Between Feather and Fur (Gryphon Melds #1) (14 page)

Her men fucked her with unrelenting force, driving themselves harder and deeper than ever before. Steve reached around and closed his strong fingers around her nipple, pinching and pulling roughly, and Ben snaked his hand between her legs, rubbing her swollen clit. The extra attention was more than she could take; the pleasure too intense to bear.

Her orgasm crashed into her, and it was furious and all-consuming. Her head thrashed and a ragged cry ripped through her. Her hips bucked desperately forward and back. A powerful electric vibration shot through her body, leaving every fibre of her being humming in its wake.

She was vaguely aware of first Steve, and then Ben thrusting into her one final time, letting out growling cries as they stiffened, their cocks pulsed and their seeds deposited deep inside of her. It was all she could take, the world spinning way too fast for her to handle, she went limp between them passing clean out.

Chapter Eleven

Ben couldn’t blame Steve for the stupid, sappy look on his friend’s face. Ben gazed back to their one. Fuck, he felt his chest could burst with the love and joy she brought him. Steve tenderly stroked her hair. They had been warned the power of the bonding, and the goddess’ blessing would knock Arial out for a while.

As neither wanted to be parted, not even half an inch from her at this momentous point of their lives, they carried her upstairs to the master bedroom, settling her between them. Touching and stroking her tenderly, their constant touch helped reassure her she was alright, breathing and bringing a sense of reality to the fact she was truly their one. He almost felt like breaking out in a fucking, pansy dance.

Although nothing could stop them from worrying, their fathers assured them she would awaken when ready.

“You want to see if lunch is ready? She’ll be hungry when she wakes.” Steve pulled him from his overly emotional thoughts.

Yeah, like that was going to happen. Ben shot Steve a deadly glare. “You go see if lunch is ready, I’m not leaving her.”

“Buddy, I’m not leaving her, either. I’ll call you when she wakes…okay, okay?” Steve huffed when Ben let out a low growl. “Coward.” Steve muttered in good humour, letting his gaze return to Arial, his hand sliding down her naked thigh.

Ben’s cock was already hard again, but it was too soon before they could take her again. No doubt she would be sore. It was a fantastic memory; one he’d always remember how her hot tight arse squeezed the life out of his dick.

Steve chuckled. “I’d tell you to keep it in your pants, but as we’re not wearing any…”

Ben rolled his eyes. “Guess, I’ll have to man up and see to our woman’s needs. You’re lucky I’m feeling generous.”

Ben flipped him the bird when Steve sighed heavily, clearly reluctant to leave.

Arial breathed deeply and stirred. They both froze, watching as her eyes fluttered and she did a little kitten stretch making Ben want to pounce again when greeted with a two pools of beauty when her eyes opened. Steve fell into them and also a little deeper in love with her.

“Hello, beautiful.” Yeah, he had a big fucking, sappy smile on his face matching Steve’s. He didn’t care.

Her lips curved up into a smile.

“Are you alright, sweetheart? How do you feel?” Steve hovered like a nursemaid, a worried frown on his face. She stretched again and winced a little, and then licked her lips before replying.

“Just a touch sore. Other than that wonderful.”

“You know, there’s no getting away from us now, my sweetheart.” Ben ran his fingers through her fiery red hair, which gleamed in the midday sunlight shining through the window. He wound her long locks around his fist.

“And why would I want to get away from you?” Her eyebrow arched when glancing between them.

“Smart answer.” Steve leaned down, his lips meeting hers in what Ben saw as a tender, loving kiss. Steve pulled away. “I’m going to see to lunch, and then how about a walk down to the lake where we can go get ourselves lost in the maze for a while.”

“Sounds perfect.” Her radiant smile tugged at Steve’s heart.

“You.” Steve pointed at Ben. “Take care of our woman.” He strode butt naked out of the bedroom.

Arial licked her lips, watching Steve’s arse. “That man’s going to make me blind one day.” Ben grumbled.

“I heard that!” Steve called from the hallway. Arial giggled, turning to Ben. He winked roguishly at her. Unable to resist, he leaned down and took her lips in a more hardened, passionate kiss than Steve. She panted; her blue eyes bright with desire when he pulled back.

