My Cat Burglar

by Shelley Munro

  “I said before I feel the tug of belonging. My…mark?” She continued on seeing his nod of confirmation. “It throbs. Will it always be like that?”

  “I don’t know.” Jonno went with honesty. “Gavin says the reaction varies depending on the individuals.”

  She cocked her head to the right, her hair falling over one eye. She swept it back with an impatient move and reminded him of an inquisitive bird. “How does it feel to you?”

  “If we’re not in the same room, there is a part of me missing. When I can see you I’m happy and whole.” Fuck, bring out the violins. That had sounded so corny, and yet it was true. That was how he felt when it came to Laura.

  Laura didn’t laugh, which gave him hope. “It frightens me.”

  “What?”

  “The intensity. The sense of feeling out of control.”

  “Sweetheart, I know. Do you think I didn’t have a few worries? It will be okay. We’ll take things as slow as you want.”

  Her bright smile and the relief on her face rewarded him for his promise of patience. He just hoped he could wait for as long as she needed.

  Chapter Fifteen

  One Week Later

  After the sexy dream, her nightmares of the bite, the pain and horror of it, had faded. She’d thought long and hard about her behavior after Jonno had marked her. Yes, the bite had bloody hurt, but it hadn’t just been the pain that had prompted her reaction to Jonno. Shock and the treatment she’d received from Mike had added another layer, and in her traumatized state, her mind had combined it together and she’d lashed out at Jonno. She no longer blamed him, although she hadn’t told him. The song said it all—sorry is the hardest word.

  As the days passed, Laura waited for Jonno to make his move. It hadn’t happened. Each day he visited her at the Mitchell homestead to spend time with her, treating her like a sister.

  “Is Jonno staying for dinner?” Emily asked, interrupting her reverie.

  “I don’t know. I guess.” Laura stabbed the potatoes with a fork, testing to see if they were cooked yet.

  “I’ve invited Charlie. It’s no trouble catering for two extras.”

  Laura nodded and continued with dinner preparations. “Gavin said I should be able to return to work next week.”

  “Not what he told me,” Emily said, refuting her claim. “He said you could go into the station for a few hours and that you should take things easy.”

  Laura’s bottom lip pouted before she realized she’d done it.

  “I second that,” Jonno said, prowling into the kitchen. He brushed a gentle kiss on Laura’s cheek and stepped away before she could return the caress. The lack of a more intimate touch frustrated her. Since the first dream, she’d had others and now they were spilling over into daydreams.

  “He told me the same thing,” Charlie confirmed, coming in behind Jonno. “And told me I was in charge.”

  Laura snorted. “As if.” Her chin jutted upward. “I’m going home tomorrow. Gavin said I could. He said I’ve healed remarkably quick.” And she felt ready to get back to her routine.

  “I’m mortally offended,” Emily said. “What’s wrong with here?”

  “Will you be okay on your own?” Jonno asked.

  “You’ll be there,” Laura said.

  “You’re coming home with me?”

  Nothing in his expression told her if he wanted her. Too bad. It was what she wanted. “Yes.”

  “Thank god,” he said, grabbing her and wrapping his arms around her. His mouth met hers, urgent and full of hunger, everything she’d craved during the past week. It was like arriving home and she gave herself freely, falling into the kiss and melting into his hard chest.

  “That’s enough of that,” Charlie said. “This is a kitchen.”

  “Huh,” Emily said.

  “I second that,” Saber said, coming to a halt beside his mate. “The kitchen is for more than cooking.”

  Jonno lifted his head and laughed. “Thanks for the info, but I don’t think you should give us ideas. We wouldn’t want to offend anyone.”

  Laura cuddled up to him, every instinct telling her this was right between them, despite the newness.

  “Dinner is almost ready,” Emily said. “Saber, why don’t you pour everyone a glass of wine while Laura and I bring over the food?”

  The men took seats, and after placing several serving plates of food onto the table, Emily and Laura joined them.

  “How are Ramsay and Terry?” Laura asked.

  Charlie frowned. “Didn’t you tell her?”

