Prince of Fate (Lions of Pride Island Book 2) Read online

  He ran his fingers along her soft panties, and she froze, holding her breath. Then he ran his fingertip up her center, rubbing over her clit with one long motion. She cried out in pleasure, this time loudly and unconstrained. The sound was sweeter in his ears than the cheers of a million adoring fans.

  Damn, how could the Oracle have been so right about how perfect they were together?

  The sounds of her pleasure only spurred him to further gratify her, and his fingers delved beneath her panties to stimulate her directly. He could feel how hot, how wet she was for him, and his cock twitched at the thought of being inside her.

  Easy, tiger, he told himself, his finger finding her clit immediately and moving into a slow, languorous rhythm over her as he licked over her breasts. She writhed beneath him, still held by his left hand, her inability to move away from the indulgence only quickening the build of her arousal.

  He could feel her getting close, could hear each bated breath as she tried to hold back her body’s response to his touch. He continued to stroke over her clit, her wetness allowing him to slide smoothly, enhancing the contact, as he moved back to her neck, placing small kisses there.

  “No holding back on me,” he whispered into her ear, her body almost buzzing with tension as she teetered on the precipice of release. Then with one slow, impossibly long stroke, she fell over the edge.

  Immediately, he let go of her hands, and she wrapped around him, grasping him with all her strength as she screamed his name, her words catching in her throat, then resuming again as her body rocked with an incredible orgasm.

  Cain just held her as she came, reveling in her release as she slowly relaxed in his arms.

  By the time she was back to normal, Cain was already pulling off her jeans and panties, hungry to taste his mate and make her come again. Brenna had no complaints, just sighed with satisfaction and relaxed deeper into the sheets as he moved, ready to receive whatever he would give.

  Cain pulled off his shirt, then spread Brenna’s legs as he lowered his mouth over her center, the warmth of her body radiating upward, as he could already feel her becoming more aroused just in anticipation of what he was going to do. He rested her legs on his shoulders, her silky skin making contact with him, then placed a single kiss at her apex.

  Her back arched against him and her hands dug into her thick curls, trying to hold back the incredible wave of sensation Cain could tell was moving over her at even that slight touch.

  “A little too intense?” he asked.

  She just responded with a nod, biting her lower lip as her hands dug into the sheets, trying to find something to hold on to. Instinctively, sensing his mate’s need, Cain reached up and held both her wrists at her sides, pinning her down as he lowered himself once more over her.

  This time there was no escaping every beautiful, pleasurable sensation.

  He licked up against her clit, long and slowly, and this time she moaned loudly as she relaxed into the intensity of it, letting the wave of pleasure wash over her rather than trying to push through it. He licked again, and she nearly came, her body unable to hold back the tide.

  For a moment, he let her relax, placing small kisses along the sides of her soft thighs, making her quiver lightly. Her beautiful curves surrounded him on every side, and even though she was close to the edge, he couldn’t help but admire how hot she was, especially more so with nothing on.

  He could literally do this all day. But the last thing he wanted to do was torture his mate.

  At least not too much.

  Even with his light touches, she was drawn tighter than a wire now, her breath racing, her body begging to be released. He answered, letting his tongue plunder her clit, first by doing small circles around it, then stroking his tongue along it over and over until she was pushed past the limits of her self-control.

  Again, she came, this time her legs wrapping around him and her fingers digging into his wrists as he held her, letting her experience every ounce of pleasure from her incredible release.

  By the time she was finally finished, giving out a long, pleasured sigh signaling the end of her orgasm, Cain was painfully hard. Something about her satisfaction drove him into a frenzy. A frenzy of need for her and only her.

  Suddenly, Cain felt the end of his belt unthread through the buckle, and he looked down to see Brenna’s hands quickly working on the button of his pants.

  “I can’t wait,” she said, fire in her eyes, the lioness in her close to the surface.

  “Me neither.” He agreed, standing and pulling off his jeans, then his boxer briefs, his member coming free.

  He quickly pulled out a condom from his back pocket, slid it on, and positioned himself at her center. As he felt her warmth, Brenna bit down on her lower lip, accentuating her voluptuous mouth, red and slightly swollen from their passionate kisses.

  For a moment, he teased her, giving her a slight taste of what was to come. And in response, Brenna wrapped her hands around his back, her fingers digging into him a little more each time he came close to her.

  Then with one slow stroke, he entered her, being careful to make sure her body could accommodate his sheer size. Brenna gasped, and he paused for a moment, letting her body relax around him.

  Immediately, her shock melted into utter ecstasy, and she moaned loudly as he filled her entirely.

  Cain had to hold himself back. Just the sight of her pleasure mixed with the feel of her heat and wetness completely encompassing him was so good, so intense.

  He got the distinct impression neither of them was going to hold out long.

  Cain withdrew from her, then thrust in again, and Brenna arched against the bed, moans signaling the increased acuteness of the pleasure she felt. Cain tried to stifle a groan, but it just felt too damn good.

  So rather than try to make her last any longer, he moved into a heated rhythm, focusing on the feelings rising between them. The wet friction sent bolts of lightning coursing from his toes to his fingertips in powerful bursts, and it didn’t take much to tell Brenna felt the same, her body more alive with sensation than ever before.