“Sweetheart, you can’t look at me like that. I know you’re sore and Steve would have my head on a platter if I made love to you so soon.”

She wrapped her arms around him, snuggling into his chest. “I’m never too sore for my men. It’s a good kind of sore.”

“You are amazing, do you know that? But, it’ll do me some good to practice some self-restraint.”

“What if I don’t have any?” She shifted; her smile downright wicked, her hand gliding over his chest, heading north. He sucked in a sharp breath, feeling her hand moving lower over his stomach and under the sheet. “Self-restraint.”

Her hot little hand curled around his erection, he hissed at the contact. “Will you let me?”

“Goddess, Arial.” He grit his teeth as her tentative hand slid down his shaft before making a return run. “Why would I ever stop you? Do what you want baby, nothing is out of bounds, we’re all yours as much as you’re ours.”

Her smile filled with lust and pride; she wiggled her soft curves to move lower, the sheets sliding off their bodies. Her heart shape arse pushed into the air as she knelt between Ben’s spread legs, stroking his length and making him grip the sheets. Her touch was pure magic. He threw back his head and groaned when she opened her mouth and slid it over his bulbous head, gently suckling.

Goddess, she would be the death of me…dying from pure pleasure wasn’t a bad way to go.
Arial ran her hand along his length, her fingers feathering as if learning every ridge, bump, and vein which brought her as much pleasure as she was currently giving him.

Her eyes flicked up to him, clearly wanting his approval. “Baby, you’re amazing, don’t stop now.”

She let her tongue run over his head, and then down along his shaft. He groaned again louder. “C’mon, sweetheart, you’re killing me here. I want to feel your hot mouth on my cock.”

She chuckled softly, which vibrated down his dick; he gripped the sheets tighter, the fabric in danger of being torn to shreds.

Her mouth slid over the rim of the head and down his cock, sucking him deep inside, and at the same time wrapping her small hand around the base, pumping what she couldn’t fit in her mouth.

Back and forth she went, sucking with strong pulls, making him groan and lose his mind about how his one made him feel. He was going to lose it way too soon like a pubescent teen.

“Damn, baby, you’re too fucking good at this…I don’t…think…I can… “ He groaned when her soft hand slipped lower, rolling and squeezing his balls, his body tightening, and the pleasure rush tingling through his body, centring on his cock. “I’m coming, baby, Goddess!”

The sheets tore under his fists while his cum shot uncontrollably from his body into her hot willing mouth. It was even hotter when she swallowed it all down, making little humming noises. She softened her suctioning before licking around his pulsing shaft until his shudders subsided.

She lifted her head with a self-satisfied, knowing gleam in her eyes. Ben, still breathing hard stared at her and realised,
Damn, she knows she has me hook, line, and fucking sinker
. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his woman and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

* * * *

Carl’s rented car rolled to a stop while he surveyed the area; dusk would soon fall. Still, those clueless bastards didn’t have any idea they were being followed.

“This looks good, narrow, lots of shrubs and trees.”

He wanted to smack the sour expression off Belinda’s face, the bitch. Although skinny, she wined and complained more than half the time. Although he fucked her, he preferred his women compliant and with a thrilling look of fear and helplessness in their eyes. His hands tightened on the steering wheel. Once Arial was back in his grasp, he would teach her the consequence of ever leaving him. The anticipation of her face filled with terror made him almost giddy with excitement and also hard.

“How do you plan to lure them out? We have no idea when they’ll leave the fucking place.”

“Relax.” He pulled up to the side of the road. “I’ve got it under control. With one call, they’ll be rolling through here within the hour, but best wait until dark.”

“Who are you calling to do that?”

He glanced at her with an exasperated sigh.
I suppose she couldn’t help being a stupid bitch, like all women.

“Don’t worry, I have contacts, all we need to do is set the scene, and then wait. You’ll have what you want and so will I.” Carl smiled easily through his lie.

She folded her arms seemingly unconvinced. “This better work.”

“Get out. I don’t want you getting hurt when I crash the car.”

“How will we get back if the car’s damaged?”