  “Tell me what? Are they okay?” Laura asked.

  Emily answered. “Terry ran away while you were in hospital. We’re hoping she’ll come to her senses and return to be with Ramsay.”

  “So Ramsay is still here?”

  Emily snickered as she picked up her glass of wine. “Yes, he’s still staying with Felix and Tomasine. Sylvie loves him. She says she will marry him when she grows up.”

  “Ramsay is a good kid,” Saber said. “We’ve asked him to stay with us in Middlemarch.”

  “And is he?” Jonno asked.

  “I hope so,” Emily said. “He’s a natural cook. The café is becoming so busy now I’d love the extra help. I thought London Allbright, Gerard’s mate, would be a handy backstop, but she has set up business as a virtual assistant and doesn’t have as much free time. You haven’t met Gerard and Henry, have you?”

  “No, not yet. How’s Ramsay taking it?” Laura asked.

  “He’s furious at Terry. Evidently he’s spent the last six months running around after Terry, keeping her out of trouble. He’s tired of it,” Saber said. “He feels guilt as well, but he’s realized he can’t take responsibility for her actions.”

  Laura accepted a piece of bread from Emily. “Surely he doesn’t want her to land in trouble?”

  “No, I think he’s hoping she’ll come to her senses on her own,” Charlie said. “There was a sighting in Mosgiel. Isabella’s keeping an eye on her from a distance. She won’t come to any harm.”

  “And the guys at the campground?” Laura asked.

  “They left the day after your shooting, in the middle of the night. Isabella has seen them in Mosgiel. She’s watching them too.” Charlie helped himself to roast lamb before passing the serving platter to Saber. “At least we captured part of the gang—the brains behind the operation.”

  “What about the missing jewels?” Emily asked. “I recovered my beautiful faux jewels. But the other victims?”

  “We found a few items hidden in their campervan. We’re hoping they’ll do a deal with us, and we’ll be able to recover more of the goods.” Charlie said. “This roast is good, Emily. Thanks for inviting me.”

  Emily smiled. “You’re welcome. One more isn’t a problem. And, we’re having a big party to celebrate Saber’s birthday. You’re invited.”

  Saber glowered at Emily. Laura saw her new friend merely smirked and winked at her husband. They had a good marriage, which gave her hope. Not all men were the same as Mike. She glanced along the table to Jonno and found him looking at her. For a drawn-out moment they stared at each other, the heat between them palpable. Her cheeks glowed, and she swallowed a mouthful of peas before she did something stupid like choking.

  “Enough of that, you two,” Charlie said. “I’m trying to eat my dinner.”

  “I could find a date for you,” Emily said. “I’d enjoy trying to matchmake.”

  Laura laughed at Charlie’s horrified refusal. “Maybe there’s already someone he’s interested in dating?”

  “Let the man eat his dinner in peace,” Saber said.

  “Huh! You’re allowed to act the matchmaker and I’m not?” Emily waved her knife around to illustrate her point.

  The corners of Saber’s eyes crinkled despite not cracking a grin. “That was different. My brothers were out of control. Thank goodness there’s only the twins left.”

  “Are Sly and Joe coming to the party?” Jonno asked.


  “They said they’d be here,” Emily said. “It will be great having the family together. I’ll get back to you with the details.”

  Laura nodded and thought of family with envy. Her family wasn’t as close, and they hadn’t supported her while the debacle with Mike had occurred. Some of the residents of Middlemarch might be shapeshifters, but they could teach most people a thing or two regarding relationships and families. Which reminded her…

  “Charlie and I want to know if vampires are real,” she said with a glance at Charlie.

  “Ooh, good question,” Emily said, brows rising while she studied Saber. “Do tell.”

  “I’ve never met one in person,” Saber said. “I believe a few live in Auckland.”

  “Really?” Charlie asked. “They drink blood?”

  “From what I understand,” Saber said. “Although you shouldn’t believe everything you hear.”

  After a moment’s startled silence, they bombarded Saber and Jonno with questions. The easy conversation and good-natured sniping between them made Laura realize she had a family here in Middlemarch—if she wanted. It took little thought. Despite her initial fears, life in Middlemarch had grown on her, and Jonno had played a huge part in that.

