Badland Warriors: Comanche Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod All rights reserved. Copyright ©2011 Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod ISBN: 978-1-60521-703-1 Formats Available: HTML, Adobe PDF, EPub MobiPocket, Microsoft Reader Publisher: Changeling Press LLC PO Box 1046 Martinsburg, WV 25402-1046 www.ChangelingPress.com Editor: Katriena Knights Cover Artist: Marteeka Karland
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Badland Warriors: Comanche Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod Aylen has devoted her life to educating children. Determined not to recycle the myths the government force-feeds the populace, she prides herself on teaching her students the truth about the government and the history of humanity. But then a myth shows up at her door. Trapped in a horrible earthquake, Aylen is rescued by First Generation Warriors. They shouldn’t exist! And they certainly shouldn’t make her blood boil and her heart melt. One touch and Aylen’s life will never be the same. But how can they make it back to the Badlands? And how will she survive in a land full of monsters and mutants? It’s a nightmare, but in a nightmare you can scream and wake up. In the Badlands you can scream all you want. No one will care.
Chapter One Beads of sweat dotted Baer’s skin as he sat in the small adobe sweat lodge behind their quarters, surrounded by the others in his Triad. Something was wrong, seriously wrong, yet none of them could sense danger to the compound, the tiny patch of quasicivilization the First Gen Warriors had worked so hard to create in the middle of natural chaos. The powers that had come to them, slowly at first, then with a vengeance once they’d been mated, let them see -- or more accurately feel -- into the future. It didn’t always work that way for an individual’s life or path. If it had, perhaps they wouldn’t have lost their mate and their children almost a century ago. At the thought of their lost wife and children, Baer’s heart welled with sorrow. Things had been volatile then. Different. There had been no safe haven for Warriors. When the WCGA realized the offspring being produced by First Generation Warriors couldn’t be controlled, the killings began, and very few survived unscathed. The children who were too old to be “re-educated” had been taken away, tossed into government-run orphanages with no knowledge of their own heritage. All special abilities had been forced down into the psyche so deep that they had been forgotten. The women -- mates to proud Warriors -- had been slaughtered. The massacre spared no one, and only a handful escaped to live in silent desperation, eventually dying without the other parts of their souls. No. He would not relive it all again. Not now. There was potentially too much at stake for him to be distracted. There was someone… someone they needed to find. It was imperative they do so, and soon. That was all Baer knew for certain. The others chanted softly, and Baer pulled his thoughts back to his Triad, shoving the past firmly in the back of his mind where it belonged. If they were to have a
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successful Spirit Walk, he had to empty his mind and open himself to the spirit world and to his Triad. The three of them sat in a circle surrounding a large pot of burning incense. Fragrant smoke full of sage and lavender hovered above them like a blanket, allowing them to focus their spirits and see into the moving future. That was the folly of a future Spirit Walk. What they saw was only a small number of possibilities. The future was always in motion. Each thing they did to get there affected the outcome. Naked, cross-legged, Baer looked to Tyger and Wulf in his mind. The three tuned themselves perfectly to each other during this time. They were one, pooling their strengths and power to tap into the spirit world. In this form, they could talk to the ancients who came before them, spy on their enemies, or find the source of the disturbance plaguing their dreams. It cost them, though. The merging of their minds demanded the merging of their bodies as well, though Baer didn’t see it as much of a sacrifice. It was almost a compulsion. At times, even weeks after a Spirit Walk, Baer sought out one or both of his Triad for relief. This time, the need would be much worse -- he knew it in his very being. Baer knew they looked for a person. Finding one person in the entire world would take intense, prolonged concentration. Sexual need was but a byproduct, one he thoroughly enjoyed. In a dream-like haze, Baer let himself slip into the others. Their minds merged until they were not three but one. Images flew by with blinding speed, unfocused and impossible to distinguish or separate. Experience had taught Baer not to try. Images of importance would reveal themselves as they came along. Through the haze of color and lights in the vision, an image of the open sea appeared, clear and sharp. More so than if they’d actually been there. The intensity of it hurt his eyes. More than that, he could smell the salt in the air, hear gulls crying, waves crashing. Sea spray wet his body and clung to his hair. He could hear the creaking of wood as if he were on a boat before the image flickered and faded into a white, blinding light. His first instinct was to fight the intensity of it, but he held himself strong in body and mind. He didn’t flinch as one
