Mari’s breath sucked in as she opened her eyes and saw that Gage had moved closer, on his hands and knees as he watched them, his lips almost touching her brow. Mari held her hand out, wanting him to join them, to feel him and touch him. His lips took over hers as Felix sucked at her nipples, his hand sliding down to cup her mound in his palm.
Her moist heat tempted him and his two middle fingers slid into her depths, stroking her until she cried out. Felix stirred her passion with his fingers, his palm pushing into her clit, as his mouth explored her breasts. She leaned back into Gage, his arms supporting her now, as Felix thrust his fingers into her, mimicking the sex act she wanted him to do.
Mari’s lips broke away from Gage as she cried out her pleasure, the feeling too strong to bottle up. Felix moved, placing Mari in a position to enter her before he removed his clothes. Mari’s thighs came up as Felix came back to her, pulling him into her body as Gage moved over her, his lips brushing her breasts before moving down, his tongue finding her clit just as Felix moved into her.
Gage’s probing hands pulled at Mari’s flesh, pulling her clit up to his tongue. His flicking flesh almost skidded away as her lips wrapped around his own hard flesh, the sensitive head of his cock plunging deep into her throat as she sucked at him. Mari stilled, letting Gage fuck into her throat as Felix pushed into her below, his body fitting perfectly between her thighs.
The only person able to make a sound was Felix and his cries of pleasure and delight urged the other two on as he watched them. Felix moved into Mari, watching as Gage’s hips plunged down and down, always into Mari’s mouth, filling her at both ends. Felix tried to hold back his pleasure as he watched them but the pleasure was driving up his balls, into his cock and he simply couldn’t stop it.
Mari felt the first pulse of Felix’s hot cream and her body arched into him, wanting every drop he had to give her. She pushed back into him, wanting to prolong his pleasure but he moved away, pulling Gage with him to take his place. Gage groaned as he once more slipped inside of Mari. His home, his favorite place in the world.
Felix sat back and watched as the pair consumed each other, Gage embracing her, pulling her to him as Mari did the same. They created a tangled web of limbs that Felix could barely decipher as they moved together, their bodies joined not just in pleasure but somehow in a spiritual way. Felix had felt the pleasure of being inside Mari, had felt things he’d never felt before, but he knew this was not his final resting place. The thought made him sad but he’d be honest with the pair. They were meant for each other, but he wasn’t going far, not now. He had far more to explore with his two best friends than a one night stand. Far more.
As Gage found his release Mari joined him, a moment of passion that took her breath away. She felt something deep inside click and she knew, she knew that Gage was it for her for the rest of her life. They were one now. The moment was marred with sadness as she caught her breath and looked over at Felix.
“You’re mated now, my love, my little sister. But we can still play and I will always be there for you. Just because we are not mated as well does not mean I can’t be your lover as well. It’s something about us bears, we mate for life but we don’t have to be monogamous. We can be quite shocking when we’re together in fact. Quite shocking.” Felix told Mari with a grin that she knew held promises he’d keep.
Gage pulled her over him on their pallet and put her between him and Felix once more, more than willing to share the woman he’d now claimed as his own. An odd thought, he observed, but still, she was his but he would not stop her mating with anyone she desired. And tonight that included Felix.
They all settled for the moment, a long day that started off with fear and shock ending in peace and bliss. Felix turned to Mari and she turned to Gage, a blanket appeared, and soon they were all asleep, content that life was as it should be.
But it wasn’t.
At 3 am Mari awoke to the sound of metal tinkling against glass. Confused by the sound she stood up, pulling another blanket around her as she went, deciding that she’d go to the bathroom during her search for the odd noise. It was a strange place for her, the cabin, so the noise might be normal, she didn’t know. It wasn’t anything to wake the men over, she knew that much.
Walking over to the kitchen she saw nothing that could be making the sound and followed her ears, listening for the sound. It seemed to be coming from the bathroom. Good, she was heading in that direction anyway, she thought to herself.
