“It’s an upscale restaurant on the southern edge created by the Stewart family and it’s the place to announce courtships.”
“Isn’t the Dove Star available?”
“Yeah, but it’s filled with normals. Serenade is all jaguar. Want me to reserve a table for tonight?”
“Yes, we’ll escort her to dinner.”
“After we ask her if she wants us.”
Chuckling, Etienne tapped Isaac’s nose with his finger.
Laughing, Isaac kissed his chin, rolled, and was on his feet. He snagged his T-shirt off the floor, shook it out, and tugged it back over his head. He turned to find Etienne stretched out. “We need to head downstairs for breakfast.” Isaac held out a hand.
“Once more I’ll reiterate I’m not a complete invalid.” Etienne sat and moved his feet to the floor. He whipped the sheet away from his hips.
“Whoops! Sorry,” Kate said with a giggle.
Chapter 16
Etienne covered his nudity with the sheet and flushed as Kate turned and rocked back and forth on her bare feet, the reason neither guardian had heard her.
“Sorry. Sorry. Wondered what happened to you and wanted to tell you breakfast and coffee is ready,” Kate said. She tapped a finger to her chin. “Looks like you were rolling around in bed again. A girl could wonder about this. But no, I didn’t see. Nope, I didn’t peek in and see a naked Etienne ass. Though I wish I could.” She drawled out the last word on a teasing high note.
Both males chuckled.
“Sorry. Sorry. Slept in the buff when you didn’t curl against us,” Etienne said.
“I noticed, wait, no, no, I didn’t notice. I didn’t try.” She groaned and they heard her thunk her head on the nearest wall.
“Yeah, we’re not alone,” Etienne said since his erection remained, not satisfied from their earlier romp.
“Yeah.” Isaac shifted his pants to adjust his cock. “Guess we better remember there’s a girl here.”
“A girl. Sheesh, it's been a while since one was in this house,” Etienne added.
“You two are hilarious,” Kate said.
“You didn’t catch us doing anything except getting my skinny ass out of bed,” Etienne said. “My bits are covered.”
“I heard noises which accompany fooling around while nekkid. Noises a sequestered female isn’t supposed to hear,” she said in a singsong teasing tone.
“I couldn’t help myself, he’s cute.”
“What I thought and cute isn’t an excuse.” She tilted her head. “When you say covered, are you including the dangly bits?”
Etienne snorted.
Kate laughed, bright and joyous, with Isaac’s deep laughter. She found a pair of cotton stretch trunk underwear in his dresser and tossed them on the bed.
Etienne yanked them on under the sheet after different maneuvering. “Decent.” He flipped away the sheet.
“Want sweatpants or jeans?”
“Jeans and a T-shirt.”
Opening a couple of drawers, Kate chose his outfit and carried it to the bed. She touched her fingers against his chest and traced the pale scars on his shoulder.
“I’m okay. I hope these scars will disappear.” Etienne trapped her fingers against his skin with a light touch.
Kate tilted her head and looked up into his gaze, hers soft and unsure, but a bit of admiration and need swirled among the emotions. “I shouldn’t want to touch another male outside of our kind. It’s why I sleep alone to control my desire, but I can't stop myself from feeling these longings, emotions, and needs.” She leaned closer, as if giving him a type of hug, and breathed in his scent. A soft purr escaped as she nuzzled her cheek against his pectoral.
Astounded by her revelation, Etienne slid his free hand to the base of her skull, under the braid. He kept her against him with the lightest of holds to not frighten her. He leaned down. His gaze went to Isaac, and he breathed in her exotic desert fragrance, so different from the clean, pine scent of his mate. He felt her purring and echoed her with a rumble as his jaguar approved of this little feline.
“But?” Isaac encouraged as he stepped closer, placing his fingers over theirs. He leaned in to breathe in her scent and met Etienne’s gaze.
“Every time I’m near you, things light up inside me. From the moment we met and my cat scented you outside the Alpha’s house, I’ve felt so different. I’ve never felt this need to touch another in my life,” she whispered. She turned to look at Isaac and lifted her free hand to touch his cheek. “I have this ache to touch both of you. It’s time to go beyond the boundaries of our species.”
