by Lily Luchesi
"All of you," I added. "Connor, have you heard from your inside person yet?"
He nodded slowly. "She made contact a few minutes ago. She knows where yours friends are being held. They're still in the building. Alive."
"Then that's where we start," I said, "we get them out and work out how to finish what I started."
"Maybe that's not what we want." Declan suggested, but he was less hostile now.
"That's up to you," I told him. I looked toward Riley.
He nodded. "I'm in."
"Me too," Connor said.
Riley shot him a grateful look, that almost seemed to linger between them. Perhaps they were more than friends. I glanced at Declan. If he noticed, his expression gave nothing away.
I hesitated for a moment before asking, "Can your person on the inside be trusted?"
"I would trust her with my life," Connor said firmly. "And have in the past."
That left one question—did I dare to trust them? Riley had helped me, but he'd also been helping himself.
"Why were you there in the first place?" I blurted out.
Riley looked unfazed. "Same as you. We wanted to find a way in so we could destroy Zeta from the inside."
"You had a plan?"
He glanced at the other men. "In a manner of speaking."
Something passed between the three of them, as though they'd decided they could trust me too.
Connor outlined their idea. It was simple, but would slow Zeta down for years.
"Do you think it'll work?" I asked.
"In the short term, yes," he replied. "We need something else in place for the longer term. We, and some others, have been working on that too. In the meantime, we need to get inside to see if this will work."
"It's a start I suppose," I said uncertainty.
"It'll mean no one dies," Riley pointed out.
"Except us if we get caught," I said.
"We won't," Riley said. He put a hand on mine and smiled.
"I hope you're right," I told him. But it didn't matter, I would try, even if it meant I did die.
"Of course I am. Now, we should have breakfast and work out a plan." He jumped to his feet and headed toward the kitchen."
"We can't do anything for a few days," Connor stated.
My eyes snapped toward him. "If we wait—"
He held up a hand. "I know what's at stake, believe me, but they'll be expecting us. We can't just go running back in. We need to figure out the best way to do this, so we all get out alive. All right?" He fixed me with those blue eyes of his and a stern look.
I met his gaze, unwavering. Then I sagged. "You're right, I know. There's too much at risk to screw it up now."
He gave me a faint smile that left my stomach to flutter. "Yes, there is. We'll do this. But first, Riley is right. We should eat."
Chapter 4
"There you are."
Connor's voice made me jump. I almost fell off the swing.
"I needed some air," I said. After all the hours of planning and talking, I needed a break from the confined space under the house. Night had fallen an hour ago, so I was sitting in the dark except a faint glow from a streetlight on the other side of the fence.
"I thought you might need some of this." He held up a bottle and gave it a shake. Over his arm, he held something long and dark. Only when he opened it and lay it over the lawn did I realise it was a blanket.
He lowered himself down and patted the space beside him. With a crack, he opened the bottle and took a gulp.
"Just what I need after a long day."
I climbed off the swing, plopped down beside him and took the bottle when he offered. The bourbon seared its way down my throat to form a warm pool in my belly.
I took another gulp and handed the bottle back. "I don't usually drink, but that feels good."
"Plotting the downfall of a top secret government agency is hard work," he said.
I stifled a laugh. "Yes, it is." I took a breath before saying, "Can I ask you a question?"
"That depends on the question," he replied.
"Always the serious one," I said.
"Someone has to be," he replied. "Riley is the happy one and Declan is the grumpy one."
"Does that make you Doc?" I teased.
He snorted. "Better than being the dopey dwarf."
I covered my mouth with my hand to keep from laughing too loudly. "Or sneezy."
Connor chuckled. "That would be my brother Kyle. He's allergic to everything. So, was this the question, which dwarf I am?"
"No. I was wondering if you're a shifter too?"
"Yes." He took another swig and offered me the bottle again.
"What can you shift into?" I asked. Even after a few sips I was starting to feel tipsy.
"I'd tell you, but you might get scared."
"Not a chance," I promised.
"All right then." He took my hand in his and pressed it against his cheek.
At first, all I felt was stubble. Then the hair on his face became longer and softer. His head grew and eyes changed to gold, which shone in the glow of the streetlight.
I heard his clothes tear as his body followed the transformation and left them in shreds around him.
He nuzzled my hand with his enormous muzzle.
"You're a lion too?" I breathed.
Under my hand, he changed back, leaving him naked on the blanket, chiseled body stretched out beside me.
"Yep. Riley and I are cousins. Lions run in the family."
Apparently so does being hot and muscly.
"And Declan?" I asked, not sure if I was treading on ground I shouldn't be.
"He's a different kind of cat. A smaller one. That's why he gets pissy."
"Because he's a house cat?" I asked, trying not to laugh.
"Oh, he's not a house cat, he's just smaller than a lion. He'll tell you he's big where it counts though." He chuckled and gestured toward his cock, which was erect and pointed in my direction.
I swallowed. I couldn't deny I was attracted to him, and everything about this moment was incredibly arousing.
