Inequities

by Jambrea Jo Jones

  “Done deal, Russ. Valerie and I’ll get everyone rounded up. I’ll speak to David and keep you updated.”

  “Thanks, Max.” Russ continued to take Vivian down the stairs to his room.

  “I’ll keep watch over Ryerson. What are your plans with him?” Greycen spoke up.

  “I’m taking him home to your tribe. I’ve already spoken to Vivian’s parents. That’s why it took so long for me to get to you. They were unaware of a few facts. I set them straight and there will be a tribunal when we get to Greenland.”

  “They’re going to the homeland?”

  “Yes. They felt it was the only way to appease what had happened. To cleanse the den. It’s a good thing.”

  “I’m going with you,” Greycen stated.

  Russ had no problem with that. It was his plan all along. The den needed to realise that different was good. And what better way than to bring men who were mates. It would work better if the two would truly bond, but Russ would never force the issue.

  “Yes. You and Peter will be by our side while Max and David hold down the fort here.”

  Peter looked uncomfortable with the situation, but to his credit, said nothing. Greycen had stopped talking too and looked at his mate. Peter didn’t stay for long. He went back up the stairs. Greycen’s eyes followed him until he was out of sight.

  “Give him time.” Russ shut the door on Greycen and moved Vivian to the bed.

  She was beautiful in her slumber, but if Vivian didn’t wake soon he’d have to call in a doctor before taking her to her homeland. But things would be true and right from this moment on. He wouldn’t let her leave his sight for a solid month. Maybe longer. The image of her tied to his bed had his cock throbbing in his pants. He chided himself for having sexual thoughts while she lay so still.

  “Come on my little vixen. Wake up. Open those blue eyes.” Russ ran his hands over her body. He still couldn’t find anything that would cause her to not wake up. She had a small knot on the back of her head, but it wasn’t bleeding.

  What Russ wouldn’t give to be wrapped in her arms. He never should have fought as hard as he did in the beginning. It was unnatural to deny your mate. Now look where he was. Lying in a bed with an unconscious mate. Russ stroked her face and ran his thumb over her lips. He remembered them on his skin. Kissing him. He nuzzled into her neck.

  Wait. Her pulse. Russ kissed her throat and her heartbeat sped up. She was reacting to him on a subconscious level.

  “Baby? Wake up now. You’re safe. Please.” Russ willed her eyes to open.

  Russ knew it was in his power to force her awake, but he nearly screamed for joy when her eyes fluttered. It took a minute for her to fully wake up. When she did, she scrambled up the bed like she was running.

  He soothed her as best he could.

  “Vivian. Honey. You’re safe.” He let his fingers trail up her leg.

  Hoping his touch would ground her. Vivian looked around like she expected to see someone other than him. That bastard would pay for the terror he put her through.

  “R-Ryerson?” Vivian squeaked out and threw herself into his arms.

  It was like coming home. She was his very soul.

  “You’re safe. Greycen is on guard duty. You’re safe.” He repeated his words in hopes they would penetrate her fog of panic.

  “Safe.” She burrowed in closer nuzzling his neck. “Oh, my god. Are you okay?” Vivian ran her hands over his body. Inspecting him the way he had her earlier.

  He cock was getting hard having her fingers touch him.

  “We’re both safe. A little banged up, but good. You’re good. And mine. You’re not leaving my sight again.”

  “As long as the same goes for you,” she whispered against his lips. “Make me feel alive, Russ. I need you. Please.”

  “This might not be the best—you just—that is—fuck. Vivi.” She’d bitten his neck. Hard.

  Russ arched his body up to hers. Right. Enough talk.

  Russ gently untangled himself from Vivian and placed her on the bed. She started to protest, but he laid a finger over her lips. He stood up and peeled off his clothes. Layer by layer unveiling himself to his mate. She licked his lips and he could swear he felt it in his dick. It pulsed, wanting in to her warm wet heat.

  “Mine,” he stated.

  “Yours,” she answered, her voice roughed from her screams.

