Two for Protection

by Marissa Dobson

  He wanted to punch his brother. She was his mate. Did being raised in the human world differ that much from how he was raised? His family was secretive, so much that the children barely left the island until they were adults and could keep their secret. Even then, only Devon ventured off for supplies, while the rest stayed on the island unless they began to get desperate to find their mate.

  The brothers had duties to the Alaskan Tigers, and their kind. They traveled frequently to the Alaskan Tigers’ compound, and on missions. They rarely had contact with humans who were unaware shifters lurked in the shadows, living their own lives. If he was honest with himself, he knew very little about the way humans were raised. It had never been important for him to find out until now.

  Whatever differences he had from Courtney needed to be addressed before it caused problems in their mating. Milo had spent years among humans; surely he’d help Tad.

  With no anger left within him, Tad let out a soft growl of frustration.

  “All I’m saying is stop interfering with my mating, unless you want me to do it when the time comes for you.”

  “There’s no reason for me to interfere any longer. Just remember she’s been through a lot and you need to be straight with her. Lisa raised her right, and she has a good head on her shoulders. She’ll keep herself safe. You need to focus on Jeffery if you want to eliminate the threat to her. If you watch over your shoulder to make sure she’s not doing something stupid, you’re going to get yourself killed. Losing one brother already this year was enough. I also don’t want to drag your heavy body home and explain how you got your dumb ass killed to Mom.” Without another word, Turi brushed past him and into the house.

  Anger spewed forward, sending the bear within him close on its heels. He wanted to grab Turi by the neck. Turi might be an adult now but he wasn’t too old for Tad to give him a lesson he wouldn’t forget. Young bears needed to mind their elders if they wanted to live a long live. He threw his head back and let a deep growl escape, shaking the ground and sending snow falling from the trees. The beast within him wanted to shift, to run off the irritation at Turi. The only thing that stopped him was the sound of the door opening behind him.

  “Stay inside, Turi, I’ve had enough right now.”

  “Courtney is worried about you. Your growl shook the whole damn house,” Milo’s deep voice called out. He never noticed before, but the sound of his voice was like echoing thunder. So much command and compassion held within those syllables.

  He turned to find his mate alone. Movement by the window caught his gaze. Turi was doing his best to drag Courtney away from view, which only sent his beast growling again. No one should lay hands on her.

  “Don’t get upset with Turi, he’s only doing as I asked,” Milo said. “Courtney standing by the window makes her a target. Now if you get your ass inside, she wouldn’t be fighting him. What the hell happened anyway?”

  “Turi has always known how to get under my skin with his comments. I swear that boy needs put in his place and this time I’m about to do it. Taber and Thorben aren’t here to protect his scrawny little ass this time.” He looked back at the window. All was still, the curtain pulled tightly back into place.

  “I don’t believe this is the time for family fights. Our mate needs our support, she’s beginning to climb the walls. In her mind, darkness only means one thing, that Jeffery will be on the move. His kind operates best at night. Darkness can hide him better from humans, making the police less like to catch him receiving the drugs. It does nothing for him when it comes to shifters. Still, if he’s going to try to attack Courtney, tonight is his best chance. Tomorrow the storm will start to break up, and with a little luck Taber can fly in before the second one makes landfall.”

  “Go ahead inside, I need a few minutes first.”

  “No.” Milo shook his head and stepped closer. “I promised Courtney I’d bring you back inside with me. She needs you, and I need to make a few calls. I spent the afternoon following up on this Jeffery Park. He’s not who he says he is. There’s a trail as long as I am tall of dead bodies in his wake. Drugs are his thing now because it’s quick money, but he’s no stranger to black market babies, human trafficking, whatever can bring him the thrill. Seems our mate got herself tangled up with a rather nasty fellow.”

  Tad rolled his shoulders and nodded. “I shouldn’t have left you alone to deal with Courtney when I knew you were dealing with other things. Turi could have waited. Let’s go put our mate’s mind at ease.” He made his way across the porch to the door with Milo a step behind him.