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scene blended into another and he was looking at steel and concrete. Children laughed and called to one another before a deafening rumble drowned out all sound, shaking his insides until he thought his organs would liquefy. Then there was silence. What did it mean? Spirit walks could be incredibly helpful. More often than not they were infuriatingly vague. Just as he thought the images would stop, a pair of bright, deep blue-green eyes framed by long, dark lashes came into focus. They were delicately slanted, with the barest of dark liner around the lids. Flecks of copper and bronze sparkled in their depths, flickering as the light played across their surface. Deep in the pupils, he and his Triad were reflected. Immediately, Baer was drawn to those eyes. They were obviously female, but it was more than that. He knew, deep in his soul, they must find this woman. She was in some way very important. Whether it was to the community or to them personally, Baer didn’t know. But the pull he felt toward her, the pull they felt toward her, was a force they had no hope of resisting. Not unlike the first time they had seen their mate. With a great whoosh the vision was sucked into the incense pot in the center of their circle. The air seemed to pull at them; their hair whipped around their faces as if in protest of the woman leaving. Whatever their future held, the one thing Baer was certain of was the woman. It was imperative they find her and bring her back to the compound. Normally, they’d send one of the younger Warriors, but all three of them knew that wasn’t an option this time. Whoever she was, she was not some other’s mate. Baer couldn’t be sure if she was a mate at all. She was too important to send anyone but seasoned Warriors, ones who knew how to use their gifts. Besides that, it just felt wrong to even think about anyone else going to her. As soon as the vision ended, the lust slammed into Baer. Immediately, he was hard and wanting, needing to bury himself in his Triad, to lose himself in the comfort of their bodies. Before he could move, Wulf was beside him. The other man pulled him close for a hot, demanding kiss. Their tongues met in a frenzy of desire, each hungry mouth battling for supremacy. Baer’s body burned with the magic of the Spirit Walk.
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His skin tingled, itched to be touched. As he and Wulf battled with their tongues, he felt Tyger’s hot mouth on his cock, engulfing him in a greedy gulp. The sucking sensation pulled him deeper into their world of pleasure and hunger that would take long, oh, so very long, to be sated. Baer allowed Wulf to push him onto his back. He thrust his hips at Tyger and groaned into Wulf’s mouth, his cock throbbing and aching. The feel of his battle brothers against him, on him, in him, had become a familiar ache in a world of sorrow. The way they came together, mingled with their magic and power, only added to their bonds with each other. It was something they used to share with her, the woman they’d loved so much it hurt to even think of her name. Now they could only share moments like this with one another; any other woman was unthinkable. Baer let himself go, gave himself to the other men in the way he always did, as they did with him as well. Each concerned only with the others’ pleasure. Wulf left Baer’s mouth to find the sensitive flesh at his neck and nipped his way down his torso until he joined Tyger, teasing Baer’s cock until Baer thought he might scream. Tyger always needed Baer after a Spirit Walk and prepared him thoroughly, wanting Baer hard and on the verge of climax before letting Baer take his ass. The sex act brought them all closer together -- every time they indulged, the bonds that had formed their link so very long ago became stronger and stronger. As Baer knew he would, Tyger left his cock to straddle him. A small pot of slick fluid sat by the incense pot, left to warm in anticipation of this very moment. Tyger dipped two fingers into the little vessel and coated them with the clear substance, then covered Baer’s cock liberally until he was shiny with the stuff. Guiding Baer’s cock against the entrance of his ass, Tyger sat down until Baer was fully seated inside him. The thick muscles of Tyger’s thighs bunched and knotted beneath Baer’s touch. Both men groaned at the blistering sensations surrounding and filling them. The dim adobe was filled with the smell of clean sweat, pungent herbal incense and the sounds of their lovemaking. Wulf bent to kiss Baer once again as Tyger rode his cock up and down in a slow, sensual rhythm that was designed to give them both the
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maximum amount of pleasure. When Wulf sat up and offered Baer his cock, Baer opened his mouth eagerly to suck him inside. Baer grasped Wulf’s thigh, urging him to thrust as he needed, to take what he wanted with no reservation. Sometimes the unrestrained passion between the three of them burned so hot it threatened to consume them all. Since their loss, it was the only way they could truly comfort one another, truly function as leaders of the Elder Council. Not many understood the way tragedy had reshaped them. Before, sharing like this was not something any of them had ever contemplated. There had been no need. Now they had to come together, not just to Spirit Walk, but in order to maintain balance, to find the strength to keep going. Baer lost himself in the other two men. Pleasure was a living thing among them, a conscious entity that writhed