  Feeling she was coming close, Cain reached his hand between their bodies and stroked against her clit, further intensifying Brenna’s pleasure. With a single flick, her body froze against him, coiled tightly the moment right before the release as the entire world stopped around them.

  With a loud oath, Brenna screamed Cain’s name as her convulsing body pushed him past his own limits of self-control. He drove into her all the way, completely to the hilt, and felt himself jerk inside her, throbbing with release as Brenna’s nails raked across his back and he held her tightly.

  For that single moment that seemed to spread out into eternity, they came together, caught up in unending ecstasy within themselves. Then finally, they both regained their senses. Brenna let out a satisfied sigh, and Cain carefully slid out of her, going to the bathroom to clean off and then returning to her side.

  By now, the evening had slipped away into nighttime, and outside, crickets could be heard chirping far away. No words were spoken between the two. Instead, Cain placed a soft kiss on Brenna’s neck, then pulled the sheets around them as he wrapped his arms about her, holding her close.

  Despite their release, tension still ticked through the moment, and Cain could feel Brenna was holding things back as well. The physicality had been wonderful, pleasing her had been beyond his dreams, and it had been extra special because of the years he’d been thinking of her and wondering about her, how beautiful she was in his eyes.

  But at the same time, they still didn’t agree on what the future held. She hadn’t agreed to to be his mate, and he hadn’t agreed to quit his job doing dangerous things.

  Though he felt if he had a choice, Brenna was worth it. But would he feel that way when the urge to do something dangerous came again?

  She reached up to stroke his hair, and he looked down at her. Her light-brown eyes were hazy, satisfied, but there was something hesitant in her
expression.

  “Are you okay?” he asked. “That happened… faster than I thought.”

  “I am,” she replied. “Just thinking. You?”

  He propped himself up on one elbow. “Just thinking I’m the luckiest man in the world right now. Not wanting to screw it up.”

  She sighed, rolling onto her back to look up at him. “I guess you should sneak back since we don’t know when Bee will be home in the morning.”

  “I guess so.” But he didn’t want to leave her. He wanted to stay with her all night, hold her close, and watch out for her. Just wonder at how incredibly beautiful she was and how he already couldn’t imagine a life without her.

  It was amazing how fast that could happen.

  He’d given up on a life of anything substantial, sure that even when he was assigned a mate, he wouldn’t be able to pull it off. But having it be Brenna truly was perfect, because if there was anyone he’d be willing to try for, it was her.

  “I don’t want you to go either,” she said. “But I’m not ready for Bee to know…”

  “It’s fine.” He pulled her in for one last hug. “You smell amazing. You are amazing. Thanks for letting me love you.”

  She gazed up at him, hair damp from their lovemaking, but didn’t say anything at first. He knew she was still measuring him up, measuring her own feelings. “The pleasure was all mine.”

  He laughed at that and got up to get his things and retreat. “If you change your mind and you’re not afraid to get caught, you’re welcome to come over to my room.”

  She grinned and nodded but didn’t stop him as he silently exited through the door.

  He knew she wouldn’t come find him, even as he got to his room. He got on his bed and looked out the window at the moonlight streaming through. She would need space to deal with what had just happened between them. Time to think.

  Hell, maybe he did, too. Because everything in the world now seemed small and insignificant compared to winning her over as his mate.

  Seven

  The next morning, Brenna’s body felt wonderfully relaxed. She’d spent the night with Cain. Cain.

  It was still like something out of a dream, but it had been very real. She could still smell his masculine scent, feel the smooth, hard strength of his muscles, see the reassuring look in his smoky green eyes as he’d watched her.

  It had all been so hot.

  Yet getting up and facing it all in the sunlight made her wonder what the hell she was doing. They hadn’t made any promises. Cain would probably be gone tomorrow if some race called.

  Or at least he hadn’t said otherwise. That was her biggest fear. Having to watch him leave again and maybe not returning due to being dead.

  Everyone had to die, it was true, but one didn’t need to tempt it by doing things like racing at two hundred miles per hour along hundred-foot cliffs.

  But she also couldn’t imagine Cain just walking away on her at this point. Not with the way he was looking at her… like he was coming to love her.

  There was more between them now than just the flirting. After last night, she was sure of it. They were both developing much deeper feelings.

  And for her, at least, it was uncomfortable.

  She walked down to the kitchen while it was still early, already changed into a pair of soft capri pants and a tank top with a jacket over it. She slipped on sandals as she prepared to head out for a walk.

  She often took walks into town when things were worrying her, just to clear her head.

  “You going out?” Bee asked quietly, making Brenna jump. She hadn’t seen her grandmother sitting by the fireplace with a cup of coffee in hand.

  “Yes,” Brenna answered, feeling guilty for no reason. She had a right to go out in the morning. Sure, she was kind of avoiding Cain, but just for a little while. Just until she got her bearings back and her legs stopped melting at the thought of going to him for more.

  “You should take Cain,” Bee suggested.

  “I’ve always been fine,” Brenna said. Which was true. She’d never had problems on her way to town. Any visits she’d had from Barker had been in the evening, and it was still early.