Mari went into the bathroom and suddenly the darkness became deeper and filled with pain that exploded in her head. As she fell to the floor Mari knew something had hit her but had no time for any other thought before she lost consciousness.
Mari awoke with a moan, her hand moving to her head. Or it tried to. Something was holding her arms down. Mari struggled until she realized she couldn’t move at all and her eyes seemed to be covered with something. What terrified her the most, however, was the cold water she seemed to be floating in. She must be in the bathtub. As she finally came to her senses Mari also noticed a thin reedy voice, singing a bizarre song about loving the dead and dancing with corpses. A band across her mouth wasn’t enough to keep her from screaming in total fear and horror as she filled her lungs and yelled as loud as she could.
In an instant Mari heard twin roars coming from somewhere in the house and storming feet. The bathroom door caved in, or so she suspected, and Felix and Gage were there, the sound of a body thumping against a wall with a screech telling her the captor was in hand. A ferocious growl broke out from one of the men and the man screamed, a sound filled with pain as his skin sliced open on sharp claws.
Then Mari heard Gage’s voice. He spoke quietly, the promise of death in his tone.
“Why are you here?” He asked.
“The woman, I’ve come for the woman. She expressed her love to me in the gas station with her touch but you two have made her unclean. I had to make her clean once more. She is mine; you must let me have her.” The thin voice of a man came to Mari’s ears.
“Tell me why I shouldn’t let her mate kill you?” Felix threatened.
“Because she is mine! We are to dance in the fairy circle at dawn and gather wildflowers by the light of the moon.” The man’s quavering voice was shaking with doubt, but not fear.
“Gage, don’t let him up but don’t kill him. This man is obviously off his rocker. I’ll call the police.” Felix strode back into the living room, putting his phone on the speaker function as he pulled Mari from the water and wrapped her in a towel. He spoke into the phone, telling the police the address as he carried Mari into a bedroom, making sure she was alright before he went back into the bathroom, carrying the rope he’d removed from Mari.
“Right, I’ll tie him up then you shift Gage. The police will just take his tale of bears as more of his lunacy. Come on then buddy, let me tie him up.” Felix tried to shift Gage but he refused to budge.
Gage’s right front paw was on the man’s throat and for a moment Felix thought Gage was going to kill the man. He could see it in Gage’s eyes, the desire to kill, to protect his mate. Then it was gone and the man fell limply into Felix’s arms.
Later that evening, in a hotel far away, the men bathed Mari in a whirlpool tub filled with bubbles as the detective on Gage’s phone relayed the information he had to them.
“His name’s Lonny Evans. He’s got a record for petty stuff but nothing more. He’s been unbalanced for a while now. This will get him locked up for a while and we’ll keep you informed. Mari will get her phone back when we’re done with it. We won’t let the pictures leak, by the way. Or the video.” The detective sounded a bit embarrassed so they all let that pass.
“Thanks detective, we appreciate it. Keep in touch.” Gage turned the phone off, not an easy accomplishment with a soapy bubble covered hand.
“Hopefully that’s that then. We can get back to what’s really important now. Which one of you is going to get inside of me first tonight? Because I
need you both and Felix promised me something I’d dearly love to try.” Mari said with an inviting smile that had both men throbbing instantly.
“Oh, little sister, you are a bad one.” Felix growled at her as he joined her in the tub, his robe falling away.
“I think I have an idea about that promise. And I call bottom for that if we’re doing that in this tub. I can get a good grip with my feet as Felix takes you from the front, Mari. Oh my, you are going to be a puddle soon aren’t you my love?” Gage asked as Mari moved to him.
Mari couldn’t help but smile a grin of satisfaction. Their journey had been bumpy, filled with more than one shock, and had been a trial over the last 24 hours but the ending was their new beginning. Felix would eventually go his own way, Mari was sure of that, but she had him for now. It would hurt when he left but she knew he’d be going on to bigger and better things. He deserved everything a woman had to give him, after all.
