by Multiple
Tossing the paper towels in the kitchen trash, Jett shuddered thinking about the failed relationship.
For two years he watched his back, waiting for Macy to show up. She never did though. No calls or slips of paper. No confrontations or bitter messages. It appeared she had moved past it all.
He couldn’t though. He refused to even look at another shifter. Instead opting to ignore his Tiger’s wants and needs completely. Even forgoing the Gathering back home in Garden, Wyoming. Based on his recent activity, the Tiger-side was tired of it, especially after tonight’s romp.
Corrine flashed before his eyes. Sweetly curved and seductive, she beckoned him. Heating his blood, raising his cock with just a thought. The air conditioner in his condo kicked on, pushing the jasmine scent around some more. It had all but gone away while he was lost in his head.
His brain shifted into overdrive. Could Corrine really be the future? She was definitely the one his Tiger-side was looking for. And she was fast becoming the one his human-side was starting to need too, even after such a short encounter. He would never call it love at first sight. Intrigue, lust, an undeniable pull in her direction, was all a different story.
If only he could have unglued his tongue in time tonight. Told her it didn’t matter about Sam. That she was wrong, and he wasn’t just out for a good time just like he kept insisting. If he had she would still be in his arms at this moment. Moaning beneath him. Whimpering his name as he brought her to climax again and again. Something he wanted with an undying passion.
Chills raced down Jett’s spine. She inspired him like no woman had ever been able to. Made him think that finding a mate might not be a bad idea, and marriage and claiming was a must. He could only imagine what spending more than a few hours with her would do to him.
As much as he hated to deal with his commitment issues and Sam, he knew he would have to. The sooner the better. He didn’t think his Tiger would sit in the background any longer.
Shoring up his nerves, he decided to get hold of Sam. It had been a few months since they talked and caught up with each other. Maybe he could mention the delicious cupcakes he had at his office. Let Sam be the one to bring up Corrine. It would be the perfect opening to get an invite out to her place.
Smiling to himself, Jett shut off the lights as he made his way to the bedroom, stripping his clothes off along the way.
Slipping under the covers he pictured Corrine next to him snuggling close, pressing her silken skin against him while running her hands all over his body.
Damn he had a good imagination.
Throwing back the covers, he knew he wouldn’t get to sleep until he worked through his fantasy. Gripping his shaft he slowly glided up adding pressure along the way. Stroking over and over, picking up the pace all while visualizing Corrine’s capable hands in place of his own, until he groaned in satisfaction. Hot cum shot across his chest singeing his skin.
Without looking, he plucked a few tissues from the box next to his bed, cleaned up, and tossed them in the wastebasket not too far away.
Body overheated and sated, Jett threw an arm over his eyes and drifted to sleep. Thoughts of his lovely Tigress chasing him in his dreams.
Chapter Four
The incessant banging on the front door burst through Corrine’s dream. Her mind revolted against the idea of making its way back to the land of the living. Fighting every step of the way not to abandon the sex-filled visions she was having.
Wrapping her arms around her dream lover, she crushed a shockingly cold pillow to her chest. Her body jerked in reaction, sending a wave of pain through her.
Dear God she was sore.
Memories from the night before flooded her mind; swimming in the lake, bathing in the moonlight, the large intimidating Tiger transforming into an equally large hunky man. All followed by the best sex she’d ever had the pleasure of experiencing.
More banging pulled her away from the lust-filled memories, but not before a blush bloomed on her body, heating her from head to toe.
“Damn the bad luck. It was just getting good. Who in the hell could be knocking on the door so early in the morning?” She grumbled.
Rolling over, she blindly searched for the clock. Smashing her knuckle against it, she cursed then grabbed it up. Pulling it within inches of her face, she cracked open one eye and saw it was nine in the morning.
Corrine bolted upright, dropping the clock on the ground. Her head swam, throwing her off kilter from the sudden movement.
“Sam!”
