by Brenda Trim
Ember licked her lips and her tongue darted out across her bottom lip. He watched avidly. He could think of a lot of activities involving tongues. Through their bond he felt her heart racing but also her hesitance.
“Is that going to be a problem?” she asked.
“Baby, I don’t care where we are so long as we’re alone. It’ll be uncomfortable if there aren’t any blankets, but I imagine Hayden planned for that.”
They entered the dimly lit cavern, but could easily see with enhanced vision. About fifty yards inside the cave stood a large four-poster bed with plush green covers. Candles sat in clusters every few feet and champagne with fresh fruit sat on a low table filled with various implements Orlando was eager to try with his mate. The place was perfect.
He stopped her by the end of the bed and turned her to face him. She’d come into his life unexpectedly and he’d initially fought his instincts, but he was glad Fate won out. She was absolutely radiant and their bond strengthened by the minute. Hope flared that they could have an epic love like he saw between the rest of the mates at Zeum.
The soft whisper of her breathing sped up, inciting his leopard. He heard her heart racing and his immediately matched her pace. He ran the backs of his fingers across her cheek and pulled her hair free. Flowers fell to the ground as he threaded his fingers into the shoulder length tresses. It was soft as silk and her sweet scent filled the air.
Her hands landed on his chest and drove a groan from his throat. “Take off the dress, Em. I don’t want to rip it to shreds and my leopard is close to breaking free,” he informed her.
A spark flashed in her eyes and the corner of her mouth lifted as she continued running her hands over his torso. “You’re highly mistaken if you think you’re in charge,” she stated.
His only response was a raised eyebrow. He wanted to see where his sexy little cougar was going with her boldness. They’d been together every chance they had and when Brantley wasn’t crying, they were naked and pleasuring one another. She’d been content to let him control their lovemaking as they learned each other’s body over the past weeks. This was a new side to her and he loved it.
“I need this gone,” she demanded as she ripped his shirt open.
Buttons went flying and the heat between them became an inferno as lips clashed and she shoved his jacket and shirt off. The fabric pooled on the floor and he slipped out of his shoes while she did the same, their mouths never parting.
Her hands were at his zipper and his pants and boxer briefs joined the rest of his clothes on the floor. She broke the kiss and stepped back to admire him.
“You are incredibly delicious and I’m starving,” she confessed as amber eyes burned bright with her arousal.
“Feast away,” he encouraged with a sly grin.
“I didn’t tell you that you could speak,” she chided him. Apparently, she was serious. His throat rumbled but he kept silent.
She stalked around him, running her hands over his chest and claws extended to rake across his flesh. His leopard jumped toward her teasing fingers. She palmed his ass then his hips and brushed over his shaft so quickly he jerked in response. It was exquisite torture. When her claw gently scraped his nipple, sweat broke out over his entire body.
Her eyes slit to that of her cougar when she looked up at him. His hands found the back of her dress and in the next moment the zipper gave way. She chuckled when the sound of ripping cloth filled the chamber.
“Someone anxious?” she asked seductively. She was uninhibited in a way he’d not seen from her and it was intoxicating.
“Yes,” he managed to croak past a dry throat as her breasts were revealed to him.
The large globes had his cock jumping and her nipples pebbled in response. The silk of her dress in a pile, he laid his palms on her waist and lifted her against his body.
“You can take control after the blood exchange,” he informed as he kissed down the length of her throat. “I can’t hold my leopard back for long.”
“Then let him out to play,” she challenged. “My cougar wants to be claimed.”
His eyes flared wide. He’d never had sex in animal form but had always wanted to. The primal nature of mounting her called to his spirit.
“After I take your blood. I want to make you fully mine before letting our animals out,” he replied as he took a breast into his mouth.
Arching her back, she forced more past his lips. She had no problems taking what she wanted from him and that was sexy as fuck. Once they got started it was always like this between them, a desperate rush to come together.
Crossing to the bed, he laid her down on the comforter and pulled her to the edge of the bed. She leveraged up on her elbows watching him as she placed her feet on the bed and spread her legs, giving him a spectacular view of her glistening sex.
“This is a beginning, Em. A fresh start with just the two of us, no history. We wipe the slate clean, right here, right now,” he declared, putting it all out there so she would know how he felt. He’d never thought himself romantic, but he wanted to try and be the best mate possible. She deserved that.
Tears bloomed in her eyes and her smile blinded him. “I’ve been waiting to hear that,” she admitted and he suddenly felt like crap for causing her any doubt.
Ready to start anew, he placed his hands on her knees and nudged them apart. The arousal coating her soft folds beckoned him. He ran a finger through her slit and enjoyed the shudder that ran through her body.
“Don’t tease me,” she ordered him.
“You aren’t in charge anymore, Wildcat. Just lay back and enjoy this.”
“Payback is a bitch,” she warned. Her threat might have carried more weight if it was more than a pant. Her head flopped back onto the bed as Orlando kissed his way up her thigh.
He mentally shackled his leopard so it didn’t break free. Knowing his mate was ready and willing to go animal with him made it hard to control. He glanced up and saw her struggling to control her cougar, as well.