  “Emily, I think I might go home with Jonno tonight,” Laura announced.

  “Do we have to discuss sex?” Charlie complained.

  “I didn’t hear the word mentioned,” Saber said. “Although it works for me.”

  Emily distributed dessert for everyone. “As long as you’re thinking about me rather than anyone else in the room.”

  Laura felt the surge of passion between them almost as distinct as the physical touch of her hand clasped in Jonno’s. Thankfully, the rest of the meal passed swiftly and she and Jonno escaped soon.

  Jonno followed her to her bedroom to collect her bag. “Are you sure?”

  “Very,” Laura answered. “I want this. I want you. It took me a while to work it all out—the past rearing its ugly head—but I know what I want now. You.”

  “Thank you,” Jonno said, his voice husky and throbbing with emotion. “Are you ready to leave?”

  “Aren’t you going to kiss me?” A note of teasing sprang forth and she arched her brows in playful emphasis.

  “If I touch you now, I won’t be able to stop.”

  “Oh.”

  “Is that all you’re going to say?”

  “There’s nothing left to say. I’m ready for action now.” Arousal slipped through her body, elevating her breathing. No doubt—Jonno pushed her buttons.

  Jonno slanted her a look, his eyes glowing in the dim lit room. “I can think of a few words that still need saying.”

  A chuckle slipped out. “In my own time,” Laura said, knowing what Jonno referred to. Love. Yeah. She thought she could say the words. Soon.

  Jonno took her bag from her, and the mere touch of his hand sent a warming shiver through her limbs. He guided her along the passage, his hand at her back. Every sense worked overtime, converging to heighten her desire. His touch. His scent. She couldn’t wait to taste him—his mouth, his cock, and she even wanted to sink her teeth into his shoulder.

  “Thanks, Emily.” Laura hugged her friend, and even ignored the faint rumble of protest coming from Jonno to give Saber a quick kiss on the cheek.

  The trip to Jonno’s house took place in taut silence, as if they both realized the commitment they were making.

  A couple. A mated pair.

  Laura wondered at her lack of fear, but this felt right. She loved him.

  Jonno pulled up outside his house. “Let me get the outside light so you don’t fall.” He grabbed her bag and hurried to the front door while Laura climbed out of the car. She didn’t need the cosseting, even though it made her feel treasured.

  “I told you to wait.”

  “Are you going alpha on me?”

  “If that’s what it takes. Gavin said you’ve healed well, better than a normal person. We still have to take it easy though.”

  “Hmm,” Laura said. “We’ll see.”

  Jonno scooped her off her feet and carried her to the bedroom. After placing her in the center of his bed, he followed her, caging her within his arms. She grinned up at him with impish humor. Laughter. It was a good thing to have in her life.

  “I’m going to kiss you.” He switched on one bedside lamp, allowing her to see more, although she’d noticed her vision seemed enhanced after the marking. Something else to discuss with Gavin when she saw him next.

  “Good plan,” Laura said with approval. “But you should take off your clothes first.”

  “I’ll take off one item of clothing for each kiss you give me.”

  “A good incentive,” she purred. Seconds later, she drew his head down and started on her seduction. She’d had a week to plan this and knew exactly what to do. She nibbled at the corner of his mouth and, with delicate precision, licked his bottom lip until he groaned. Immediately she took advantage, pushing her tongue into his mouth in a slow move designed to make him think of sex. In and out. In and out. Her blood seemed to thicken and her heartbeat raced, the kiss having a ricochet effect.

  Her hands threaded through his thick hair, drawing him closer while she varied the pressure of her mouth and the strokes of her tongue. When she pulled back they were both breathing hard.

  “Damn, I’ve missed that.” Jonno glided one hand across her face, cupping her cheek with a gentleness she’d come to associate with the feline male.

  “Me too.”

  Jonno moved away and ripped off his shirt. Laura was amazed the buttons didn’t fly across the room in his haste. He never took his gaze off her, his eyes glowing in the way she associated with felines. He slipped off her shoes and knee-high stockings then massaged her feet.