Carl fought back the urge to slap the woman. “I won’t crash it too badly; we’ll still be able to drive it. Now, get out.”

She finally obeyed, opening the door and stepping out, wobbling on her insanely high heels on the uneven ground.

He watched her move out of the way, and then reversed up, lining up the car with a tree across the road. Leaving the engine running, but in Park, he got out. With a quick glance around, he spotted a large rock under a tree. Grabbing the heavy weight, he put it on the accelerator pedal, the engine revved loudly. Carl leaned in and shoved the gear into Drive before jumping, clearing the car as it shot forward. The fast movement made him topple back, falling onto his arse. Not taking his eyes from the car, he saw the side hit the tree with a loud thump. It spluttered before cutting out.

“It doesn’t look convincing.” Belinda stood in the middle of the road with her hands on her bony hips, eyeing the crash critically.

Carl’s lips curled in annoyance; he climbed to his feet and dusted himself off, before striding over to the woman.

“Your right, what we need to make this look more authentic is a crash victim.” Carl let his lip curl up into a smile, his gaze raking over Belinda’s body.

“I took acting lessons. It’ll be a breeze if only we had a bit of fake blood.”

The bitch couldn’t act her way out of a wet paper bag.
“Would you open the passenger side door, and I’ll smash the windows to make it look better.”

She toddled in her heels to the car, complying, using both hands to pry open the door. Carl stayed behind her. “You know, we don’t need fake blood to make it look convincing.”

Belinda’s face was downright ugly when she frowned.
I’ll shut her up soon enough.

“Why? Acting injured, I think needs some fake blood, and then again I don’t want to ruin my new top.”

Carl snorted “Why have fake bitch, when we can have the real thing.” He moved before she could react, gripping the back of her neck and shoving her hard, her face smashing into the side of the crumpled car. He did it again and again, enjoying the wet sucking sound when her nose and a few other things broke. Blood flowed down her battered face. This was the look he was after. He dropped her body into the dirt by the opened, car door. He seriously doubted anyone; even those fucking idiots who have his woman would recognize her.

Well, maybe with dental records. He whistled as he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his hands clean from her blood, casually striding over and behind a large batch of bushes and trees. He pulled his mobile from his pocket and sat down on a fallen log, and then placed a call. The trap was set; it was time to throw in the bait and watch the fish roll in. It wouldn’t be long now.

Chapter Twelve

Arial fought off the attempts of her men, trying to lure her into the cold looking water of the picturesque lake. It was surrounded by a mix of native and pine trees like a shielded curtain.

No way was it hot enough to go swimming, but if they wanted to, she had no objections. Much to her delight and amusement, they bickered over who was the quickest swimmer.

To settle the debate, they stripped off and raced each other to the lake. Arial laughed, enjoying the show of her two men and their powerful bodies, naked and running before diving off the small jetty, and then swimming to the other side of the lake and back again.

She tidied their tossed clothing and sat on one of the deck chairs to watch her afternoon’s entertainment. A smile played on her lips. She had never felt this at ease, this comfortable and happy all rolled into one. It was a feeling she never wanted to lose.

Ben was half a head in front of Steve, which no doubt would drive him to push harder to beat his friend.

She jumped at the sudden buzzing of something she sat on and tore her eyes off her men to search for the vibrating object. She sat on Steve’s trousers. She lifted her arse off the seat to retrieve his pants, fishing out the insistently buzzing phone.

It was on silent. She set it aside and let it ring; she knew voicemail would get the message, so didn’t worry and went back to watching the race. Steve took the lead, but not by much; he pushed to reach the shore, finally yelling in triumph when he slapped his wet hand on to the wooden post of the little jetty.

“Ha! Always knew I was faster.” Steve’s victory voice was breathless.

Ben scoffed, his gaze seeking out hers and winking. “Yeah, buddy, in more ways than one. I’m sure Arial can bear witness to that.” Arial giggle, and then slapped her hand over her mouth as Steve’s glare turned from Ben to her. She couldn’t help but break out into fully fledged laughter.

A rumble came from Steve’s chest when he pulled his powerful body out the water. Arial’s laughter stopped as he stalked forward, like a lion hunting his prey. She gulped, but couldn’t take her eyes off the way the water droplets ran over his sculptured muscles.

