Beauty and the Bear (Redwater Shifters Book 2) Page 11

  “Mate. Not this time.” He must've seen the look she was giving his throbbing cock. She would've taken him into her mouth and not let up until he was coming down her throat. “Need you. Now.” He was growling and barely able to string together words. It was no surprise when he pushed Lani onto her back on the floor.

  He leaned his head down and tongued her nipples until she was panting. It was her turn to beg and plead. She didn't want to come until her mate was buried deep inside of her.

  “Big guy, enough.” She snarled using his preoccupation with her breast's to her advantage. Lani rolled, landing her on top. Her hips sought out the fiction that was being denied to her, finding it almost immediately. Before Gene could stop her, she impaled herself on his cock. Her husky moan covered up the groan that ripped from his chest.

  Wrapping a hand around the back of Lani's neck, Gene pulled her down into a bruising kiss. She mewled into his mouth. Her hips were thrusting wildly already. Nothing exciting had even happened yet, and Lani was ready to come. Goddess, she needed to get a grip on herself. Please, at least try to last longer.

  She sighed into his mouth as her hips came back under her control, setting a much slower pace. Gene's growl almost set her off again. Almost.

  “Woman. You better fuck me like you damn well mean it.” He'd never used that demanding tone of voice on her before. She'd heard it directed at the men and women under him at work. Lani liked it, and if her mate wanted to be fucked? She wasn't going to deny him.

  Slamming her hips down on the next thrust set them both off. Soon they were moving in tandem, Lani thrusting down when Gene pushed up. It was fucking harmony. Even for them.

  "Fuck, you feel fantastic." The big guy snarled into her throat. So she wasn't the only one feeling off kilter. "Goddess help me. If you don't come soon, I don't think I'm going to last." It was exactly what she needed to hear to send her hurtling over the edge. Before she was even done coming, Gene had her on her back. He was drilling into her, nibbling on her neck again. Another climax was already building again. How does he do this to me?

  “Bite me.” Lani didn't recognize the hoarse voice as her own. Had she really been moaning that loud?

  “What?” He paused, his eyes wide above her. His cock was barely inside her, just teasing her. Goddess, the bear above her drove her wild with desire.

  “Bite me. Make me yours forever.” She growled, dragging her nails down his muscled back. He got the message and began thrusting again. Thankfully harder and faster than before.

  “Are you sure?” Lani made a frustrated sound in the back of her throat. Apparently, she was going to have to take matters into her own paws. Using her arms, Lani pulled her upper body off the floor. Gene hissed when her nails broke his skin. A small part of her felt bad, but a bigger part of her wanted to mark her mate in any way possible.

  Eyeing the cord of muscle that was currently flexing, she first peppered the area with wet kisses. Before Gene was out of her reach, Lani bit down. Hard. Hard enough that his blood flooded her mouth. She let go, licking the wound as she would've in her animal form. Ella had told her a little bit about the bond and how it would build around her heart like a cocoon.

  Lani felt cocooned and then some. The bond they had already developed only got deeper and reached inside her until she felt her soul intertwining with Gene's. For a brief moment, she panicked. Why isn't he biting me back? But she needn't have worried, because a moment later, Gene's teeth sank into her shoulder.

  Now she was shuddering for a whole new reason. Her pleasure was back ten fold. With a start, she realized it wasn't her pleasure, but Gene's. Lani felt complete for the first time in her life. Their bond was unlike anything she'd ever felt before. It honestly felt like their two souls had become one. Goddess, she was becoming a huge ball of sappiness.

  Gene curled his much larger body to hers. Laying her head on his chest, Lani knew that there was no better time than that to let her mate know exactly how she felt about him.

  “I love you.” She smiled into his chest upon hearing his quick intake of breath. There weren't many times Lani could catch him off guard.

  “I know.”

  “You're lucky I can feel how much you love me or I'd be pissed.”