And Gage would love her, would fill that gap. Gage who whispered in her ear now of how he’d always loved her but thought she’d never want him. Gage who now promised his devotion, his entire being to her. Mari slipped into his arms, longing to feel him joining her as Felix did the same, and knew that this really was only the beginning. The beginning of something out of this world that would change them all forever. That would make them far more than friends, it would make them partners in every sense of the word.
The End
Tiger Mated
Shifter Romance
About the Book
After her university degree, Lucy arrives in beautiful Bhutan to escape from her life in suburban England. Ambitious and attractive, she hopes to become a successful anthropologist. As she explores the wilderness of Bhutan, Lucy also explores her own mind, to discover why she really flew so far from home. Has she really done the right thing, or was this research trip a mistake?
Whilst in Bhutan, she meets Philip, tall, rugged and mysterious. As he and Lucy grow closer, they begin to fall deeply and irrevocably in love. But as they challenging obstacles together, can their relationship stand the weight of their secrets? In this emotional tale of love and desperation, will they truly save one another, or will the threat of death tear them apart?
Chapter 1
“Okay, I’m here in one piece; there is no need to fuss. I’m completely fine and safe. I’ll call regularly and keep in touch. Yes, Rob. Yes. Okay. I have to go. I… um… I love you too. Speak soon. Bye.” Lucy hung up the phone, sighing, glad to be away from England, her father and her irritatingly dull boyfriend.
“Why am I still with him?” an exasperated Lucy asked her guide, who had politely pretended he was not listening to her awkward exchange. “What we have just doesn’t excite me anymore. I don’t even know if it did in the first place. How are we together? I don’t know what to do,” she continued, more to herself this time. In spite of her previous outburst, deep down, Lucy knew why she was with Rob. He was the kind of man she was expected to marry one day. Very middle class and highly educated, her suburban parents thought he was perfect for her. They were the kind of people that valued social status and money highly. Rob enjoyed lunches or golfing trips with Lucy’s father on a regular basis, which only served to make her father like Lucy more in turn. He father felt Rob was like the son he never had and made that perfectly clear to Lucy, his only child. She thought she had come to terms with that now, but it was difficult growing up. She hated knowing that she could be clever, athletic, witty, and independent but it was never good enough because she was female.
Suddenly, Lucy stopped dead in her tracks; self-pity and resentment giving way to dumbstruck awe. Before her was the most amazing view she had ever seen. It presented with utter tranquility. Directly in front stood cloud topped mountains, elegantly meeting serene blue lakes in a scene so peaceful, she could hear only the sound of breathing. If she gained nothing else from her time in Bhutan, this view alone was worth the long journey. She felt she would have been far less irritable when travelling if she’d have known about this stunning scene. The clouds were turning brilliant shades of pink and orange, as the scorching sun set; it was the most incredible thing she had ever seen. The uncomfortable flights and lengthy airport waits were entirely worth it. She was in the presence of perfection.
Her guide, Damcho, laughed at her. He had seen the expression currently on her face before, with other travelers and the occasional scientist. She was sure everyone who came here was rendered speechless, astounded by the sights ahead. He stood back as she fumbled around for her camera, determined to capture the scenery. She couldn’t miss the opportunity. It was gorgeous!
“Don’t bother,” he advised. “No camera could ever do this justice.”
She ignored his words and tried anyway, a cry of disappointment leaving her voluptuous lips as she realized he was right. Meanwhile, Damcho assessed Lucy; she seemed much younger than any other visitor he met before. He regularly escorted people down the dangerous terrain, leading the way on paths he could navigate whilst blind. She could not be more than 21 or 22 perhaps. He studied her body language carefully. At her age, girls were normally fragile and insecure. Lucy however seemed tough and resolute, carrying her heavy rucksack uncomplainingly. He assessed her feminine yet strong figure; this girl can look after herself he decided. Lucy reminded him of his wife; her independence was why he loved and respected her. He was eager to get home to his family.
Lucy was lost in her own thoughts, unaware she had just earned Damcho’s unspoken approval. Her mind in England, thinking about what she was waiting for her. Rob didn’t want her to go; he thought women should stay at home, like both their mothers. His antiquated views were one of the many things about Rob that irked Lucy, but they remained together because it was easier than going through the motions of a break up. Their families would be more upset than she would. She was certain it would be the same for Rob. She didn’t think he cared. She couldn’t really tell either way, he was so dull that his words all sounded the same; she had never heard passion in his voice.