and moaned, taking hold of them, driving them to a frenzied need. Baer’s thrusts upward into Tyger became rougher, harder, faster. He needed to come, but refused to unless his Triad came with him. It was a burning desire, a call he could not deny. He would take his battle brothers into bliss with him, or not at all. This, as all things, they did together. The orgasm seized him at the base of his cock, squeezing his balls until there was no way to contain his seed. Tyger stroked himself at a maddening pace, his fist barely fitting around the phallus as he fought his own climax. Wulf swelled in Baer’s mouth until he could only fit the head of his cock inside. As one, they erupted in a climax that rocked them to their very foundation. The only thing that existed in the moment for Baer was Tyger and Wulf. It had always been the three of them. Their beloved wife had completed them, and even after her death, their bond held true. When they came together, it was almost as if she were there with them, urging them to seek one another for solace. As always, the wispy ghost of her presence seemed to hover over them, never touching, never to return. All three shared a wistful smile. It was possible her spirit remained, watching over them with love. She was never coming back; it had taken years, but they all accepted that now. All they could do was hold on to one another.
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Chapter Two “Who do you think she is?” Wulf had been loath to ask the question, but the curiosity was starting to get to him. He couldn’t get those eyes out of his mind. There was such a combination of sadness and wariness there, it made his heart ache. She was obviously important or she wouldn’t have been revealed to them, but what she meant to them was a complete mystery. “Perhaps not all our children perished,” Tyger spoke up, but Wulf could hear the disbelief in his pod mate’s voice, could feel it inside himself. They had been together far too long. Feeling what the others felt was as natural as breathing for them. None of them believed any of their family survived; they had witnessed their senseless slaughter at the hands of human government troops with their own eyes. Back in those days the Warriors had no idea how powerful they were. Really, all of the Warriors were just beginning to learn to use the abilities that awakened when they found their mates. The First Gen were the reason modern day Warriors were never allowed to seek out women in the general populace; if they needed physical release they had to go to government-run Soothing Bars or brothels specifically designed for them. The foolish Council thought they could stop Warriors from meeting potential mates this way. They couldn’t; they had left too many First Gen alive, some of whom had even infiltrated the highest offices inside the government. They would not be stopped until each and every created Warrior was free. Unfortunately, none of that helped them at all with their current dilemma -finding out who the woman they’d seen on the Spirit Walk was. Where she was had been easy enough to deduce. The pristine, sleek modern buildings that sat among clean, tidy streets were surrounded by the squalor. The outer city was teeming with people
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not lucky enough to be a part of the government and their employees. The formerly sprawling city of Angles-Demonios, one of the last great western cities of Camerico, was bordered on three sides by the roiling sea. The woman had been in a playground of sorts in the elite part of the city, little children running and screaming all around her as she tried to corral them. He was almost certain the woman was there, entwined in the WCGA in some form, a teacher or programmer of innocent young minds, most probably. The thought angered him more than he wanted to think about. Government schools did nothing but brainwash children. Wulf hated that this woman was part of the lying, conniving murderers who would do anything to hide what they had done in the name of keeping a peaceful society. Though why he should care was a mystery too. She was a random face pulled into their vision, or so it seemed. “Whoever she is, we can’t allow her to continue this abomination.” Tyger was scoffing, unwilling to believe. “We don’t know if she is aware of… anything.” Wulf felt Tyger’s confused anger as he spoke. It was true -- the vision hadn’t indicated how she was participating, or, indeed, if she was participating in the corruption of the innocent. “Maybe she’s as much a victim as the children. Hell --” Tyger dragged his hands through his long, black hair, scrubbing at his scalp as he did so. “-- maybe she’s not even there. One never knows what the Spirit Walk truly reveals until after the event has already played out.” “So.” Wulf stood and picked up an ornate walking stick, rubbing his hand lovingly over the intricately carved head. “We go after her. If she is one of our descendants, it is our duty to bring her home to her family.” “And if she is firmly in the WCGA’s pocket?” Baer was largely the silent one. Almost a head taller and more heavily muscled than the others, he had always been conscious of his size and avoided drawing attention to himself unless it was necessary. When he chose to speak, the others chose to listen. “Would we forcibly remove her? Bring her back to our city where she could escape and bring others here to destroy us?” Baer’s deep voice rumbled much like the creature of his spirit self.
