Figure of Speech (Halle Shifters) (20 page)

“Done.” Max grinned. “Welcome to the Pride.”

“Who gets the honor of biting him?” Emma looked around the room, her glance landing briefly on the baby monitor. Felix was sleeping upstairs, undisturbed by the ruckus in his parents’ house.

“I’ll do it.” Max gestured for Spencer to follow him. “It’s a pleasure to welcome Jim’s brother to the Pride.”

Spencer grinned and blushed. “Thanks, man.”

“And if you do find a mate, she’ll be welcome as well.”

The two disappeared into Max’s office, and a few seconds later Jim could hear his brother cry out in pain.

He remembered that pain, but he hoped that Spencer’s change was less traumatic than his own. Spencer knew what he was getting into and what to expect. Even better, he’d have the whole Pride behind him, helping him.

Jim still wasn’t a member of a Pack. He hadn’t had the chance to meet with the Wolf Alpha in the Poconos, had never felt that bond other Pack and Pride members seemed to crave. And for some reason, he was perfectly fine with that.

“You’re a lone Wolf.”

He turned to find Derrick staring at him. “What?”

“You’re lone, like me. Strong enough that you don’t need the Pack behind you, binding you to them. Not a lot of us out there.” He grinned, and Jim saw something in the other man that seemed right somehow. “Either that, or we just haven’t found the right Pack.”

There was something about the way Derrick looked at him, the need he saw in the other man, that spoke to Jim. “Do you think…?”

Derrick shrugged. “If it’s meant to be, it will happen. If not, we’ll probably see what we need in the Poconos Alpha.”

“Huh.” He blinked, thinking things through. “Would it be odd to have Pack and Pride living in one town?”

“Any odder than Bears, Foxes and whatnot?” Emma laughed. “I’m pretty sure your Pack and Rick’s would be far enough away from each other that there wouldn’t be any issues.”

“And if there are, we’ll deal with them when it happens.” Max and Spencer rejoined them, Spencer rubbing his shoulder and wincing. “But if a Pack develops here, then it’s between me and the Pack Alpha, not Rick.” Some of Max’s power seeped into the room, causing the Pumas to wince. “I’m Alpha in Halle.”

“Could you deal with a co-Alpha?” Jim was curious. Max said he was all right with a Pack in his territory, but when his authority was challenged by the possibility of Rick objecting he’d immediately let loose.

Max’s power display disappeared. “I think so.”

“Sure, Lion-O. If you say so.” Emma patted her mate’s arm. “We still need to figure out what’s going on with the Senate.”

“You think they’ll send someone else after Chloe?”

Adrian stood straighter. “If they do, we’ll deal with it. You’re not alone in this.”

“We’ve got your back, Jimbo.” Emma smiled at Chloe. “And yours too.”

“So does the family.” Ryan, yawning, headed for the front door. “And on that note, I say we adjourn until we have more info.”

“Agreed.” Barney glanced around absently. “Guess I should start apartment hunting, damn it.”

“Us too.” Derrick crossed his arms over his chest. “Casey Lee and I are sticking around. I want to know what the fuck the Senate has gotten us in the middle of.” His scowl was fierce. “I don’t like being played.”

“Yeah.” Casey Lee ran his fingers through his hair. “I signed up to help uphold shifter law, not break it.”

Derrick nodded. “Me too.”

“You’ll need jobs here.” Gabe stared at them, his eyes narrowed. “Think you can handle police work?”

“Fuck yeah!” Casey Lee kept it to a dull roar.

“We both went to police academy.” Derrick grinned. “It’s where we met.”

“But we both got recruited by the Senate.” Casey Lee looked over at Chloe apologetically. “We were told we were going to be the shifter version of the CIA.”

“So you
aren’t
mercenaries?” Max whistled low. “Why did you lie about that?”

Derrick and Casey Lee exchanged a quick look. It was obvious the two had been partnered for a long time. Not surprisingly, it was Derrick who spoke. “We were told to stay on the down-low.”

“We’ve taken in rogue Hunters before,” Casey Lee added. “We thought it was just another assignment like that.”

“But how do you know when a shifter is rogue? You can’t sense it the way a Hunter can.”

“No, and that part’s bugged me for a while.” Casey Lee rolled his eyes at Derrick’s shushing motion. “Please. You know it’s bothered you too.”

“Fine. It has.”

Gabe eyed them both for a moment. “I’ll get you some applications, but consider yourselves hired.” Gabe nodded respectfully to Adrian. “I’m heading home. I’ll let Sarah know what happened tonight.”