I licked my lips. "You know Riley and I…"
"I know," he said in a hurry. "The choice of what you do and who you do it with, is up to you. Neither of us are bothered, or jealous." He leaned in to nibble at my neck. It both tickled and sent a jolt of heat to my core.
I had to force myself to focus and ask, "Are you and Riley…"
He paused for a moment. "Sometimes, when the mood takes us. Is that a problem?"
"Not for me," I said hastily. "Love is love."
"That it is," he agreed, and went back to nibbling at my neck.
I put a hand on his arm. Under my palm, his muscles were hard and thick. Even more so than Riley.
He worked his way up from neck to my chin, then claimed my mouth in a heated kiss. His tongue insisted I open my mouth and let him in.
Already panting, I complied. His tongue slipped inside. I closed my lips around it and sucked gently.
He moaned. His hand slid under my shirt and caressed my skin up to my breast. Through the fabric of my bra, he fingered my nipple gently. Then the other one.
I pulled off my shirt and tossed it onto the grass beside us.
Connor worked the cup of my bra down and teased my nipple with his tongue, then drew it into his mouth and sucked. His tongue slid against my skin and it, like Riley's was exquisitely rough.
Just as it started aching for his touch, he did the same with my other nipple before deftly unhooking my bra and pulling it off. Without any hesitation, the rest of my clothes followed.
I lowered my hand down his body until my fingers encircled his cock. He was big, enough to fill my hand fully, and luckily he was all human in that regard.
I lightly raked my nails up and down his shaft until he groaned.
He drew my legs apart and stroked my clit with his fingertips. My body rocked with each touch.
"You're so wet already," he whispered.
&n
bsp; "I want you," I replied. Oh gods, did I want him!
"Patience." He continued to stroke me, then put a finger inside me. He thrust, once twice, three times.
"That feels so good," I said breathlessly. I stroked him more firmly, increasing the pace as he slid himself in and out of my grip.
"I'm glad to hear it." He worked me a little harder, his eyes locked on mine, one hand inside me, the other caressing my breast.
I curled my spare hand into a fist, closed my eyes and bucked against his hand. Passion rose until it threatened to swallow me whole. Blood rushed through my ears, deafening me to all but my own breathing.
With a cry, I arched my back and came, panting and letting out little cries of pleasure.
Only once my orgasm was finally done and I'd flopped back down on the blanket did he slide his fingers free. I watched him carefully, as though I was the cat and he the prey. He gave me a little "cat that got the cream" smile.
With gentle hands, he rolled my over onto my stomach. He rubbed my shoulders, then traced circles down my back, all the way to my rear.
Just as I thought I might have to beg him, he kneaded my cheeks, then straddled me and parted my legs with his knees. I felt his hand guiding him to me before he pushed the tip of his cock into me.
"Mmmm," he murmured.
I exhaled softly in agreement and anticipation.
He exhaled a ragged breath, drew back and slammed all the way into me. He filled me until I felt like I would burst, in the most exquisite way.
"Oh, you feel so good," he said breathlessly.
"So do you," I said, as my thoughts drifted, savouring the moment.
He paused and ran his hands down my back again, then pounded into me all the way, over and over.
Lying as I was, with his weight pressing onto me, I couldn't buck, I could only lie and enjoy him filling me again and again.
Just when I thought he was about to come, he pulled out, rolled me onto my side, facing him and pulled my leg over his hip. He slid back into me and closed his eyes. I watched his face as he thrust, his expression one of pure bliss. I could get used to seeing that face like this.
This time I could move, matching him buck for thrust, in perfect rhythm. He palmed one of my nipples and gripped my breast in firm fingers.
His breath came faster and faster and I thought this time he would come.
Once again, he pulled out before he orgasmed and guided me onto my hands and knees.
His hands on my ass, he pulled me onto his cock. His hands slid up to my waist and he guided me up and down, choosing the pace.
The feeling of him being in complete control aroused the hells out of me. I just relaxed and let go.
"That's my girl," he said softly. "Gods, you're incredible." He grunted and began to thrust faster and faster.
"Hells, yes, yes yes." He groaned as he came. His fingers tightened on my hips, to the point of exquisite pain.
Finally, he relaxed and pulled himself out of me before lying me down and gathering me into his arms.
"I'm sorry if I hurt you," he whispered into my ear.
I laughed softly. "It's all right. It felt good." I was so used to doing things for myself, it was refreshing to have someone else take charge.
"I can't argue with that." He kissed my ear. "I could do that again." He kissed my cheek. "And again." He kissed my mouth. "And again."
"I wouldn't object to that." If we lived long enough to do it again.
"Come and sleep in my bed," he said. "You'll be safe there."
"Not from you," I teased.
He chuckled. "No, not from me. Gods woman, I'm getting hard again already. Are you using magic on me?"
For a moment I thought he was accusing, then I realised he too was teasing. "No. No magic. Just my feminine charms."
"If you say so, lioness," he replied as he nibbled my ear. "When this mission is over, I'd like to explore this—whatever this is. Even if you want to explore you and Riley too."
"I'd like that," I replied. I hadn't felt so safe and wanted, emotionally as well as physically, in my life before.
"Good, because I want to explore every little bit of you." His hand cupped my breast.
