“Oh, I know why.” She grinned and leaned back, resting her back against Tad, Milo’s hand still in hers. “When I was young, I had this small teddy that I carried everywhere. I’m sure it’s still on my bed in my childhood bedroom. It was so tattered, but I loved it. Poor thing lost an ear from me dragging it everywhere I went. It was my Taddybear.”
Tad’s chest vibrated with laughter under her. “I think it’s safe to assume Hazel knew and told Lisa of our destiny. She must have had a vision from touching something of yours and knew we would end up together.”
“Hazel?”
“She’s the neighbor, Tate’s adoptive mother, and she’s a witch. She has ways of knowing things, and when she stopped by earlier, she mentioned when the three of us were together that the mating desire would be released. She didn’t mention Milo by name, only that he’d unleash the last dam holding back the desire.” Tad laid his hand over Milo’s and hers. “We’re destined to be together, the three of us.”
“It’s hard to believe, but I can’t deny the reactions from my body. It’s like I have no control. I barely know either of you, but I want you both naked.” She blushed. “My mind runs with fantasies.” She placed her other hand over Tad’s so that both of their hands were between hers.
“Sugar, we can make all your fantasies and more come true.” Milo winked at her, sending her heart fluttering.
“I have no doubt about it.” She let her head fall back against Tad’s shoulder. Exhaustion pulled on her, but she didn’t want the night to end. She wanted to stay with them in front of the fire, watching the snow fall outside—a romantic evening. Being snowbound with two handsome men, both wanting her as much as she wanted them. If only there wasn’t a threat hovering over her head, she might have taken them both to bed right then.
“Let’s create a bed here in front of the fire and we can get to know each other better until you’re tired,” Milo suggested.
There was nothing she wanted more.
Chapter Five
Milo awoke to the sun streaming through the windows, his arm wrapped around Courtney, the back of his hand brushing against Tad’s hip. It was so peaceful; there was no better way to start a day than cuddled next to one’s mates. He laid there for a moment, enjoying the warmth of her body. The sweet strawberry shampoo and the faint chocolate scent from the hot chocolate still clung to her. He was tempted to snuggle back against her and sleep longer. The vibrating cell phone still clipped to his jeans announced other plans.
Slipping from the makeshift bed, he tugged the phone off his pants and brought it to his ear, walking across the room so as not disturb them.
“Milo.”
“It’s Quinn. There’s been a development in Courtney’s case. Jeffery Parks has skipped town. The judge had him surrender his passport, but he’s gone. There’s been a sighting of him boarding a private place yesterday, but no record of him being on the flight. The flight plan says the pilot was supposed to go to Seattle and back, but the plane never returned.”
“Shit!” He glanced back at Courtney. Tad’s eyes were open and he was no doubt listening to everything Quinn said.
“I’ve got a friend with a private plane, and he agreed to bring me. We’ll get as close as we can until the storm passes. Let me know if you suspect he’s there. I’d prefer not to inform the Chief of Police. Last thing we need is him finding out.” It was clear Quinn was implying he didn’t want the police to suspect they were shifters. “My friend is one of us, so there’s nothing to worry about. He’ll help if we need it.”
“Okay, if you can’t get here, Taber is standing by with the plane. First break in the weather, he’ll be here to get us to the compound. If you don’t make it before that, meet us there.” Milo watched as Tad rose, moving to the window. He glanced outside, then closed the curtains.
“Keep her safe. We need her to wrap Jeffery Park up in a nice tight bow,” Quinn said.
The thought of someone coming after his mate had the beast within him bubbling to the surface, ready to take off the head of anyone who dared come near her. “No worries there, no one will get near her.” He growled.
“You haven’t…” Quinn’s tone was accusing.
“She’s ours. No one will lay a finger on her. Tad and I will make sure of it. Anyone who tries to hurt our mate will be eliminated.”
“Don’t. I want to see him rot behind bars.”
