His Needs

by Lily Harlem

  He kissed her, a gentle, tender press of his mouth to hers. He hoped in that kiss she’d feel how much he adored her. How much she meant to him.

  Chapter Six

  Flo broke the kiss. “You brought food.”

  He grinned and stroked his thumbs over her cheeks, catching the lingering dampness from her tears. “Yeah, I bought you something from the bakery.”

  “And no doubt you were hungry, too.”

  “True.” He stepped away and picked up the bag. “Here, take your pick.”

  “It smells amazing.” She peered inside. “Looks good as well.”

  “You don’t feel…you know…sick or anything?”

  “No. I did a bit yesterday, when I was so tired and we were on the bus, but now I’m just hungry.” She tugged out a sub and bit into it. Crumbs scattered onto her T-shirt and she brushed them away. “Mmm, this is good.”

  Raul smiled, pleased to see her almost back to normal and eating. The baby needed nourishment.

  “So tell me about Malec,” she said when she’d swallowed the first bite. “What’s going on with these dogs?” She bit into her breakfast again.

  Raul helped himself to a sub. “Seems the town’s overrun with strays and he couldn’t help himself, started gathering them up. Before he knew it, he was thrown out of the motel for keeping them there.”

  “That’s not good.”

  “No, so he’s renting a patch of land. Got himself a fenced off area with a bunch of runs and kennels and a hut to live in.”

  “A hut! And all this time we thought he was in a nice room.”

  “It’s not as bad as you think. He’s got running water and it’s set up to cook simple stuff.”

  “Well, that’s something, I guess.”

  “But it’s taking time and money looking after these dogs.”

  “Can’t he find homes for them?”

  “He is, but as soon as he does, he finds another. Just last night walking back from the gas station we came across one, but…”

  “But what?” Flo finished up her sub and peered into the bag.

  “Turns out he was a shifter.”

  “Really?” She looked up. “Out in the town alone and easy to catch?”

  “Yeah. No pack, so he said.”

  “That’s unusual, isn’t it?” She pulled out a cinnamon bun.

  “Yeah, but it could be to our advantage?”

  She raised her eyebrows and bit into her cake.

  “He’s stayed to help, now. Give Malec a hand to get the runs cleaned, dogs walked and all that.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “Bradley. He’s…”

  “What?” She frowned.

  “Pretty.” Raul laughed. “In a masculine way. All blond hair and tan, like a guy from a billboard advert or something.”

  “Now I’m even more surprised he’s alone.” She laughed, too.

  “Guess he’s still finding his way in the world. A bit like Aleco’s son Neo did for a while back there.”

  “Yeah, he’s settled now though, with a mate. Bradley will find one soon enough.” She frowned, bun held halfway to her mouth. “He’s not…he and Malec.”

  “God no.” Raul shook his head. “Apart from the fact they only just met, I know damn well Malec is as into us as he ever was.”

  Her expression softened. “Ah, you had some fun while you were out all night then.”

  “We couldn’t resist. It’s been a while.”

  “Wish I could have been there.” There was a note of longing in her voice.

  Guilt twisted Raul’s guts. “He’ll be here soon.” He glanced at the door as if looking at it might will their third to walk through it. “That’s the good thing about Bradley being at the kennels. Malec will get organized in plenty of time for him to visit us before he has to get to the gas station for his shift.”

  “Well, he can’t arrive soon enough.” Flo put down her bun. “Because not only do we need to tell him he’s going to be a father, we also need to figure a way to sort out his dogs and get him home. This was only ever meant to be temporary, him being here.”

  Raul nodded as he sifted through various solutions. “Perhaps Bradley will enjoy looking after the dogs and stay on for a while. At least give Malec a break and a chance to come back to camp and rest up.”

  “That would be wonderful.” She reached for a glass of water. “And surely it’s not a never-ending flow of dogs. There’ll come a point when they’re all rehomed.”

  “Yeah, I expect so.”

  A sudden snuffling noise at the base of the door caught his attention. He knew instantly what it was.

