Silles, Mynxe L. - CatNip [CatTales] (Siren Publishing Ménage and More)

by CatNip (lit)

  Maybe the bonds established with Craig long before were vital links. Leo couldn’t help but believe it. Fate kept pointing towards a close relationship between the three of them. Leo felt the link, and it negated the jealousy that could have raged, but didn’t.

  How could he deny the signs? Craig was his former partner and Lynx’s current one. Craig also had a long friendship with Leo and Lynx. Craig was in love with Lynx, and Leo knew it. Lynx was his mate. Craig had shared his former love Kelly with Leo before her untimely death. Neither would forget her.

  But Lynx, Leo realized, would link them together in a way Kelly could never have done.

  Leo, Lynx, and Craig all shared a shifter’s soul.

  Chapter 14

  The sun set slowly as Lynx slowly drifted back to conscious awareness, her dreams quickly evaporating as she slowly eased away from Leo’s arms. Lynx pulled herself upright on the edge of the large bed. Rubbing her eyes, she admired the ropy muscles of Leo’s chest and the half hidden whorls of downy hair that disappeared behind the sheet on Leo’s stomach. Lynx fought the impulse to run her fingers down the trail to what she knew lay beyond.

  Lynx’s stomach growled. She could still feel her body’s tenderness in more than one area. She blushed as the memories of earlier returned. What exactly had she become? Lynx had always had fantasies, but lately, they’d been getting the better of her. She’d never been so overtly sexual before in her life, until she’d met Leo. Yes, she’d lusted for Craig for years, but their lust had never culminated in a physical relationship, until recently.

  Sure, she and Craig had teased and flirted even, but how had she wound up here with the two of them, caught in the middle and wanting both? Even the thought made her burn. She could only imagine what the reality might entail. A sound from below interrupted her daydreams. Then, she remembered, they were going out tonight. The thought brought her to her feet. Lynx padded to the room’s master bathroom, carefully closed the door, and splashed some water onto her face.

  The face that stared back at her in the room’s large mirrored vanity was the same one that had always greeted her, just different somehow. There was a subtle glow to her eyes, Lynx realized. There was also a slight sheen to her skin. That was new. Her nipples, well, they seemed darker, too. It was as though her newly discovered sexuality had enhanced her body somehow and was being reflected back to her. As if no longer hidden, the current of her change roiled like an electric charge across her features.

  Lynx blinked. For an instant, she could have sworn she’d almost seen something wild staring back at her. Fur had tufted her pointed ears. Hell, her eyes had even glowed. Lynx looked down at her hands. Had she felt claws emerging? Now, neither her hands nor her image reflected any of it. Something wild lurked beneath the surface. Lynx wasn’t ready to face it, yet.

  Lynx blinked and hurriedly applied the light makeup she knew enhanced her eyes, making them more cat-like in appearance. Strange, how she was just noticing that now. She carefully accentuated her bone structure, and then inspected her face once more. Finally, Lynx gently smudged the gloss over her full bottom lip. Just her fanciful imagination getting away with her again, she tried reassuring herself.

  Leo padded into the bathroom and sidled up behind her. Lynx felt him harden behind her. He rubbed his cock against her hips. He repeated the motion and brushed up against her again, deliberately, slowly.

  Lynx had the strangest urge to return the gesture, to rub up against him and just purr. As it was, Leo took the decision away from her. He gripped her with both large hands by her slender waist and drew her closer to him. He stroked his body intimately against hers. Lynx caught the musky scent of him, and her pussy clenched in reaction.

  Leo ground his heavy and rigid cock against her buttocks just long enough to whisper in her ear, “Until tonight, kitten.” Lynx squirmed back against him, already hoping for more. But Leo backed away. He grinned and winked at her in the mirror, and then he was gone.

  Damn it, Lynx thought, it was hours before she could jump Leo. Everyone at the ranch but Demar was heading into town for a night of dancing and fun. Lynx was excited, too. Only now, all she could think about was satisfying the ache Leo had purposefully left her with. Oooh, but the man knew how to drive her crazy! Teasing her like this wasn’t fair!