  Russ didn’t want to think about the pain she’d been in. What had caused her to yap in agony? Vivian would tell him in her own time. He moved closer to the bed.

  Vivian took control. She pushed him down and crawled up his body. She took his mouth in a hard kiss. Biting and nibbling then licking to soothe his swollen lips.

  Her mouth trailed down his body, stopping at his nipples. Russ held her close to his heart as she lapped and nipped. Anything for her.

  “Take what you need.”

  “I need you,” she whispered against his stomach.

  He didn’t let go of her head, guiding her down his body. Her tongue dipped into his belly button. He tried not to squirm. She hummed her pleasure and moved on.

  “I’m yours. Forever. Heart and soul.”

  That earned him a kiss on his hipbone. He had to let her go and grab the sheets. Vivian reached his dick and she didn’t go for the quick blowjob. No, she nuzzled his balls and took them into her mouth. Sucking hard. Russ’ hips cleared the bed. He had to force himself to settle back down. He was so hard and needy. And alive. He burned with desire to be one with his mate.

  But he let her take the lead. She needed to feel empowered and he wasn’t going to stop her. Russ sighed in relief when his cock eased past her red lips. Her tongue lapping at his pre-cum.

  She moaned around his dick. He bit his lip. No way he wanted to come yet. He needed inside her body.

  “Need—” Vivian rubbed her check along his length.

  “What. Tell me,” Russ managed to rasp out.

  “Hard. You. God, Russ. I—fuck me.” Her face coloured as the words left her lips.

  His beautiful baby. He could do that. Russ flipped them around and her legs opened wide so he could rest between them. They fit together so perfectly. Russ didn’t waste time. She wanted hard, he’d give her hard.

  Russ took both of her wrists in his hands and held them tight, moving them to the headboard. The steel frame was perfect for what he had in mind.

  “Hold here and don’t let go.”

  Vivian nodded and complied with his wishes. Her reward was not waiting. She was already slick with need. Russ hissed as he slid into her hot pussy. Vivian clutched at him like she didn’t want to let him go.

  And he wouldn’t. Never again. His mate. His love.

  “Move,” she demanded.

  Russ pulled out until only the tip of his cock was enveloped in her warmth then he slammed back inside. Home.

  “So good,” he crooned.

  “Need—need—Russ—please.”

  “That’s it baby. What is it,” he panted. “Tell me.”

  “To touch. Let me.”

  Russ pressed her into the bed and grounded his pelvis against hers before responding.

  “Let go, love. Feel.”

  Vivian’s legs wrapped around him, digging her heels in, pulling Russ inside her deeper and deeper. He didn’t want to crush her, but she had her arms around his shoulders. She surrounded him and he thrust harder and harder. His hand going to her ass, clutching her tight.

  Vivian’s nails embedded themselves in his back. Russ kissed her neck and bit his mating mark. She went wild, bucking beneath him.

  “Close.”

  “Russ. Give it to me. Let go. Please—please—oh God. I need you.”

  Russ roared his release, his hips thrusting again and again. All control gone. His to give, hers to take. Every inch of him belonged to the woman under him. He breathed in her scent. Both of them panting. He moved off Vivian, rolling them to the side so he could keep her close to his heart. Right where she belonged.

&nbs
p; Russ rubbed light circles on Vivian’s back, bringing her down from her high. Both of them happy to be alive and with each other. Sealing their bond tighter than before.

  “I tried—”

  Vivian’s voice was so low he almost missed her words.

  “Tried what, baby?” He kissed her temple.

  “To get away. I had—I had the gun. I fired, but forgot the safety. Then I messed up, looked down. He charged and the gun went off. I thought—he went down—I—I thought—he’d been—hit.” Vivian’s voice rose with each word.

  Forcing them out. His soothing wasn’t working, but he needed to let her get through this.

  “I’m proud of you. So very proud,” Russ said over and over again.

  “I ran. So fast. I felt for sure I could get back to you. Always to you. You were—hurt and down and I didn’t know. I didn’t—know—if—oh God.” Vivian sobbed into his shoulder.