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At Baer’s words, everything in Wulf rebelled. He felt the deep, threatening growl of his spirit self well up inside him in protest. Baer’s question was the worst case, something Wulf’s spirit refused to accept. “She’s not.” Of course, Wulf had no way of knowing that for sure. None of them could feel the woman, but something deep inside screamed that she was innocent in all of this. How and why, he couldn’t know. The woman looked little different than all the other modern day humans; no discernible race, really. She was perhaps a darker brown than most, her skin a deep sienna rather than the tawny shade of most. It was her eyes that set her apart from others. A deep lapis lazuli, her eyes sparkled deep and intense with vivid green flecks. Against the darkness of her skin those eyes had glowed in their shared vision. Those eyes had held no deception -- there was no darkness lingering in their depths. Surely Tyger and Baer had seen that too. “There is no time for this.” Wulf rose, wrapping his loincloth around him. “I will go inform the other council members we are leaving. You two can gather supplies.” Although Wulf knew the others sensed he didn’t need to inform the council as much as he needed to be alone with his thoughts, Wulf let the half-truth lie. He needed to get out into the clean night air. No matter how the government had tried to cram lies down the Warriors’ throats, the truth of Earth’s history was imprinted on their very DNA. There had been no way to know using the DNA of the long-dead would impart this new creation with the knowledge of all that had gone on while the dead became little more than dust. The dead had been resurrected in a way, and everything that had happened while the DNA had lain dormant had been accumulated, waiting for a vessel for its almost infinite knowledge. At least, those who had triggered their abilities gained that information. The knowledge didn’t come quickly -- the newer Warriors who had joined the compound were only beginning to understand the vast store of knowledge they really held. Humans were making all the same mistakes, the only difference being, there were no countries anymore. Just one world government driving its way to another
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catastrophic event because of its casual disregard for Earth and her many gifts. Instead of learning from the badlands, which were simply areas nature had reclaimed from the vast overdevelopment of prior centuries, these modern peoples rejected the natural, trying to become a force of nature instead of respecting it. The First Gen Warriors knew there would be a reckoning, that eventually there would be a great war with the humans to save not only their lives and their right to exist as autonomous beings, but for the very survival of life. But that time was not yet. There was a long way to go, and many Warriors to free from their masters. There were alliances left to forge with beings that hadn’t made themselves known to many. Where did this woman fit in with all of this? Who and what was she? What did she mean to them? Her eyes alone proved there was something different about her, but just because she had blue eyes similar to Warriors didn’t mean she was one of them. Throwing his head back and letting the wind cool the sweat from his body, Wulf did something he never did. He let his spirit self free to fly on the night air, alone. Usually this was a group exercise, something they did together, but Wulf felt more wound up than he could ever remember being. Tyger didn’t trust this mystery woman, but he knew to his soul there was nothing to fear from her, and everything to fear for her. Was there a splinter in their Triad? After so many years -- more than two hundred -- perhaps their bond was weakening. It was unheard of, but the loss of so much had to have some kind of effect. Perhaps this was it, slow in coming, but gradually breaking down something he’d believed invincible. “No, Wulf, we are not breaking apart.” Baer appeared at Wulf’s side. “Tyger is just too scared to hope or believe. You would feel it too, but you are too clouded with worry over the woman.” “And you?” Wulf demanded. The whole situation was throwing them all off. The synchronicity they shared was being seriously disrupted. “Do you believe as Tyger does?”