  She’d show him a thing or two about teasing before the night was over. Lynx smiled smugly to herself. She’d have that big, cocksure, muscle-bound alpha male yelling uncle. He would be begging before dawn. If Craig or Roberto and Felice got an eyeful, well, that would just be Leo’s own damn fault. The imagined scenario in her head pleased her. Now, all she needed to do was to get dressed to thrill.

  Leo had told Lynx all about the small bar where the group was headed. It didn’t sound like a fancy place, more like a good ol’ boy hangout. It was definitely a jeans and white tee-shirt night, she realized. With a devilish grin, Lynx padded over the drawer and pulled out some clean, white panties. A no-bra, white tee-shirt night, she thought. She padded back to the closet and pulled out her favorite jeans. Thankfully, they had been among the clothes Craig had grabbed for her. They fit like a second skin and accentuated the taut line of her high butt and long legs.

  Now, all she needed was the right top. She found what she was looking for. It was plain and white with little straps and grazed just above her belly-button. To accessorize, she chose the wide, black belt for her low-slung jeans, and black cowboy boots. Hmmm…yes, that set her outfit off perfectly. Lynx speculatively eyed herself in the mirror. She began brushing her long chestnut hair over her shoulders, debating. Then back to the closet she went. She pulled out the black cowboy hat.

  Leo had brought her the boots, belt, and hat just yesterday. He’d asked if she wanted to ride any fences with him, and winked suggestively when he’d said it, adding she’d need to be properly attired in real cowgirl getup to giddy-up-and-go.

  Lynx slowly tipped the cowboy hat up and looked her reflection over. She was satisfied she’d achieved the look she was going for. Although, she didn’t try to kid herself, riding a fence was not what she had in mind for this outfit.

  No, the only thing she wanted to ride tonight was a sexy cowboy. An eight second ride, ha! She was going to ride her mustang wild and hard. Mustangs reminded her of Craig. Hell, maybe two cowboys should just ride her.

  Flushed, Lynx adjusted the small top, smoothing it over her firm breasts and erect, slightly sore nipples. “Down now, girls,” she muttered under her breath, “no use giving me a hard time about it. I’m in the exact same predicament as you are. We’re anti-fucked, girls, purely out of luck until later tonight.”

  ~ CatCocked ~

  As Craig slipped into his well-worn Levi’s his dick felt like it was carved out of stone. The predicament didn’t make getting dressed easier. The damn thing wouldn’t go down. Every time Craig thought it might ease its throbbing, he’d have one stray thought about Lynx. He’d be damned if it didn’t start aching worse.

  Even now, against the confines of his jeans, as comfortably fitting as they usually were, his rigid erection pulsed painfully. The thought of what he wanted to do with it-with Lynx-was much too tempting. Craig closed his eyes and groaned, stroking the long, hard length through the jeans. The rough material against his sensitive erection was unbearably arousing, yet equally frustrating at the same time.

  Standing there, sans shirt, feet spread apart, Craig slowly cocked his fist rhythmically. He moved up and down against the Levi’s, encasing his aching shaft a few more times, and then gritted his teeth. Damn it, he probably shouldn’t do this now. He really wouldn’t have time to enjoy it properly. It was almost time to go. Slowly, Craig let his hand drop, knowing it was the only sane way. He couldn’t very well walk downstairs like this.

  To distract himself momentarily, Craig went to the bathroom and threw some cold water on his face, then toweled off. His cock still throbbed, relentless. Craig quickly shed his jeans and turned the shower’s faucet on. Maybe another quick cold show
er would do the trick. Craig grimaced. It would have to.

  ~ CatCompany ~

  Leo and Roberto discussed routine ranching issues and the various plans for tomorrow. Colby and Drake, the twin brothers who also worked the ranch, were due back. Daniel was also supposed to pull into town, which Leo figured was a good thing.

  “Leo,” Roberto said, changing the subject, “out back of the barn this morning, I came across fresh tracks, just behind the fence line. The tracks were really large. The cat who made them is huge, I can tell you that much. Now, whether they came from your old enemy Adonis or not, I couldn’t tell you for sure, Leo, but I knew you’d want to know.”

  “I appreciate that, Roberto. I suspected that Adonis and his pack of rogues were most likely still canvassing the forest and wetlands behind the ranch, but I just wish we knew exactly what Adonis was after.”