“Then you’d better get here before he comes after my mate.” Milo pulled the phone away from his ear, sliding his finger across the end button, and met Tad’s gaze. “You heard?”
“Yes. I’m going to check the perimeter, and then shower. Stay with her.”
“Good. I’m going to update Ty with the news from Quinn.” Milo sank down on the sofa, watching over Courtney while she slept. He tried to remain calm and focused while his tiger clawed at his insides. He was angry his mate was in danger while he sat there unable to do anything except wait for the attack. He wasn’t someone who liked to be on the defensive; he preferred to make the moves before danger landed on his doorstep.
He pulled Ty’s number up and placed the call before his beast demanded he wrap his arms around her and hold her tight until the danger found them. The phone rang and rang with no answer. He hung up, knowing Ty would call him back whenever he was free from whatever business detained him.
Courtney lay there, still deeply asleep and completely unaware of what might at this very moment be outside preparing for an attack. If Jeffery left shortly after she had, he could have made it before the blizzard was at its worst.
For the second time that morning, his cell phone pulled him away from his thoughts of her. Figuring it was Ty, he didn’t bother to glance at the caller ID. Instead, he slid his finger over the screen and brought it to his ear.
“Milo.”
“Ty is dealing with a shifter in Pennsylvania who wants to join a clan, possibly Korbin’s in Ohio, and he asked me to call you. What’s going on?” Raja’s rich voice came through the phone. Even with the miles that separated them, the stress was clear in his voice. They had been dealing with a lot since Tabitha announced herself as Queen to the Tigers.
“Quinn believes Jeffery might already be here. All they know for sure is he left Texas. Supposedly he was seen boarding a plane, but there’s no record of him doing so. Can you get someone in Texas to see if they can come up with any leads? Quinn is on his way, but with the airport closed he won’t be able to get here quickly enough, so if he can’t make it before Taber does, I asked him to meet us at the compound.”
“I’ll have Tex look into Jeffery. Do you want me to ask Devon or one of the other Brown brothers to come assist you and Tad? They are closer than any of us are and might be able to make it off the island.”
Milo dragged his hand through his hair and considered it for a moment before shaking his head. “Not yet. If we need it, Tad can call his brothers in.”
“Very well. I’ll let you know if we find out anything.” Raja sighed. “Not that you need the additional stress, but we’ve received confirmation that the Arizona Tigers have dispensed. Those loyal to our kind were killed and the rest are rogues, joining Randolph’s ranks. Minnesota’s Alpha is giving us some problems as well. Ty and I are working to gather the Alphas of the clans loyal to Tabitha and our kind to put a plan of action together. This is getting bigger than we expected.”
“Tad has his laptop here, so let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. I also might be able to help with Minnesota if it comes down to it.” Randolph had taken over when Pierce was killed, heading up the rogues. Their determination to kill Tabitha was stronger than ever.
“There’s nothing for you to do right now. We just need you both back and ready to work when this blizzard passes. Is Courtney going to be ready for that? Have you told her what you are?”
“Yeah, it would have been hard to keep it from her since she’s Tad’s and my mate. Not to mention I strolled into the house in tiger form when she first saw me. We’ll
make sure she’s ready when the time comes. She’s scared and grew up believing the rumors of Tad’s family. A family of assassins, can you believe it?” Milo chuckled at the thought. All of the Brown males were intimating; they could be cold when the situation called for it, but every single one of them had a heart of gold when it came to innocents.
“I’ve heard those rumors. I think Devon’s father started it to keep intruders off the island, but you’d have to ask one of the brothers to be sure. Hell, Devon works for the police department up there when they have a rough case, why anyone would believe they’d let a killer work with the department is beyond me.”
Courtney’s eyes fluttered open. “I’ve got to go, she’s awake. Let me know if Tex finds out anything.” He ended the call, with a brief thought to the youngest Alpha, Tex. Unlike most Alphas, Tex didn’t have to fight for his position, he took over the remaining members of his former clan when they killed Avery, the previous abusive Alpha. Tex had his work cut out for him to get the clan back on the right track and heal the damage Avery had done.