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“I am not so clouded,” Baer admitted softly, placing an arm around his pod mate. “All will work out as it should. I can’t believe we’d be tasked with finding her only to destroy her.” That fear had hovered around them since they’d learned of her. “Unlike both you and Tyger, I can feel her, somewhat tenuously, but her spirit is pure. This I promise. Once we get closer to her, we will better know what we are dealing with.” Wulf wished he shared that belief with Baer. “I’m not so sure.” “You dwell too much in the past.” Baer leaned against the door, his eyes hard. “We lost everything we hold dear. You’re afraid to go outside our Triad because it means taking a chance on losing it all again.” “Are you saying I’m a coward?” Wulf narrowed his eyes, his body clenching in anticipation of a battle. This was so unlike them. The Spirit Walk was supposed to soothe them, help them figure out future courses of action so they could lead their people wisely, not rip apart the very seams that had held them together for two centuries. “I’m saying your judgment is clouded.” Baer didn’t back down an inch. Not that Wulf expected him to. Baer was a fierce warrior. He stood up for what he believed, and Wulf knew he believed in this woman with every fiber of his being. Tyger might stand in the middle, but that only emphasized the separation of their Triad. “Clear your heart and mind. See what is there, not what you want to see.” With those parting words, Baer strolled deeper into the compound toward the Elders’ meeting hall. They would announce their departure and leave at first light, though Wulf wished they could do so in harmony. Even while informing the other Elders of their departure at sun up, worry plagued the back of his mind. What if instead of things getting better, they got worse the closer to the woman they got? If just knowing of her presence was this disturbing, who knew what might happen as they neared her? This was uncharted territory. Nothing in the experience of any of the other Warrior Triads had ever happened like this. There’d never been this kind of discord among them -- or any other Triad. The
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ones who had lost a mate had become closer, not farther apart, as they had until now. They even slept apart, each in separate rooms for the first time since before their mate was killed. Sleep hadn’t come easy. As they set out just before the dawn, Wulf couldn’t help but feel their lives were about to be changed forever.
Charter Three Sneaking across the Southern border of Camerico was easy with their modified craft, borrowed from the Vaulknut Vikings who’d recently joined the community with their new mate. The WCGA uniforms, also formerly the Vikings’, would help them blend. The few streaks of gray that had graced their heads had been hidden by henna, so there was nothing that would give away to any official they were First Gen Warriors. Tyger took the helm, more than a little unnerved by the ongoing silent battle of wills between Baer and Wulf. The tension in the air was thick. By the time they flew past the military encampments along the southern border all three were physically and emotionally drained. Placing the craft on autopilot, Tyger turned to face his pod mates. “This has gone on too long. There is no reason for us to be at odds with one another.” Tyger scratched his head, searching for the right words. “We need to rest. We don’t know what we will be facing, and I’d prefer to do it with a strong body and mind. I can’t do that if we’re in such discord. Work it out, you two.” With that, Tyger walked away from them both. He was in no mood to rehash things that could not be reconciled just now. Climbing into his bunk, he didn’t bother to check to see if Wulf or Baer followed suit. He was tired; he needed rest. Not that sleep would bring him much solace. After the previous night, Tyger knew there would be no real rest without his pod mates. With a heavy sigh full of heartache, Tyger closed his eyes. Sleep came almost immediately, but not with the rejuvenating effect it should have had. Instead, Tyger found himself in a dream world not unlike the Spirit Walk.
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The woman lay naked, on her side, facing away from him. Tyger admired the delicate curve of her hip as it flared dramatically from her narrow waist. Long, tawny brown hair spilled around her head in a cloud over the stark white of the pillow and bedding. Dark sienna skin contrasted beautifully with her surroundings. Her ribcage rose and fell with the rhythm of her breathing, though she didn’t move otherwise. He knew she could sense his presence, knew she was awake, but she was not unnerved by him. It was as if she’d been expecting him. “I knew you’d come for me.” Her voice was melodious, golden tones and steamy sex that wrapped around his cock and squeezed as if she had her fist clenched tightly around him. “Why are you angry with me? I waited for you, just like I was supposed to do.” Still she didn’t turn to him, making his heart ache. “I’m not angry with you, little one. Why would you think that?” He didn’t speak aloud, but directly into her mind. He found the thread of her consciousness with little effort. It was an instinctual path that seemed to bind with a similar thread that led back to his own mind. “You’re upset. Maybe not angry, but there is… unease in you as well as the others.” How could she know this? As far as he knew, he was the only one with any kind of awareness of her, yet she read them so easily. “It isn’t you. We are in disagreement and can’t seem to resolve it. I doubt we will for some time, though I wish that were different.” “It is me,” she responded, still not turning over, though he could see the defeated hunch to her shoulders. “I seem to bring only disappointment to everyone around me. I’m not what I was supposed to be.” “And what is that?” Tyger took a step forward, sitting on the bed next to her. He couldn’t seem to help reaching out a finger to trace the curve of her waist. Her dark, honeyed flesh called to him, beckoned to be touched. Kissed. Tasted… “I don’t know,” she replied, sadness in her voice. “I’m here to teach the children, but how can I teach something I abhor with every cell of my being?” Tyger knew she did her best to control the tears that threatened to spill, but he felt them in her heart. Felt them as if they were his own, and he had to swallow a lump in his throat. “Perhaps you weren’t meant for this,” he said, pulling his hand away. His body resisted the withdrawal, but he had no idea who this woman was. Touching her was as dangerous as it was arousing.