She completely forgot he was going to be showing up, which was surprising since he was the reason Jett left. Bastard.
Groaning, Corrine plopped back on the bed just as the pounding on the door started up for the third time. Only this time, Sam added in yelling. “Corrine get your ass up and let me in. You know it would just be easier if you gave me a key.”
Corrine snorted. “Easier for him to bug the hell out of me ever more. No thanks!” She stayed prone for a few more seconds before dragging her ass out of bed. Just like her brother demanded. When had she ever not done something he said?
Heading for her window she pushed it up, sticking her head out. “Hold on a second, butt-head,” she yelled. Sam’s head popped up and he grinned.
She couldn’t help but roll her eyes and grin back.
“Let’s get a move on Rini, I’m hungry.”
“Whatever,” she said before slamming the window. Quickly she changed out of her pajamas, throwing on her favorite cut off sweats, a bra, and the closest tank top she could find. He wouldn’t care how crappy she looked.
Hurrying down the stairs she unbolted the locks, flung the door open, and caught a glimpse of shaggy reddish brown hair and massive t-shirt clad shoulders before being tackled to the ground.
Air whooshed out as her back hit the hardwood floor, Sam’s heavy body crushing her and cutting off her attempts to move. Grunting, she pushed against his chest.
Sam rolled off her laughing, totally unaffected by the crash to the floor. Nimbly jumping up, he offered his hand.
“Jerk,” she croaked once she caught her breath.
“Yeah, but you love me.”
“Only because I have to,” she grumbled. Not for the first time in her life she wondered how they could be so different in personality and looks. Sam was fit, without an ounce of fat on his body. Not to mention full of life, outgoing, and ready to take on any and every challenge thrown his way.
Corrine, on the other hand, had curves upon curves and would rather sit at home on a Friday night reading a book or watching a spooky movie rather than go out to be around people. Heaving a sigh she grasped his hand and pushed up off the floor.
Sam wrapped her up in a big brotherly bear hug. “Good to see you too sis.” He pressed a quick kiss to the top of her head. Letting her go, he closed his eyes and sniffed the air.
She stiffened, waiting for him to scent the spicy musk still lingering on her body.
Oh shit. Please, please, please don’t figure it out.
She meant to shower once Jett left but instead, heartsick and a tad embarrassed, she crawled into bed after watching him walk away. Spending the next few hours reliving the evening over and over again until she couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer.
Sam opened his eyes leveling a curious look at her. “What’s going on? I don’t smell anything baking.”
“Oh!” She breathed a sigh of relief. “I slept in.”
Sam’s brow crinkled and the corner of his mouth turned down. “Are you sick? Do I need to call Mom and Dad?” He slapped his hand on her forehead. No doubt trying to feel for fever.
She swatted his arm away and laughed. “No. It was a really busy week. Plus, I finally got to go running last night. Even had a nice swim in the lake.” Not to mention having the best sex ever with your friend. She quickly turned away before the blush she felt creeping over her face caught his attention. Heading for the back of the house and the kit
chen she called out. “I was exhausted by the time I hit the sheets. Come on, I’ll make you something before you die of starvation.”
Sam quietly followed behind her. A bit too quietly actually. Something was going on with him, but her brain wasn’t functioning enough to figure out what it was at the moment. Besides, she had her own issues to deal with.
In silence, she started the coffee and got out the stuff to make pancakes. Once the batter was made and the griddle warmed up, the coffee was ready. She poured them each a cup then turned to her brother.
He sat at her dining room table staring out the slider door lost in thought. His brow crinkled with worry. She knew that look. He was concerned or upset about something. It was the same expression he held after the attack on MJ right before he left the last time.
Corrine placed the cup of coffee in front of him before moving back to the pancakes, pouring the first batch on the griddle. “So Sam, what brought on this last minute visit? You know, besides your mad-love for your totally awesome sister.”
Sam looked at her but didn’t answer her question. He picked up his mug and drank half of the hot liquid before setting it down again.
