Reed: Bowen Boys (12 page)

“Do you realize that I’ve never seen you shift? You’ve done it twice now, and both times my family has been there to see you, but never me.” He pulled his shirt over his head and laid it on the deck railing. “It’s cold out. You should probably hurry.”

“Hurry? Hurry and do what?” She watched as he tossed his wallet and keys onto the table that had an inch of snow on it. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Stripping. I’m going to shift and run you down and fuck you until you can’t move. Then I’m going to take you again when we’re humans.” He stopped toeing off his shoes and looked at her. “You planning to shift dressed? I don’t think there are any clothes in this basket. Maybe a blanket, but no clothes.”

She took off the sweater she’d borrowed from his closet and put it next to his shirt on the rail. Then she took off her shoes and her pants. It really was cold, but not as bad as she would have thought. He winked at her.

“You burn hotter as a cat…any shifter as a matter of fact. You’ll find you need less and less clothing as you figure out how to regulate yourself.” She nodded and watched him as he pulled off his pants, leaving his boxers in place. “You ready for this?”

“No. I’m actually sort of afraid. It hurt me the first time I did it. When I shifted the second time…it was too fast. I don’t remember it much. But now I have time to think and I’m afraid.”

He nodded and told her to close her eyes. “Think of her, your cat. You should see her there. See her?” She nodded. “She’s not going to hurt you, not ever. Don’t think of her as you. That’s why it hurts you. You’re thinking too hard. Think of her as something separate from you, someone you want to have come to you. When she thinks you’re ready, she’ll leap at you. Let her come. Let her take you and she will.”

She felt silly at first, looking for a panther in her mind, but then she was there. Kerry watched her pace back and forth, her large paws stirring snow on the ground, her breath turning the air around her white with each breath. When she sat and looked at her, Kerry felt her move over her body like she was touching her. Then she stood up and leapt forward, and in Kerry’s place was her cat. She opened her eyes when Reed said her name.

“How do you feel?” Kerry looked down at the snow on the deck and wasn’t surprised to see dark paws in place of her bare feet. She looked up at him and could see his cock, and moved forward and rubbed her head against him. His growl made her want him, but she knew that if he took her there on the deck, some of the fun would be lost. Leaping over the railing, she landed on the top of a concrete wall just wide enough for her to stand on.

She ran until she couldn’t run any more. There were so many scents to smell and to chase. She found that she could track things; a rabbit that had been eating some of the wild grass that was under a bush; a deer that had been playing with her young. The desire to chase them all was a little overwhelming, but she knew that hurting one of them would be wrong and only looked for them. There was water to her left, and she darted for it only to find another scent, one that she didn’t know but found that she wanted to stay away from. The urge to mark trees was there, but she shied away from peeing on them. When she saw Reed coming toward her as a large black cat, she still waited to see what he would do.

You’ve left your marks everywhere so it will be harder to find you. Unless you don’t want me to chase you?
She purred at the thought of him taking her in his form.
Do you know how delicious you smell to me right now? A lovely cat and all mine.

Maybe you belong to me and I want to chase you.
He seemed to grow in size, and she took a step back.
So the bigger one of us wins in this.

Always.
He rubbed his body along her side, then around the other side of her. She knew he was marking her with his scent, and she found that she needed that. When he nipped at her, the cat snarled and Kerry laughed. Reed’s command to run had her taking off before she could think not to. The chase had begun.

Chapter 12

Reed couldn’t help but marvel at her speed and grace. When she moved over fallen logs and large rocks, it looked like poetry in motion. She slid along the trees and plants without disturbing the wildlife that hid within them, and when she stopped to watch something, she was quiet and didn’t try to chase down the animals that roamed their land. Then she turned to look at him, and his breath caught. Christ, he really was in love with her.

You’re beautiful. I know a man really isn’t supposed to be, but you are.
He stood up and moved slowly toward her
. I’m supposed to be running, but I’d just like to look right now.

She looked back to where she had been before, and he looked as well. A family of deer was drinking from the water not ten feet from them. A stag and two female, as well as three fawns. He realized that he’d never seen anything like this in the city, even though Walker and Caitlynne’s property was large and well maintained. He rubbed against her again.

Will I get to ever take you like this?
She purred and lay down.
I want you. I’ve thought about taking you this way for so long that it’s all I can do not to pounce on you and make you mine. And my cat, he wants you as well. His need to mark you as his, you and your cat, makes him claw at me.

I want you. But I have to say something first.
She stood up and rubbed him in much the same manner he’d rubbed her.
I love you. I’ve never said that to anyone before, not even my family. I think I knew from the start that they never wanted or loved me. Not now, not now that I’ve seen and felt what a family feels like.

This time when she lay down, he moved over her. He wanted her so bad, but for the moment he only wanted to protect her. When she snarled at him, Reed leaned down and nipped at her shoulder, and when she growled at him, he bit harder.