  Roberto agreed. “I know what you mean. But we can probably safely assume Adonis is scoping things out for a reason. He’s looking or waiting for something.”

  Leo nodded. “I think you must be right about that Roberto. I’ll feel better when Colby and Drake get back. Between them and Daniel pulling in, we should be able to handle it, should Adonis try any tricks. The more skilled friendlies we have at the ranch, the better.”

  No Cervantes could be taken lightly, and Adonis was his father’s son.

  “Yeah, some extra hands would sure be better for peace of mind,” Roberto concurred, “and if Adonis does attempt to make trouble for us here at the ranch, the more soldiers here, the better I’ll feel too.”

  “I know. I guess we need to get started on those repairs to the southernmost fence line soon. Do we need anything from the store or do we have everything for the job here?” Roberto’s answer was cut off as the phone rang.

  It was Demar by the gate. “We’ve got company, Leo,” he said. “There’s a man here claims to be Lynx’s brother, Daniel Shaunessy.”

  “Let him through, Demar.” Leo hung up the phone. Roberto gave him a questioning look.

  Leo just said succinctly, “Well, let’s go greet Daniel. Guess at least one of the reinforcements got here early. Lynx will be thrilled that her big brother is here. I have a strong feeling that her brother arriving slightly ahead of schedule won’t bother her a bit.” Leo grinned. He could only imagine the excitement on Lynx’s face when she saw Daniel.

  Roberto nodded. “I reckon you’re right about that.” They padded to the door.

  When they stepped out onto the porch, Daniel was already pulling into the circular drive. Daniel got out and closed the door firmly on his black Camaro. His long-legged strides ate up the distance from the car to the porch.

  “Good to see you again, Daniel.” Leo took Daniel’s proffered hand and pulled him in for a quick hug. “This here is Roberto, my ranch’s foreman and one of the finest men I’ve ever met, outside of COBRA’s finest, naturally.”

  “Good to meet you, Roberto.” Daniel offered his hand.

  Roberto shook it, smiled and said, “Well, come on in, Daniel, I’m sure your sister will be down shortly, as will Craig. Glad you made it here a little early. I hope you’ll join us all tonight for our night out, unless, of course, your trip was overly tiring.”

  “Na,” Daniel quickly replied, “I’ll be just fine. All I need to do is freshen up and I’ll be raring to go. So, does there happen to be any fine-looking women where we’re going?” Daniel drawled.

  Leo slapped Daniel on the back, pretending to think about it for a minute, and then he said seriously, “Well, there might be one or two hot babes, Daniel. But if I had to compare them to your sister Lynx, there aren’t any heartbreakers.”

  Leo’s cell phone rang again. He picked it up. Cupping his hand to the phone, he apologized. “I’m real sorry, guys. Roberto, Daniel, I’ve got to take this. It’s business. Hey, Roberto, would you mind showing Daniel where things are in the house?” He walked out into the yard, listening intently.

  ~ CatComforts ~

  Daniel waited. Roberto took the cue and swung open the ranch’s door even farther. He gestured for Daniel to follow him inside.

  As he entered the ranch house, Daniel couldn’t help but notice the antique, ornate, lifelike lion doorknockers and the lion statues flanking the heavy door. But stranger still, stepping inside the house, Daniel felt immediately at home. It was odd, given that his decorating preferences tended towards minimalism. Other than one or two knick-knacks given him by Lynx or their adopted parents in the past, Daniel didn’t believe in clutter. Daniel treasured his family’s well-meaning gifts. But the less he had, the less he had to dust.

  Daniel found a lot to admire about Leo’s place, however. Here the furnishings were fairly opulent. No expense had been spared to make it look regal. Yet, so far, the ranch appeared happily lived-in. It would’ve been a difficult effect to order up, but whoever decorated this pad, Daniel thought, made it look effortless. Nothing felt overdone. From what he could see, the ranch was comfortably tasteful, but gave the impression of artful and effortless elegance.

  Roberto led Daniel through the foyer and large living area and straight to the heart of the home, the kitchen. Reaching into the cabinets, Roberto pulled out two generous coffee mugs, poured Daniel a cup and then fixed himself one. Daniel took a sip gratefully, and then set the cup down thoughtfully.

  “So, how did you know I was craving a cup of Joe?” Daniel asked with a slight grin.