  “She’s our mate, we can cover for each other when one needs to deal with something, but right now she needs both of us as much as possible. She’s scared, and though she is trying to hide it, being around so many strangers has her on edge. I don’t believe it has anything to do with the fact all of us, except Hazel, are shifters.”

  “I know.” He nodded and opened the door. Inside he found Tate stretched out on the sofa, his eyes closed. Turi was blocking the path between Courtney, who sat on the armchair, and the door.

  “Get out of the way, Turi,” Courtney demanded at the sight of her mates.

  Tad shook off the snow that had gathered on his hair and shoulders and kicked off his boots. He was wet through from standing outside, but Courtney didn’t seem to notice or care as she wrapped her arms around him.

  “You’re okay.” She ran her hands over his back as if searching for injuries.

  “I’m fine. What has you in such a state?” He focused on his mate, not giving Turi a second glance, his patience gone.

  “Let’s take this to the bedroom,” Milo suggested. “You can change and we can have a little privacy.” Without waiting for their response, he led the way down the hall.

  “You both just want her to yourself, a little nooky before the fight,” Tate hollered after them.

  “You’re jealous, Tate,” Tad replied.

  Tate’s comment put ideas into Tad’s head that made him want his mate naked under him. He wanted to feel himself buried deep within her as she took Milo in her mouth. The memory of that experience, with the glow of the fire dancing over their bodies, made him instantly hard.

  “Doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me,” Courtney whispered.

  Milo leaned against the door waiting for them, a cocky grin on his face. “It seems our mate is frisky.”

  As if on command, she tugged Tad’s wet shirt from his jeans, pulling it up his chest and over his head. As quickly as it was done, her hands were back on his chest as she toyed with the little patch of hair between his pecs.

  “I don’t understand this need within me,” she said, her voice husky. “It’s always there, demanding the two of you. When you’re beyond arm’s reach, there’s a longing that aches within me for your touch.”

  “Maybe this isn’t the best time. We should wait until you’re safe.” Tad tried to reason with her before he lost whatever control remained. Her fingers teased along the waistband of his jeans, but it was her tongue flicking across his nipple that did him in. The need to throw her on the bed and claim her again took over logic.

  “Now’s the prefect time. If I’m going to die tonight I want to feel the two of you pressed against my naked body.” Her breathy words came seconds before her hand dove inside his jeans.

  “You’re not going to die, none of us are, but we can give you what you want regardless.” Milo came up behind them and kissed her neck.

  Tad kicked the door shut and edged the trio closer to the bed. “My control is flimsy tonight, the beast within is on edge. I want you naked.” He laced his fingers through her hair and forced her mouth closer to his.

  He pressed his lips to hers, demanding her. His tongue dove into her mouth, teasing along hers in a hungry frenzy. He devoured her. The sweetness of the hot chocolate she had earlier still coated her mouth, making her even more desirable than ever.

  Seconds before she tugged his jeans down his legs, he had enough logic left to grab
his gun from the holster and place it on the bedside table. When she wrapped her fingers around the length of his shaft, it nearly stole his breath. Slowly she worked her way up and down the length of him. The passion controlling him didn’t allow him to reconsider what they were doing. Danger might be lurking outside, but in that moment he didn’t care. Turi, Tate, and Hazel would alert them. All that mattered right now were his mates.

  “Naked,” Milo urged. “I want her naked.”

  Tad gave her one final kiss before pulling back. The loss was immediate and his need for her came rushing back full force. Milo pulled her shirt over her head and Tad fumbled with her jeans.

  “Let me.” She quickly unbuttoned them and slid out of them, along with her panties, before glancing back at Milo. “If we’re naked, then you should be too.” She turned to him, her fingers unbuttoning his dress shirt while her other hand was firmly wrapped around Tad’s shaft.