He mounted her. Coming up behind her now, he held her down with his paw and bit deeply into her shoulder when she tried to move. She fought him, which his cat liked, and when she tried to bite him back, he sank his teeth to the bone. She lay still then, and he felt his cock ready for her.

We can smell you.
She tried once again to get away from him, and he growled.
Christ, I can’t wait.

He slammed into her and felt her tighten around him. She was his and he was going to show her. When her sheath rippled around him, he fucked her harder and felt his balls slap against her in time with his quick strokes. When she snarled at him, he jerked his teeth into her and knew that she was going to have a scar, both as human and cat.

His climax poured from him. Letting go of her shoulder, he threw back his head as he continued fucking her and roared. She came with him, he knew, and felt his cat fill her again and again until he was sated. Now he wanted his mate.

Shift, love. I need you.
She moved from under him, and he watched her cat leave her behind. Reed snarled once again, but before he could shift back with her, he leaned in and licked her, tasted her dewy skin, and purred. Reed shifted.

“Take me, Reed, please. I need to feel you deep inside of me now.” He lifted her up as he sat on his knees and pulled her body down and onto his cock. Her legs wrapped tightly around him, and he took them both to the ground. Taking her mouth, he kissed her hungrily, dancing his tongue with hers as he moved in and out of her. Lifting his head, he looked down at her.

“When you come, bite me.” She looked at him, dazed. “Kerry, I want you to mark me. Bite me and tear into my flesh.”

When she nodded, he moved down her throat to her breast and sucked hard, taking as much of her tender flesh into his mouth as he could, when he felt her lick along his shoulder. She was going to do it; she was going to mark him. As soon as her teeth sank into him, he felt his balls release, his cum jettison into her. He bit her as well, tearing his canines into her breast as her own climax screamed from her. Nothing in this world could have prepared him for the love that poured over him from her. Not a single word could have described the incredible feelings he had at that moment. When he dropped onto her, his body spent, her arms fell to her sides and he knew that for as long as he breathed, this woman, above all others, would be his. Rolling to his side, he pulled her with him. She blanketed his body with hers, and he closed his eyes.

They wouldn’t be able to stay out there long, as he could feel snow beginning to drift over them. He looked up at the darkening sky. When she lifted her head, he was ready to throw her off him and do battle with whatever had startled her. But she smiled at him.

“Burton Puckett.”

Reed smiled back and reached for his brother, the genius. He relayed the information and went to find their basket. When Marc told him that he’d look now that everyone had left his house, Reed detoured around the house to the hot tub just off the deck. There were stairs that went up to their bedroom, so he wasn’t worried about going through the house naked. When she was deep in the water and moaning, he laughed.

“You like this? I was actually not sure if I wanted to keep it when I bought the house. Caitlynne and Walker have one, but I don’t think I ever saw them use it.”

“I’d use this all the time if it were mine.” She moaned again and sank down into the water to her shoulders. He reached for her foot. “That feels wonderful.”

“Don’t you think of this place as yours?” She looked at him oddly. “This house, the furniture, all the things in it, don’t you see them as yours too?”

She looked around the decking and then at the house. “I’ve never really given it any thought, I guess. It’s all yours, isn’t it?” He shook his head. “Oh. I guess I just assumed it was your house since everyone calls it that.”

“It’s our house.” She sank back into the water, and he waited for her to say something. When she didn’t, he pulled her to him. “You don’t like this place, we can get another one, one you can help pick out.”

“I love this house. It’s very you.” She looked away. “You’re a lot different than me, Reed. I have nothing but what I have in that little case upstairs. I’ve never lived in anything my entire life but rentals and apartments. I’ve owned things, but…. What I’m trying to say is, I don’t know what to think of this house. I’m not even sure what to do in this house.”

“Whatever you want. If you want to redecorate, I’m fine with that. I’ve invested well. I have a good job that I love. I have more money than I can spend in a lifetime. But this house is just that, a house. You’re my home. You make me want to come home nightly and be a better man.” He reached for the small box he’d put behind the towels. “I’d very much like for you to be my wife. Will you marry me, Kerry Stephens?”

“Oh my.” He slipped the ring on her finger and watched her face as she looked at it. “It’s very beautiful.”

“My dad helped me pick it out. He was with me and irritated me to the point I wanted to choke him, but he said this one was perfect. I had to agree when I saw it.” She held it up to the moonlight, and they watched it twinkle along the water. He cleared his throat. “Is that a yes?”

She grinned at him. “I think so, if you’re sure. I think you’re making the biggest mistake of your life, but I love you and want to be your wife.”