"If we don't go to bed now, we might end up out here all night," I pointed out.
He sighed and pulled away. "You're right. The sooner we go, the sooner you can come."
I suspected neither of us would be getting much sleep tonight.
Chapter 5
"We're not really going to walk in the front door?" I whispered.
I raised my upper body and peeked over the bushes which obscured us from Zeta headquarters. "Last time we had to dismantle the alarm system. They've probably got it back up and running."
And then some. Security around the whole place would be beefed up.
"Don't worry, our girl on the inside is all over it," Connor said. In spite of us being awake most of the night, he looked rested.
I drew a little magic from the plants around me, then sent it coursing through my body. I immediately felt more alert and energetic, jittery even. In spite of that, I drew a little more and did it again, to increase the boost of energy. It wouldn't last, but it would do for now. I could run if need be and my vision and hearing were enhanced.
"So, who is this woman?" I asked. Did I sound slightly jealous? Maybe I was. Not just of Connor's relationship with her, but of the fact she was inside the compound. She could come and go without having to sneak around and risk being found. She could blow the place up and walk away with no one the wiser. I accepted we were doing this the guy's way, but I hadn't ruled out destruction at a further date.
Connor replied, "She's my mother."
I almost choked on air. "You let your mother get involved?"
From the other side of me, Riley barked a laugh. "Let? Aunt Cami brought him into this. She's in it up to her eyeballs."
I glanced at Connor, but he wouldn't meet my gaze. "He's right," he said simply.
"Are we going to lie here all day?" Declan asked. "Because if we are, I'd like to take the time to point out how phenomenally stupid it would be to go back inside this place."
"That's why we're not," Connor replied.
I looked at him in surprise. "I thought—"
"I never said we were going inside. At least, not yet." He regarded me, unblinking, for several moments. "Do you trust me?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"There's always a choice, lioness," he said softly. His voice sent shivers through me, in the best way possible. We had no time for that. I forced myself to focus.
"Then I guess I do," I replied finally.
"Good." Connor nodded. "Then we wait."
"What are we—"
A loud boom echoed through the air.
Beneath me, the ground shook. I pressed my palms to either side of me to keep from falling over on my face on the leaf matter.
"What the—" I shut my mouth so hard my teeth clicked.
As one, every light in and around the building winked out.
Shouts of alarm from the direction of the compound followed almost immediately.
"Oops, someone must have done something to the electricity," Riley said gleefully.
After a few seconds, the lights flickered back on. Another peek in the direction of the compound showed Zeta staff running back and forth, most heading in the direction of the blast.
Another explosion followed the first, this one from the back of the building, away from us.
"And the backup generator," Connor added.
Declan snorted in amusement.
"All right, it's time to roll." Connor rose and jammed a cap onto his head. Dressed in a Zeta uniform, he was hot as hells, in a disturbing kind of way. Riley wore one too, which fit better than a uniform should, his biceps bulging under firm sleeves.
"Declan, you're up." Connor gave him a nod.
Declan stood and, right in front of me, stripped naked. I tried not to look, but I couldn't help myself. He was long an
d lean. The others might beat him in a wrestling match, but I'd bet he could outrun them.
But then again, three of them wrestling might be fun. Especially if there was mud involved, or maybe—
Declan cleared his throat. "Had a good look, have you?"
I blushed. "Um. Sorry."
His teeth flashed. "It's okay, I don't mind. You might enjoy looking at a real guy after these two clowns."
Riley chuckled. "Less talk, more saving the world."
Declan shrugged and started to shift. His body grew and became covered in pale fur, with black spots here and there. Connor was right, he was smaller than a lion, but impressive nonetheless.
"Snow leopard," Riley supplied.
Declan bounded off through the trees toward the compound. Moments later, the baying of dogs filled the air.
"That will keep them distracted for a while. You know what you need to do, lioness?"
I sucked in a breath. "Yes." I drew as much magic as I could hold and built a bubble around myself as I had the day I'd met Riley.
Gods, was that only four days ago?
This time the bubble was smaller, just encompassing me. It felt strange and isolating. I could see out, but I knew the guys couldn't see me. To them, I would have disappeared.
By the sound of Connor's intake of breath, it had worked. He put up a tentative hand and pressed it lightly against the bubble. From the inside, the magic glowed in response. From the outside he wouldn't notice a thing.
"You're in there, aren't you?" he asked, confirming that presumption.
"Yes." I smiled, even though he couldn't see it. "We should get going."
"Yes, you're right." He dropped his hand. "Come on then." He gave a small shake of his head and turned away.
I followed the guys toward the compound. They did nothing to mask their presence. Their heavy boots sounded so loud I cringed at the first few steps. Of course, they had to make it look as though they weren't sneaking around. Nothing said suspicious like two tall men walking on tiptoes.
Fortunately, all the noise they made covered any sound I might accidentally make. Still, I treaded carefully and walked as much in their footsteps as I could. I drew a little more magic every few moments, to keep my supply from running out.
A possum, which must have scurried up a tree on our approach, fled when I siphoned a tiny portion from it.