“Patience,” he whispered and ran his tongue through her folds.
“Ah!” she cried out and gripped the bed sheet as he lapped at her sweet nectar.
He was addicted to her honey. One taste and he couldn’t stop until she was writhing beneath his mouth. One hand ran up her abdomen to her breast as his other teased her drenched opening.
Her pleasure reached him through their link and he didn’t know how he was going to keep control with the dual sensations wracking his body. Allowing one finger to tease her opening, he licked and sucked her clit into his mouth. He’d known she enjoyed that, but didn’t realize how much until now as he felt arousal rush through her veins that caused his cock to harden even more.
Their new bond was telling him how much she enjoyed each touch and caress. Inserting one finger, her muscles clamped down as she lifter her hips. Testing the waters, he swirled his tongue over her bundle of nerves and got a clear picture of the pleasure and torture that it caused her.
“Harder,” she ordered on a moan. Her fingers grabbed hold of his short hair and she pulled him against her sex, forcing more pressure to the engorged nub.
His cock ached, needing to be inside his mate so he didn’t fight her. He sucked her clit and plunged two fingers into her sex and within seconds she was bucking and crying his name.
*****
Ember panted as Orlando eased her down from the climax. She knew it was the first of many for the night and she tried to catch her breath. As he prowled up between her legs, she couldn’t help but appreciate his feline grace. Her legs opened wide, inviting him to take her body.
His hard flesh was a flame against her skin. Seeing the smile on his lips and shine in his eyes as he lay on top of her was the pinnacle of the night. The pleasure and orgasms were incredible and she wanted more, but seeing his love and knowing it was directed at her was everything. He wasn’t ready to profess his feelings, but she saw it in his eyes and that was all that mattered.
He meant
it when he’d told her this was a new beginning for them. For the first time, she didn’t feel the weight of his past between them. What she did feel was his erection resting against her thigh and she couldn’t wait for him to be inside her.
She widened her legs and wrapped one around his hip, bringing his tip in line with her core. His lips crashed down on hers as she felt him release the tight tether he’d held on his need.
He rocked against her, coating his impressive length through her arousal. His hips moved as his lips devoured her mouth. Reaching back, she clawed his ass in silent urge to join their bodies.
She mewled in objection as he broke their kiss and lifted his head from her mouth. Holding her gaze, he reached down and aligned his shaft. Before she could demand him to hurry and satiate her need, he plunged to the hilt in one tight stroke, stretching her to the point of pain.
It was a sense of homecoming as he entered her. They’d been made for each other and this was how it should always be between them. She used her thighs to press upward as Orlando came crashing down. He guided her movement with one hand as they came together. He lifted her calf over his shoulder, widening the angle so she could take more of him.
“Yes, Orlando. Give me more. I want it all,” she demanded and he gladly obliged, pounding into her willing body.
They moved together, their bond keeping them in synch. Her body coiled as they came together over and over. Her need once again reaching that precipice, she met him thrust for thrust as they sought the edge and plunged over.
She knew what was coming as he broke the kiss and momentarily stopped moving. She’d never had the blood of another and was anxious to taste him.
“Do you want the athame for the exchange?” he asked wild-eyed as he trembled from stalling his movements.
“No… use canines,” she panted as she swiveled her hips, encouraging him to move.
“Bite me when we cum, Em. I want your blood on my lips as you give me your body,” he demanded as he began moving again.
Their movements became frantic and it didn’t take much for her to feel the orgasm barreling down on her. Allowing a partial shift so her canines descended, she lifted her head and bit into his neck as her climax ripped her apart.
Stars danced in her vision as she drank his life’s blood. She expected him to be coppery like the wild game she’d hunted, but he tasted like dark chocolate and she couldn’t get enough.
A slight sting told her he’d bitten her, as well, and as his blood flowed into her body, their minds mingled as they reached for distant stars. They coalesced into one entity. She felt his hopes, needs and desires as his hot seed filled her womb and the barb extended, locking them together as their climaxes continued.
She couldn’t agree more with him. They were lucky to have found their other half. Many dreamed of finding their Fated Mate. They’d been given this rare honor and nothing and no one would ever part them again. She’d seen love in his eyes and now she saw it in his heart.
It was a new love. One in its infancy, but with such great potential.
Pulling from her body he glanced down at her. “Are you okay?” he asked as he pushed the hair from her face.
“Never better,” she assured him.
“My leopard wants his turn,” he teased as he shifted in a bright flash of light.
His magnificent snow leopard stood over her and she marveled at its strength and power. She stroked a hand through its silky fur and heard a low rumble in its throat.
Giggling with excitement, she shifted. “Come get me,” she taunted into his mind and took off running.
Anticipation ignited a burst of speed as she sprinted from the cave into the cold night air. She couldn’t wait for his leopard to catch her cougar.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“Goddess, you’re good with your tongue,” Ember groaned as her mate coaxed her exhausted body to life.
