by Becca Van
He shoved into her hard, fast, and deep, feeling her whole body jerking against his as she got closer and closer to orgasm. He withdrew and drove in again, once more twisting his hips to stimulate her clit.
Her fingernails dug into his shoulder, and her legs tightened around his hips.
And then she stopped breathing, hanging in suspended animation before the grand finale.
Jaimie screamed as she toppled over the cliff. “Crispin!”
Her cunt clamped down over and around his cock before releasing and clenching down hard again. He pounded in and out of her, growling and purring as she came hard. Juices flowed from her pussy, covering his dick, his balls, and his inner thighs with her cum.
“Fuck yeah,” Crispin groaned, relishing the sweet scent of his mate’s honey as it trickled down his body.
He hammered into her once, twice more and on the third stroke he roared, “Jaimie!”
He shook and shivered as cum spumed from the tip of his dick, filling her cunt and womb. Crispin licked her shoulder before sinking his fangs deeply into her flesh.
Weakness invaded his knees and they buckled as he hurtled from one climax to another without any space between. Stars burst in front of his eyes and tears burned behind. The initial mating bond clicked softly into place, and his heart swelled with so much love, the tears welled and rolled down his cheeks.
Never had he felt so much emotion. Not even for his brothers or their deceased parents.
Jaimie Whitten was now his mate, the love of his life. Without even realizing what she’d done, she pulled him, Beckett, and Daire out of the darkness and into the light. Nothing had ever looked so bright, so new.
Jaimie was their own personal ray of sunshine, and he’d do anything and everything he could to make sure she was happy, felt loved and kept safe.
She was his whole world.
Chapter Thirteen
Jaimie stretched and yawned as she surfaced from sleep. She froze when her casted arm hit the headboard and her legs brushed against two others. Opening her eyes, she blinked the sleep haze from her gaze and stared into Beckett’s green eyes. He was lying on his side beside her, his head propped up on his hand and he was watching her.
“Morning, baby.” He brushed a few strands of hair from her face.
“Hi.” She sighed.
“How are you feeling, honey?”
She turned to meet Crispin’s gaze. He looked worried with that frown on his face.
“I feel great,” she answered honestly.
“Are you sure?”
She nodded. “Yes. Why?”
“Uh…” Crispin glanced toward the end of the bed.
She looked down to where Daire was reclining crossways over the mattress. She’d known all three of her mates were in bed with her before she’d even opened her eyes. Daire was caressing a hand up and down her shin. Beckett had a hand splayed over her belly, and her head was resting on Crispin’s arm. She was just glad she hadn’t hit any of them with her plastered arm. No matter how strong they were, that shit would have hurt.
Jaimie sat up, scooting back on the mattress until she was resting against a mound of pillows and the headboard. “Crispin? What’s wrong?”
“Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“You passed out, honey.”
“I did?”
Crispin swallowed as he nodded.
“Wow.” She smiled. “I’ve read about someone passing out from an overload of pleasure, but never expected to experience it.”
Crispin’s lips curved up. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, mate, but you scared the shit out of me. I was about to call Broden over to come check on you.”
She cupped his face. “I’m glad you didn’t. That would have been embarrassing.”
“While I don’t ever want you to be embarrassed about what we shared, I understand why since you’re still a little shy. However, if you need a doctor you’ll get one no matter what. Okay?”
“Yeah, okay.” She leaned into him and kissed him lingeringly on the lips before drawing away. She turned toward Beckett. “Can you please let me out? I need the bathroom.”
“Sure, baby.” Beckett pushed the covers down and sat up on the side of the bed before standing.
She scooched her way toward the edge of the mattress and when Beckett held his hand out to her, she reached out to grasp it without thought and rose. Once she was steady on her feet, she realized Beckett was still holding her hand. She looked up at him before following his gaze. She’d used her right hand. Her mouth gaped when she noticed she wasn’t feeling any pain in her wrist, hip or her ankle. She gazed down to her ankle, surprised to see the bruising and swelling was gone. After tugging her hand from Beckett’s, she pushed up to her tiptoes, testing the sprain and gasped.
She was healed. There wasn’t even the slightest twinge. “That’s amazing. You guys must have super-powered DNA. I can’t believe I’m healed.”
“You shouldn’t be on that foot until you’re cleared by Broden,” Daire said firmly as he stood.
“We can talk about it in a minute,” Jaimie said as she sidestepped Beckett and raced for the bathroom.
Once she’d done her business, washed her hands, brushed her teeth and hair, she tested her wrist, trying to flex and rotate the joint while still covered in plaster. It was almost impossible but whatever movement she managed didn’t hurt at all.
When she studied herself in the mirror, she thought that even her skin and hair looked healthier. She snorted at her fanciful notions and gazed toward the shower. While her hair might look clean and shiny, it had been a couple of days since she’d washed it, and she really wanted to.
She’d just turned to head back to the bedroom when Daire came in. “I was getting worried about you, sweet thing.”
She smiled as she walked toward him. “I’m fine. I was just taking stock.”
“Taking stock?”
“Looking for other changes in my body other than the rapid healing.”
“And?”