He pounced and she shrieked when he fell on her, shaking like a dog, half drenching her in lake water before nuzzling in at her throat, licking and nipping erotically, while she wiggled in laughter under him.

“You’re as bad as Ben is,” he breathed against her throat. She swore the heat of his body mixed with the dampness caused a billow of steam between them.

“No, I…didn’t…say…any mufffmm…” Her protest was cut short by Steve’s mouth covering hers, kissing her deep and hard, all laughter gone as her arms wrapped around him, moaning into his mouth.

He pulled back and she opened her eyes to see the wicked gleam in his eyes. “Guess, I’m going to have to prove I’m not the fastest after all, I’ll…”

The phone vibrated in her hand again, making Steve pull back and glance down with a frown.

“Sorry, I sat on it.” Annoyed the ringing disturbed their fun, Steve sat back and she sighed as he took the phone, glancing at the screen. “Mermaid, sorry, I have to take this, but there is one good thing about having two men in your life.”

“I get to be the hero and come to the rescue.” Steve climbed off her, but Ben was quick to take his place.

“Jerk,” muttered Steve, walking off with a wink. He jabbed at the touch screen, lifting the phone to his ear.

Ben flipped him off, before pulling Arial into his arms. “Humm, you see beautiful, he may be faster at some things, but I do it long, hard and slow all night.” He breathed in her hair, his hands searching out other places, caressing the side of her breasts before taking them in hand through the fabric of her light, floral dress.

“Did I ever tell you how much I love your breasts?” Ben nuzzled into her neck, placing a kiss over her pulse point before sliding lower. Arial’s mind grew hazy with all the touching and kissing, and she could only manage a, “Uh, huh…”

“Ben.”

His head jerked up at Steve’s bark of his name. It also made Arial blink and glance up at Steve. Instant worry flowed through her, killing the romantic mood in a split second. Steve’s lips were pressed into a thin line, tight with anger. “We’ve got a problem.”

Ben pulled off her, and Arial swung her legs around in the long deck chair. “What’s wrong?” Arial asked first.

Steve sighed and sat down on the chair opposite, gathering her hands in his.

“Arial, we need to tell you something, but don’t worry, nothing between us has changed. Remember you’re ours to protect. We will not let anyone hurt you again, ever, is this clear?”

She swallowed and nodded, but still felt slightly dizzy with confusing thoughts and the sudden change of pace.

“What’s happened?” Ben asked.

“I didn’t want anything to spoil this day, but some things need to be dealt with. When you first came to us, I asked a trusted friend, who also specialises in security, to track down your asshole ex and keep an eye on him. I ordered my friend to make sure he didn’t try to do anything stupid, like try and find you.”

She didn’t realise she was trembling until Ben wrapped his strong arms around her, pulling her into his lap while her mind processed what Steve told her.

“You’ve known where he is, okay, but what does it have to do with now?” It hit her; ice slid through her veins at the thought. “He’s trying to find me, isn’t he?”

Steve glanced at Ben and Ben’s arm which was around her waist tightened slightly. “The man on the phone was the security agent. Your asshole ex has slipped the surveillance and has been spotted in Melbourne, asking questions trying to find you.”

“Don’t worry sweetheart, he won’t.” Ben added with firm assurance. “There is no way we would allow it to happen. Remember, your safe with us.”

She sighed. Yes, Carl was a major asshole, and though those feelings of worthlessness at his hands held memoires lodged in her mind, she was no longer the same person. Everything she held dear and trusted were right here, close to her.

“I don’t know why you’re frowning so much, smile lines are much better on your face. I do trust you. So what if he’s trying to find me, there’s nothing he can do about it.”

Her heart lit with pleasure when Steve’s frown turned upside down, showing exactly how gorgeous he really is. “You’re a most amazing woman, and I love you.”

“I know.” She grinned cheekily. Ben’s chest rumbled with his laughter.

“Sorry but we need to cut our little holiday short and head home. The sooner Ben and I let your asshole ex know you are not available, he won’t come looking for you again.”

“As long as we get to come back for a longer visit next time.”