She’d been on cloud nine for the past three days as she and Orlando holed up in the mating cave exploring each other. The nights were even more exhilarating as their animals became acquainted with one another.
Ember had discovered that his leopard had to dominate her in every way and her cougar loved it. Her animal was a pussy in every way when it came to his beast. It was a little annoying to Ember, but so long as Orlando understood she wasn’t as submissive as her animal, they would be fine. Regardless, she reveled in the bliss of their mating.
The Goddess had given Ember the best gift yet in Orlando. The small peeks at his sense of humor were even more prevalent now and she realized that was the real him. The bitter, guarded image he’d carried around was a bi-product of the loss he’d experienced, in addition to his childhood issues he still carried. It was surprising to her to hear how his parents had largely ignored him. It went against the shifter way. As a species, they were the most touchy-feely of the Goddess’s creatures.
“I’m the king, baby. I’ll expect proper genuflection after I’m done,” he said with a chuckle.
“The king, huh? And, here I thought I mated a warrior,” she murmured and squealed when he tickled her sides until she was begging for mercy.
“Don’t. Stop. Uncle, uncle,” she cried out, unable to suppress her laughter.
A loud chime echoed throughout the cave, halting their sex play. “I’d like to pretend that didn’t happen, but it could be about the demons, or, more importantly, it could be about Brantley,” Orlando huffed in exasperation.
Ember didn’t want reality intruding on their little bubble, either. They hadn’t bothered to put clothes on since shedding them the night of their mating. Various pack members brought food and left it near the cave opening. She’d never had more orgasms in her life than she had the past few days and wanted to stay in their corner nook of the world and ignore the responsibilities of life a little longer. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.
Orlando rolled over and reached for his phone on the low table. The ripple of his muscles as he stretched had her mouth watering and her lips seeking the back of his neck. She shamelessly draped herself over his back and kissed and nibbled his neck and earlobe.
A masculine moan made her smile. “You’re playing with fire, Wildcat. That was Elsie,” he murmured as she urged him to his back.
The way her breasts smashed against the hard planes of his chest sent a shiver through her body. His cock sprang to life near her hip.
“Brantley just crawled. Look,” he said holding up his phone as his eyes drifted closed when she gripped his hard length.
Ember adjusted her position so she was sitting astride her mate with his shaft nestled in her slick slit. He shoved the phone at her, forcing her to take it. Brantley was indeed crawling. Stripling grew too fast, she thought. In just a couple months, he had gone from newborn to an infant in no time and would be walking before they knew it.
“One more time,” she pleaded as she set the phone down and wiggled against his pulsing cock. Her body needed him again and she wouldn’t be denied.
Orlando sat up and wrapped his arms around her middle and pulled her close. “We have time for another round…maybe two, then we have to go to him. I want us to share in this moment with him.”
He swallowed her response as he took her mouth. His lips moved over hers, his tongue slid through her parted lips and stroked the length of her tongue. Crawling stripling, demons and everything else flew from her brain as her mate pulled her into an erotic hurricane.
*****
“The protections around the Grove feel the same as they do here now,” Ember observed as they crossed the boundary onto Zeum property.
She and Orlando were running a few minutes later than expected. After making love in the shower at her house, they dressed then undressed for one more round before finally getting in his car to head to Zeum. She hadn’t wanted to leave their love nest in the cave, but she had to admit, she was anxious to see Brantley, too.
“Yep. When Hayden called in the Rowan sisters and the sorcerers, he added the extra laye
rs we’ve always had at Zeum. I think it should be much safer now,” Orlando replied as they neared the front door.
“The Grove has never been targeted before now. We have always kept our own safe. How will this affect the pack hunts? Will we need to lift the spell during those? Can we even do that?” she asked as he parked his Mustang.
“The spell is designed to allow pack and invited guests through. Anyone can cross the boundaries during the hunts, but they will not be protected outside the bubble of magic. I wouldn’t lift the protections for any reason. That’ll be tempting to the demons,” Orlando explained as they approached the house.
“I can’t wait to have you by my side during the next hunt,” Ember admitted as they entered the opulent foyer. “I still can’t get over this place. It’s so ostentatious and huge compared to our little cabin. Zander has expensive taste.”
The brown marble floors had been buffed to a high sheen. The chandelier reflected off the surface despite the faint lighting. The crystals on the chandelier were bigger than her fists and had to have cost a fortune. In fact, she’d bet everything she owned that the chandelier alone cost more than her whole place, including the furnishings.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. And, we all had a hand in building Zeum. There’s a piece of each of us here,” Orlando shared, surprising her.
“You mean to tell me that the vampire royal family helped build this place? They didn’t hire someone to do it?”
She had this image of spoiled princes and princesses being pampered and telling everyone what they wanted and how they wanted it done. Looking at all the craftsmanship around her, she couldn’t deny the skill and talent it had taken to create the masterpiece. Knowing they’d poured so much of themselves into the building placed it in a new light for her. This wasn’t a display of their wealth, but pride in their family and heritage. From the marble and hardwood floors to the ornate shutters, it was obvious they’d picked materials that would maximize their protection while still being exquisite.