“Will you allow us more than a touch?” Isaac asked.
She blinked, slow and unsteady, as she thought about her answer.
“We can pursue more than a touch later, but it’s good to start with it. A touch can be a wonderful thing,” Etienne said. “We’ve known you looked in on us.”
She flushed deep red. “What? Me. No.”
“Touching and looking can lead to fabulous options,” Isaac said. “Darling, we’re cats. Your scent is unique.”
“I saw your hair in the doorway before I caught the scent of your arousal,” Etienne said. “It’s a beautiful thing when it blossoms.”
If possible, her flush deepened and she twisted her hands between their chests. “Oh sheesh, I’m…”
“Did you bring yourself to climax while watching us?” Isaac whispered in her ear before he nibbled on the lobe.
Kate moaned at the touch. “Yes, I think so.”
Isaac pulled back and looked at her. “You think so?”
“Have you never given yourself a climax? Were you allowed to touch yourself, learn your body?” Etienne placed his fingers on her chin and tilted her face.
“It was a forbidden status known throughout the female house.”
Isaac lifted an eyebrow. “Female house?”
“The single females live there in sequester while waiting for a mating. We learned skills from others, our mothers, but we rely on ourselves and books for teachings.”
“Are you…” Isaac lowered his head and growled.
“We’ll handle it later.” Etienne studied Kate. “You can do whatever you desire within our home and presence, Kate. Nothing is forbidden here.”
“Something to think about,” Kate said. “There is one thing I wished to try.”
“Here and now?” Isaac asked. “You wish to do this with us.”
She faced Etienne. “Don’t move.”
Etienne held still as she pressed her lips against his in a soft, closemouthed kiss. It was hesitant and unpracticed. He noticed a heightened color across her cheeks when she leaned back and turned to Isaac. She lifted on her toes to give him the same kiss. Her flush darkened.
“Katie, are you okay?” Etienne asked.
She pressed fingers to her lips. “I’m wonderful.” She stepped away from them, clutching her fingers together. “I made you a wonderful breakfast and don’t want the food to get cold.” She rushed to the doorway.
“Kate, wait, we would like to ask you something,” Isaac said as he glanced at Etienne.
“What is it?” she asked, holding onto the door.
“Etienne and I would like to announce our intention to court you for a mating dance under the full moon and Goddess’s blessing. I placed our names in the courtship book, but everything is based on your decision. If you accept, we would like to escort you to dinner tonight at Serenade.”
Leaning against the frame, she closed her eyes as her hands pressed against the wood.
“You could turn us down. We’ll remain your personal guardians,” Etienne added.
“Let me think about the offer.”
“Take as much time as you wish. We can change for dinner to another night,” Isaac said.
After a quiet study of them, she slipped out the door.
“I don’t know what happened here, but oh man. I’m knocked off my feet. What a lady.” Isaac rubbed his tingling lips. “She’s powerful
with a look. We’re in trouble.”
“The kiss was unpracticed and innocent, which didn’t match the look. She is a virgin in physical matters. As much as our cats would like to pounce on her, we must take things slow and careful. We must give her the time to know us during the courtship. She deserves our respect. She’s a princess of a different clan. Sand jaguars are smaller and more delicate.” Etienne worked his legs into the jeans. Even getting up every day, he remained out of shape. He’d been out of whack since the original shooting. He picked up the T-shirt, enjoying the feel of the soft ancient cotton, and pulled it over his head. Rising, he tugged up the jeans, zipped, and buttoned them.
Isaac turned to place a hand against Etienne’s shoulder to keep him steady. “She’s a delicate little thing, isn’t she?”
“Yeah. Delicate and beautiful.” Etienne ran a hand through his hair.
“Do you want a shower?”
“Nah, I’m fine since you helped me with the shower last night.”