“Sure thing.” Adrian followed Gabe toward the door, Derrick and Casey Lee on their heels. “Listen, Sheri wanted to get together for dinner with you and Sarah soon.”

Jim tuned them out. “Spence? You okay?”

Spencer smiled weakly. “Peachy.” He shifted in his seat, his foot twitching.

Jim stared, awed. “Spence?”

“Hmm?”

“Your foot moved.”

Spencer smiled shyly. “Doc said with physical therapy and medicine I might regain some use of my legs. I didn’t want to say anything in case it didn’t happen.” He grimaced. “I’ll never walk without assistance, Jimmy, but if I can get out of the chair once in a while I’ll count it as a win.”

“So will I, bro.” Jim’s voice broke. “So will I.”

Chapter Twenty

“What a day,” Chloe sighed as she slid past Jim into the house. It seemed like every time something good happened, something bad popped up just to keep them on their toes. At least Spencer’s news was good. Jim was thrilled his brother had shown signs of regaining some of his mobility.

Spencer had chosen to stay at Max and Emma’s for the night, learning more about the Pumas and their structure. One of the Pumas would lead him through his change. Already he seemed close to Max, and Max reciprocated. In fact, it was Max who suggested Spencer stay with them for a couple of days, and Emma had agreed without complaint.

It gave Jim and Chloe a little alone time, something they both desperately needed. Their guards were already in place outside and someone would be living with them in the next day or two, but for tonight…

Tonight, they were alone. And Chloe intended to take advantage of that fact the best she could.

“Tired?” Jim closed the front door and led the way into the kitchen, pulling two beers out of the fridge and handing her one.

“Eh.” She took a sip, happy that he’d gotten her favorite brand. She didn’t drink often, but tonight seemed like a good night to do so.

“I’m not entirely happy about having someone moving in with us.” Jim leaned against the counter and stared at the bottle in his hand. “I just got you here. I don’t want to share you.”

She wasn’t exactly thrilled either, but she’d take in-house protection over none any day. She’d do just about anything to make sure Jim was safe. “It won’t be forever.”

He lifted his head, and she saw his Wolf eyes. “No. It won’t.” The bottle of beer made a clicking sound as he placed it on the countertop. He sauntered toward her, his movements fluid, his intent clear as he began unbuttoning his shirt. “We’re alone, Chloe.”

All her intentions on seducing her mate flew out the window. Instead, she did what any Fox would do when hunted by a stronger predator.

She squeaked and ran like her bushy tail was on fire.

The low growl she heard was quickly followed by pounding footsteps as Jim chased her up the stairs. She laughed, darting into the first room she came to.

The storage room. She could hide in—

“Ack!” She giggled furiously as Jim carried her backward out of the room. “Help! I’m gonna get eaten!”

“Damn straight,” he purred in her ear.

“Wuh-huh.” She shivered. “Okay.”

He chuckled. “I will huff, and puff and blow your mind.”

She went limp in his arms and began to snore.

“Excuse me?” He plopped her facedown on the bed. “What’s that for?”

“Lame joke put Chloe to sleep.” She snored some more for emphasis.

“Guess I’ll have to find some little piggies to nom on.” Her shoes were pulled off. “This little piggie went to market…”

Jim sucked her little toe into his mouth.

“Ew!” She sat straight up and rubbed her foot on his shirt. “Get it off!”

His brows rose in confusion. “You have a problem with getting your toes sucked on?”

She gagged, scrubbing her foot with his comforter.

Jim shrugged. “At least you’re awake now.” He pounced, driving her backward until she lay under him. “Now, where was I?”

“About to brush your teeth, I cope,” she muttered under her breath.

“Aw, baby, come on. Gimme kiss.” He puckered up and made kissie faces until she was giggling again. When he lifted her shirt and began licking her stomach she fought back, trying to push him off of her, but she was laughing too hard to get a good grip on him.

It didn’t take long for the struggling and laughing to turn into sighs and moans. Jim began touching her in all the
right
places, easing her clothes off of her as they played. Before too long she was naked beneath him as he repeatedly pressed kisses to her mating mark. She locked her ankles around his waist and brushed her mound against his jeans-covered cock, the fabric rough against her sensitive skin.

“Do that again,” he muttered against her neck.

Like he had to ask twice, because damn, that felt good.

Jim sat up and wiggled out of his shirt, tossing it behind him, then unbuttoned his jeans. She’d never thought about the difference between button-fly and zippered pants. She was finding she liked her mate in button-fly, especially now. “You went commando.”

“You like that?”

She cupped him, stroking his cock. “Yup.”