  Roberto replied, somewhat seriously, “Stands to reason you might have been after the trip. Anyway, I figured it would undoubtedly help you revive some. After all, I’m sure you’re probably going to want to hit the town with all of us tonight. This rich Columbian dark will put a little extra zip in your two-step.”

  Daniel finished off the last of his coffee and set his cup back down. “Quite right, thanks, Roberto. Hey, I should probably freshen up before seeing Lynx. I probably smell like a long, dusty road. Could you point me in the general direction of the room I’ll be staying in?”

  Roberto nodded. “No problem.” Roberto slapped Daniel lightly on the shoulder. “Come right this way. I think you’ll find your room comfortable.”

  “No doubt,” Daniel murmured, half to himself, half out loud. “No doubt.”

  ~ The Cat That Got Away ~

  Daniel was turning the corner heading towards the room Roberto had said was Lynx’s when she plowed into him.

  “Daniel,” she squealed, and she gave him a bear hug to beat all bear hugs. “I’m so glad you got here early. I couldn’t wait to see you. I’ve missed you so. How did you get here so fast?”

  Grinning, Daniel noted that Lynx only slowed down a little because she probably needed to breathe again. “Whoa there, sis, I didn’t get here near as fast as you can talk. I left a little earlier than I thought I’d be able to because I finished some business up early. I couldn’t wait to see you.” He hugged her, then stepped back to eye her critically, from head to toe.

  “You certainly look like you’re doing all right, sis. I sure hope my eyes and ears aren’t fooling me. I want to hear every last detail from you about what’s been going on with you since Leo and his team picked you up.”

  Her words gushed forth. “I’m just so glad you’re here, Daniel. The earlier the better. Now you can go out with us tonight. I can’t wait to get out and do some dancing. It’s been too long since I’ve been able to do that. It’s been pretty cool here, but you know me. I love getting out, dancing, and listening to music. I just can’t wait. Hey, you want to go get a quick bite downstairs with me? We’ve still got an hour or so before we head to town.”

  He listened, awed. It always amazed him. Exactly how could she do that without breathing between? His sister could talk faster than most people could think. Daniel shook his head, both in admiration and to answer her last question.

  “Thanks, sis, but I’m not really hungry yet. As you can probably tell, I could use a quick shower. I’ll see you downstairs shortly. It shouldn’t take me long to shower and shave.
Give me a little while to freshen up, and we’ll catch up.”

  “Sure thing, Daniel.” But before she headed down the long set of stairs, Lynx turned and gave him another quick bear hug. “Missed you,” she whispered at his ear, and then kissed his cheek.

  Daniel could see every nuance of the joy and love on her face. Lynx turned and gave him one last quick look of pure, unadulterated affection before bounding down the rest of the stairs.

  Daniel sighed and raked his hand through his thick crop of dark hair. Evidently, Lynx was still as hard to keep up with as ever. Leo was going to be kept busy if he had half a mind to keep up with her. Daniel had not missed Leo’s comment in reference to Lynx being a heartbreaker. Something was going on between Leo and his sister.

  Opening the door to the room where he’d be staying, another thought struck Daniel. He wondered what Craig thought if there was something between Leo and Lynx. Daniel suspected Craig had come to care for Lynx in more than just a friendly way. It wasn’t anything Craig had said in particular to Daniel. Yet, Daniel knew Craig pretty well. Hell, he’d grown up with him and been through hell with him, too. There was just something about the way Craig referred to Lynx when they talked.

  Craig and Lynx had grown up together, too. It was different back in their youthful days. Daniel could remember when Lynx had been just a knobby-kneed teenager angling for both his and Craig’s attention. But now-now he wouldn’t be surprised to find out Craig was carrying a torch for his sister. Hell, Leo probably was, too. Well, damn it, he could always count on Lynx to keep things interesting. At this point, he had to admit he’d be happy if Lynx could just stay out of too much trouble.

  Daniel’s smile deepened when he stepped into the bedroom suite. The bedroom was a study in comfort and solidly masculine furnishings. The room had a large four-poster bed outfitted in a black and blue, soft suede quilt. There was a set of solid ornate end tables and a dresser. The professionally painted walls gleamed a deep blue electric sheen behind the furniture and art.