  “I’m fine. I’m here. Safe. Both of us. Safe.” He’d tell her that every day if he had to.

  “He tricked me. And caught me. I’d shifted and ran. But he was too fast. Slammed me down. I think I shifted then I was—and then—here—you—”

  He shushed her with a light caress of mouths. A lazy kiss back and forth. She opened for him and his tongue slid inside, sucking on hers.

  “None of that matters. Not now. Go to sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up. He can’t hurt you anymore. You’re safe with me.”

  “Safe.” She rubbed her face against his chest and placed her hand over his heart. Her breathing eased and she slid into a more natural sleep.

  Never again. No one would hurt his mate. He’d make sure of it. One more hurdle to overcome and they could go home and settle into the routine of running his pack. Nothing had sounded better in a long time. Russ drifted to sleep with visions of a happy future running through his head.

  Chapter Nine

  “You can’t be serious.” Vivian looked at Russ in disbelief. He couldn’t mean it. No way.

  “I’m very serious. Peter and Greycen will be joining us.” He nipped at her throat. She purred at the sensation. He could keep that up forever.

  “This is a very bad idea,” Vivian managed.

  Russ had her in his lap and they sat in front of the fireplace in their room. Both naked and enjoying each other’s bodies. She absently plucked at his nipples.

  “It isn’t a bad idea. I already talked to your folks.” Russ licked the spot he’d worried with his teeth.

  “They’ll never accept you.” She tilted her head to give him better access. “Us. And certainly not Peter and Grey. It would be cruel to put Peter through their hatred.”

  “I think things will be a little different now.” He assured her. Russ’ hands travelled down her body.

  “What makes you so sure?” Vivian leant down and soothed the abused flesh with her tongue.

  Russ hissed, but answered her. She grinned against his skin. Two could play this game.

  “Ryerson had control over a lot of things for many years. The hate in your den isn’t as strong as you think. He was drugging himself so he’d have power over your people. We need to find his source. And soon. So your den can get to where they need to be. So we can bring both tribes together.”

  Her nipple disappeared between his lips. Her body responded. He played her so well. She wanted him inside her again.

  “W—why?” She was proud of herself that the words only came out sort of garbled. Her pussy ached for what only he could give her.

  “When you were taken, the Ancients—fuck that feels good.”

  Vivian had Russ’ balls in her palm, caressing them before taking his cock in hand. He retaliated by slipping a finger inside her.

  “You were saying?”

  “What? Oh—fuck. Yes. Um—they told me shifters would be outted and we needed to be together—wait—again—do that again. Yesss. Together. Yes.” Russ’ hips thrust up.

  It was more than she could take. Vivian impaled herself on Russ’ length. Taking him deep and rocking hard against him. He cupped her breasts and squeezed. She wasn’t going to last long. And from the sounds coming from him, neither would he.

  “Good. So good,” Vivian moaned against his mouth. She framed his wonderful face in her hands.

  “Vivian. Vivi. Babe. Oh—fuck!” Russ howled.

  That took her over the edge. She clenched around his cock, wanting him to stay inside as long as possible. Their lips strained against each other as they came down from their orgasmic high.

  Vivian snuggled in. Her mate, so big and strong. She was safe and protected. And for the very first time—whole. She smiled and kissed his collarbone.

  “It’ll be fine. You’ll see. I promise.”

  Her stomach growled and Vivian’s face heated. How embarrassing. But Russ didn’t let her hide.

  “How about a shower then some food?” Russ chuckled against her shoulder.

  “Yes. I think that would be great. Only—I need clothes.”

  “I’ll take care of that for you. Bella left the clothes she got for you in the dresser over there. Why don’t you go get them and meet me in the bathroom?”

  Vivian agreed, happy that they had a shower attached to the room. She didn’t relish running through the house to get clean.

  Russ was already under the water when she got there. He motioned for her to join him. She hurried in. She was cold and the water was so warm. Vivian needed to be clean. To wash away the last couple of days. He seemed to understand just what she needed. Russ’ hands caressed her body. Sudsing her up, taking special care with her breasts. She chuckled until his fingers moved to her clit. They pinched and squeezed, but didn’t stay for long. This wasn’t about sexual pleasure. It was about feeling clean.