“How long have you guys been up?” she asked, adjusting so she could look at him.
“Not long. I got a call that woke us.”
“Now that you’re off the phone, why don’t you come back?” She patted the blanket, inviting him to join her.
“That’s an offer I can’t refuse.” He slid off the sofa and onto his knees next to her. She rose off her elbow, coming closer to her, while the fireplace cast a warm glow around her, making her look angelic. His beast rubbed along the edges of his skin, the desire for his mate growing stronger. “You’re beautiful.” A warm blush spread across her cheeks like a brush fire.
She tugged a hand through her hair. “I’m sure I look a mess. My hair…”
He pressed his lips to hers. The sweet kiss to show her how he felt turned passionate as the desire pulled closer to the surface. Sliding his tongue between her lips, he explored the contours of her mouth. The sweet taste of her pulled him farther in. Drawing his hand through her hair, he kissed her deeper, drinking her down as if he couldn’t get enough of her. When he finally broke the kiss, they were both breathless.
“Where’s Tad?”
“I kiss you like that and your mind is on another man. If the three of us weren’t mated, I’d be jealous.” He kept his tone low and playful, making it clear he was only joking.
“She doesn’t want me to miss the fun.”
Milo turned to see Tad standing in the doorway, his clothes wet from being outside.
“Both of you are all I’ve thought about since we first touched,” Courtney admitted, her skin flushed. “The surge of power that flowed through us must have done something to me, because I can’t think of anything else right now. I don’t understand what’s happening, or why…but I want you both…now.” She held out her hand to Tad.
He kicked off his shoes and tugged off his shirt before accepting her hand.
“What are you saying, Courtney?”
* * *
She took a deep breath and pushed her fears aside. No longer would she deny her body what it craved, not when her future was looking so bleak.
“I thought it was clear. I want you. Take my mind off everything else, relieve this burning desire within me.” With one hand still in Tad’s, she used her other hand to reach out and grab hold of Milo’s shirt. “This is so unlike me, but I can’t control this. I need you both.”
Milo wasted no time stripping his clothes off, and she suspected he was also overcome by yearning. Naked, he crawled onto the makeshift bed next to her and tugged her shirt up over her head. Instinctively, she drew her hands up to cover her nakedness, but he stopped her.
“Don’t. I want to see all of you. You’re beautiful.”
Tad nodded. “I thought the same thing when I pulled you from your car. You stole all logical thought when I first saw you.”
She wanted to deny it; she didn’t see herself the way they did. She was a full figure woman, with curves in all the areas many women despised. As a journalist she was always busy chasing down a story, even worked out a few times a week to keep in shape just in case, but it never surpassed her love of baking and sweets. Thoughts of her appearance were pushed away when Tad stepped toward them.
He tugged off his wet jeans before joining them on the other side of her, then claimed her mouth. She moaned around Tad’s unrelenting kiss. For a brief moment she felt a twinge of jealousy from Milo but it passed quickly, to be replaced with the knowledge there was enough of her for both of them.
Milo pushed her bra to the side as his lips feverishly claimed her nipple. His other hand went to the waistband of her yoga pants, pushing them down her legs. With them went her last shred of reservation.
“Please…” She reached out, her hand landing firmly on Milo’s chest, forcing him closer to her. Milo’s shaft pressed tight against her thigh. They had her captive between their bodies, making her feel safe and wanted.
Milo’s fingers slipped between her legs and teased her bundle of nerves, dragging pleasure from her in hard, hot waves. She moaned around Tad’s unrelenting kiss. Milo’s fingers thrust into her as his thumb continued to wring more pleasure from her core.
Tad’s teeth grazed her lower lip and he pulled back enough to let her cries of frustration escape.