  “I know.” Gene chuckled running his hands through her hair. Even though it was only two in the afternoon, Lani couldn't keep her eyes open. Falling asleep next to her mate was too tempting. Whatever had happened before she'd gotten home, Gene could tell her later. It couldn't be that bad, could it?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Gene blinked until his vision cleared. There was no way the clock on his mantle was right. He'd fallen asleep after he was sure Lani had drifted off. It wouldn't be a big deal for them to snooze for an hour or two. So the clock saying it was six in the evening already was a shock. They'd slept for four hours, and his woman was still curled on his chest fast asleep.

  She was too adorable for her own good. Gene didn't want to wake her up just to give her shitty news but knew she'd be more pissed if he kept it from her. The least he could do was make dinner for her and his young. Lani's bump was growing bigger by the day. He rubbed the place where his little cub or pup was growing.

  "I love you little man. Don't tell your mommy, but I love her too." Gene kissed her bulging stomach, then pulled on his boxers. Usually, he would've walked around naked. It was his house after all, but with Jeremy and Noah out there? No way. He tiptoed down the hallway so he wouldn't make any noise. He wanted the bad news to go over well, and that wouldn't happen if she woke up alone after their mating.

  His face was actually hurting from smiling so big. I'm a mated bear. Being a fully bonded bear didn't make him feel any different. It was the same feeling as before only deeper. His love for her felt like it had increased tenfold. He wasn't sure if that was a normal reaction or not since he hadn't asked anyone for advice. Gene could've asked Mason or Nathan, but he didn't want to look like a complete pussy in front of his friends.

  He and Mason were alike in that way. Both of them were fine with being loving and possessive in public, but they didn't want others to know they had fears. It didn't go well with their dominate personalities. Thinking of Mason reminded him that he should probably call him. There was no doubt in Gene's mind that Isaiah had told all the guys.

  There were ten missed calls on his phone, so it was no surprise that Mason answered on the first ring.

  “Where the hell have you been? We've been trying to get a hold of you and Lani all night. My mate is worried sick.” That explained why he was in such a shitty mood. Anytime Ella was in a bad mood, Mason was intolerable to be around.

  “We've been asleep.”

  “Are you serious right now? Or are you playing some kind of sick joke on me?”

  “Nope. We really were asleep. Mating takes a lot out of you.” He heard a gasp before squealing broke out on the other end of the line.

  “Little wolf. Not so loud.” Mason grumbled, but it didn't hold any angry in it.

  “Our besties are mated!” More squealing ensued before Gene heard a door close.

  “Congratulations.” Mason chuckled. “It's about fucking time.”

  “Why didn't you just say that in front of Ella?”

  “I've gotta look tough in front of her.” Gene wasn't going to point out that the whole territory knew Mason was a softie where Ella was concerned. Hell, that wolf knew she had Mason in the palm of her hand and used it to her advantage.

  "I'm assuming Isaiah told you, and everyone else?" He opened the fridge to look for something to make for Lani. Even though he was listening to Mason rattle on about how Alex had been the one to call him, Gene's priority was Lani. She would always come first.

  “You still there?” Shit. Maybe I wasn't listening.

  “Sorry, I'm making Lani a grilled cheese with a side of ranch dressing. Does Ella eat all this weird shit too?”

  "You have no idea." Mason made a gagging sound. "I even called the doctor, but she said everything
was normal. Anyway, I'm glad you guys are safe and mated, but we need to get together and figure all this shit out."

  "We can meet tomorrow, in the council shed. The last photo came with a clue, and I don't want anybody overhearing what we've got to say."

  “Sounds like a good idea to me. Since you've been sleeping the day away, I've already got everyone important on standby. I'll let them know about tomorrow. Keep your mate safe.”

  "You as well." It was perfect timing because Lani's sandwich was cooked when he heard her patting around on the floor. Sure enough when he rounded the corner she was lying like a starfish looking for him. At least he hoped she was looking for him and not a blanket or pillow.

  “Sweetheart.” He whispered, pushing her hair off her face. “I made you and the baby some dinner.” Her eyes slowly opened.

  “Did you say food?” He laughed, Gene couldn't help it. “I didn't know mating could work up such an appetite.” She was giving him that soft smile. The one only he was able to get out of her. His mate was the most beautiful creature he'd ever laid eyes on.

