His Purrfect Mate

by Aliyah Burke

  “I don’t plan on dying for a long time. I have three very important reasons to stick around. And tell Lady Nahia it will be our pleasure to come for a visit.”

  Aren grinned. “Congratulations.”

  “Thank you.” Dane sobered. “Aren, if something does happen…” He trailed off, unable to actually speak those words.

  “They will be well protected and cared for.” His eyes were ablaze with golden fire as he spoke with utter sincerity.

  “You and I…our bond…”

  “I know. It is something you never have to worry about. It’s a given.”

  “Dank u, Aren Van der Ness,” Dane said with a slight bow. He and Aren had a bond that made them tighter than brothers. They’d been through so much with one another. Each would die for the other without hesitation. Or for one another’s mates. It’s how they were.

  Heller and Killian returned, and the men sat along the steps leading to the porch of his cabin.

  “Let’s talk more about this Uffernangau.”

  Dane knew Heller was still angry, but hopefully, one day, he would understand. They shifted topics when Bryndis and Lera returned. He watched Lera hesitate before coming nearer and knew it was the three men near him. He nearly burst with pride when she lifted her chin slightly and walked to him and sat on his knee, the one closest to the edge.

  “I made you this.”

  He heard Aren’s laughter when Lera placed the wreath of flowers on his head. It was a sound echoed by the others there. Dane ran his tongue over his teeth and touched it before smiling. “Was this your idea?”

  “No,” she said, straightening it. “Cousin Bryndis said you’d like it.”

  Spearing his cousin with a look, who was really trying to contain her laughter, he lifted a lip in warning. Then, he met Lera’s gaze. “It’s beautiful. Thank you, little one.”

  Dane touched the one she still held. “Are you not wearing yours?”

  “This one’s for my angel.”

  “I see. I’d really like to meet your angel.”

  “One day he says.”

  “He’s here?”

  “Yes.”

  Dane flashed a look to the others, they all replied with a negative. They didn’t find anything around. “I see. Well, we have to get ready for dinner, so come on.”

  Lera slid off his lap and took his hand in hers. The four adults were in the living room when he walked out of his bedroom. He arched his brows at them while waiting for Lera to come down the stairs.

  “Wearing your flowers to dinner?” Heller asked.

  “If she wants me to,” he replied easily, enjoying the look of shock on their faces. Luckily for him, she didn’t. The meal wasn’t all bad, but he knew Lera had about reached her limit though; she fell asleep on the way home from dinner at the restaurant, Sanjai’s. Back at his cabin, he sat outside, ice water in hand, while she slept in her new bed.

  He remained seated when the air shimmered and two cloaked figures approached.

  “Enforcer Dane Sidorov,” they said as one.

  “No longer enforcer,” he corrected, sipping his water.

  “What do you mean?” one asked.

  “I mean I’m done.” He pushed to his feet and placed his glass on the porch railing as he stood there, feet shoulder-width apart. “I’ve spent more years than I care to think about enforcing laws. I was good. I was damn good. But now, because of that, my mate is in danger. I’m tired. I want to live my life. You have plenty of youngsters who can be enforcers. You don’t need me.”

  “So you turn your back on Savoy?”

  His tiger hissed a deadly warning. “Don’t go there,” he snarled. “I’ve spent hundreds of years defending Savoy. Both here and away. Do not try to guilt me like others have, it won’t work. I have found my mate. My mate, after being alone for so long. She is my priority, her and our family. I don’t turn my back on Savoy, I’m embracing my future. Seems to me, you’re the ones turning from me.”

  “You always were stubborn.”

  “And you always call me that when you know I’m right, Grandfather.” Dane lifted his glass and took another drink.

  The corner of the man’s mouth lifted slightly. “Would you consent to assist with training of new enforcers?”

  “That I can do.”

  “Thank you, Dane.” They vanished before he could say another word.

  He sat back down, glass again in hand. The night air blew coolly over him. The shape of a large bird blotted out the moon for a brief moment, and he propped his feet up on the railing.