“Oh bother!” exclaimed Lucy. Her dark, glossy locks had come loose from the pin she’d put in her hair to secure it in place. Why had she come here, to Bhutan? Was it to escape, or to know there was more to life and the world than England? Lucy wasn’t sure. All she knew was she was excited; the Aboriginal Monpa peoples of Bhutan, were virtually unstudied. Located in Asia near the Himalayas, Bhutan did not generate the same level of anthropological interest as Egypt, for example. At such a young age, perhaps she would be considered a leading researcher in this field. Her three years at university had inspired her to learn more about other cultures, following her dream of becoming an anthropologist. She was going to achieve her dream in stunning fashion! Her heart swelled with pride at the thought and she continued to follow Damcho to her dwellings for the coming weeks.
“We are nearly there. You’ll meet the rest of your group soon. There is another group coming in a few days too, I believe. You will have lots of people to get to know; this is your home for now.”
“Thank you for escorting me, Damcho. That view was incredible; what a way to be welcomed to Bhutan,” Lucy smiled.
“You are welcome. I am going to see my family tonight, but I will be back tomorrow to show you around the local area. I would like to show you safe places to roam and study. Some villagers do not like visitors, so please take my warning. Tonight, you will be fine here, as long as you don’t roam. Please don’t worry.
“Thank you again, I promise I won’t go wandering. But before you go, is there anywhere I could please wash or bathe?”
Damcho smiled “Yes, certainly. If you have your wash things ready, please follow me.” He led the way to some leafy bushes, pushing them apart. “You will have some privacy here; the rustling of bushes should be enough warning if you think someone is coming.”
“This is perfect!” Lucy exclaimed. She was excited to scrub the grime and sweat from her aching body.
“Have a restful evening. Please
don’t stray, it’s very important!” Damcho warned.
“I promise I won’t. See you tomorrow, have a lovely night. Thank you for everything.” Lucy replied.
With that, Damcho turned and walked back through the bushes. She was grateful for Damcho; without him, she would have been lost, but she was also grateful to have some time alone. Lucy decided to bathe immediately before returning to camp, she just couldn’t wait. Hesitantly, she removed her boots and socks, listening intently for an intruder through the bushes. Finally satisfied she was alone; she undressed, sliding noiselessly into the cool lake. It was so soothing on her hot body. Despite her exhaustion, she paddled around for what seemed like hours, enjoying the sensation of the water washing over her. When she tired of swimming, she pulled herself out of the lake, lying on the edge on her towel. The relaxing swim had calmed her earlier paranoia of intruders; instead of dressing, she happily lay naked, allowing the warm, balmy air dry her tanned skin.
As she lay down, she thought about home, about the future and really began to assess herself. Looking objectively at her own life, she knew there were some things she liked and some she disliked. She liked that the years of sports and father-pleasing athleticism had left her with a toned, fit body, perpetually sun-kissed from outdoor pursuits. She liked her education and was very proud of her academic successes. She loved her mother, short, plump, and wonderfully kindhearted, who doted on Lucy and her father. Her mind slowly turned to her father and her high spirits dampened slightly. She knew he loved her, she knew that he’d silently be proud that she’d embarked on this journey, yet he would never tell her so. He was a man that only spoke when necessary; Lucy could not remember having lengthy discussions or him talking for the sake of it. He was a man that did not believe in wasting words and that extended to praising his only child. Despite Lucy knowing everything about his quiet pride and lack of words, it did not stop the hurt and pain she felt. She lay there on the edge of the lake and allowed herself to weep; feelings she had suppressed for so long flowed freely from the tears in her eyes. Feeling the exhaustion more than ever, Lucy closed her eyes; just for a moment; and quickly fell asleep, still naked.
Jacob (Alexander Shifter Brothers Book 3) Page 62