  Vivian returned the favour, running her thumbs over his nipples and abs, tickling his sides. They hugged each other close before rinsing off. Russ wrapped her in a big fluffy towel, drying her off with sure strokes.

  The two dressed and headed to the kitchen. It was quiet in the house.

  “Where is everyone?” Vivian asked while opening the fridge.

  “They are headed back to the house. David and Bella gave Max the all clear. The only ones still here are you, me, Peter, Greycen and Ryerson.”

  “I see.” Vivian shuddered at the name of the mad man who had almost killed them.

  Russ pulled her in tight and gave her the support she needed. She’d take it. He released her and she went back to digging around in the fridge for food.

  “It will be okay. You’ll see. We’ll leave for Greenland tonight.”

  “Greenland?” Vivian cocked her head, sure she hadn’t heard right. Why would they go there?

  “Yes. Your parents want to try Ryerson in your homeland. Something about cleansing the den. I’m all for it if it will make things smoother for you. I’d like you to have a family.”

  “You are my family. Everything I need is here. Do we really have to go?” She hoped she didn’t sound as whiny as she felt.

  “Yes. We need to get everything straightened out. I want open communication between all shifters. We’re going to need it if we’re to be exposed. Humans are dangerous as a whole and I want things to be as smooth as possible.”

  “You’re a great leader. And I love you. Okay. Greenland. Tonight. Got it. What about now? What are you hungry for?” She didn’t want to think about being so near to Ryerson. If she never saw that bastard again she would be happy. But she would do anything for Russ. Even this.

  “You.”

  Vivian squealed when Russ grabbed her from behind and bit her sensitive neck.

  “I’m not an option.” Vivian swatted his hands away.

  Russ’ chuckle rolled along her skin. She loved that sound. He had the best laugh. And he was happy. Settled once again in his own skin.

  “Okay. What are our options?”

  “Looks like there’s some left over pizza, eggs.” Vivian moved a few things around. “Looks like some steaks, maybe some—yes—baco
n.”

  “Did you say pizza?” Grey walked into the room.

  Vivian looked over, happy to see her friend was alive and well.

  “I did.” Vivian took it from the fridge and handed it off to Grey.

  “That looks good.” A soft voice came from the doorway. Peter had joined them as well.

  “Where’s Ryerson?” Russ demanded.

  Vivian gulped, not wanting to give her nervousness away. But she wanted to know too.

  “Tied to a chair that is chained to a wall as well as blindfolded and gagged. After we eat, I’ll get him something and we can get what we need together for the trip.” Grey paused and looked at Russ. “If that’s okay with you?”

  “Okay. That’s—okay. Grey, share the pizza with Peter and I’ll whip together some bacon and eggs.” Busy work would keep her mind off Ryerson and going to the homeland. She really didn’t want to speak to her parents, but Russ was right. They would need a strong front when humans found out about shifters. She hoped the others were back from Africa before that happened. She missed Ive.

  “Sounds good. Let me grab some toast.” Russ’ voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

  Breakfast. That would be good. She was hungry.

  “Scrambled okay with everyone? I think I saw some cheese too.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Peter smacked his lips.

  Grey couldn’t take his eyes off the man. She hoped Peter gave in soon. Peter noticed the attention he was garnering and blushed. The tough looking, Harley-driving man looked good in red.

  Not that she’d tell Russ that. She smiled over at her mate, happy to feel in charge.

  “What’s the smile for?” Russ kissed her cheek.

  “I’m just happy.”

  “Even though we’re going to your den?” Russ looked her in the eyes.

  “Yes.” She kissed his lips. “Because you’ll be there with me. And that is all that matters. Now—go make the toast.” Vivian slapped his ass.

  She laughed at his squawk of outrage. Peter and Grey joined in. The tone for the day was set. At least for the next little while they could all pretend that things were normal.