“Who’s pretty?” Robert appears in the doorway, then blinks at our younger child. “Ah, Brandon. That’s an interesting look on you, son.”
I toss my mate a dirty look. “You’re late. Harry’s freaking out. Aisha has called at least ten times to remind you not to forget the rings.”
I hear a barking sound, and I stop what I’m doing. “Where are Mano and Zeno?”
“With Mrs. Mallory. She’s in her sewing room. Should I check on them?”
I shake my head. “Nope. No time. She knows how to handle them. I can’t believe at their ages the two of them are still fighting.”
“It’s not fighting.” Robert looks amused. “Ever since the kittens grew up, Mano has adopted Zeno as her own. She likes to randomly discipline him.”
I wipe down Brandon’s face. “Go. We’re leaving in one minute.”
He runs off, and I’m about to follow him when my mate blocks my path, a rather lecherous gleam in his eyes. “Oh, I think we’re going to be a little late. That’s a very pretty dress.”
I know exactly what he’s up to, but I can’t help but laugh. “Don’t even think about it. We have to get going.”
Robert shuts the bathroom door, trapping us inside. His eyes take in my emerald dress, and he approaches me, whispering, “Just a kiss.”
Giggling, I try to avoid his hold. “It’s never just a kiss. I’m convinced you enjoy making me late to events. You pulled the same thing last year at Ricky and Jazz’s wedding. We nearly missed the ceremony!”
“How do you expect me to keep my hands off you when you look so beautiful?” Robert counters. “It’s not fair.”
I gape at him. “So this is my fault, then, is it?”
Robert lowers his head till his lips hover over mine, and he says heatedly, “I should think so.”
“Just one kiss?” I ask, doubtfully.
“Just one kiss,” he lies, smoothly.
His mere touch is enough to set me on fire, and his kiss has me melting. There’s nothing chaste about it, a clash of tongues and teeth and lips, as he devours me like a starving man. His hand covers my chest, sliding down my stomach until he reaches the slit in my dress. It doesn’t take him long to force my legs apart and glide his fingers in. My pussy is already wet, waiting for him. The squelching sound fills the air as he loosens me up with his fingers, inserting one after another, till he has four thick digits inside me. I toss my head back, panting and moaning.
“We don’t have time,” I whine, my hips moving in rhythm to his fingers.
“I know,” he whispers, his eyes on my face as he draws out an orgasm so skillfully.
“My dress!” I moan, my inside convulsing.
“Don’t worry.” His laughter makes my nipples harden into painful points. I rub them, only for him to bat away my hands. My dress’s straps come down, and he teases me, sucking and nipping, driving me wild. His fingers are no longer toying with my pussy, but I can feel the juices slide down the inside of my leg as my lower muscles clench in need.
I’m leaning back against the sink, my breasts out as Robert plays with them. One of his legs is inserted between mine, and he rubs the coarse material of his pants against my most sensitive area. I finally break.
“Robert. Fuck me, already! Please!”
His sly grin tells me he wanted me to beg all along.
He turns me around, bends me over the sink, and hikes up my dress. I hear the sound of his zipper lowering, and then he murmurs, “You’ll have to ask for it. Politely.”
“This is no time for games, Robert.” I frown, meeting his gaze in the mirror.
He raises his brows. “Fine. No cock for you.”
He moves to pull up his zipper, and I quickly say, “Robert!”
“Yes, Charlotte?” The smirk on his face would be annoying if I didn’t find it so hot.
“Will you fuck me with your cock?” As an afterthought, I add, “Please.”
“Well, since you asked so nicely,” he says with a dramatic flourish.
My laugh turns into a groan as he holds my legs apart and slides into me.
“There’s something about having you bent over a surface while wearing heels,” he whispers. “Makes me want to turn that ass red.”
I can’t speak. My mouth parts as he screws me with long deep strokes, robbing me of my ability to think. I try to keep my voice down, well aware that we’re not alone in the house. Robert helps with that, slapping his hand across my mouth as I’m about to scream out. My back arches as he pushes me over the edge. Not one second later, I feel him release within me.
I meet his eyes in the mirror. “Let me catch my breath. You’re so dead.”
My husband and mate grins.
******
“What happened to your green dress?” Jazz asks as I sit beside her, the ceremony about to begin.
“Robert happened to it,” I mutter.
She snickers. “Planning baby number three already?”
“Why don’t you worry about your own baby? When’s he due?”
“Three months.” Jazz pats her rounded stomach. “Ricky’s a mess. He built half the nursery and then abandoned that to baby-proof the house. He and my dad are driving themselves crazy. Dad wants to move in so he can help out more. I said no, but Ricky agreed.”
I laugh at the helpless frustration on her face. “I understand. But this is your first pregnancy, and it’s nice that your Dad likes Ricky and the feeling is mutual.”
“Ever since he retired, he’s been spending loads of time with Ricky. My husband has scammed my father into adopting three dogs, six cats, and a peacock.”
“At least he’s busy,” I pat her shoulder. “How are things at the cafe?”