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“I know I wasn’t meant for it, but I can’t leave the children. I’m the only chance they have to know the truth.” “And what truth is that, my dear?” “That the government isn’t benevolent. That the history we teach is not the real version. That the Warriors are really there to keep us all in instead of keeping out creatures of the Badlands. I don’t know -- I sense there are lies built on lies, even if I don’t know what they are. We are not encouraged to think for ourselves.” “And you never will be encouraged to think for yourself working for the WCGA. We’re coming for you.” “I know.” She rolled over then, and Tyger’s breath caught in his throat. Her body was curvy, but petite and slim. Breasts that were barely a handful lay high and firm on her chest. Her belly was smooth and flat, almost concave. In contrast, her hips flared out from her tiny waist almost dramatically. One knee bent to shield her sex from his gaze, but that didn’t stop his cock from going rock hard. “The others are close.” She tilted her head, looking past Tyger as if expecting someone. “They are.” Tyger could barely hold a coherent thought. He was certain Wulf and Baer could hear her through him, but they hadn’t made themselves known. It was likely their state of unbalance made it hard for them to reach for her in their dreams. Tyger had reached the point he didn’t really care anymore. He had a purpose and he was totally dedicated. That alone allowed him to find her, he was sure of it. What disturbed him most wasn’t that Baer and Wulf hadn’t made an appearance yet, it was his unaccountable reaction to this woman that threw him for a loop. He hadn’t felt this kind of desire, this kind of need for any woman but their lost mate. He had never been this hard, this close to losing control since that time long ago when the Triad had the one thing that completed them. If she were a part of their lineage… But she wasn’t. There were no familiar connections between them, or Baer, or Wulf. This he could feel. So what in the hell was she to them? Why did her skin scream out to him to kiss, to caress? Even now, after just removing his hands from her body, he found them moving toward her of their own accord. He had to touch her. There was no way he could prevent it. His hand closed over one breast, feathering his thumb over her nipple.
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Instantly, the dark nub pebbled beneath his touch. Her indrawn breath was his undoing. Those eyes of hers, those lovely blue eyes with twinkling streaks of green, darkened in desire as she looked at him. There was absolutely no way he could hold himself back, and he gave up trying. This was a dream. If he still had this reaction to her when he found her, he’d think about it more. Now, he needed to taste her. Bending his head to hers, he captured her lips with his. She stiffened at first, but soon relaxed and welcomed his touch. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him to her as if she were afraid he’d pull away. Tyger skimmed her side with his fingertips, tracing the curve of her breast, down her waist, to her rounded bottom. He shifted his body so he covered her, reaching underneath to cup her bottom and pull her more firmly against him. His cock swelled between them, throbbing and pulsing with the need to enter her. “So.” Baer’s deep voice should have startled Tyger, but it actually eased some of the pain inside him. “You would take her without us?” “Not at all,” Tyger said in between kissing her. “I simply couldn’t help myself and chose not to fight it.” “We still have no idea who or what she is.” Wulf was trying to chastise him, but it came out as more of a groan. Tyger noticed he moved up beside them and took her left nipple into his mouth without hesitation. “Worry about it later,” Baer growled, urging one of her legs to hook over Tyger’s hip. “I need this like I haven’t needed anything in a very long time.” “Stop!” Her hand pushed hard on Tyger’s chest. “I will not have any of you until you make peace with yourselves.” Despite the longing in her eyes, despite the way her body strained for his, Tyger felt her resolve. She would not be moved. Their conflict cut her deeply. Tyger felt the sorrow in her along with shame, anger, and desire. “This has nothing to do with you, little one,” Baer tried reassuring her. Tyger could feel she wasn’t buying that. “It has everything to do with me.” She tried to move away from them, but Baer had a firm grip on her hip. Soon she stopped even trying. “You don’t know what I am. I don’t know what I am. I have always felt… different. But you three, I know I have been waiting for you my