Steve’s grin was infectious. “Done deal, baby. We’ll go deal with the trash and then we can stay here as long as you like.” Laughter bubbled up when Steve pulled her out of Ben’s arms and into his, kissing her breathless. Ben crowded in at her back, taking over ravishing her mouth when Steve broke away.

No, she wasn’t going to let anyone take away the way she felt now, because facts never lied. The fact was, she loved and was bonded to the most amazing men in the world.

* * * *

Barely ten minutes into the trip home, she had fallen asleep snuggled into Steve’s side. “We’ve got to stop wearing her out so much.” Ben said softly, glancing in the rear view mirror at their sleeping one.

“You swear off sex for a week and see what it does for you. I’m sure she’ll be much better rested if there’s only one of us making love to her.”

“Like fuck that’s going to happen, stop making up stupid ideas.”

“Then, how do you suggest we stop tiring her out?”

Ben racked his brain. “Extra vitamins, stamina training?”

Steve snorted. “That’s even more stupid. I like her all soft and round and fuck if I’m going to change it, but the vitamins sound like a good idea and middle of the road.”

Yeah, he adored all her soft curves too. He sighed as he flicked on the headlights. He could do an ocular partial shift and easily see in the dark, but it was always important to keep up the appearance of normality around humans, and it could draw unwanted attention from the cops.

A light up ahead caught his attention. Ben slowed the car, but easily saw beyond the reach of the headlights as they drew closer. Someone crashed their car into a tall gum tree.

“Shit, look there’s a body by the passenger side door.” Steve and his lion vision must have spotted the body of a woman laying by the car at the same time. Ben rolled the car to a stop and pulled the hand brake. Steve had already untangled himself from their still sleeping Arial. He left the motor running with the heater on, it turned chilly outside.

Steve was out first, mobile in his hand calling the emergency services while Ben hurried to the woman, hoping she was still alive. He dropped to his knees and carefully felt along the woman’s back, checking for broken bones. He felt the rise and fall of her chest and heaved a relived sigh as he gingerly rolled her over.

“Fuck.” Shock rocked him to his core. She was battered and bruised, a large cut along the side of her head where blood ran down and matted into her blond tresses. There was something familiar about this woman, even with the blond hair tinged red and stuck to the side of her face; it was hard to make out her features with all the swelling.

“I don’t like this.” Suspicion laced Steve’s tone while he leaned over Ben’s shoulder. “This doesn’t make sense. To me, she looks remarkably like bulimic Belinda, but these injuries are not ones you get in a car accident. She’s been beaten.” Ben nodded in agreement. The minor dent in the car was nothing, even if she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. A chill ran down Ben’s spine, they both felt it, something dangerous.

A door slamming made their heads turn sharply and the BMW’s engine revved and they saw a figure of a man behind the wheel. “Fuck, it’s a trap!” Steve voiced it before Ben could. Tires screeched, and the car sped off in a puff of burnt rubber.

“Arial!” Ben’s heart rate shot up in a second; he moved to run after their hijacked car, but Steve gripped his arm, yanking him to a halt. A veil of rage dropped over his vision. “The asshole ex has our one, let me the fuck go!” He struggled against Steve’s grip.

“Calm down and think clearly for a second. First, the ambulance is on its way to help Belinda. Clearly, we’ve been played by the asshole. No more fucking pussy footing around. He’s taken our one and this time, we do it our way. It’s time to meld and take this fucker out once and for all.”

His lips twisted into a grin he knew would curdle milk.
Fuck yes, it didn’t matter if it was dark and the car was speeding.
Their beasts contained their one’s scent embedded into their soul, there was no place the asshole could hide her. It was time to meld. There wasn’t any need for words while they strode into the trees, casually removing their clothing as they went. Steve took the lead holding out his hands to his meld partner. Ben put his on Steve’s, closing his eyes, feeling the energy start to build and flow between them. Hearts, minds and bodies merged into one. Legs, feet, and wings flowed free while their melded Gryphon rose into the night sky. Amazing as it was to feel the wind through feathers and claws, their sharp eyes scanned the distance, easily picking up the scent. Their thoughts centred on one thing, finding their one and destroying the person who took her from them.