by Suzie Ivy
She spoke between sobs, “We’re never going to have a baby. I’m no longer ovulating and it’ll be another month before we can even try again.” She ignored his snort and continued. “It should have worked already. From what I read on the internet, we have everything in our favor. You don’t wear tighty whities because you never wear anything under your pants, so your squiggly wigglies can’t possibly suffocate, and I stand on my head to allow them free access.” She caught her breath then continued, “Maybe bears and wolves can’t mate and Zenya’s pregnancy is a fluke.”
Honey pulled her closer. “You worry too much, and there’s no way I’m waiting a month to try. Me touching you...” He said as he trailed his fingers across her nipple. “Has nothing to do with creating a child.” He went up on his elbow and used his mouth on the other peak before looking into her eyes. “We have hundreds of years to get it right. Your sister and brother no longer want my head on a platter.”
“What about your father?” She sniffed.
“I’ll take care of my father, but first I plan on taking care of you.”
Now, she giggled. “And how do you plan to do that, Mr. Bear?”
He suddenly flipped her over onto her stomach. He took both of her hands and lifted them above her head, securing them in one of his. He kissed her neck and then her back before sliding between her thighs and lifting her so she came up on her forearms. Then he released her hands, positioned his erection between her thighs, and slid his fingers along her skin until her breasts filled his hands. His thrust his hips forward.
She couldn’t help her moan of ecstasy or pressing her hips back toward the heat of his groin so each movement he made was met with one of her own.
When every nerve ending in her body sent a zing directly between her legs, she felt his teeth sink into her shoulder and she cried out, her body shook and her arms barely held her up. He lifted her back against him and gave one last thrust.
He whispered into her ear, “This is not about a child. It’s about you and me. It will always be the same. You are mine.” His hot breath covered her neck and then his teeth clamped down again as they both fell apart.
“You’re mine, too, Honey,” she said after her breathing steadied.
“Yes, I’m yours.” He released her and somehow managed to disengage, roll her over, and then bury himself deeply again.
He didn’t take his eyes from hers as her groin quivered then tightened when his strokes grew faster. She cried out louder this time and Honey’s shout followed. He kissed her sweetly after they both found release. When he finally ended the kiss, he rolled and locked her against his side. She closed her eyes tightly and hoped for a miracle.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
They took a long shower then dressed. Mandy told him she had promised to take Patreous home this morning and that she wanted to do it alone so she had time to talk to the bear cub. Honey growled a little, but knew if he didn’t allow her to have her way, disaster would likely be the outcome.
He drove into town and picked up the new door and other hardware supplies he needed. Stopping at the post office, he discovered another package addressed to Mandy. He had to smile because it was anyone’s guess what lay inside.
Within an hour of returning home, he had the new door hung and bars secured inside. There were two—one at eye level and one under the handle. He planned to secure them whenever he wanted alone time with his mate. He’d consider adding bars to the windows if it became an issue.
He felt Dmitri’s presence before turning and acknowledging his liege standing in the shadows of the front room.
“I refuse to ask what you’ve done with your door.”
“Good, you’d only laugh at my answer. And, I’m well aware the bars won’t keep you out,” Honey said with an exaggerated sigh.
The vampire looked long and hard at Honey, but then his lips curved up. “She’s been good for you.”
“Exasperating, conniving, makes my heart fall into my gut daily, but yes, she’s been good for me.”
Dmitri nodded his head in agreement, but then all semblance of a smile left his face. “I just received word that Marcus’ clan was attacked late last night.”
“How bad?”
“One wolf and one she-cat are dead. Trouble will arrive in force soon. It’s only a matter of time.”
Honey pulled out a chair for the vampire and then sat down at the table. “What do you propose?”
“I’ve discussed it with your father. Marcus has two strikes against him. First… he’s closest to the border and the proximity of the cats. Second… he’s harboring the she-cats of Nicolas’ pride, or pack, as Nicolas prefers them called. Your father is willing to send a contingency of bears and I agree.”
“I agree, also.” Honey was relieved that his father was fully on board. It was one thing to declare himself, and another to act immediately. Honey loved and trusted his father, but everyone knew The Kodiak did things according to some unknown timetable, and seldom did Dmitri put his foot down; he preferred to wait the alpha out. Honey wouldn’t ask if his father needed a push, and continued to stare at the vampire knowing there was more.
“Nicolas’ clan is moving here for added protection.”
Honey whistled. Bears did not play well with others.
“The female cats are scared and need added stability. They also need a place to lay low and lick their wounds. Our she-bears are more submissive than wolves and the she-cats should feel less conspicuous. They also need to learn self-defense along with our women. Your father and I agree that you and Mandy should be in charge of their lessons.”
This time Honey lowered his eyes and scratched the surface of the table taking a deep breath before his gaze went back to Dmitri’s. “My father agrees with this?”
“He does. The Kodiak is well aware that Patreous is alive because Mandy killed his assassin. We have no idea how long this war will last. We cannot trust our tentative alliance with the northern cats. England is sending weres, but no vamps. Everyone must prepare.”