  “Malec.” Raul stood. “Earlier than I thought.” He opened the motel room door, happiness swelling inside his chest.

  Malec stood there in his dog form. He was a pale brown, medium sized mongrel. His ears were a little big, the tips flopped over and his tail was long with a black smudge on the end.

  “Come in.” Raul glanced around the lot, pleased to see it was empty.

  As soon as the door shut, Malec reared onto his hind legs. His fur blurred for a moment then became skin, his muzzle pulled back and turned into a human nose and his eyes, though staying the same amber color, realigned on his face.

  “Malec, you’re here.” Flo went to him the moment his arms were open for her. She pressed in close and Malec buried his face in her hair and closed his eyes. He breathed in deep.

  Raul let out a sigh of relief. His mates were together, with him, in the same room. It had been too long.

  “I’ve missed you so much,” Malec murmured, kissing her cheek. “It’s been awful without you.”

  “And you’ve gotten thin.” Flo squeezed against him. “I need to feed you up.”

  “I’m already looking forward to that.” He pulled back and hooked his fingers beneath her chin.

  Their lips touched and Raul had a wonderful sense of the stars falling back into place.

  He stepped up to his partners and wound his arms around each of them, enjoying the way they’d become lost in their kiss. Malec’s tongue stroked against Flo’s as she clung to the faded black sweater he always wore.

  “We’re so glad you’re here,” Raul said, his lips brushing Malec’s temple. “You left a hole in our life.”

  Malec broke the kiss, but his eye contact stayed on Flo. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, or make you anxious.”

  “Shh, it’s in the past now.” She pressed her finger to his lips.

  “Yeah, now it’s about the future,” Raul said, sliding his hand down Flo’s back and resting his palm just above her butt. “And I think you should tell him exactly what our future is going to hold, Flo.”

  “I agree.” Flo glanced at Raul then smiled at Malec.

  “Why do I get the feeling you’re both not telling me something?” Malec said, a slight frown marring his brow.

  “We do have news.” Flo’s grip on Malec’s sweater tightened and her eyes sparkled.

  “The suspense is killing me,” Malec said, tilting his head.

  “Tell him.” Raul laughed. “Tell him.”

  Flo took Malec’s hand and set it on her belly. She flattened her palm over his and pressed. “You’re going to be a daddy, Malec.”

  “What?” Malec’s eyes widened. His mouth hung open and he switched his attention to his hand on Flo’s body. “I am…a daddy…you’re pregnant?”

  “Yes. A couple of months along.”

  “And a little delicate,” Raul said.

  “No I’m not, not really.” She giggled.

  “Well get used to being pampered and fussed over now you’re carrying our child.” Raul’s voice was firm. “So there is no point arguing.”

  “Our child. I can’t believe it.” Malec shook his head. “After all of this time.”

  “Are you pleased?” Flo asked, though she didn’t need to. Love and happiness were spilling from Malec’s eyes and his voice held wonder.

  “Pleased. You’ve just made me the happiest man alive.
” Malec turned to Raul. “This is wonderful. How did you not tell me last night?”

  “It was up to Flo to tell you, for us all to be together when you found out.”

  “We’re going to be daddies.” Malec pressed a kiss to Raul’s mouth. His lips held the sweetness of Flo’s flavor. “It’s a dream come true.”

  “And all the more reason to sort out the situation with the dogs.” Raul raised his eyebrows.

  “Yes, yes of course, but I already think Bradley will be godsend. He seems really into it, and happy around the dogs, you know.” Malec turned back to Flo then sank to his knees. He rested is hands on her waist and set a gentle kiss on her belly. “I promise I’ll be there, for you, for the baby. We’ll all be home soon.” He looked up at her. “You’ve got important business to attend to, carrying our child. I want to be there to help you in any way I can.”

  “I’ll manage, Malec.”

  “We know you will,” Malec said. “But no risks, we’ve waited a long time for this.” He paused. “Have you told Aleco?”

  She shook her head. “No, Raul and I wanted to tell you first, no one else knows.”

  He nodded and kissed her belly again.