“Nice to know.” The tip leaked pre-come as he shuddered in her hands. Chloe firmed her grip, using her stronger right hand. He bucked his hips, thrusting into her hand with a groan. “God, baby, so nice.”

She licked her lips, the desire to taste him nearly overwhelming her. She sat up and took him into her mouth.

He was salty, his skin warm, his scent so strong she was ready to hump the pillow for relief. Instead, she sucked him in, using her tongue to stroke the long vein on the underside of his cock. His moans urged her on, his touch gentle as he cupped the back of her head. His fingers tangled in her short hair, holding her steady as she sucked him down.

When his fingers began to tighten and his cock to twitch she eased back, looking up at him questioningly. She was willing to have him come in her mouth if that was what he wanted, but she’d want something in return.

He nodded desperately. “Please.”

How could Chloe turn that down? Jim was begging her, his chest heaving, his cock leaking on her tongue, but if she pulled off all the way she knew he’d let go.

So she gave him what he asked for, concentrating on the head of his cock. He hissed, his cock pulsing as he spilled into her. His flavor exploded inside her and she swallowed, taking his essence inside her.

When he was done he gently eased her onto her back, kissing her so sweetly, so gratefully, she wasn’t surprised when some of the urgency for her own pleasure faded. “Is there anything I can do for you, Miss Chloe?”

She sighed and pointed south. “Please?”

“My pleasure.” He shucked his jeans off, then slithered down her body. When his tongue touched her clit she nearly screamed.

So much for the urgency fading. She was so primed she was surprised she hadn’t gone off yet.

He ate her out, licking and sucking her into his mouth with slowly increasing intensity. She was fucking his face, desperate to come, eager to feel the heat only he could give her.

Chloe gasped as a finger or two entered her, Jim timing the thrusts to match the movement of her hips.

It was so good, so, so good, she wanted it to never end. She tugged on her nipples, bringing herself closer to the edge. The tingling of an oncoming orgasm blinded her, shoved her over the edge into gasping pleasure so intense her whole body locked. She threw her head back and screamed, her mind drowning in ecstasy.

When it was over he was petting her gently, rifling his fingers through her damp curls. “Good?”

She couldn’t talk, so she nodded, hoping her sated grin would speak for her.

He nibbled gently on her mating mark, causing her pussy to give one final, lingering throb. “I’m glad.”

“Uh-huh.” She shivered and cuddled up against him, more than content to lie safe in his arms.

“Sleepy?”

She yawned, closing her eyes and nestling her head on his chest.

“You sure you don’t want anything more?” He was still petting her, but she really was tired. His dick would have to wait until morning.

“Nighty-night.”

He snorted in amusement as she yawned again. “All right, little vixen. But first thing in the morning your ass is mine.”

“Mm-hmm.” When she was awake they could play tail chaser all he wanted. But now it was sleepy-time, and Chloe was going to do just that.

“Mine,” he sighed happily, kissing the top of her head.

“Mine,” she replied, smiling. “Good night, Jim.”

“Good night, love.”

She blinked, too tired to ask if he really meant that or not, but it took her far longer to fall asleep than she’d thought it would.

A sharp knock on the front door startled Jim out of his doze. “Hmm?”

Chloe moaned next to him, distracting him. The sight of all that bare, creamy skin had him forgetting exactly what it was that had woken him up. He wanted to nuzzle and taste and tease all over again.

But whoever had knocked did so again, making Jim curse lightly as he got up and grabbed a pair of sweats. Sliding them on, he made his way down to the front door, ready to tell whoever it was to go the fuck away.

Two strangers stood on the front step. Both had bright blue eyes the color of the morning sky and short, dark, messy hair. One was male, one was female. They wore almost identical outfits of jeans, white T-shirts and sneakers. As one, they tilted their heads and spoke. “Is Barney here?”

Jim blinked. “No.” He shut the door, ready to go back to bed. He was way too tired for anyone’s shit.

The double-knock sounded again. Jim rolled his eyes and opened the door. “What?”

Barney stood there, blinking. “What what?”

Jim looked outside, but there was no sign of the Doublemint twins. “There were two people on my doorstep just a minute ago.”

Barney’s eyes widened fearfully. “Two
identical
people?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Aw, fuck.” Barney pushed his way into the house, slamming the door shut after him. “Hide me.”

“Why would you want to hide from us, Barnes?”

“Yeah, why?”

Jim slowly turned to find the two strangers seated on his sofa, going through his mail. “Who the fuck are you?”

“Allow me to introduce you to the most annoying people I’ve ever been forced to work with.” Barney’s disgruntled tone would have amused Jim if he didn’t have two strangers on his couch he hadn’t invited in. “Artemis and Apollonia Smith, meet Dr. James Woods.”