  Milo slid his shoulder holster and gun off, setting it next to Tad’s, before ripping his shirt off sending the remaining buttons flying through the air. “What?” He asked when they both looked at him. “Time is of the essence.” He undid his jeans and stepped out of them, along with his boxers.

  Courtney wrapped her free hand around his shaft. “Ahhh, two men standing at attention for me. I hope I don’t let either of you down.” She shot them a sexy grin that almost had Tad losing his patience.

  “You couldn’t, darling.” Milo smiled and leaned in closer. He kissed a path down her neck. The sensations poured through the connection overwhelmed each of them as she became more aroused with each touch.

  “On the bed,” Tad ordered.

  While Milo explored her breast, he wanted something a little farther south. She let go of their shafts and climbed onto the bed. Milo followed, quickly regaining his place kissing along her neck, slowly working his way back down to her breast. Tad stood there a moment, observing them. The way she came alive with their touch thrilled him. She was like a flower, waiting for that special moment to open up and let the whole world see how beautiful she was.

  “Tad…” Her voice had such desire he couldn’t deny her.

  He slipped on top of her, his bulky frame hovering above her as he stared down at her, desire burning in her eyes. He teased along the curves of her hips, his fingers brushing against Milo. His shaft twitched with need, his bear clawed under his skin, impatient and demanding. He wanted to see the desire burn brighter in her eyes.

  He blazed a hot, wet trail of kisses across her belly and stroked her thighs with his fingertips. With every touch, she arched her hips, demanding more. He loved that she couldn’t get enough of him. Nudging her legs farther apart, his fingers delved inside her and she met the teasing thrusts. A demanding moan tore through the air.

  Passion drove fire through him. Keeping his gaze on her, he slipped lower on the bed. The trail of wicked kisses tingled over her thighs. He moved his fingers until his thumb was lightly teasing over her bud before he replaced it with his mouth. Tiny nips and gentle licks flicked over her sweet spot until she wriggled beneath him. Her fingers locked in his hair, torn between pressing him closer and dragging him up.

  “Tad!” She cried out, her legs twitching, and her back arching as the release he was waiting for found her.

  “Yes, mate?”

  “I want to feel you inside of me.” Her voice was hoarse with need.

  With another flick of the tongue over her sweet spot, he nodded. “Your wish is my command, mate.”

  He spread her legs farther, giving him the access he needed before filling her slowly, inch by inch. Halfway in, he slid out before thrusting back in, filling her completely with his manhood.

  “Milo.” She wrapped her hand around his shaft. “Now, please.”

  “This time is about you.” He reclaimed her nipple, gently pulling it between his teeth.

  Tad increased his pace, driving the force of each pump. The thrusts became deeper and faster, falling into a perfect rhythm, moving with precision. Her hand still worked down the length of Milo’s shaft, keeping the connection between the trio burning.

  Their bodies rocked back and forth, tension stretching Tad tighter as he fought to hold on until she came again. Tipping her head back, she cried out, her nails digging into his shoulder blades, arching her body into his. He pumped once more and shouted her name as his own orgasm followed.

  Easing off of her, Milo quickly replaced him. Tad drew his hand through her hair, pulling it away from her face and kissing her deeply. He had wanted to taste her lips again since watching how they puckered as she came.

  “Oh no, I want her to be able to scream my name just as she did yours.” Milo shot them a quick smile before sliding his manhood inside her.

  “I guess I’ll have to give attention to the breast he neglected.” Tad teased before kissing along her jawline to her neck. He loved the way her pulse sped up; her arousal was stronger to his bear nose just below her ear, making him want to bury his head there. Instead he continued down her chest until he reached her breast.

  Kissing slowly around the nipple he watched his mates, he was surprised he felt no jealousy, only joy. Milo’s hand left her hip, sliding up her body until it brushed against Tad’s arm. The sensation of Milo’s touch made Tad pause with his lips wrapped around Courtney’s nipple.

