behind h
im. It looked like she needed to learn to let things go too.
“Caro stepped up on your personal projects, my guy is handling mine, and Haze is on everything else. Maddie said the apartment project is on track, not to worry about it.” He explained.
“You already know all that?”
“I checked my text first. Those are usually the most important things.”
“I don’t even know where my phone is.”
“It’s right here, Beautiful.” He held it out and she grabbed it.
She giggled. “The first day they panicked, well except for Haze. The next day they began to take charge. Caro’s good at that anyway. She has her own business.”
“The cleaning business?”
“How did you know?”
“Her car is always at the places being cleaned. I also saw her directing people more than once.”
“She’s always been good at being bossy. Even as a toddler she ran things at home. Always she’s been adorable but stubborn.”
“Sounds like someone else I know.” He got a glare for his comment. “I meant that in a good way.”
“We’ll be playing catch up for weeks.”
“It may not be as bad as you think. Some people have stepped up to help with the most important things.”
“Oh, God! Tell me Ariel didn’t get pulled into our work. That girl already works her ass off.” Viv observed.
“Not Ariel. My secretary, my brothers and my new PA all got on things.”
“How does that help me?”
“I already explained about your projects and a lot of your other work was helping me. They took care of most of that. Maybe not all of it permanently, but it’s not as urgent now.” They went through everything and got a list of those things no one had managed like permanent housing for the new arrivals.
“Send your new PA to Roger or rent her one of your lake rentals.”