“Everything looks and feels the same, but I’m feeling on top of the world, as if I have more energy.”
“That’s great, mate. Do you want a shower or a bath this morning?” Daire asked.
“Oh definitely a shower. I want to wash my hair.”
“I can help you with that.” Daire turned toward the shower, reaching in to turn the taps on.
“I can do it myself.”
He eyed her plastered arm before meeting her gaze again. “I have no doubt you can, sweet thing, but I like helping you, doing things for you. Please will you let me?”
How was she supposed to say no to that? She didn’t want to since she loved having them taking care of her, indulging her as if she was a princess. She knew there would be times when she wanted time to herself to soak and relax in the tub with no interruptions, and she was sure they’d respect that if and when the time came. Nonetheless, now wasn’t that time. They were newly mated, and she wanted to be with them all the time.
Jaimie was feeling very possessive of her men. Just the thought of another woman ogling them had her hackles and ire rising. She pushed her jealousy aside and came back to the present as Beckett entered the bathroom with another plastic bag and tape.
“Give me your arm, baby,” he said.
She lifted her arm toward him and waited patiently for him to waterproof her cast. He tugged her closer when she was done and kissed her passionately before grasping her shoulders, turning her toward the shower and tapping her on the butt. “When you’re ready, we’ll head to town and the diner to introduce you to more of our friends and see what doc says about your wrist.”
Jaimie hoped she could get the cast off. Already her skin was itching and driving her crazy. That had to be a good sign, didn’t it?
With a mental shrug, she joined Daire in the shower. She was eager to meet her mate’s friends but also nervous. She wanted them all to like her, especially the women. So
She wanted to build a wonderful life here with her mates.
* * * *
Beckett lifted Jaimie from the truck before setting her on her feet. He knew she was nervous about meeting the rest of the gang because he could smell her trepidation. He tucked her under his arm, nudging her chin up with a finger until she met his eyes. “They’re going to love you, baby. Stop worrying.”
“I just want them all to like me,” she whispered.
Beckett palmed her cheeks, lifting her gaze from the ground up to his. She was so petite and looked so scared and vulnerable. His heart filled with warmth, with love. She was so fucking beautiful but not just on the outside. She had the most gorgeous soul he’d ever seen. While the other women who’d mated his shifter friends were kind and loving, as far as he was concerned they had nothing on their mate. “They won’t just like you, baby. They’re going to love you.”
He leaned down, kissing her on the tip of the nose before caressing a hand over her shoulder, down her arm, then laced their fingers together. Daire came up to her other side, placing his hand down low on her back. Crispin smiled and winked before waggling his eyebrows up and down. Jaimie grinned and laughed softly.
Beckett could have kissed Crispin right then. The tension eased from Jaimie’s shoulders, and the tightness dissipated from around her eyes and mouth. Without giving her any more time to think, he and Daire guided her toward the diner door that Crispin was holding open.
He glanced down when he heard her inhale deeply as they stepped inside the diner.
“Hey, Jaimie. I’m Pixie.” She rushed out from behind the serving counter. She didn’t stop until she pulled their woman into her arms for a hug. “How are you feeling?”
“Nice to meet you, Pixie. I feel great.” Jaimie smiled. “I’m hoping to get this dang cast off today.”
Pixie frowned before enlightenment showed in her gaze. She glanced about the diner before meeting Jaimie’s eyes again. “Congratulations on your mating, Jaimie. Beckett, Daire, Crispin.” She gazed at each of them in turn as she said their names before looking at Jaimie again. “We women tend to stick together in this town. If you ever need to talk to one of us or just want to hang out, you let us know, girlfriend. One or all of us will be there as soon as we can.”
“Thank you,” Jaimie replied. “That means a lot.”
Pixie shrugged. “You’re welcome.’
“Order up, sweetie,” Rex, one of Pixie’s mates called from the serving window.
Pixie hurried away, calling over her shoulder, “Sit wherever you’d like. I’ll be with you in sec.”
Beckett was about to lead Jaimie to a table but paused when he felt her tense. He glanced down to find her staring at something and quickly gazed about, looking for the threat. When he saw his mate was staring at Tatum, he realized she was more than a little intimidated. While Tatum and his brothers Shaffer and Rex were all big men, they weren’t any bigger than he and his brothers. However, he knew how fierce Tatum King could look to someone who didn’t know him. He just hoped that Jaimie realized quickly that she was safer in this town than anywhere else. He could have told her but held off since Sage had already explained how protective the men were. After what their woman had been through, actions were going to speak louder than words.
Beckett released her hand, slung an arm around her shoulder, and guided her toward the empty booth at the back of the room. He was glad to see Dusty cradling Rose Holly in her arms with her men, Broden, Airen, and Archer all smiling indulgently at their females.
His throat got tight when he imagined Jaimie holding their baby, and while he’d love to start a family right away, it was their mate’s choice. He just hoped she didn’t want to wait too long.
“Hey, Jaimie,” Dusty called as she waved. “Are you sure you should be out and about so soon?”
“I’m good,” Jaimie said. “How’s Rose?”
“She’s great. Growing too fast.”