  His visitor didn’t ask for permission to come onto the porch, just made his way up there and sat in a rocker beside Dane. The men remained with a companionable silence between them for about five minutes.

  “You were very quiet tonight, Dane. Is everything okay?” Booted feet landed on the railing beside his.

  “I’m not sure, Aren. I have my wards up, keeping everyone out. Aida can get in whenever she wishes. And has the ability to keep me out. I’ve never seen anything like it before. So while I can feel the mating bond strong between us, she is still in control if I can get in to her.”

  Aren pondered in silence. “Do you think she is more than just human?”

  “No. I’ve not sensed anything else about her. No spikes of power anywhere.”

  “A truly remarkable woman then.”

  A grin lifted the corners of his mouth. “You have no idea.”

  “Actually, I do. I watched her face off with the ‘Master’ in front of her home. She has more mettle and backbone than some of our own kind in that situation.”

  Dane nodded. “I wish she would have come with me.”

  “You told me about what happened to her cousin, Dane. She doesn’t like this country. Hell, you’re gone from here more often than not as well. Go to her. Trust me when I tell you this, don’t wait too long and have her taken from you. When I...lost Nahia, I didn’t want to continue on. I was lucky she was returned to me. We both know that bastard wouldn’t be so kind to Aida should he capture her. And I know what would happen if she were killed.”

  So did Dane. The darkness would consume him, and there would be no way of stopping him short of killing him.

  “Does it ever get easier?” he asked, finishing his water.

  “Nope.” Aren’s response came immediately and without hesitation of any kind. “I am overprotective every day, and I know it bothers her, but she allows it because Nahia realizes it is something I can’t change about myself.”

  “Aida’s carrying my baby.”

  “Shit. Congrats man.” Aren clapped him on the shoulder briefly. “Nahia will be thrilled to hear of this.”

  “I wish I could be here for the birth of your first,” he said.

  “Do not worry about it, vreind. We both understand you need to protect your mate.” Aren stood. “Besides, you are the godparent to my child. We’ll be seeing one another. Stay safe, vreind.”

  “You, too.”

  Dane stood and embraced his friend before watching the magic transformation from man to golden eagle. With a powerful shriek, the eagle winged higher until he could no longer be seen. Dane stared at the sky for a few more minutes. Then, he went inside and picked up the phone.

  “General Herbert,” the man on the other end said.

  “I need a favor, General.”

  * * * *

  “Good job, boys,” Aida said, patting each of them before walking to the tranquilized feline. Crouching beside him, she checked the tag and removed the dart. That done, Aida cleaned out the large gash on his side. Normally, she wouldn’t interfere with an animal’s state of being but this wasn’t from a fight.

  “Fucking poachers.”

  The cat twitched, and she backed off, making sure she had her things with her. She moved quickly, knowing he would be awake soon. In her vehicle, she watched from a distance as the African lion rose and shook before heading off. Not long after, she could hear him roaring in search of his pride. Slipping down behind
the wheel, she drove off, heading back home.

  It was early evening when she reached her house. She couldn’t help but notice the shiny black helicopter in her yard. General Brad Herbert. She shut off the engine and jumped out, her dogs at her heels.

  “God, I just want a shower, food, then bed,” she muttered. “And not necessarily in that order.”

  Kamau barked and bounded off toward the back of the house. Ruger followed. Aida groaned. “Great. Man went and made himself at home. Patience is a virtue.” She shook her head. “Or some bull like that.”

  Walking around the corner, Aida froze. Down on one knee with the dogs was Dane. Not the general.

  “Dane,” she breathed.

  He pushed to his feet and strode toward her, his tawny-green-gold gaze glowing fiercely. His arms hauled her in close as his lips descended upon hers with possessiveness. Aida melted into him, her arms slipping around him, holding him tightly, tears gathered in her eyes.

  “Aida,” he moaned on a low guttural thread. “My Aida.”