  Raul ran his hand over Malec’s hair, ruffling it. Now the news was out, perhaps they should celebrate.

  And the best way he knew how to celebrate with his mates was to get naked. “We should move to the bed,” he said, his voice low and husky. “And be together again properly.”

  “I like how you think,” Flo said, easing back until her knees touched the bed. She sat and twitched her eyebrows.

  Malec laughed. “Come here.” He moved toward her.

  “Why, what do you want?” she said, grinning.

  “You.” Malec placed his hands on her knees and pushed up the flowery cotton skirt. “I want to taste you, feast on you, remind myself of your scent, the noises you make when you come.”

  “I like the sound of that.” She helped him remove her panties then lay on the bed with her hands above her head and her pussy exposed. Her skirt was rucked around her waist.

  “God, you’re beautiful,” Malec said, whipping off his sweater and shoving at his jeans and sneakers.

  Raul’s mouth watered, not just from seeing Flo lying open and ready, but also the sight of Malec’s cute ass.

  Malec settled between Flo’s legs. He pressed her thighs apart and licked her pussy.

  She moaned and arched her back. “Yes, like that. I’ve missed you so much.”

  Malec didn’t reply—instead, he set to work building up an orgasm in their woman.

  Raul stripped, his cock getting harder by the second. The air was cool on his hot skin and the cheap carpet wiry on his bare feet. He moved to the dresser and grabbed a sachet of lube Flo had left on the surface.

  As he moved to the end of the bed Flo let out a long, low groan. Malec was using his fingers on her, too. Her toes curled and she flicked her head from left to right on the pillow.

  Raul smiled. He adored seeing Flo edging toward ecstasy with Malec at the helm. The soft sexy noises coming from them and the scent of arousal increased Raul’s need to join in.

  He stroked Malec’s hair, over his neck and down his back. Malec arched his spine as though offering his ass to Raul.

  Raul smiled and took the invitation. He climbed onto the bed and knelt behind Malec.

  “Ah yeah, don’t stop, please, Malec,” Flo said, her voice breathless and panting.

  “You two are so damn hot together,” Raul said, feasting on the sight of Flo’s flushed cheeks, jiggling breasts, and the lapping movement of Malec’s head.

  He lubed up his fingers then sought out Malec’s hole. He was desperate to sink deep but his mate always needed a little stretching first.

  As he pushed in, Malec paused and looked up at Flo. “Ah…fuck, Raul.”

  “Don’t stop,” Flo wailed. She gripped Malec’s ears and shoved his head between her legs. “Don’t fucking stop.”

  Raul chuckled and stilled his fingers—her impatience was so sweet and she only cursed when really turned on.

  Malec picked up the pace, driving Flo toward her release.

  Slowly Raul began to work Malec’s tight entrance. He added another finger and scissored them.

  “I’m coming,” Flo gasped, “oh…oh…”

  “Yes, come, let me see you come,” Raul said. He pulled from Malec and positioned the tip of his cock over the softened pucker.

  “Now, it’s here.” She wailed and bucked up against Malec.

  Malec’s shoulder was twitching as he finger-fucked her and his head was bobbing.

  Flo froze with her breath held, then she pinged forward as her body contracted.

  Raul waited for a few sweeter-than-sweet seconds, enjoying every blissful expression that crossed her face, then he pushed into Malec.

  He lifted his face from Flo’s pussy and she caught his cheeks in her hands, stared into his eyes. She was breathing hard, her nipples tight.

  The pressure around Raul’s dick was intense. His balls were retracted and his heart beat wildly.

  “Take him,” Flo said. “Take Raul’s big cock into your ass, Malec, and keep looking at me.”

  Raul gripped Malec’s hips and forged forward on a steady, slippery ride to full depth. When he bottomed out he stilled.

  “It’s good, isn’t it?” Flo said. “His dick inside you.”

  “God, it’s been so long, so fucking long,” Malec gasped.

  “Yeah, and you’re gonna get it hard now.” Raul’s patience had run out. He needed to fuck fast and furious. Flo wasn’t involved so she wouldn’t get hurt. He could give in to his most basic instincts and not worry about his big muscles or brute strength.