Beckett didn’t think the baby girl had grown any. She looked so tiny he was scared he’d hurt her if he so much as sneezed in her direction. That gave him pause. What the hell would he do if Jaimie did want a baby? He and his brothers would no doubt dote on any kitten they had, but he was worried he’d end up hurting him or her with his much larger hands and shifter strength. Maybe it was best if they waited a few years after all.
Beckett had just seated his mate and sat beside her when he heard the three Higgens brothers sniffing the air. Crispin and Daire sat across from him and Jaimie just as Broden got to his feet and held out his hand. “Congrats on your mating.”
“Thanks.” Beckett shook Broden’s hand before the doc turned to his brothers to offer them his felicitations. He turned to gaze at Jaimie. “How’s the arm, Jaimie?”
“It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
“If you want to come to the clinic after you’ve eaten, I’ll do another x-ray and if everything’s good, I’ll take the cast off.”
“Thank you.”
“No worries.” Broden smiled before sitting back in his own booth, taking Rose Holly from her momma’s arms. He held the baby against his shoulder, gently patting her back.
Pixie came to take their order before scurrying away.
Becket was shocked when Rose belched loud enough to give a fully grown man a run for his money. He didn’t even notice his mouth was gaping until Jaimie pressed on the underside of his chin, while giggling. He loved hearing her laugh and hoped to make her do so each and every day for the rest of his life.
Jaimie Whitten was his world. If anything ever happened to her, he wasn’t sure he’d survive.
* * * *
While Jaimie liked all her mates’ friends and their women, she was still nervous around the guys. They were all so big and handsome, and while she wasn’t physically attracted to any of them, they all had strong auras of power. She was apprehensive.
Every time she glanced about, she couldn’t seem to keep her eyes off the Higgens men and their baby daughter. Rose Holly was the prettiest baby girl she’d ever seen and for the first time in her life, she had this deep-seated yearning, a need so strong to hold her own baby in her arms, it was almost too intense to ignore. As much as she’d like to ask her men if they wanted to have children, this wasn’t the time or the place. She didn’t want any of the shifters hearing their private conversation. Plus, they were only just mated. It was probably way too early in their relationship to be even thinking about such things. There was still so much they needed to learn about each other, and she had plenty of time to start a family.
“Here you go,” Pixie said with a smile as she placed their orders in front of them. “Enjoy.”
Jaimie watched the small beautiful woman hurry back to the counter. When the diner door opened, she glanced over and quickly lowered her head when she saw the girl she’d saved from being hurt and her parents enter. While she was glad she’d been alert enough to save the little girl, she didn’t want to be made a fuss over.
“There she is, Mom.”
Jaimie peeked over from under her lowered lashes, and when she saw the little girl pointing in her direction, she slid down in her seat trying to hide, while wishing that Crispin and Daire had been sitting closer together so there was no gap between them. If they had been, the girl would never have spotted her.
Her cheeks heated when the family of four hurried toward them. They stopped at the edge of the booth. Jaimie met the mother’s tearful gaze.
“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving my baby’s life.” She took a ragged breath before continuing on. “As a token of my appreciation, please allow me and my husband to compensate you for all and any medical expenses from your injuries.”
Jaimie cleared her throat. “Thanks, but that’s not necessary. I’m just glad your daughter wasn’t hurt.”
“Oh but—”
“It’s fine, ma’am,” Daire cut in. “We’ve got it covered.”
“Then please let us pay for all your meals,” the father piped up. “It’s the least we can do.”
Daire glanced at her, winking before gazing at the family again. “We’d appreciate that.”
“Can I have a photo,” the girl asked, looking directly at Jaimie. “I want to tell and show all my friends the wonderful lady who saved my life.”
Jaimie blushed and wanted to shake her head no, but the excited expectation in the girl’s eyes was so bright, she couldn’t disappoint her. She nudged Beckett’s arm. “Can you please move?”
Beckett rose to his feet before stepping back to lean against the wall. Jaimie stood, as well, blushing harder when she felt all eyes turned her way. The young girl passed her phone over to her father before tugging Jaimie’s hand, pulling her to stand beside her. The girl’s sister moved to her other side, and then both girls clasped her hands.
“Say cheese,” the dad said.
“Dad!” the sister groaned. “That’s so…cheesy.”
Both girls started laughing and Jaimie couldn’t help but join in. While she hated getting her photo taken and being the center of attention, she hoped that picture didn’t show how uncomfortable she felt.
The girls hugged her one after the other, both of them thanking her one more time. The mom walked up to Jaimie, pulling her into her arms. “You’ll never know how very grateful I am that you saved my baby. Thank you, so very, very much.”
Jaimie hugged her back, swallowing around the constriction in her throat before saying, “You’re very welcome.”
When they pulled apart, the dad took one of Jaimie’s hands in both of his. “Thank you,” he said in a raspy voice. She glanced at Crispin and Daire, instantly knowing they weren’t happy about the man touching her by how they were both clenching their jaws, and she hoped they didn’t make a scene or start growling. They had nothing to be jealous of. Jaimie hadn’t and couldn’t see any attraction in his eyes at all.
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