by Nikki Jacks
“Hi, kitten. I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop in. You okay? What’s with the pacing? You’re looking a little stressed.”
“Wow, Drake, you know how to make a girl’s heart go pitter-patter, don’t you?”
“Sorry, Lotus. I wasn’t trying to make you feel bad, I was just noticing that you look stressed out. If you were a cartoon, you’d probably be pulling your hair out by the handful.
“You aren’t helping, Drake. If all you were doing is dropping by, ‘Hi.’ I’m stressed right now because the seating I ordered is still delayed and now I don’t think it’s going to be here in time for the opening like the vendor originally stated.”
“Well, I can make some calls and find out what’s going on. Sometimes hearing the word attorney can shake things loose, if you know what I mean.”
“I do know what you mean, and I’m perfectly capable of taking care of things on my own. I’m not a damsel in distress who needs a man to swoop in and take care of things at the first sign of trouble. If I let you take care of this, you’ll be trying to handle everything.”
“Calm down, Lotus, that’s not what I’m trying to do. I’m a guy who sees his ma—um, girlfriend—stressing over something and I’m trying to help. Because, you know, that’s what good guys do. They try to help. It’s not an indictment against your abilities. It’s simply me trying to be supportive. If you want me to leave it alone, I will.”
“I’m sorry. I know you’re trying to help. I just want to do this on my own so bad. I came here to be an independent woman, not someone who relies on others, especially a man—or men—to take care of things. That’s the life my parents wanted for me, and it’s definitely not the one I want.”
“I understand, Lotus, I do. But you do know that accepting the help of others doesn’t mean you are weak or dependent on them, right? It just means that you recognize where you may not be as strong in an area. And to help that, you surround yourself with people who will support you and help strengthen those weak areas.”
Drake’s words resonated with me, but I was still hesitant to admit I needed help. Evan, Drake, and Lance all had established careers and were so mature. Well, Drake and Evan were. I felt leagues behind them with no hope of catching up.
“I understand what you’re saying, Drake, and appreciate the sentiment, but I’m afraid that if I let others step in now, I’ll just keep letting them, and then I’ll end up the pretty little lady like my parents wanted, just in Silver Springs instead of New Orleans.”
“Well, kitten, we aren’t trying to do that. It’s going to take you realizing it before anything changes. For now, how about I take you to lunch? Give you a little time away from the shop to think. You know what they say, ‘Change of place plus change of pace equals change of perspective.’ Maybe leaving the shop for a bit will give you some ideas.”
“It’s worth a shot; I’ve got nothing happening right now. Let me text Lance and let him know I’m leaving for a while. I don’t want him to come in and find me gone.
I locked up, and Drake escorted me to his car. As I was climbing in, I thought I saw a face that shouldn’t be in Silver Springs watching me from the corner of Jewels Café. I startled and Drake’s hand grasped my elbow.
“You okay, kitten?”
“Oh, yes. I just thought I saw something, but it must be my overworked brain playing tricks on me.”
And I really did think my mind was playing tricks on me. I could have sworn I’d just seen Marlon.
But that was impossible. No one knew I was here but Maryn, and she would never tell anyone where I was. If my parents or anyone else started pressuring her, she’d just lock up her travel agency and hang a sign that she’d gone on a scouting trip and would have wonderful new destinations for her clients when she got back.
Wanting to make sure she was okay, I fired off a quick text.
Lotus: Hey girl, how are things in the Big Easy? Are you okay? I thought I saw the sickly jackal across the street from my shop just now.
The reply dots popped up immediately, and Maryn’s response was close behind.
Maryn: Girl, are YOU okay? I’m good. Your parents finally quit coming around. The jackal has someone come in a couple times a week asking questions about destinations. The guy is such a moron. I can smell his taint all over his thugs. I keep trying to sell them cruises to Antarctica to see the polar bear shifters. LOL
Lotus: Yeah, I finally blocked my parents’ numbers. I was tired of all the calls and messages. You would think they would get the hint that I didn’t want anything to do with them
Maryn: You would think, but you are their meal ticket; they aren’t going to give up easily. Have you told the guys you think you saw the jackal?