  He pulled almost out then rammed in again.

  Malec wailed but even so he pushed backward, as if trying to impale himself farther.

  Raul grunted as he repeated the action, shoving in fast then retreating.

  Flo moved up the bed, her eyes flashing with excitement. “Yeah, that’s it. Fuck like animals. Let me see it.”

  “We are animals,” Raul grunted. He handed himself over to the beautiful ride to release. With his two soulmates, he could be the man he needed to be. If they saw his untamed side that was fine.

  “Ah, yeah, fuck…Raul.” Malec fisted the bed sheets. “I’m gonna…come…”

  “Already?” Raul asked.

  “Been…thinking of it…for too long.” Malec gasped. “Missing it, missing you both.”

  Raul kept up the frantic tempo. He stopped trying to control his own release and gave in to it.

  Beneath him, Malec was orgasming, his sweat-laced body trembling as he spurted onto the bed sheets. Flo was tweaking her nipples and watching on with wide eyes.

  The pressure in his testicles was too great and he allowed it to unleash. Not stopping the manic thrusting into his mate, Raul let his climax claim him. Pleasure burst from him as he gripped Malec even harder, drawing him onto his cock and shunting in higher.

  The crash of their slapping flesh was drowned out by his pulse hammering in his ears. Had he ever come so hard? Had he ever been so happy than at this glorious moment?

  His orgasm seemed to extend on and on but eventually it faded and he calmed.

  “You men just about broke the bed,” Flo said, reaching for Malec and stroking his head.

  “Yeah, I hope we didn’t, don’t wanna pay for it.” Raul pulled out of Malec and flopped down heavily with his head on the pillow.

  Flo leaned across and kissed him. “Nearly but not quite, I said.” She smiled. “You won’t have to pay for it.”

  “Jesus, you nearly broke me.” Malec stretched upward and lay beside Flo so they were laid in a line. He cupped her breast and tweaked her nipple.

  “I didn’t break you,” Raul said. “If I’d wanted to do that I’d have got Flo to suck you off at the same time.”

  Malec groaned. “That would have finished me off.” He paused. “But I’m happy to test the th
eory when I’ve recovered.”

  “I’m happy to return the favor with my mouth on you,” Flo said and licked her lips.

  “Not necessary, but I won’t argue too much,” Malec said.

  Raul rested his hand on Flo’s soft belly.

  Malec slid his down to rest over the top of it.

  “Flo,” Raul said. “You do realize that you’re going to be the most indulged, mollycoddled pregnant lady in the land.”

  “Yeah, and satisfied. I hear orgasms are good for babies.” Malec waggled his eyebrows.

  “Really?” Flo laughed. “I haven’t heard that.”

  “Maybe it’s just shifter babies.” Malec kissed her then stretched over and kissed Raul. His eyes were full of love and happiness.

  Raul let out a long low sigh as contentment washed through him. He’d gone from being worried about the future to embracing all that it held for him and his two beautiful, sexy, giving mates.

  When their baby came along their family would be complete. All other details were minor. They’d figure it out. Together they were strong and they couldn’t be broken.

  No matter what life threw at them.

  Also available from Pride Publishing:

  Heat of the Day

  Lily Harlem

  Excerpt

  Chapter One

  “I miss him.”

  Flynn tipped his head and studied Piper. The setting sun, hovering above a watery horizon, had cast orange and lilac shadows on her face, highlighting her pretty features.

  “Do you in your heart of hearts think he’ll come back to us?” she asked, hope in her eyes but defeat in her expression.

  “I really don’t know.” Flynn’s own heartstrings were being tugged by Sera’s absence, though he was trying to stay strong, for Piper’s sake. But the truth was, Seraphim was part of them both—the wind in their sails, the melody in their ears—and he had been for five glorious summer months. Being down one third of what made them feel whole was like losing a limb. “We’ll just have to wait and see if he returns from Portugal.” He shifted on the rock they were perched on and stared out to sea. His ass was starting to complain about the hard surface.