  “That and sleepin' the day away.”

  "Sleeping the day away?" Her eyes popped open wide when she saw the clock now said seven. "No wonder we're hungry." She rubbed her tummy soothingly. "Don't worry. Daddy made us dinner." Hearing her talk like that made him fall in love with her more. He had to get her naked body covered before he pounced on her.

  “Come on woman, before it's cold.” He slipped his t-shirt over her bare skin. His mating mark had already healed into a dark bite mark. It was in the perfect spot, the same one he'd picked the moment he saw her. Gene couldn't help himself and lightly kissed the mark, making Lani shiver.

  “After dinner.” She whimpered before pushing on his chest lightly. As much as Gene wanted to continue exploring his mate's reaction to the mark, he needed to feed her and his young. Her hips swayed as she made her way into the kitchen.

  Since that romantic dinner that changed his life, they'd eaten at the island. It didn't make sense to eat at the table when they could be closer to one another in the kitchen instead. Lani moaned when she took a bite of her grilled cheese smothered in ranch. His cock took notice, but Gene controlled himself. After dinner.

  "You never did tell me what had you so worked up earlier." That was a boner killer. All thoughts of bending Lani over the island left his mind. Instead, that dreaded fucking note in a drawer was all he could think about.

  "I found another one." She paused with her sandwich halfway to her mouth. "Taped to the damn patio door." He pointed at said door behind him. Lani looked pale, so Gene brought the sandwich back up. "You need to eat sweetheart." When it didn't look like she was going to listen to him, he used his trump card. "For the baby." That got her eating again.

  “How'd he get to the door without anyone knowing?” That was the question Gene was asking himself. He'd been home all day and not once had he known someone was at his house. There hadn't been any patrols since Lani wasn't home. He was sure that Lani was the one who needed protecting. Gene could watch after himself.

  “Don't know, but I'm going to find out.” He poured Lani and himself a glass of milk. “I'm meeting with the guys tomorrow to come up with a plan. We'll find him, don't worry.”

  “I know you will. I don't doubt you for a second.” She finished off her meal and handed the plate back to him. “Another please?”

  “Of course, give me a minute to make it.”

  "I just worry about you." He was glad his back was to her because then she couldn't see him rolling his eyes. "I know you can take care of yourself, but I don't know what I'd do without you." Now he felt like an asshole for rolling his eyes. His mate just cared about him and wanted to make sure he was safe.

  “Why do you feel bad?” Damn bond. It was like a double-edged sword. Their good emotions were enhanced, but so were the bad ones. Not to mention they got transmitted to his mate.

  "I thought you were being overdramatic by worrying about me. Now I realize you're just doing the same thing I am. Making sure that the person you love is safe."

  "I knew you loved me." Lani was smirking at him when he looked over his shoulder. He loved it when she was sassy. Goddess did it turn him on. Setting the plate down in front of her, Gene captured her lips in a hard kiss.

  “Of course I love you. Now eat your dinner, I'm ready to have my mate again.” He'd never seen her eat so fast.

  Gene was the last person to arrive at the shed, as he liked to call it. He'd slept in after a long night of fucking. Then he'd woken up curled against his naked mate and hadn't been able to control himself. Gene was sure he still smelled of sex, but since most of the men meeting him were mated he figured they'd understand.

  When he opened the door, the guys all had cocky smiles on their faces. Carter whistled at him, and Nathan started in on him right away. After all the shit Gene had given him, it was no surprise he'd reaped what he'd sowed.

  “Look who finally decided to show up. Remember when I told you I wasn't just getting laid at night?” Nathan smirked at him with a blonde raised eyebrow. Gene knew exactly what he was talking about. It was the same day that Ella had shown up and changed all their lives.

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Let's just get on with it.” He took a seat to Mason's right, across from Carter and beside Isaiah.

  "Since everyone's here now." Mason paused to look at him specifically. "We're going to get started. Gene pass around the photo and tell us what you know." Gene dug the photo out of his pocket before moving it to Isaiah. He heard Isaiah's intake of breath and a mumbled curse.

