Page 13 of Mysteries, Menace, and Mates

Her gasp of delight was the reaction he’d hoped for.

“Oh my God, you’re a freaking red panda!” Seconds later, gentle hands stroked his fur, and he climbed up to nuzzle her neck, loving the giggles that spilled from her lips. She praised the bushiness of his tail and scritched behind his ears. When he was certain her tears were at an end, he shifted back.

“Oh.” Kia averted her gaze, her face flushed. “Oh my. For such a small animal, you pack quite a—”

Scott chuckled. “Yeah, that has been mentioned.” He dressed quickly. “But what I wanted to say was… your first time with Aelryn and me will be just that—your first time. Andeonsaway from whatever happened before.”He bent down and kissed her on the lips, then whispered, “And wewillbe waiting for him to come home before we do… anything.”

Kia’s cheeks were scarlet. “Thank you. I’m going to need a little time to process all this, you know.”

Scott smiled. “Take as much time as you need.” He took her hand and helped her to her feet. “And now we’re going to your dormitory, where you’re going to pack whatever belongs to you, and then you’ll move to my rooms.” He squeezed her hand. “And just so you know? You get the bedroom—Aelryn and I will be on the sofa bed.”

She laughed, and the sound thrilled him.

Wait until Aelryn hears about this.

“There’s one thing you haven’t told me. What is Aelryn?”

Scott grinned. “A lion.” He couldn’t resist. “Wait until you see him shift. He strolls around with me on his back.”

Kia burst into a peal of laughter again. “That sounds like the cutest thing ever.” Then her features grew solemn. “Were you serious about telling people what went on in the camps?”

“Hell yes. The Gerans have been fighting a dirty war in the shadows, and it’s time we shone a light on all their dark deeds.” He glanced at her. “Are you up for that?”

Kia’s eyes blazed. “To quote you—Hell yes. I’m more than ready for a fight, especially if it means giving them a taste of their own medicine.”

If Jake and Aelryn were right, they were about to deliver more than medication.

They were going to blast the Geran’s world of lies and subterfuge into nothing but atoms.

Chapter Four

HORVAN WATCHEDas the jet Duke had sent taxied to a stop at the end of the runway.

Going home.He wasn’t sure how long he’d be there, but right then he yearned for his own bed, his mates on either side of him, their heads resting on his chest as they slept. He ached to bury his dick deep in Dellan’s ass while Dellan did the same to Rael. Their bond connected them at all times, but nothing beat the feelings and sensations that always occurred when the three of them made love.

Can you not have thoughts like this while I’m talking to Mrs. Landon on the phone?Dellan groused.

The day I don’t share how much I fucking need you is the day I die, so suck it up, buttercup.

Rael laughed.In the dictionary under Telling it like it is, it says, See Horvan Kojik.

Would you have me any other way?

The resoundingNofrom both his mates was all the reassurance Horvan needed.

Do we have any idea how long we’ve got before we have to leave again?Dellan asked.And yes, you heard right. I said we. If you’re going on a mission to find Alec, you arenotleaving me at home.

I’d kinda assumed that. Besides, tigers have claws and teeth, and I like my balls where they are.Horvan might be top when it came to sex, but he wasn’t stupid. He wanted it to stay that way.

Dellan’s mention of Alec was a sharp reminder of how much they had yet to achieve. He knew it had to be on Dellan’s mind too.It must hurt like a son of a bitch, knowing the enemy has genetically modified your son to make him into a killer. He also knew Dellan had high hopes of saving Alec.

Horvan had to be the practical one.We don’t even know if that will be possible.

He didn’t want to think about the upcoming mission, however. There was too much work to be done before he could do that. Hashtag was alreadyon task, trying to locate the castle Seth had seen in his vision. Jake had been in contact with Orsini, who’d agreed to help them if they should find—

What, exactly?Horvan didn’t know, but Jake clearly had an idea. Enough of one to tell Horvan this next mission could be the most vital yet. Horvan had thoughtthismission had been pretty vital. Another camp gone, sure, but more importantly, they had Seth, Jake, and Jamie.

Horvan grinned.I guess Brick’s gonna be busy once we get home.Aric was a handful, and then some. And Seth? Horvan imagined Dellan had looked a lot like him when he was that age.I bet Seth can be a handful too.

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