Lotus: No, they don’t know about him at all. I mean, Evan kind of knows, but I told him I didn’t want the information getting out.
Maryn: Do not be dumb, Delilah Annabelle Metairie. You should tell the guys about him. If anything, it’s six more eyes on the lookout for him and his minions.
Lotus: Maryn! You know why I can’t tell the guys about Marlon. If I do, they are going to want to put me in a bubble and manage my world all in the name of keeping me safe. I can take care of myself. Besides, I’m usually with one of them, anyway. Lance is in the shop all day and I have date nights with all of them through the week.
Maryn: What about when you are alone? Did you get deadbolts on your doors like you talked about?
Lotus: Silver Springs isn’t that kind of town. The landlord hasn’t responded to Drake’s message yet, but I make sure the doors are locked up every night. Quit being a worrywart. I shouldn’t have even texted you, but I wanted to make sure no one had hurt you to get information about me.
Maryn: I hope you can hear my eyes rolling at that last text. Who cares if the landlord has responded. You have a right to feel safe in your home. And me being hurt? Are you serious right now? Marlon, and his little minions are not going to hurt me, and I would never tell someone where you are.
Lotus: I know, Maryn, I just freaked out for a minute. I love you and it would kill me if you got hurt because of me. I’m off now, Drake is taking me to lunch.
Maryn: Ohhhhh, and who is on the menu?
Lotus: You are ridiculous. We are getting food, not having each other. Go do travel stuff. Or better yet, find a guy so you can get sex off your brain. Love you!
Maryn: Girl, Drake wants to have you for lunch, but it’s your river of denial. Love you too!
23
Drake
Lotus was lying. But after the conversation we’d just had, I didn’t want to upset her again, so I dropped it. As I was rounding the front of my car, I looked around and took a deep, scenting breath. I immediately scented a shifter I hadn’t come across in Silver Springs before.
I remembered what Evan had told us about Lotus’s family and the jackal shifter they wanted her to marry. I wondered if that scent was this jackal or someone associated with him. I didn’t want to cause Lotus any more stress, so I climbed into the car and headed toward O’Malley’s.
We had burgers, and I convinced Lotus to have one beer to help her relax a little before I took her back to the shop. To keep any spying eyes off her, I pulled into the alley that ran by the entrance into the back of the shop.
After we were inside and Lotus had locked the door, I grabbed her into a tight hug. I could feel the tension coursing through her body and was amazed she hadn’t shattered when I’d taken her in my arms. I tightened the hug and felt Lotus begin to relax.
“Kitten, let’s go upstairs. You are wound so tight I’m surprised you haven’t shattered. You need to relax a little more. Let’s go sit on the couch and watch something. Give your brain a break before it explodes. Give me a second to let Jane know I won’t be back in today.”
“You know, that actually sounds good. I don’t think I can handle any more stress today, and if I go up front, I’m going to stress. I’ll worry about furniture and deliveries later on.”
We walked over to the door, and Lotus paused before she unlocked it.
“Have you heard from the landlord about the deadbolt? It’s been an awful long time since you sent the message.”
How was I going to explain to Lotus that I’d forgotten to speak with the landlord? I would make it a priority tomorrow, though. After scenting her fear and seeing how stressed she was, I was going to make sure my mate was safe. I couldn’t believe I’d let it go this long.
“No, I haven’t. I’ll contact his office again tomorrow. You don’t have to worry, though. Silver Springs is a safe, quiet town. I don’t think you have anything to worry about from our residents.”
I don’t think I was meant to hear her muttered, “It’s not the residents I’m worried about. It’s the jackals.”
We made it upstairs, and I helped Lotus take off her jacket. I tossed it on the bar and pushed her to sit down on the couch. I sat on the other end and handed her the remote from the coffee table.