  “Is it wrong to say how sexy-” Gene didn't hesitate to punch Isaiah in the stomach. “Holy fucking shit.” He wheezed. “I was kidding.” Isaiah promptly passed the photo down to Liam, who looked disgusted to see his daughter's privacy violated.

  “That was taped to my back patio door, and before anyone asks, I don't know how long it was there. Or how that fucker almost got inside my house.”

  “Wasn't there anyone patrolling the house?” Nathan asked all notes of teasing gone. “Holy shit, Gene. This is only getting worse.”

  "No. I only have extra patrols when Lani's home, I didn't think he'd come around if Lani wasn't there."

  "I believe you 're his target as much as Lani is." Alex said thoughtfully, tapping his fingers on the table. "Think about it. You're the one who found the photos. The notes? All directed to piss you off, not Lani." Now Carter was nodding his head.

  "Alex's right. Yesterday, Lani wasn't home, and yet he left it there. He must've known it was you who was going to find the note." Carter was rubbing his temples, contemplating something.

  "We're looking at this all wrong." Greg spoke up for the first time. He'd been having trouble with his daughter lately, and it was starting to show. There were dark circles under his eyes and his hair looked a little grayer. "This isn't a one-person operation we're dealing with. There's this Jeremy fellow and Noah." A low growl came out with Noah's name.

  "What if Jeremy's the one taking the pictures and writing the notes, but Noah is the one making sure you're getting them?" Scott and Greg had a point. Noah would have more to gain by getting under Gene's skin.

  "A little of both." Mason spoke up from beside him. He was the last one to see the picture but had barely glanced at it. "Jeremy's pissed because to him, Gene has his mate. Hell, not only does he have her, but he's, uh, with her?" He gave Gene an apologetic smile. Gene just nodded his head, there was no reason for him to elaborate on the subject.

  “So Jeremy's doing all this for Lani, but wants Gene to know that's his mate.” Gene snarled. He couldn't help it. Even if Mason was only describing Jeremy's thoughts, it didn't matter. Lani was his. Mine and only mine. "Now Noah, we all know that he's furious with all of us. Especially me, but also with all of you. He's probably getting some sick pleasure knowing you're the one getting notes about your mate."

  This was why Mason was alpha. He could see things from others perspectives, and overcome obstacles.


  "Whether it's Jeremy or Noah, this time they made a mistake." Gene took the photo and flipped it over. "Brendan's Printing Plus. New Westward, Oregon." He pointed at the small script and logo along the bottom.

  “We've got 'em now.” Isaiah clapped Gene on the shoulder. “Let's set up shop and wait for them to show up. When they do, we snatch either one or both of 'em.” It was a solid plan, but Gene didn't think it would be that easy. From the looks Alex and Mason had, they didn't think so either.

  "The last photo didn't have that. They're more than likely using a different place each time, but it's not a horrible idea." Carter said looking at the logo again. "I have an idea, but none of you are going to like it. Fuck, I don't really like it." He rubbed a hand over his face. "We know what Jeremy and Noah want. If we use bait, they'll come."

  “No.” Gene and Mason said at the same time.

  “Please tell me your not talking about using my little sister as bait to lure a madman.” Isaiah growled as Alex also tensed.

  “And my only child.” Liam didn't look happy either.

  “I said I didn't like the fucking idea but it was all I had.”

  "It's a bad idea, and I don't like it one bit." Gene snarled, slamming his hand down on the table. Mason looked far too calm. "Don't tell me you're actually thinking about this?"

  "Using the girls is reckless, dangerous and just plain stupid." Scott said before locking eyes with Mason. "But, they're the only thing we have that could lure Noah and Jeremy out of their hidey hole."

  “And if it was your daughter?” Liam asked, looking a little scary.

  “If it meant keeping her safe in the long run?” Greg butted in. “I'd do it.” For the first time, Gene could see Greg losing some of his cool.

  “So we send them out alone? I don't know where we're going with this.” Alex asked, that damn thumping sound coming from his fingers hitting the table.

  “We make it seem like we're out of town. Then when Noah or Jeremy come for the women, we pounce on them. The same idea as Isaiah, just using a different tactic.”