Flipping the pancakes, she waited. He wouldn’t talk until he was good and ready. Lord knew how long that would take.
Puttering around the kitchen she got out butter, peanut butter, syrup and tableware—placing them on the table before he finally spoke up.
“What would you think about me moving to Cascade?”
Startled by his words, she dropped the fork in her hand. The clang of it bouncing around echoed in the room. The last thing she expected to hear from him would be that he wanted to settle down in one spot. He loved to travel. With degrees in business and finance, paired with his passion for fitness, he started his own personal fitness business, going from gym to gym evaluating companies and implementing new programs. He loved it. At least she thought he did.
Mentally shaking herself, she bent down to grab the fork. Putting a smile on, she stood and looked at him. “I’d love it if you moved to Cascade. It would be great having you close by.”
Sam let out a long breath, shoulders relaxing. It wasn’t until now that she could see the tension draining from his face. He couldn’t have been worried about her not being happy. She was more puzzled than ever.
She finished up the pancakes, carrying the heavy plateful to the table, setting it down in the middle before taking a seat across from him. Peeking at him as she busied herself, she didn’t want to miss the tiniest reaction, but didn’t want to make him feel like he was being interrogated. Adopting an air of nonchalance, she voiced the question that wanted to pop out of her mouth the second he said he wanted to move to Cascade. “I have to ask. Why?”
Sam piled a stack of pancakes on his plate taking his sweet time. The slow deliberate actions wearing on her patience. He did that kind of shit on purpose.
Another silent minute ticked by as he slathered his food with butter and syrup. Finally answering when he was done. “I’m burnt out, Rini. Tired. No, make that exhausted.” The last word coming out on a harsh breath.
She was stunned by the turn of events in her brother’s life. “I thought you loved the transient life. The whole ‘there’s no place that can hold my attention long enough’ idea. Moss gathering on a rolling stone. You know, all of that wanderlust crap you used to go on and on about.”
“I do. Or did at least. I don’t know. I’m tired of hopping from city to city. I don’t have a place I can call my own. Not even an apartment somewhere I can go back to when I need a break. Plus, I have to admit I’m kinda lonely. Not in the female department. I have the ladies…”
Corrine dropped the fork that was halfway to her mouth and thrust her hand out. “Whoa. That is way too much information and I don’t want to hear it.”
Sam snorted. “Anyway, do you know how hard it is to find a decent place to shift and run without scaring some poor woman to death cause there’s a Tiger roaming free in the middle of her property? In Oklahoma?” Sam chuckled then scooped the last bite of his pancakes into his mouth. Patting his flat belly he sat back and grinned. “Delicious as ever. You gonna eat that?” He pointed to her full plate.
She scowled and took a bite. “ Yes,” she mumbled.
Scarfing down her food, she wanted to get back to the original topic, his coming to Cascade.
Now I’ll never get to see Jett again. Her eyes connected with Sam’s as the thought flew unbidden through her head. A blush warmed her cheeks.
He looked at her curiously. “What?”
“Huh? Um, nothing.” Pushing back from the table she grabbed up their plates. Hurrying to the sink.
The scraping of Sam’s chair grabbed her attention. He was leaned back, the chair balanced on two legs. She rolled her eyes. “You can stay with me if you want. There’s plenty of room here.”
“I would take you up on that but I doubt your roommate would appreciate how kind you are. I was planning on staying in town anyway.” The chair thumped and he walked to the counter next to her.
“Oh, okay then. The door is always open.” Their breakfast dishes cleaned up and everything put away, Corrine shrugged before wiping down the counter.
She saw Sam fidget slightly next to the counter before he adopted his usual carefree stance leaning back against it, hands tucked in his front pockets. “Where is she anyway? Hiding out in her room because I’m here? Or did she run off somewhere like she usually does,” he chuckled.
“Don’t be an ass. MJ didn’t run off. She had plans for the weekend. Should be back Monday or Tuesday.”