  She’d be right back.

  Plus, she knew Cain loved a certain sweet roll they still made in the village, and she was hoping to bring some back to surprise him. She’d come back with a clear heart and a nice treat. Win-win.

  “I’ll be back in a minute,” Brenna said. “Don’t tell him.”

  “Like hell I won’t,” Bee said.

  Brenna gave her a kiss on the forehead and laughed. “I have my phone. You take care. When I get back, I want to hear all about your visit with Theresa.”

  “Mm-hmm,” Bee said. “Sure thing.”

  Then Brenna was out the door, and the hot, early morning sunlight shone down on her as she walked the long dirt road into town.

  Trees rustled on all sides, and she enjoyed their quiet whispering, the chirps and calls of birds overhead.

  Very peaceful. Very quiet. And she couldn’t help thinking it would be nicer if Cain were there.

  What was happening to her? She could already picture him just being right as a part of her life.

  She shook those thoughts from her mind and continued into town. She said hi to neighbors she recognized and then went to the shop where they sold the buns Cain had loved.

  When she was done there, she headed out. Just as she was leaving the edge of town, she heard footsteps behind her.

  She sped up, casting a quick look over her shoulder to see who was following her. She saw a few men wearing old suits and grinning at her, hands in their pockets as they lazily followed.

  Should she shift? Perhaps they could, too. It was hard to know how much lion blood anyone on the island had. Nothing was apparent at first sight.

  “Wait up, girly,” one of them called out as she quickened her pace.

  She ignored them and kept walking, severely regretting going out on her own. Were these Barker’s men? Their suits seemed to imply as much.

  “Brenna? That your name?”

  She winced. So it was someone after her specifically, not just a woman in general. She wasn’t sure if that made it worse or better, but her heart pounded as she tried to walk fast without breaking into a panicked run where she could trip.

  She just had to get back to Cain. This whole thing had been stupid. She doubted he would be comforted by the buns if something happened to her.

  Maybe she now understood just a little bit how one could do something dangerous when one was trying to escape.

  Suddenly, she heard the click of a gun and froze.

  “Turn around,” a deep voice demanded. “Drop what you’re holding and turn around with your hands up. I’m not playing.”

  She bit her lip. She didn’t want to do what he said, but she didn’t have a choice. She turned slowly, facing the three men, and dropped her bag on the ground.

  Then she raised her hands.

  The guy holding the gun on her waited until his cronies got close to her, each taking one of her arms, and then put his gun back into his holster.

  She struggled, and he reached for the gun again, giving her a warning glare.

  She stopped. Stupid gun.

  “Now we just need to talk for a minute. We were paid to come talk to you, and I mean to do just that,” the main guy said. He had black, oily hair and dull blue eyes, a stocky build, with small, hairy hands.

  She recoiled as he approached.

  He pulled out a cigarette and lit it as the guys next to her secured her hands and feet, setting her on the ground with her hands zip-tied in front of her and her feet zip-tied together.

  She looked up at him defiantly as he knelt in front of her.

  “Now, now, we aren’t going to hurt you. But we need to make sure you aren’t going to run. You see, we have a proposition for you.”

  His cronies nodded.

  “I know where you can stick your proposition,” a low voice growled.

 
She looked up to see a gigantic lion appearing out of the shadows to the side of the road.

  Tall, magnificent, with a long golden mane and powerful muscles. More than twice the size of a regular lion.

  The goons looked like they were going to pee themselves. The main guy held more of his composure, standing with folded arms to face the lion that was nearly on them.

  The green-eyed cat glared at them. “Two seconds to run,” he said, and they nearly tripped over their own feet trying to get away.

  They ran off into the other side of the woods, kicking dust up behind them.

  The boss reached for his gun, and Cain leapt forward, pinning him to the ground, his claw grazing the other man’s neck.

  “I should kill you for touching my mate,” he said in a low voice, glancing over at her. Anger flashed in his eyes as he noted her bonds. “Give me one reason I shouldn’t. Tell me who you’re working for.”

  “Barker,” he choked out.

  Cain’s claw grazed his throat again, drawing a thin line of blood. “What does he want with her?”

  “He just wants her. Damn, man, I don’t know,” the guy said. “Let me go and I’ll get out of here. You won’t see me again.”

  “Where’s this Barker?” Cain asked.

  The guy shook his head. “I don’t know. We got our orders by phone. I swear, man. Come on.” The guy was dripping sweat, and he looked over at Brenna. “Come on. Tell him to get off.”

  “Cain,” Brenna said, not wanting to see anyone a killer. She believed the guy when he said he wouldn’t be back. He looked ready to vomit at any moment. And she was just eager for this all to be over.

  Cain reluctantly pulled his paw back, retracting his claw, and let the other man escape into the brush, following his comrades.

  Brenna blinked over at Cain, who sighed and began pacing around her. Great, now she had a huge alpha lion all pissy with her. His green eyes studied her as he slowly circled, and she braced herself for whatever he was going to say or do.

  Was he going to chew her out for leaving without him? For getting in trouble? Tell her it was her fault?