by Claire Adele
She heard their soft growls as they also relaxed.
“That was amazing, Kelly,” Jared said, his voice sounding awed.
“You’re fuckin’ incredible, sweetheart,” Derek said softly as he brushed kisses along her throat and wrapped his arms around her beneath her breasts. The hair on his forearms teased her nipples. She sighed as more gentle pulses caressed her pussy. He gave her another kiss and loosened his hold, slowly pulling his softened cock from her. Even that felt good and made her pussy ache again with shivery pleasure. Exhausted and replete, she couldn’t believe her body could still respond.
“How do you feel, hon?”
“I feel completely satisfied. You and Jared are unbelievable.”
“You’re the one who’s awesome. Your trust in us made it possible.”
The chains and cuffs held her in place. She realized she’d gotten used to the restraints. The contraption had actually helped her a little. But now she only wanted to collapse somewhere and rest.
As Derek pressed kisses along the side of her face and throat, she leaned her body against him and rested her head against his shoulder.
Jared returned from the bathroom with a washcloth. He handed it to Derek. “I’ll open the cuffs,” Jared said.
“Thanks,” Derek said. He kept one arm around her waist and wiped her carefully between her butt cheeks and thighs.
Even the warm washcloth felt wonderful to her. As Jared freed each of her wrists, she continued to hold onto Derek for support.
“I think she’s going to do all right in that testing ceremony,” Jared said. “She handled everything this afternoon just fine.”
Derek nodded in agreement, his warm chin brushing against her temple.
“Are we finished for today?” she asked, wishing she could fall asleep on the bed.
“Yeah. I think we’ve covered the most important problems. What do you think, Jared?”
“I agree. She’s experienced the most problematic situations. She’ll do great.” Jared handed Derek her robe.
Derek helped her into her robe and swept her into his arms. “I think you could use a little nap, right?”
“I’d love one,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her cheek against his muscular chest.
He carried her to their bedroom and lowered her onto the bed.
His cell rang. He left her and crossed to the dresser where he’d placed his cell earlier.
She could hardly keep her eyes open and couldn’t hear his reply to the caller. He ended the conversation and returned to her side, leaned down, and kissed her lips.
She reached to hug him, and he stroked her arms.
“I’ve got to go out for a while, babe. My partner, Juan, needs my help this evening. Jared will be here if you need anything. I know he’ll be fixing another excellent meal.”
She smiled at him. “Don’t be too late. I don’t want to eat without you, but I might.”
He chuckled. “I hope I don’t miss dinner, either. See you later, sweetheart.” He brushed his lips over hers and left her side. He was dressed and gone in only a few minutes, it seemed. She closed her eyes, completely lethargic, confident Derek would be careful.
Chapter Seven
Derek met Juan at the Desert Edge Investigations office near the downtown area. He joined Juan in his Honda Civic, and they headed to the Hawks’ mansion, where they’d fought the Hawks to free Kelly, as well as Juan’s sweetheart, Cindy, only recently.
Juan filled him in on the way. “According to our sources, activity has been seen at night outside the mansion.”
“One of their vehicles sped up that street right before I picked up Kelly from Darlene’s home. Nothing would please me more than to help you round up the remaining Hawks and send them to prison,” Derek said.
They left the Civic outside the locked gate at the entrance to the neighborhood and vaulted the wrought-iron and rock wall.
“I’ve been wanting to ask Darlene Lovejoy if she’s noticed anything unusual around the mansion during the daytime. But I don’t want to put her in danger by involving her.” Derek stared at the two people in Darlene’s front yard. “Hell and damnation,” he swore under his breath. “Looks like she’s busy planting with her gardener.” A wide-brimmed hat covered her short, dark hair.
“Hope she doesn’t recognize us,” Juan said.
“Maybe she won’t. Don’t look her way.” Derek looked up the street toward the mansion, and Juan did the same.
They were almost past her house.
“Derek Wolfson. Hello,” she said.
“Oh well,” Derek murmured. “Darlene. How are you doing?”
“Great! How nice to see you. How are you and Kelly getting along?”
“Fine,” he said. “She’s doing real good.”
Darlene looked at Juan. “Aren’t you Cynthia’s good friend, Juan Enriquez?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“She thinks the world of you,” Darlene said.
“She’s a very special lady,” Juan replied.
“Won’t you come inside for some refreshments? It’s warm today,” she said.
Derek glanced at Juan and said, “We’re actually in the neighborhood looking for more members of the gang that lived in the mansion up the street.”
“Oh. Those horrible people,” she said.
“Have you noticed any activity around there lately?” Derek asked.
“Yes, as a matter of fact. I’ve noticed a black sedan with dark, tinted windows pull into the driveway of that house on occasion.”
“Would you recognize the men in the car if you saw them again?” Juan asked.
“No.” She shook her head. “The car windows are tinted real dark, and they drove to the side of the house. I couldn’t see whether they got out or not.”
The rumble of a big vehicle drew their attention to the gate. An oversize black pickup stopped near the Civic.
“I think we’ve seen that truck before,” Derek said, disgusted.