  His hands cupped her ass through the khaki material of her pants. She rubbed against him, purring in the back of her throat. His erection pressed firmly into her. Every synapse fired, responding to him, and she became overwhelmed with her desire for him.

  Nibbling along her neck, Dane lifted her and carried her back to the bedroom, his hands tearing at her clothes. The door clicked shut, and Aida found her back against it as he feasted upon her swollen breasts. Each lick, nip, and suckle felt one hundred percent more intense given how much more sensitive her breasts had become.

  Aida shook from the stream of orgasms rippling through her, his rough tongue creating a maelstrom within her.

  “Dane!” she cried, pressing his head even tighter against her, her hips grinding into him the best she could.

  “Tell me,” he commanded around one nipple.

  “Uh…now…oh shit…sweet goddess…please, Dane,” Aida babbled, her brain mush. He shredded her pants and underwear. Aida didn’t give a damn. She panted for him. When he slid home, her eyes rolled back and she hissed, “Yesss!”

  “Listen to me, mate,” he rumbled in her ear.

  “Talk later, tiger-mine.” She undulated against him and tightened her core muscles.

  He purred at that, and so, she did it again. And again. Until Dane thrust hard and deep into her, spreading the blaze throughout her entire body. Right before she crested, he stopped.

  Aida forced her eyes open and glared at him. He was covered in sweat, and there was that wild look she loved so much in his eyes. The one which promised unbeatable passion.

  “Stopping isn’t nice,” she informed him.

  “Not stopping, moving.”

  Dane repositioned them on the bed. Aida moaned in pleasure when he began moving again. His lips covered hers and captured her scream as she shattered beneath him. She bit his lower lip and hung on when he roared in response before driving home, hard and deep, before shuddering with the force of his own orgasm. He pulled out and fell to the side, drawing her close.

  “Did I hurt you?”

  She smiled against his chest. “No. Trust me, those were all good screams.”

  His hand covered her ass. “Nice to know.” Dane kissed her forehead.

  The pounding of his heart soothed her. “What are you doing here, tiger-mine?”

  “Where else would I be?” One hand trailed idly up and down her arm.

  “Thought you went home with…with… Oh my God, where’s Lera?” She bolted up only to have him gently guide her back to her previous position beside him.

  “She’s fine. Sleeping in the guest room.” He drew back and stared down at her. “You mean the world to me, Aida. I won’t force you to live in a country you don’t like. Your home is here. You are my home, so here we are.”

  Her heart soared. Touching the side of his face, she asked, “What about your family?”

  “I can visit like you do yours. But you, solnyshko moyo, Lera,” he covered her slightly protruding belly with one large hand, “and our unborn baby are my family.”

  “Tell me what that means.”

  “Solnyshko moyo. My sun.”

  She liked the sound of that. “What about the darkness within you?”

  “It’s still there. I can feel it. And I know that thing isn’t done chasing me. But I can’t live without you in my life, mate.”

  “Dane?”

  “Yes, my love?”

  “Will you always love me?”

  “Beyond forever, mate. Beyond forever.”

  A smile curled up her lips. “That’s a long time.” I kinda like being called mate. It makes my toes curl when he says it.

  “Not nearly long enough. And yes, mate, I will be pushy and possessive every step of the way.”

  Aida snuggled closer. “Good thing I plan on being stubborn and difficult those same steps.” He swatted her butt.

  “I suppose now I’m going to have to make an honest woman out of you.”

  “Don’t have to. We could forget the whole thing.”

  “Don’t bet on it, Aida Roberts. I plan on having you being Aida Kumani Roberts Sidorov very soon.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” she said honestly.

  “Me, too,” he purred in her ear.

  “You’d better be. Now, I really need a shower and food.”

  “Are you not taking care of my baby, mate?”

  She shoved him and laughed when he grunted. “I just got home, and you distracted me.”

  “I did, didn’t I? And it was a lovely distraction.”