“Why don’t you pick what we watch, kitten?”
As Lotus started scrolling, I lifted her feet and put them in my lap, pulling off her shoes and socks.
“What are you doing, Drake?”
“Nothing, kitten. I’m just gonna rub your feet while we’re watching T.V. The goal is to get you to relax, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t relax when they are getting their feet rubbed.”
“Thank you. I’ll take a little pampering from you. How about we watch an old comedy? My parents never approved, but one of my favorite movies is Hot Fuzz, and I could use some laughs.”
“Hot Fuzz is a great movie. I told you it was your choice, and I meant it. I’m happy to not watch a romance if I’m honest, but if that’s what you wanted, I would have.”
Before long, we were both laughing over the antics of the poor police officers in the British comedy Lotus had picked. As we watched, I diligently massaged Lotus’s feet. I could feel the tension melting as I kneaded and rubbed. Her feet were slim, and the toes were so dainty. She had them polished some pinky-gray color that fit her perfectly.
About halfway through the movie, I moved from Lotus’s feet to her legs. My intention was only to provide relaxation, strength, and support to my mate. Lotus’s moans as I worked her calves and her completely edible scent changed my thoughts.
Just remembering the taste of her on my tongue had me shifting on the couch to find a more comfortable position. I kept my gaze trained on the screen in front of me but kept sneaking peeks at Lotus. She’d shifted to lie more fully on the couch, so her calves were in my lap.
It was easy to start at Lotus’s ankles and just keep moving up her legs. I made sure to keep my pressure firm and relaxing. I didn’t want Lotus to think I was trying to put any moves on her. When I got to her knees, Lotus surprised me. She let her outside leg fall off the couch and lifted her inside leg to hang along the back of the couch.
Lotus still had her jeans on, but she was opened to me. Her scent—cherries and sandalwood—clouded my senses. I looked over at Lotus. She was staring at me with pupils blown wide by her desire. It seemed my mate needed more attention than just relaxation.
“All right there, kitten?”
“Mmmm, Drake, that feels so good. Please don’t stop.”
“Don’t stop what? What do you want me to do, Lotus?”
“I want you to make me feel good, just like you did in your office.”
“Kitten, to make you feel that good, you need to lose some clothes and so do I.”
“Please, Drake? I want this. You want me to relax and not think about anything else. Well, isn’t this the best way to not think? Your hands are magical, and I want them all over me, just like your tongue.”
With that, I had no choice but to give my mate what she wanted.
24
Drake
I turned and pushed up on my knee to hover over Lotus. Giving her a quick, hard kiss, I helped her sit up so I could remove her shirt and bra. When they were gone, I couldn’t resist kissing both her nipples. I let my tongue caress the tips as I puckered my lips around the buds.
I knew Lotus liked what I was doing by the sharp inhalation she gave. Her hands found their way into my hair again, but I grabbed her wrists and moved them.
“Not yet, kitten. We’re just getting started and you’re going to need handholds for something different.”
The blush that spread over Lotus’s chest and cheeks was adorable. I slid back into my corner of the couch and reached for Lotus’s pants. “You sure this is what you want right now, kitten? I know you have a lot on your mind, and I don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage.”
“Drake, we’ve already discussed what happens when you withhold pleasure from a Southern girl. Don’t make me repeat myself.”
“Yes, ma’am!” I threw a mock salute and divested Lotus of the rest of her clothes.
I pulled off my tie and undid the top buttons of my shirt. The silk blend was soft enough that it shouldn’t irritate Lotus’s skin as I worked her over, so I didn’t worry about taking it off for the moment. I needed my pants on to keep my cock in check.
My leopard was so thrilled to be with our mate like this again that I wasn’t sure how much control I was going to have. I’d promised Lotus our next sexual encounter wasn’t going to be a hard quickie, and I was going to try my best to deliver.
I kneeled on the couch and stared at my mate. During our last time I was so frenzied with desire after finding my mate, I hadn’t fully appreciated the beauty that was Lotus.