“That’s all we need,” Juan said.
Six men wearing blue jeans and dark knit shirts exited the truck and vaulted the fence.
Darlene put one fisted hand at her waist and shook the index finger of her other hand at the group of guys. “Those are the men who came to my door recently asking for a girl named Kelly Wolford.”
“They’re Kelly’s three brothers and their three friends,” Derek said.
Darlene took a cell phone from her slacks’ pocket. “I’m calling the police.” She started punching keys on her cell.
“What the hell?” Derek swore as one of the guys started running toward them. Derek hoped they wouldn’t have to fight Kelly’s brothers in Darlene’s front yard.
As the guy who focused on Darlene stopped in front of her and grabbed her hand which held her cell, Derek and Juan grabbed hold of him.
“Let go,” she bit out, her eyes full of fury as she held onto her cell.
The angry guy released his hold. “You know where Kelly is.”
“I told you I’d call the police if you came back.” From the sound of her voice, she was furious.
Kelly’s brother, Beau, moved close to Derek’s side. “I want to talk to you.”
Shit. No way could Derek avoid this confrontation any longer. “I’ll talk to you alone over there in private, or some other time.” He indicated the far side of the yard. “What’ll it be?”
“Now,” Beau said.
Derek headed for the far side of the front yard.
“You want me?” Juan asked.
“No. Stay with Darlene,” Derek said. When he reached a distance he thought would be private enough, he turned and faced Beau so that Beau had his back to the group around Darlene and Juan. No one would hear Beau but Derek, and they couldn’t read Beau’s lips.
“What do you want to talk to me about?”
“My sister Kelly.”
“What about her?”
His anger gave Beau’s face a cold look. “We know s
he’s mated with someone. I think she mated with you since she’s staying with you. If you’re the one she’s mated with, you’ll have to prove it if you value your honor.”
“And just exactly what will prove that to you and your brothers?” Derek was losing patience with Beau and his brothers. Derek knew he and Kelly didn’t owe anyone an explanation or proof that they desired each other.
“Our family requires a testing ceremony. If you can’t mate with her and bring her to climax during the testing, we’ll know we have to look for someone else. Her pledged mate is Rafe Wolfgang, the guy arguing with the woman who lives on this property.”
“Why don’t you ask Kelly who she wants for her mate, instead?” Derek asked, his impatience growing.
“We can’t take her word for it because she’s broken our pack traditions. Since she’s been staying in the same house with you, she has to prove to us her preference for you as a mate by showing us in a ritual mating, with proper witnesses to the fact, whether she accepted you. If you’re unable to arouse her sexually, it’ll be obvious.”
“What if I arouse her? Will you let her go her own way?”
“No. The family will require her to honor her responsibility to the family by mating and marrying the man pledged to her.”
“What if she’s not interested in him as a mate?”
“If he doesn’t arouse her as strongly as the man who challenges his right to her, she’ll be required to marry and mate her choice at a family gathering. Afterwards she’ll be considered legally wed.”
“Why not let her go her own way?” Derek asked.
“As her brother who cares about her welfare and what happens to her, I have to make sure she’s looked after. She’s mated now, and she could be pregnant. I can’t leave her to wander without a husband who will look out for her if she’s carrying a baby.”
His words hit Derek like a hot fist to his midsection. He’d had unprotected sex with Kelly the first time they’d made love. It was irresponsible of him. She could be pregnant with his child. He wouldn’t leave her all alone or with Rafe, the man she didn’t want to live with.
“I want Kelly to live the life she wants. I’ll accept the challenge and take part in the testing ceremony if that’s her desire. Do you have a protected place picked out for this ceremony?”
“No,” Beau said. “We’re new to this part of Texas. Where would you suggest?”
“For Kelly’s sake, it should be a place where she’ll be as comfortable as possible, and it should be indoors for privacy. I’ll let you know.”
“Good.”
Derek clenched his jaw. There was nothing “good” about this situation where Kelly’s freedom was concerned. “I want to know all your rules. Will each challenger be allowed a helper?”
“Yeah. Rafe will choose one of his brothers. You can bring a friend that Kelly approves.”
“What about sexual aids? Are we allowed lubricants, dildos, and suppositories?” The last one he mentioned worried Derek. It could give Rafe an unfair advantage.
“You’re allowed all but the suppositories. No liquid enhancements are allowed.”
Derek was relieved there would not be sexual stimulants such as suppositories allowed. Kelly would be comfortable about Jared helping in the ceremony.
“What’s involved in the testing?”
Beau had a serious look on his face. “The testing consists of three rounds. The one who scores the highest number of wins will be declared Kelly’s mate. A round is won by the man who stimulates Kelly the most, causing Kelly to call out his name when she reaches her climax.”
“Who decides if she’s stimulated more by one of us?”
“I’ll be the one who makes that decision, although my back will be to the actual mating. I’ll hear her voice and be able to tell.”
Derek was glad that the rules seemed just as Kelly had said. “How do I know you’ll judge fairly?”
Beau smiled. “I want Kelly to be happy.”
“Anything else I should know?”