“Always happy to wash your back and anything else I can reach,” Isaac said with a lascivious wiggle of his eyebrows. He’d reached a whole lot more and they’d made good use of the waterproof lube. He pressed his lips against Etienne’s mouth. He slid his fingers into his partner’s thick caramel-colored hair to hold him in place.
Etienne deepened the kiss and rested his fingers on Isaac’s shoulders. He licked his partner’s lips once more before he leaned back.
“We better go before Kate kicks our butts.” Isaac slid to the side to support Etienne if he needed it.
Etienne stretched every few steps. He dropped in deep crouches to bend his hips and knees. He twisted until a few vertebrae snapped in place with a few distinct pops. “Oh, sweet Goddess, I need a good workout.”
“You need nourishment. We’ll go through your stretches and training.”
Etienne gave him a wry look before going downstairs.
“I swear. Doctor’s orders, and I never go against Doc Melinda,” Isaac said as he bumped shoulders with him. “Relax. She gave us different exercises and massage techniques to keep things interesting.”
“I hear you moving and talking. You can’t hide from a sand cat. We have big ears with excellent hearing. Get your butts in here before I eat everything,” Kate called from the other room.
“Uh-oh,” Isaac said in a fake whisper.
“I blame you for everything. I’m hungry and recovering.” Etienne entered the kitchen, sniffing at the delicious smells coming from a once empty, dirty kitchen. Even after the week, he was amazed at how the clan’s ladies had turned this dusty house into a warm, livable home.
“Hey, slowpoke, what happened this time?” Kate pulled out a chair. There was a spread of dishes on the table along with three place settings and a pot of delicious coffee.
“His fault.” Etienne pointed over his shoulder at Isaac, who snorted while he sauntered inside.
Kate handed him pills and a glass of water. “Take these first.”
“Must I? I don’t like pills.”
“You’re moving like a geriatric cat. The doc told you to take these. She and River adjusted the dosage.” Isaac pushed as he sat down.
Etienne took the pills, popped them into his mouth, and swallowed half the glass of water. “Can I have my coffee now?”
“Yes, thank you for not arguing.” Kate pressed a complacent kiss to his temple. She sat between them, reached for the pot of coffee, and poured a full mug for Etienne. She gave Isaac his half-coffee, half-cream, and dredged-in-sugar concoction.
Etienne studied the tiny cup in front of her along with a different pot. “What are you drinking?”
“This is Turkish coffee. It’s a favorite of our clan. You can drink this coffee all over the Arabian countries.” She poured the coffee from the pot, thick foam forming on top. She picked up the tiny cup and sipped.
Etienne sniffed and shrugged.
“It’s an acquired taste, strong, a little bitter, and the grounds stay in the brew.” With efficient movements, she slid thick slices of Challah French toast, a pile of hash browns, and strips of crispy bacon on their plates.
“Challah bread. I didn’t know we had some,” Etienne said.
“I baked it two days ago for this breakfast,” she said with a smile.
“Homemade bread? Delicious.”
Without another delay, they all dug into the delicious, enticing breakfast.
“About the dinner tonight,” Kate said when there was a long pause.
Isaac glanced at Etienne. “Yes?”
“I’ll accept the invitation.”
“Do you mean it?” Isaac’s face widened with a smile.
“What is the proper dress code?”
“Evening cocktail or formal.”
“I’ll find something appropriate,” she said and went back to eating her French toast.
Before he could say anything, Etienne heard his cell phone ring and picked it up after finishing the last of his breakfast. “Hey, Paul, yeah, I can talk.” He gave the others a chagrined look, pushed himself from the chair, and shuffled to the living room to speak with his Conclave connection.
Chapter 17
Later in the afternoon, Isaac rushed downstairs when he heard a series of knocks, checked the image on the security system, and opened the door. A pair of ladies stood in the doorway, holding multiple bags, while a young man stood behind them with a portable salon chair.
“Did you call for a home visit from Shayla’s Salon?” one of the ladies asked.
“We did and I apologize for it, but she’s a visiting guest and we’re on protection detail,” Isaac said and stepped out of the way. “Come in. Come in.”