“I need one of you inside me. Please…” They stopped, sharing a glance before Milo slipped on top of her, angling between her spread thighs. He hovered above her, his shaft teasing along her entrance without entering as he watched her. Waiting, he gave her another moment to change her mind before his desire took his last shred of control and he drove into her with one powerful thrust. He gave her no time to catch her breath before he began rocking in and out.
Tad scooted from behind and knelt before her, his hard length jutting toward her. Without invitation, she took him into her mouth, working her way to the base. She used her hand to cup the end of the hard shaft, moving her mouth up and down the length, slowly at the tip. Tad groaned and reached to cup the back of her head. He allowed her to set the pace.
Trapped in the tempo of Tad’s thrusts, she fought to find the perfect cadence to allow them to work together. Their rhythm quickly synced and she moaned, knowing they were being pleasured as one, rocking together in perfect harmony, as her ecstasy began to overwhelm her. Digging her nails into the back of Tad’s thighs, she held on to him as every pump sent pulses exploding through her. She came apart at the seams, her inner muscles clenching around Milo as he continued to drive his shaft into her.
Rapture engulfed her. Tad cried out his release. She writhed beneath Milo, swallowing Tad’s juices, before another wild climax spiraled through her. Milo cried out as he slammed home a final time before he collapsed next to her, their legs still entangled.
Tad slipped from her lips and leaned against the sofa, his eyes closed. She tugged his hand, still reeling. He scooted down to lay next to her.
Eventually her breathing returned to normal, and she cuddled against both of her mates, contented. She let the thought of mates play through her mind. It was so completely different than what she’d searched for all her life, but it seemed to be just what she never knew she needed.
Chapter Six
Tad rested his head next to her, his arm wrapped across her waist holding her tight against him. Milo laid just on the other side of her, his arm just below Tad’s, his fingers brushing against both of them. It seemed so peaceful, like this was how it was always supposed to be. For that brief time, he was able to forget just what he found outside, and live in the moment with his mates.
“I hate to spoil this moment.” Milo propped himself up on his elbow.
“But?” Courtney asked.
“You need to know that it’s believed Jeffery is in Alaska. Supposedly there’s an eyewitness that saw him boarding a plane headed for Seattle. The plane never made it there or anywhere as far as we can tell. We have people looking, and Tex is following up on any possible leads in Texas.�
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Tad met Milo’s gaze, just as everything clicked into place in Tad’s mind. “That explains what I smelled outside.”
“What?” Courtney started to move but their embraces kept her snugly between them.
“This house is set far enough away from the road and town that you don’t get unwanted visitors, especially in a storm like this. The only scents I should have smelled besides ours is Hazel and Tate’s. That wasn’t the case, there was at least one addition scent. It was an animal, not a shifter, but it was near a human recently.” Tad raised his arm to draw a finger over her cheek. “We’ll keep you safe. When Jeffery decides to make himself known, we will be ready.”
“Quinn is also on his way so he can be one of the first planes in when the weather clears.” Milo laid his head next to her, breathing deep. “Your fear, it’s different. Not as powerful as before.”
She sighed. “I’m tired. Tired of running from him. He’s killed before and I know he’ll do it again given the chance, but honestly I’m just tired of it all. My life has been hell since I went to the police. If it’s all going to come to an end, even if it means my life…then so be it. I just want it over with. After all that, there’s no better way to end life.”
“We’re going to have a lot more of that in the future. Nothing is going to happen to you, so don’t talk like that.” Milo nuzzled against her.
“He’s right, things are going to be fine. I’m going to call my family and see if my brothers, Turi and Trey, can make it off the island. If they can, they should be able to make it here in bear form without any issues. The twins are second to the youngest but since the rest of us are assisting the Alaskan Tigers, they’re on the island managing our sleuth with my father, Devon.” He brought her and Milo’s hands together in his. “We’re mates, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let anything divide us.”
“I can’t have you risk your brothers for me.”
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