“Two men will hold her arms to support her and keep her standing during the testing. That’s about it. I’ll be waiting to hear from you about a place for us all to meet for the testing,” Beau said.
“I’ll be in touch soon,” Derek replied. He started walking back to Juan and Darlene.
Her voice had carried to him during his conversation with Beau. She looked like she was madder than a hornet.
As soon as Beau returned to the group, he assumed control of his brothers and friends. “Let’s head out. We’ll wait to hear from Derek for our next meeting with him.”
They turned away from Darlene’s angry gaze. All except for Rafe, who held his ground, looking as angry as Darlene.
“Come on, Rafe, let’s get,” Beau said.
Rafe turned slowly until he had to break eye contact with Darlene.
Derek and Juan watched Beau and his friends until they piled into the truck and drove down the street.
“The nerve of that man,” Darlene said.
“I have a feeling they’ll all be leaving this area soon and heading back to central Texas,” Derek assured her.
“Good riddance. The sooner they’re gone the better. I sincerely hope they don’t darken my door again.”
Derek smiled at her. “Thanks for putting up with them so I could talk to Beau about Kelly.”
“I hope you told him to leave her alone and let her live her own life,” Darlene said.
“I think things are going to work out all right for her. I’ll let you know how it goes. She’ll meet with her brother soon, and they’ll make some decisions.”
“I hope he has her best interests in mind,” Darlene said.
“After talking with him, I can say that he does.”
“We need to check out the area around the mansion now and see what we can find,” Juan said.
“Thanks again,” Derek said.
“Come by for refreshments sometime,” Darlene said, smiling.
“We will,” Derek promised.
He and Juan walked up the street to the mansion. They walked around the outside and found evidence of recent footprints.
“They’re definitely still around and using this place to meet,” Juan said.
“Next time we meet up with them, we’ll hopefully put the last of them behind bars.”
“Let’s head home, amigo.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Derek said.
* * * *
Derek drove home from the Desert Edge Investigations office, worrying over a possible place for the testing ceremony.
They couldn’t use Mike’s house, because Derek needed to keep Mike’s home as a private sanctuary for Kelly.
He parked his Civic in the garage and entered Mike’s home. Before he looked for Kelly, he needed to find Jared and talk to him about a place for the testing.
Jared was in the kitchen whipping up some kind of dessert. “Need to talk to you,” Derek said.
Jared looked up from his concoction. “Hey, bud. What’s up?”
Derek explained to him about his conversation with Beau and what he needed help with.
“You can use my house. It’s private and at the end of a cul-de-sac on the foothill just south of Sierra Del Sol.”
“That’s near Darlene’s neighborhood, as well as the Hawk’s mansion.”
“Yeah. I have a big den that will easily hold everyone at the testing. There are several bathrooms if needed. And a nice guest bedroom. You and Kelly are welcome to stay there anytime.”
“Thanks, your home sounds like the perfect answer,” Derek said. “I’ll let Kelly’s brother know. The sooner we get this testing over with, the better for Kelly.”
“Tomorrow evening would be fine,” Jared said.
“Good. I’ll tell Kelly and get in touch with Beau.”
“I’ll get the room ready. I need to push the furniture back to make a clear space in the center for everyone.”
“I appreciate it. I also need for you to be
my helper during the testing. The rules that Kelly told me match what Beau said today. Lubricants and dildos are allowed, but not suppositories.”
“Sounds good. I don’t think you’ll have any problems winning this test.”
“Thanks, I’m counting on it. Do you know where Kelly is?”
“After she had a nap and ate dinner, she took a hot bath and said she was turning in early. I thought she might like a little dessert if you rouse her from her sleep.” Jared grinned at Derek.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Any dinner left?”
“Yeah. There’s brisket in the fridge. You can warm it up in the microwave.”
“Great. I’m starving,” Derek said.
After Derek finished his meal and put his dishes in the dishwasher, he headed for the bedroom he and Kelly had shared.
Kelly was sprawled on the bed under the sheet. The outline of her long, shapely legs drew his gaze. She needed her sleep, but he was tempted to stretch out next to her for just a little while. Carefully, he rolled onto the bed beside her. She moaned and opened her eyes.
“Hi.” She smiled at him.
“I didn’t mean to disturb you, hon, but I couldn’t resist you.”
“I’m glad you’re back.”
“Are you interested in the dessert Jared whipped up for us?”
“I’d love some,” she said.
“Where would you like it?” He grinned at her.
She smiled back. “I’d love it on the sofa in front of the big windows.”
“Sofa it is.” He pulled her to a sitting position. “Need a robe?”
“My robe’s on the chair.”
Derek grabbed the robe and helped her slip into it. He took her hand, and they headed for the kitchen. Jared had left already. Derek found the dessert in the fridge. Some kind of pie piled with whipped cream was waiting for them to devour it. He took bowls from the cabinet, and Kelly helped him dish it up. Armed with their dessert and cans of fruit drink, they left the kitchen for the great room.
Derek waited while Kelly got comfortable on the sofa. He turned the lights down, and they could see the city lights and a few stars through the windows.