Her breasts were full and pert. Her areolas and nipples were a pink color. It was almost like her breasts were blushing. They tightened, and the little buds were ripe for plucking or kissing. Her stomach was flat and gave way to hips that had a soft swell to them.
I couldn’t wait to see Lotus’s body flush with pregnancy. I wanted children of my own, but to know that my brother or Evan had caused our mate to glow with the lushness of pregnancy thrummed satisfaction and anticipation through me.
I’d gotten a good look at Lotus’s delicious sex in my office, but I took my time to really see what was being offered to me. Lotus’s deep, auburn hair proved to be her natural color. Instead of being bare-skinned or having a landing patch, Lotus’s pubis was covered with closely cropped hair of the same color.
I ran my fingers over the hair, reveling at the fine, silky texture that greeted me. It was a testament to my focus on the cream Lotus was offering me that I hadn’t noticed those details earlier.
Lotus began to squirm under my scrutiny. “Drake, please.”
“Of course, kitten. I was just trying to decide where I wanted to start. I know how delectable your pussy is. Do I want to sample these little buds sitting so pert and pretty or have a second round of cream?”
“Let me give you more cream, Drake. It was so good last time.”
Not a man to disappoint, I slid my hands under Lotus and lifted her to meet my hungry mouth. Inhaling as I took that first, long lick, I was rewarded with Lotus’s groan of satisfaction and that taste I’d been craving since my first lick.
Abandoning self-control for the time being, I set to turning Lotus inside out with my tongue. Holding her the way I was, I couldn’t use my fingers. I could feel the little flutters of Lotus’s pussy trying to hug my tongue each time I dipped it into her. I knew that once I had my cock nestled back in her warmth, she’d flutter and hug me.
Just thinking about it made me want to flip her onto her knees and seat myself. But this wasn’t about me. It was about meeting my mate’s needs. And right now, she needed me to worship her body.
I continued to lick and suck on Lotus’s sex until, in that explosive moment before a storm hits, she went rigid. On her next breath, her body bowed and Lotus screamed. I could feel the release moving through her as she shuddered and writhed in my hands.
I pushed my tongue deep into her weeping core, catching the most addictive cream a cat could have. It was more potent to me than catnip!
I lowered
Lotus’s spent body to the couch and watched as she slowly came back to her senses. Her body had a lovely flush and there was a light sheen of sweat coating her. She looked well and thoroughly loved.
“My gracious, Drake. I don’t know what to say to that. I figured my mind had inflated our first time to some mythical proportions. You, sir, just proved my memory was correct. We could patent that tongue of yours and make some kind of sex toy for women!”
“My tongue is only for you, kitten. Now come here, I’ve got something else to help your memory.”
I pulled her up to my chest and gave her a lingering kiss.
Pulling away, I stood up and started to undo my pants.
“I want you on your hands and knees, kitten.”
Lotus moved to the position I wanted, using the arm of the couch to brace her hands on. I kneeled behind her and dragged my aching cock through her folds. Now that my hands were free, I pushed two fingers into Lotus’s body, preparing her for me. I remembered how tight she was in my office, and I didn’t want to hurt my mate in my haste.
Once I felt Lotus’s body was ready, I slowly pushed into her body. As I inched into Lotus’s welcoming heat, she threw her head back and her back arched. Lotus’s quick movements sucked me in, and I was seated. Ass cheeks nestled against my groin, Lotus squirmed, trying to get me to move.
I tightened my grip on her hips and growled. “Stop moving, kitten. I need a moment or this will be over before we really get going.”
Lotus giggled and gave one flex of her core muscles. That tight grip was almost my undoing. I pulled back and slammed forward. I know if I hadn’t been holding her so tightly, Lotus would have flown off the couch with the force of my thrust. A few more thrusts like that had my balls drawing up and the base of my spine tingling. Not wanting to finish so quickly, I pulled out of Lotus and helped her stand. I sat down on the couch and looked up at her.