“Hey,” the male said, ripping open Jim’s electric bill.

“Yo,” the female replied, rubbing some magazine insert on her wrist and sniffing the result.

“How did you get in here?” Jim demanded.

Apollonia blinked at him innocently. “Through the door.”

“How else?” Artemis waved the bill in the air. “Your electric company is ripping you off. You should go solar.”

“Less environmental impact,” Apollonia added.

“Save the tigers and all that shit.” Artemis stood and stretched. “Anyway, we spoke to Carl, and he’s hella confused.”

“Like, totally,” Apollonia added.

“Who are they again?” Jim stared at the two people making themselves at home in his living room. Hell, Artemis was scratching his balls while his sister stretched out on his sofa and yawned, apparently ready to take a nap.

“They’re the Smiths. They’re also the best at what they do. Unfortunately.”

“Sleeping?”

“Hey, kitties sleep seventy percent…” Artemis blinked and looked at his sister. “That’s right, right? Seventy percent?”

“I think so,” Apollonia slurred. “Mm, I like this sofa.”

“Yeah? Let me try it.” Artemis shoved his sister off the sofa with one strong push, then flopped into her spot face first. “Oh, yeah, baby. Daddy likey.”

Apollonia glared at her brother before turning to glare at Jim. “You need a fireplace. And a rug.”

“A furry one,” Artemis added.

“Fake furry one.” Apollonia scowled harder at her brother, who seemingly ignored it.

“Can you two focus for two seconds?” Barney sounded frustrated as hell. “You said you spoke to Carl?”

Apollonia rolled her eyes and stood. “Yeah. And you’re no fun, Mr. Barnwell.”

“No fun,” Artemis intoned, his voice muffled by the fact that his face still in the sofa cushions.

“And you’re twenty-seven going on five.” Barney gestured for the two to get up. “Can you please take your meds and tell me what I need to know?”

“We left them at home,” Artemis sighed.

“Our meds, he means.” Apollonia sat on her brother.

“Yeah, those.” Artemis reached behind him and swatted his sister. “Get off me, heifer.”

“Are you calling me fat?” Apollonia swatted him back.

“Yes.”

“Children!” Barney walked over and grabbed each of them by an ear, yanking them off Jim’s sofa. “I swear, if you don’t start listening I’m going to ground you both.”

“Oww,” Apollonia whined.

Artemis rubbed his ear. “You’re mean.”

“Yeah, mean.” Apollonia stuck her tongue out at Barney.

“Who the fuck are you?” Jim roared, his vision changing as his Wolf surged to the fore.

“Artemis.” The male waved his hand, seemingly unconcerned that Jim had started to sprout fur from his arms.

“Apollonia.” The female ran her fingers through her hair and looked him up and down. “You’re cute.”

“And mated. Happily, I might add.” Barney smacked Apollonia upside the head, earning a halfhearted feline snarl. “This one is a Hunter, and her annoying brother is…annoying.”

Artemis grinned cheekily. “Aw, shucks. I knew you liked us.”

Barney shot a droll look at Artemis. “No. I don’t.”

“So…you two are here to help us with our problem?” Jim couldn’t see how, unless they decided to sleep it into submission.

“Sure, let’s go with that.” Artemis yawned again. “I’m hungry.”

“Me too.” Apollonia draped herself across the back of the sofa. “Not it.”

Artemis rolled his eyes. “Ugh. I hate cooking.”

“You hate working.” Barney shoved Apollonia off the back of the sofa. She landed on the floor with a rattling thump. “Tell me what Carl said.”

Artemis tilted his head. “Oh God, not you two?”

“I can believe that.” Jim shook his head. “Seriously, my mate is in danger and we don’t know why. Can you help us?”

The brother and sister stared at one another before Apollonia shrugged. “Sure.”

“It’s not like I have anything better to do.” Artemis stared at Jim. “Do you have donuts?”

“We’re still hungry.”

“And I
really
hate cooking.”

“Jim?” Chloe’s soft voice broke through the disbelief over the nonsense of the brother-sister pair. He glanced toward the stairway and saw Chloe descending, rubbing sleep from her eyes. She’d probably heard the voices of the others, because even though she hadn’t brushed her hair she’d put on pajamas. “Who’s here?”

The reaction of the brother and sister were immediate, and violent. Jim found himself shoved toward the door by the female, while the male, in a startling display of agility and speed, hurtled over the sofa and landed at the base of the stairway. He growled menacingly at Chloe for a second or two before he tilted his head. “You’re a Fox.”