Sam’s chuckle died suddenly and his brows furrowed. “What do you mean she had plans?”
“Don’t fret, dear brother, it’s nothing for you to concern yourself about.” As much as she loved him, MJ’s problems were for her to tell, not anyone else. She would probably be embarrassed as hell if Sam knew her parents didn’t think much of her abilities to attract a man; that they were trying to get a husband for her. Stupid arranged marriages.
Corrine shook her head. “So where are you going to stay in town? Already make arrangements to stay with someone or find an apartment?”
Sam poured more coffee for them, holding her mug out for her to take. With a tip of his head toward the slider, she nodded following him out the door. Crossing to the patio set they sat, soaking up the morning sun.
Cup cradled in her hands, she pulled in a deep lungful of air allowing the pine and earthy scents to filter through her system. She loved this time of the morning. It was usually when she was taking her first break from the morning baking rush—the sun slowly warming the day, and bringing to life everything around her. The sights, smells, and sounds helping to center her mind.
She let her mind drift, body relax. She forgot that he hadn’t answered her question. Didn’t really care that he hadn’t either. Just having him here and knowing he was going to be around more, made her giddy and sad to realize how much they had missed out these past two years.
Sam’s voice brought her back to the present. “Damn this is nice. You did really well sis. You have space and privacy and not too far from civilization. I plan on coming out here a lot to run, and visit with you of course.” He snickered and poked her in the ribs with his elbow. “Hey, maybe Murph will even come out here with me. That’s the guy I’m hoping to crash with until I find my own place in town. I’m not sure how much he lets his Tiger out to run these days being cooped up in an office all day.”
Corrine raised her cup and was mid swallow when Sam mentioned Jett. The hot coffee went down the wrong pipe and she was left coughing, eyes watering, and struggling to breath.
Sam reached over and pounded her on the back jolting her forward with each hit. “Jesus, you okay.”
“Wrong… way,” she gasped out. She took slow, short breathes while wiping away the tears streaking down her face.
A few minutes passed before she could speak. “A shifter? Named M
urph?” She croaked.
Sam canted his head and looked at her. “You don’t remember me talking about him? That’s strange. I’m sure I’ve told you about him. He was my college roommate. We were on the football team together. Defensive lineman. Used to hang out all of the time. Any of that ring a bell?”
Corrine recalled snippets of conversations they had over the years but nothing solid about Jett came to her. She forced a light laugh out. “If you said his name in conjunction with football, my eyes were probably glazed over and brain was elsewhere. You know how much I don’t get your obsession.”
Sam snorted. “That’s true. I think you chose not to like it because I loved it.”
“Maybe,” she said with a slight grin.
“Anyway, Murph’s a Tiger-shifter just like us. He moved to Cascade not too long ago. A few months back maybe. He’s a Software Engineer at a firm in town. He mentioned looking at buying a condo in the last email I got from him. Said I could come and crash anytime. I’m just hoping he’s actually bought the place or I will be moving in for a bit regardless of what Mary Jane thinks.”
“Does this Murph have a first name? Or is it the thing among men to go by their college football nicknames for the rest of their lives? Should I start calling you Big Smooth?” She pressed her lips together, holding back the giggle. Her brother’s college nickname always amused her. He got it because they said he was smooth on and off the field.
It was Sam’s turn to roll his eyes. “Don’t you dare call me that, especially around MJ. She wouldn’t let it drop last time. Every time I turned around she was calling me Big Smooth. It was ridiculous.” Sam clamped his mouth shut. It was like he said more than he intended. After a moment he said, “His name is Jett Montgomery-Murphy.”
Corrine’s breath hitched in her throat. “Wait. From the Montgomery-Murphy clan? One of the founding shifter families? Jesus Sam, they’re pretty much royalty.”
Her brother shrugged like it was no big deal. “I guess. I’ve never thought of him that way. He’s just a guy I used to hang out with all of the time. We would drink beer and pick up chicks.”