“You’re not the first request. You never called the salon before, did you, but I’ve seen you at the moon dances?”
“Nah, haven’t visited you ladies yet. I’m Isaac,” he said.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Arianne and this is Kelly. The cub is my son, who hauls stuff around for me,” Arianne said. “Where would you like us to set up?”
“I arranged a space between the kitchen and dining room. There are tile and wood floors for easy cleanup.”
“Show us the way.”
Isaac let everyone inside and reset the alarm. He led them through the house and waved at the area he’d finished arranging earlier.
“Excellent. You even gave us power strips, bless the goddess!” Arianne said while Kelly clapped.
Isaac chuckled and helped the cub arrange the chair after the ladies laid down a protective mat.
“Mom, do you want me to stay or return?” the cub asked.
“Come back in three hours. We should be done. Don’t go beyond the inner perimeter,” she said while laying out her tools.
“I know, bye, Mom,” the cub said and headed back to the door.
Isaac followed the kid to deal with the system. He returned to the ladies. “Anything I can do to assist?”
“We’re good. You could bring our client downstairs and we’ll pamper her,” Arianne said.
“Okay. Her name is Kate.” Isaac raced upstairs to the office and library combination. He leaned in the doorway and rapped his knuckles on the wall.
Kate looked up from her book while Etienne lifted his gaze from a laptop.
“I have a surprise for you waiting downstairs, Kate,” Isaac said.
“Ooh, I can’t wait,” she said, saving her place in the book.
“I’ll be right there,” Etienne said.
Isaac led Kate out of the room and back to the surprise.
* * * *
After turning a corner, Kate stopped and placed her hands to her mouth at the sight of two ladies in purple smocks standing on either side of a salon chair. Her eyes widened at them before she looked to Isaac for answers.
“Welcome to your afternoon at the spa, Katie-cat. These ladies will pamper you before we escort you to Serenade. They’ll do your hair, a manicure and pedicure, and makeup. You sit back and relax. I’ll make tea for everyone
to enjoy. Etienne and I will stay out of the way unless we’re needed,” Isaac said.
“Oh, Isaac, this is wonderful,” she said. “I’ve never had anything like this done.”
“Enjoy, and I hope it’ll be the first of many visits. Once the danger is gone from the valley, you can visit the salon.”
Kate lifted on her toes and kissed his cheek. She moved to the ladies. “Hello. I’m Kate.”
“Bye, ladies, enjoy!” Isaac went to set up a pot of tea before disappearing upstairs.
“Hello, Kate, I’m Arianne and this is my assistant, Kelly. Shayla sent us from the salon to pamper you at your males’ request,” Arianne said. She patted the seat and Kate settled down on the plush chair.
“Oh, how wonderful. I can’t wait,” Kate said as she sat back and let Arianne spin her around until they faced a large mirror.
“What would you like?” Arianne asked as she lifted the long braid. “I heard about the custom of desert females not cutting their hair. Is this true?”
“We’re allowed a healthy trim of the ends to encourage growth.”
Arianne lifted the end of the braid. “I recommend an inch to clean the ends. What do you wish to do?”
“I do love braids and wish for some kind of up design.”
The ladies talked and flipped through some images on phones and in magazines, until they all settled on something. In between the talks, Etienne appeared and handed over a flat box. He kissed Kate’s temple and disappeared back upstairs without a word or explanation. When Kate opened the box, all three ladies oohed and ahhed at the Victorian-styled hair comb with decadent black pearls and brilliant diamonds. They changed a couple of plans to incorporate the delicate comb.
Hours later, the salon stylists left. Excited, Kate hurried upstairs and into her room before the males came out.
“I’ll meet you downstairs!” she called down.
“Don’t wear jewelry,” Etienne said.
“What? Why not?”
“Please?”
“Okay.” Kate pulled the dress from its protective cover, along with the deep-blue lingerie, garter belt, and dark stockings, and the box of shoes. She chose a fabulous clutch from another bag. She laid everything out on the bed, double-checked all of her decisions, and undressed.
Dark Moon Dance [Fire Jaguars 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 11