“I agree. I’ll speak with Mandy and we’ll come up with a training schedule for the women.” Honey gave a soft chuckle. “I think Tyboll will help.”
“Tyboll?”
“It seems he and Mandy have mended fences with the help of her last tranquilizer dart.”
Dmitri laughed long and hard. “We need to put your mate in charge of peace negotiations if we ever get that far.”
“You wouldn’t be sorry.” Honey changed the subject. “When all this is finished, or possibly before, she wants to work at the club.”
“I see you’ve wisely decided that Mandy gets what she wants.”
Honey shifted in his chair. “I like my balls attached, thank you.”
With a sympathetic burst of laughter, Dmitri acquiesced easily, “I’ll give her a hostess job.”
Honey’s eyebrows rose in question.
“I can’t use her as a bouncer, but as hostess she’ll see more and not upset my human waitresses. We’ll at least start there. I have a feeling that Mandy will make her own decisions when the time comes, but we can pretend we’re in charge.”
Honey rubbed the back of his neck. “How did you become so clever, my liege?”
“Oh, that’s quite easy. I watched your mistakes very closely and learned from them.” With that, Dmitri flashed from the cabin, his laughter echoing off the walls.
***
“Yes, Patreous, you are going back home. Don’t make me tie you up and carry you over my shoulder.” Mandy’s hands rested on her hips.
“I will eat your eyeballs out if you try,” the young bear threatened.
“Well that’s a disgusting thought, but even without my eyeballs I can beat you to your cabin.”
The bear looked down. “I know you can, and then my father will be angrier.”
Mandy ruffled the top of his head. “Your father and I had a long talk. He’s agreed that you and I can run together. He expects you to try your best and be able to beat me wi
thin the year. I think you can do it much sooner, but maybe not.”
“I know I can.” He gave her a stubborn look.
“Then what are you waiting for?”
Patreous’ shirt came over his head.
“Stop right there,” Sonora said. “Change on the porch and fold your clothes neatly. I’ll bring them along later today or sometime tomorrow.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Patreous said with big eyes on the she-bear.
Sonora walked forward and wrapped her arms around the young boy. “Come back and see us again.”
His face turned red, and he wiggled away then walked to the door with Mandy following. They made short work of their clothes, folded them as Sonora ordered, and took off. Mandy won the race, but Patreous managed to stay close. Mandy knew he would quickly give her a run for her money.
Watching the reunion with father and son was not quite as satisfying as Mandy hoped, but it could have gone worse. Tyboll gave his son a small shove, which Mandy took as an endearment, and then promised he and Patreous would come to dinner. Patreous gave her a surprisingly shy grin and a one-fingered wave when she left.
Mandy allowed her wolf its freedom as she tore through the forest and made her way back to the cabin. She shifted to human on the porch and smiled at the new door. Honey sat waiting at the kitchen table. She turned, put the bars in their place, and then tackled him so they both landed on the floor.
“Right here, right now, my mate,” she growled in his ear.
“I like when you’re feisty,” he growled back.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Tyboll didn’t speak much during dinner, but he ate an alarming amount of food. “Good food, she-wolf,” was the only thanks she got from the cantankerous he-bear.
She didn’t let his less-than-stellar social skills bother her. “You’re welcome, and Thursday night now belongs to both of you,” Mandy said looking between Patreous and his father. “I promise to cook each week, but the three of you have cleanup duty.”
The young bear turned startled eyes to his father, but Tyboll just shrugged, lifted his plate, and piled a few other dishes on top, obviously choosing to pick his battles. The three males did as directed while Mandy browsed the internet. After father and son left, she turned to Honey. “I checked and my invoice says my package arrived today. Did you pick it up?”
Honey gave a smirk. “What if I did?” His eyelids lowered halfway and his voice went gruff. “Are we playing kinky tonight?”
She ignored his hooded stare. “Sorry, that’s not what’s in the package. It’s a party dress and requires you to take me out dancing.” She stood and did a quick twirl.
A low rumble came from Honey’s throat before the single word “No” blasted throughout the room.
Mandy was in the process of dancing her way to the bedroom, but she turned and glared with all the power her green eyes had. “Has that ever worked for you?”
Honey shook his head. He knew that tone, the set of her jaw, and the fire in her gaze. “You will not dance in public.” The rumble in his chest turned to a low, steady growl.
“That’s silly. Everyone dances in public, and if you refuse, there are plenty of humans who will dance with me.”
His eyes flashed. “Over my dead body.”
“I don’t want you dead, but I’m sure sedating you would work.” She backed up because he was coming slowly her way, but she challenged him nonetheless. “I guarantee you really want to take me dancing.”
“If another man, human or beastkind, touches you, I’ll kill him.” He grabbed her arm and brought her against his chest. His low voice threatened to explode into a shout as he looked down into her startled eyes, “You don’t really want someone’s death on your hands, do you?”
“No, silly bear, but dancing is different. You’ll see.”
His growl almost burst her eardrums.
***
He didn’t say a word as they drove to Dmitri’s club, but Mandy didn’t let it ruin her mood. Her dancing dress fit like a second skin, with a small flare at the hips that ended barely below her butt cheeks. Honey wore dress slacks and a black button-up shirt. He didn’t tuck it in, but looked way past sexy.