  “That’s cheating,” she said even as she enjoyed his deft touch and relaxed.

  “I like to touch.” Jonno removed his own shoes and socks. He stood and peeled off his jeans and underwear, finally standing before her naked. “Your kiss was worth several items of clothing.”

  “Smooth.”

  “Impatient,” he corrected. “I want to make love to my mate.”

  “Yes,” Laura whispered. When she went to push to her feet, Jonno stayed her and divested her of clothing.

  “Beautiful. I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to have such a beautiful mate.” His face glowed with truth, and Laura basked in the heat arcing between them. He caged her in his arms again, exploring her body with his fingers and mouth until she tingled all over. Magic. Pure magic. He fingered one nipple, tugging until blood rushed to the taut peak. The scrape of his stubble against her breast increased the pleasure until she writhed beneath him, desperate for him to fill her aching flesh and drive them both to climax.

  Instead he seemed intent on driving them both higher. Laura ran her hands over his muscular back, savoring the intensity, the swishes of his tongue as he moved down her body. He nipped at the soft flesh of her inner thighs, licking the sting with his tongue while murmuring encouragement. Laura parted her legs farther. Her hips jerked as his moist breath misted along her slit. She shivered, feeling the bead of moisture and smelling the tang of arousal. Cupping his hands under her ass, he lifted her to his mouth, using his talents to arouse her further. Raw need battled with shivers of excitement.

  “Please,” she murmured. “Please.”

  Jonno obliged, raking his tongue across her clit, teasing it with his lips and even using his teeth. Jolts of excitement shot through her. She arched into his mouth in silent encouragement, rocking against him. A rough growl vibrated in his chest, and he pumped a finger into her pussy.

  Laura gasped, pleasure hazing her mind. Close. So close. “Jonno, do something.”

  “With pleasure.”

  Jonno pounced, making her laugh. One second he was tonguing her clit, the next he pushed inside her, exquisitely filling her with a hard stroke. She sighed and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his neck and breathing
in his musky scent. He stroked his tongue into her mouth, the timing echoed in the thrusts of his cock. Laura eagerly returned his kiss, melting into his body, letting the desire take her.

  Jonno lifted his head, a slow smile crawling across his face. “You’re beautiful. I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “Were you worried?”

  “A little. You’re scary when you scream.”

  Laura pressed a kiss to his chin, and in a burst of mischief, bit his bottom lip. “Perhaps you should make me scream in a good way to counteract the bad memories.”

  Jonno grinned, placed a kiss on each eyelid before nuzzling her neck. “Sounds like a plan.” He resumed his thrusts, each one even and deep, giving her perfect stimulation. The wet rasp of his tongue against her neck made her groan. Damn, he excelled at this. He made her feel so good. Then his lips brushed across the mark he’d made almost two weeks earlier. She flinched, and he stilled, lifting his head.

  “Did that hurt? The bruising isn’t too bad now.”

  “No. No, it didn’t hurt.” Laura analyzed the sensations and realized that while it hadn’t hurt, it was sensitive. “Do it again.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah.” Laura turned her head, giving him easy access, and waited.

  Jonno hesitated, retreating and surging into her wet pussy before dragging his tongue across her mark. At the same time he pulled back and thrust again before rasping his tongue over the mark. It was like an electric current shooting from her clit and mark together, bursting into a starburst when they met. Her pussy clenched around his cock and instinctively she nuzzled his neck, biting on the fleshy part.

  His large body shuddered when her teeth sank into his neck. He groaned, his hips jerking, muscles contracting beneath her fingers. Laura licked across his neck and his hips jerked, the wet sound of arousal filling the room. She kissed him again and his cock jerked with explosive contractions, a raw and guttural groan coming from deep in his chest.

  Jonno lifted his head to stare at her, and she smiled.

  “I love you,” she whispered, holding his gaze.

  “And I love you,” he said, sincerity throbbing in his voice. “So much. How did I ever get so lucky?”