  “No argument, but I’m really hungry. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.”

  Dane released her and watched her with hunger in his eyes as she got out of bed. “Why?”

  Slipping on her robe, Aida said, “I get to arrest Lord Devon Smythe. We finally have enough to put that bastard behind bars.” That made her smile. It had been a long time in coming, many sacrifices made, but tomorrow was the day. Walking to the bathroom, Aida shut the door on Dane, saying, “Not having Lera wake up and find you in the bathroom with me.”

  Aida was in high spirits as she tucked Lera in after a late meal. She’d missed the little girl and the sparkle in her eyes. That night, Dane held Aida in his arms, carried her beyond the stars, and kept her safe.

  “I love you, Dane,” she whispered before sleep claimed her.

  “And I you.”

  Epilogue

  South Africa

  Three years later

  Dane smiled and watched Lera run by with Kamau hot on her heels. Not far behind them were three other young ridgebacks. Lera still didn’t like people outside of him, Aida, or their other kids to touch her. Especially men but she had blossomed living here, both inside and out, and had grown so she looked much closer to her age now. Although she was still a bit on the small side. The house was much larger now, and Dane had his family and friends visiting. A huge celebration to celebrate the birth of their third child. Valera was thirteen, her brother, Grigori Lenard was almost three, and the newest member, his second daughter, Irinah Daneil was six months now.

  Aida walked by, and he grabbed her, drawing her in close. “Where are you going?”

  “I was going to eat something.”

  “I missed you this morning,” he murmured, staring at her green cargo pants and tight black shirt.

  “Sorry, I had to work.” She trailed her hands over his jean-clad ass.

  “I was going to put you to work.”

  Ohhh, I bet that would have been way more fun than what I was doing.

  He still couldn’t explain how it was that Aida had managed to slip past all his barriers and into his mind. There was also the question as to why she could control if he could enter her head. But he didn’t mind. He loved being able to always feel her light and warmth around him. She left the link open, always allowing them in contact. Dane cupped her cheek and kissed her. “I love you, mate.”

  She gave him a smile that made his knee
s weak. You call me that when you’re feeling possessive.

  He shrugged shamelessly. “I’m always possessive of you.” Dane patted Ruger who stood beside him. “So is he.” The ridgeback refused to allow anyone in Dane’s family to touch him. Kamau wouldn’t either but he seemed to be warming up, whereas Ruger made it perfectly clear he wouldn’t ever allow it.

  “You just like that he growls at everyone else.” She stepped away and turned.

  “That, too.” It baffled his family and made him chuckle.

  Aida shook her head before facing him again. “Tell you what. You let me go mingle, see my kids, eat, and I promise I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

  The seduction in her tone hardened his cock immediately. “Promise?”

  Her gaze darkened as she sucked one finger in her mouth before making an “x” over her heart. “Oh yeah.” She kissed him quick and walked off.

  Mate?

  Aida stopped and looked over her shoulder at him. Yes, tiger-mine?

  I love you.

  And I you. She winked and continued on her way. He watched her talk and begin to fill a plate. Aida stood with her father, Bryndis, and Nahia who was with their three-year-old son, Dayne Maikel Van der Ness. Dane was honored they named their firstborn after him and the eldest Van der Ness sibling who had been believed to be dead. Dayne was a twin to a lovely girl, Siri Adelia, who had Aren already up in arms about males coming around her.

  You should eat something, tiger-mine.

  Dane nodded at one of his brothers who walked by. Why?

  Because I fully intend on making you purr. She cut her gaze to him and purred in his head.

  His cock went from hard to titanium hard. Mate, he said, trying to control his lust. Dane had to sit when she flashed a memory of a time against the wall.

  Eat up.

  Dane was damn near sweating. He regained control and stood overlooking the people gathered then back to his wife. He touched the pendant he still wore and smiled. The darkness still lingered but it didn’t scare him. Aida gave him the light to combat it. He had not totally let down his guard for he knew someday the “Master” would resurface.