“You’re going to regret this,” he said after parking the truck.
His steely glare just made her smile. “I don’t think so. You need to let your hair down a little.” She reached over and smoothed the skin below his ear. “I’ll be good. I promise.”
The two bouncers, members of the bear clan, with eyes nearly popping from their heads, gave a stunned nod to Honey as he walked Mandy inside the front doors. The loud music made her hips sway as soon as they entered. Honey’s hand stopped her rocking motion, and he pulled her sharply into his side with a warning growl.
“Dmitri,” Honey said.
The vampire’s eyes sparkled with just a touch of amber. He took Mandy’s hand and kissed the backs of her fingers, but never took his eyes off her mate. “Welcome to my club, dear.”
She gave him her sweetest smile. “I’m here to dance, but I might need some help with Mr. Burley Bear here. Do you dance, Dmitri?”
Low grumbles came from Honey, but the vamp ignored him. “I’ll join you on the dance floor later when the music’s right.” He continued to hold her fingers.
“Release. Her. Hand,” Honey ground out.
Dmitri gave Mandy a devilish smile, bent and kissed her fingers once more, and then winked. “You won’t be leaving here until I have my dance,” he promised and then turned hard eyes back to Honey. “Control yourself, bear, I’m aware she belongs to you.” His mouth quirked with a dangerous edge.
Mandy’s heartbeat accelerated and she worried Honey would ruin their evening with his stupid jealousy. She watched as he grit his teeth and looked away for a few minutes. His chest noticeably expanded and then deflated several times before he turned back to Dmitri.
“I apologize. Her dress is driving me insane, and if someone looks at her ass, I might take their head off.”
“I’ll have Rufus stay close. I want your mate to have a good time. Every woman deserves to dance.”
“Not mine,” Honey huffed.
Mandy turned slightly, placed her hand flat against her mate’s chest, and moved in close. “I’ll never forget who I belong to.” She went to her tiptoes and placed a soft kiss on his tightly compressed lips. “Can we find a booth and sit down, please?”
A large man, obviously Rufus, came up and followed behind them. Mandy tried to ignore him, but whispered to Honey. “Is he really necessary?”
“Unless you want a dead human on your hands, he is.”
“You are joking, right?” She didn’t get a response and decided to let Rufus stay.
They sat in the booth while Honey scowled at all the movement around them. A waitress approached, but before she took their order, Honey abruptly stood, waved her off, and pulled Mandy up beside him. He walked to the dance floor, jerked Mandy against his chest, and then pushed her roughly away before spinning her once and bringing her close again. His hips moved fluidly as he led her through intricate steps and made her think about her footing until she found his rhythm.
When he next pulled her in close, she managed to whisper against his ear, “Why you naughty bear.” After that, she absorbed the music into her body, followed her excellent partner, and enjoyed their sexy rhythm.
When the song ended, a slow ballad began and Honey quickly drew her into his body, his warm breath sliding across her damp skin. “I don’t want anyone looking at you but me. I want no other hands on you but mine.” He paused, took a breath, and continued. “Just for a moment… think about me dancing with another woman—a beautiful, sexy woman.”
Mandy responded with a growl of her own.
“Exactly. I can dance, but I’d prefer that we do it in the privacy of our home for the next hundred years or so.”
She buried a soft smile against his shoulder. “I promise to only dance with you.”
“Harrumph. Your liege thinks
differently.”
“He’ll survive. You dance beautifully, Honey.” She laughed as he twirled her again.
“Can we go now?” he grumbled.
She pulled slightly away from his chest and gave him a sensuous smile. “We’ve only begun, and I want to see all your moves.”
“I have some, but I’ll only show them in private.” His hand traveled across her hip and he gently squeezed her bottom before moving his fingers back to her waist.
Honey’s muscles suddenly tightened, and when she turned slightly, she saw his gaze shooting daggers at a stupid human who stared at her swaying butt. The man’s eyes traveled up her curves, but he obviously discovered Honey’s glare because he quickly turned away.
Mandy’s teeth found his earlobe and she bit down gently before admonishing him. “Control yourself, mate. This is supposed to be fun.” Her tongue came out and lathed the small indent her teeth left behind.
“Grrrr.” The growl left his throat with a steady rumble, continuing deep in his chest.
Mandy knew she walked on thin ice and decided to get him off the dance floor for now. “I’m thirsty. Would you mind if we had a drink?”
“That’s the wisest thing you’ve said all night. No alcohol.”
“Grrrr.”
He laughed at her sweet imitation of his growl and she felt his body relax. Honey ordered an appetizer and two bottles of sparkling water. “Bring wine glasses, please,” he told their waitress.
“Is the wine glass supposed to make me feel better?”
“No, but it will hopefully make the patrons here think you’re twenty-one. I owe Dmitri a favor for letting you in as my guest.”
“I’ve been to plenty of dance clubs and no one’s ever known I was too young.”
“I doubt that. They just wanted to watch you dance and threw the rules out the window.”
She couldn’t help her full-out laugh. “Where were you when I was a gangly teenager with oversized teeth?”