“Fine.” Jazz shakes her head. “I’ve been on bed rest lately, so I hired someone as a manager till the baby comes. How’s the clinic going?”“I love being a vet,” I beam. “And the fact that it’s right next to the shelter helps a lot. I can go to Ricky for advice whenever I want.”“How’s your sister?”“Arabella?” I muse. “Last I heard, she was somewhere in the south of France. She sent me a postcard, plus some bottles of wine and a wheel of cheese.”“I’m glad things are working out between you two,” Jazz says softly.“Me too,” I reply warmly. “She opened a clothing line for kids after Brandon was born. She regularly sends clothes for both him and Angie. I think she likes the idea of being an aunt. I’m anticipating a visit soon.”The music begins, and we stop talking.Maria, Harry’s long-time girlfriend, walks down the aisle with Morris. I see Robert beaming at Harry, and my lips curve into a smile.The ceremony is short but beautiful and is followed by a reception under the October night
“Who’s pretty?” Robert appears in the doorway, then blinks at our younger child. “Ah, Brandon. That’s an interesting look on you, son.”I toss my mate a dirty look. “You’re late. Harry’s freaking out. Aisha has called at least ten times to remind you not to forget the rings.”I hear a barking sound, and I stop what I’m doing. “Where are Mano and Zeno?”“With Mrs. Mallory. She’s in her sewing room. Should I check on them?”I shake my head. “Nope. No time. She knows how to handle them. I can’t believe at their ages the two of them are still fighting.”“It’s not fighting.” Robert looks amused. “Ever since the kittens grew up, Mano has adopted Zeno as her own. She likes to randomly discipline him.”I wipe down Brandon’s face. “Go. We’re leaving in one minute.”He runs off, and I’m about to follow him when my mate blocks my path, a rather lecherous gleam in his eyes. “Oh, I think we’re going to be a little late. That’s a very pretty dress.”I know exactly what he’s up to, but I can’t help
Robert negotiated a solid alliance plan that had other clans coming forward, as well. I have been nominated as the single point of contact. Robert and the other Alphas believe this is beneficial to everyone. I guess the constant warring has been exhausting for all parties involved.My father’s people were already dead by Terrence’s hands, and the rest of the clan has dispersed into the other vampire clans. The Nelo Clan has been wiped out completely, which is what I wanted. It’s time for a new beginning.The only loose end is my sister. She’s still running her company, but she’s been avoiding me. I finally had a message delivered to her, and she agreed to meet with me today.There is awkwardness, though, and she can’t seem to meet my eyes.“I’m going abroad,” she murmurs, sitting on the park bench where Angie and I once used to sit and talk.My heart tightens at her words. I watch the children running around nearby and let out a long breath, letting her speak.“Fa—Father wanted me to
“I don’t know why, but I thought he might,” I breathe, my heart pounding in loud, exaggerated beats. “Help me up.”The wound is healing. Ever since I mated Robert and my healing returned, it’s faster than it ever was. I’m no longer bleeding, but I’m still in pain. Robert helps me to my feet and blinks confusedly when Arabella hands him her cardigan.She looks away, and I realize what she means.“You’re naked.”Robert rolls his eyes but wraps the cardigan around his waist. I look over at the fighting and try to be as loud as I can as I yell, “Stop fighting!”I don’t expect it to work, but the drugged shifters freeze in place.“Am I seeing things?” I feel so confused. “Why are they listening to me?”“Your blood.” Ricky is climbing the steps, his right arm and his face badly bruised. “You have both wolf and vampire blood in you. It could be that.”The shifter who is holding Terrence has his eyes fixed on my neck. Ricky notices his line of sight, and his eyes tighten. “May I?”“What?”He
“Like my handiwork?” Terrence’s smug voice comes from behind me. “I used my own blood to create these drugs, so they obey me. They are invincible, and once they bring me your precious Alpha’s head, I’m going to display it in our bedroom. You’re going to look at his decaying face each night when you surrender your body to me.”I give him a horrified look. There is something incredibly sick about this man.“Behold!” Terrence suddenly shouts, his voice echoing over the fighting. “These are the wolves we once feared, Clan Leaders. And look at them now. They will be our slaves, nothing more. Roll it down!”I hear the rustling of cloth from above and look up to see something being unfurled from the upper floor window.“Jean Sanguinite has returned to us. I sent you the message with the prophecy. Our Queen has returned. She will lead us back into our golden era! It is because of her we have been able to subdue these animals! The Nelo Clan pledges its allegiance to her.”His declaration spurs
“I was a child,” I whisper, my ears burning with a painful emotion. “I wasn’t a threat to you or anyone else.” I look down at my trembling sister. “Arabella isn’t lying, is she? She’s finally telling the truth. She did all those horrible things to me because Father told her to listen to you. As simple as that. After all, who could defy our father?” Meeting Terrence’s gaze, I see the utter lack of remorse, and I wet my lips. “So why did you do it?”The betrayal hurts, but not as much as it could have had Terrence managed to convince me to accept him as my mate or had he gotten to me before Robert and I ever met.“Fine.” Terrence’s eyes sharpen. “No more playing pretend, then. I knew who you were the moment I first laid eyes on you. The reincarnation of Jean Sanguinite. My family was her records keeper. My ancestor was her most trusted advisor. The Sanguinite bloodline retained my family as their advisors over the next centuries. Even when the clan decided to erase the shameful mark Jea