“I accept.”

~~~

The kitchen phone was ringing when they walked in the next morning. Kerry looked at Camps when he answered. Then when he turned to her, she sat down. This couldn’t be good.

“Thank goodness. I’ve just woke up and there is blood everywhere.” She tried to think who it was when she realized it was her father…Norman. “She’s bleeding too. I think he might have killed her.”

“Who’s bleeding? And who killed her?” She saw Camps leave the room but didn’t care. “What’s going on there? I swear to you if this is another of your lame attempts to get money off me, I’ll—”

“I called an ambulance and they won’t come here. They said that the hospital won’t take her either because of outstanding bills. My daughter is dying because you were too tight-fisted to give us the money when we wanted it.” She looked up when Reed knelt in front of her. She adjusted the phone so they could both hear.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Tell me again. What’s going on and when did it happen?”

“Sometime last night I got up to use the facilities. When I was coming back through the living room, I saw a shadow. When I called out and no one answered, I moved forward to see what it was, and someone hit me. I think it was Death. He and your sister were arguing yesterday evening, and now this.” She had a feeling that they always argued and liked it, but Norman continued. “I think he hit me. Yes, that’s it. He did. I struggled with him for a time, and I must have knocked his cell phone from his body. That’s what I’m calling you on, because you didn’t pay the phone bill and they’ve shut that off as well. You know you’re very ungrateful. I’ve given you love and support all these years, and this is how you repay me? Ungrateful, I tell you again.”

She looked at Reed, who was pulling out his own cell phone. She tried to think what to do when she heard her sister moan. She started to tell him she’d be right there when something occurred to her.

“You say you struggled with Gilbert?” He asked her who that was. “Death, his real name is Gilbert Baker. How did you struggle with him?”

“What on earth does that have to do with what’s happening? Your sister is hurt again and again. It’s all because of you. You’ll have to come here and get us and take her to the hospital. I’ll just suffer through my injuries because of hers.” That didn’t sound right to her either.

“You’ve never struggled with anyone in your life, not unless it benefited you in some way. And if Death hit her, she more than likely deserved it. So do you, for that matter.” She heard him sputter and looked at Reed, who was looking at her, shocked. “And another thing, paying your bills is not my responsibility. It never was and it never will be. Call an ambulance and tell them you think she’s dying, which I highly doubt, and see if they don’t come. And as for the hospital, you should really check more if you’re going to come up with a story. I paid those bills off months ago. And I know she’s not been back, because they’re supposed to okay it with me before I let them bill me. Which you should know is not going to happen again.”

He started to say something else, but she’d had enough. Taking the phone to the cradle, she slammed it down and stood there and counted to ten. Then she counted again. When she turned around, she looked at Camps and Reed.

“I’m hungry. Do you think we could have a big breakfast before you go to work?” Camps nodded, and she looked at Reed. “It was a trap. I don’t know how I know that, but it was. Norman was trying to get me to the house.”

He nodded, and she sat down again. “Are you all right? You did a great job. I’ve never been prouder of anyone in my life.”

“Myself as well, mistress.” Camps handed her a glass of tea. “Drink it down now before you settle. The sweetness will do you good. And I’ve steak if you’d like too. Bacon, sausage…. You know, this calls for the works. Have a seat, Mr. Reed, and I’ll have you a large breakfast in no time.”

By the time they were sitting down to eat after helping put things together, Khan and Monica had shown up. They’d brought the twins, who were just starting to walk. They walked between the adults while they ate, getting treats from all of them. Kerry picked up little Abby and sat her on her lap when Khan brought up Burton.

“He’s a collector, like you said. And as far as we can tell, that’s about all. He does have some dealings with a few other people, but not now.” He looked at Monica before he continued. “My wife has an idea. I don’t hate it, but I don’t care for it either.”

“He just doesn’t like it because it wasn’t his idea. And his mom thinks it brilliant. Caitlynne thinks it’ll work too.” Kerry looked between the two of them and realized that they really loved each other. Monica smiled at her.

“I’m sorry. I just wanted to tell you thank you.” Khan looked at her and smiled. “You guys make me realize that there is goodness in this world. That’s all.”

“Thank you…what’s that?” Monica grabbed her hand. “Holy shit, Reed, that’s beautiful.”

Abby started saying, “Shit, shit, shit.”

“Ignore her and she’ll stop. But when did this happen? I thought you might propose where we could see you do it.”

Kerry flushed and felt her face heat to almost molten. When she glanced at Reed, she could see that he thought it was funny. Suddenly, Khan burst out laughing and he slapped his brother on the back.

“In the woods or the hot tub?” Reed mumbled tub and set his brother off in peals of laughter again. “Damn, boy, you didn’t waste any time. Congratulations to you both, and welcome to the family.”

“What’s the plan, Khan? And leave her alone.”

Camps winked at her and handed her another glass of tea while Reed tried twice more to get Khan to shut up. She’d never been so embarrassed in her life.

“Mom is going to lend you one of her eggs. She said if anything happens to it, she’s taking it out of your hide. I think this part needs more tweaking, but basically Kerry here calls up this Puckett fellow and tells him she needs some money. She meets up with him and Marc’s wife Jonny, who does her stuff. She’ll let us know if the guy is in with Gilbert, and if so, what his plan is.”

“I can’t take one of your mom’s eggs. And if it did get broken or even chipped, it would be worthless. No, I don’t think so. If we do this, then we use a fake one.”