  For a moment he wasn’t sure how to take the connection that sprang to life. It seemed to open more doors than just with Courtney. As it settled around him, he realized it was just another fold of the mating, allowing them the share the same bond they already had with Courtney. They would be in tune with each other’s emotions at all times, not having to rely on her to be the middle that connected them. It would help in protecting Courtney from Jeffery.

  With the connection easing through them, Courtney shouted Milo’s name. Only to be followed seconds later by Milo’s release. Milo slipped out of her and collapsed beside her. His gaze found Tad and they shared a knowing look. One that had Tad closing the distance between them and laying his hand over the other man’s.

  Eternity stretched on before their breathing returned to normal. They lay cuddled together, caressing each other with long, lazy strokes, enjoying the moment.

  Chapter Ten

  Courtney and Tad strolled hand in hand back into the family room, while Milo stayed in the bedroom making calls. In that moment life was good. She didn’t care that somewhere in the darkness Jeffery might be lurking, all she wanted was to be snuggled with her mates. Her body longed for Milo, but he’d promised he wouldn’t be long.

  “A little action to burn off some steam, huh, Tad?” Tate teased, munching on a bowl of popcorn.

  “I’ve never known my brother to miss a moment.” Turi chimed in.

  “You won’t disgrace a beautiful thing with your immature comments.” Tad let go of her hand and pulled her into him. “Don’t either of you have anything better to do?”

  “Not me, I have plans to sit with the newest addition to our family. I have many stories of you I’m sure she’s very interested in hearing.”

  “I think you’ve said enough.” Tad glared at his brother; she could see he was trying to push the darkness away. It was clear the thoughts of Rosemarie were coming back to him.

  She tapped her hand on his arm, and glanced to Turi. “I’m sure he has happier memories to share. Do you have any embarrassing moments you can tell me about?” A few amusing tales would help lighten the mood.

  “I’m afraid now is not the time,” Hazel announced. They turned to find her standing in the doorway.

  “What is it, Mom?” Tate set the bowl of popcorn aside.

  “They are nearing. If they continue, their arrival will be in twenty minutes. If they veer off the path, it’ll be an hour.”

  “They?” Tad slid Courtney in front of him and wrapped his arms tightly around her.

  “Your father and another man are on his tail. I don’t believe they will catch him before he gets here. We need to be ready,” Hazel explain
ed.

  “We’ll be ready.” Milo stated, coming to join them in the family room. “Courtney, I want you to stay in the study with Hazel. You’ll be safe there and out of direct line if there’s a firefight. The windows are too far off the ground for him to come in that way, leaving only one way.”

  “Turi, you’re with the women,” Tad ordered.

  “Come on, bro.” Turi complained.

  Tad’s body went stiff against her, and his fingers stopped teasing over her forearm. “You might be an ass, but you’re still my brother. I want you safe and I need to know the women are protected. Two birds one stone, that kinda crap. Now I don’t want to hear another complaint.”

  “Yes, sir.” Turi quickly stood and saluted him before giving her a wink.

  These two were enough to drive her insane. She couldn’t imagine being surrounded by all six of the Brown brothers at once. How had their mother managed when they were young?

  “Boys.” Courtney intervened before Tad could do or say anything. She didn’t need him beating the shit out of Turi. “Turi, you can use this time to give me the dirt on Tad.”

  “Come along with me, Turi,” Hazel interjected. “There are a few things I’d like to do first and could use your help.” She gave Tate a look that had him jumping to his feet.

  “I’ll come too.”

  “I believe they’re giving us a private moment before the shit hits the fan.” Courtney held her hand out to Milo. She wanted to feel them both pressed against her, to calm the storm that was wrecking havoc on her stomach. Anxiety and concern nearly overpowered her.

  “Oh, darling.” Milo joined them, wrapping his arms around both of them. “Everything is going to be fine.” He nuzzled his head between the nook of her shoulder and Tad’s chest.

  “I brought him here, this isn’t your fight. You shouldn’t be risking yourselves to protect me. Damn it!”