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entire life. I thought I would be so happy when you found me. Instead, I have come between you.” “How could you possibly come between us?” Wulf sighed. “You’re the glue that will put us together again.” There it was, the startling reality none of them could quite believe. But it was real. No other woman could affect them like this. The need to find her, to save her, it was because she was a mate -- their mate. Never had any Triad been known to be blessed enough to find two in a lifetime. So many of the other First Gen struggled day-by-day believing they would never be fully whole again. This was a great revelation; it meant hope. While no others could replace the ones that were lost, it was possible many of the First Gen could be whole again. “Yet you’ve done nothing but argue since learning of me. I felt it when you had the vision. It was as if you were pulled in three separate directions and staked down.” “That’s because we’re three stubborn old men,” Baer rumbled. “We’ve been together two hundred years. True, we don’t argue often, if ever, but when faced with such an important challenge, anyone would struggle with the pressure.” Tyger blinked. In all their long years together, he’d never heard Baer voice his feelings like that. What he had said had been the truth they had all been trying to find. This woman was not related to them, though she probably had Warrior blood. Tyger looked at Wulf, who stared hard at Baer. The two men seemed riveted to each other, the woman and Tyger between them. Finally, Wulf broke their strained silence. “I’ll have your name, woman. I’ll know the name of my mate.” “Aylen.” Her voice was barely a whisper. She seemed to watch Wulf and Baer expectantly, as did Tyger. The two men needed to make peace before they claimed their mate, even in a dream world. “Then, Aylen, know that I will put aside my misgivings and clear my mind and heart for you. This is my gift to you as my mate. I will follow my heart and the heart of my Triad. A woman as extraordinary as you deserves no less.” Wulf reached out to Baer, pulling the other man to him with a hand to the nape of Baer’s neck and kissed him while Tyger and Aylen watched. Tyger was mesmerized as he watched his pod mates. Their kiss was tentative at first, as if they were testing each other, making sure the
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contact was wanted. After the first few seconds, Wulf groaned and opened his mouth fully to Baer. The other man took advantage, gripping a handful of Wulf’s hair and angling his pod mate’s head just how he wanted it. Tongues dueled and both men groaned. The small sigh Aylen emitted told Tyger she felt the genuine affection and love Wulf and Baer had for each other and was satisfied with their reconciliation. With a whimper of need, Aylen surprised Tyger by pulling Wulf and Baer to her for a torrid kiss. The three of them groaned and sighed as tongues and lips met eagerly. Tyger didn’t wait to be invited. Joining the rest of his Triad and their new mate gave him a sense of completion he’d been longing for since the death of their mate over a century earlier. Even still, the sensations were completely different. None of them felt as if they were betraying the memory of their mate -- she’d want them to be happy. They simply welcomed into their circle a woman they needed, who needed them in turn. Tyger felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his heart. Had it been so long since they’d been truly at peace that they hadn’t realized how empty their hearts had been? In one dream, one acceptance of their Triad, Aylen had shown Tyger everything he’d been missing for a hundred years. He vowed in that moment, he’d protect her, cherish her for as long as he lived. No one could prevent death, but he could make the most of what had been given to him. Tyger reluctantly broke his part of their kiss and moved his way down her body. He wasn’t sure how long the dream would last, but he intended to tie her to him in mind, if not body. He’d give her as much pleasure as he could in this realm so she would accept him in the physical realm. Her skin was soft, lightly scented with a sweet, floral fragrance he doubted he’d ever forget. As he kissed his way down her body, licking and nipping here and there on his way southward, her stomach quivered at his touch. The delicate muscles beneath her skin rippled with every stroke of his tongue. He delved into her navel with his tongue, blowing gently on the damp skin. Chill bumps tented her skin and Tyger grinned. She was so sensitive! Her body was a treasure of sensation he intended to plunder. Ever downward he moved until he reached the tiny thatch of hair that sat just above her sex. Parting her labia, he found her clit with his tongue. She screamed at his touch, pulling back
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slightly as if the pleasure were too much for her to bear. Tyger knew his touch felt good to her, there was no pain in her mind, so he continued his tender assault. Glancing upward, Tyger watched as both Baer and Wulf moved to her breasts. She cradled their heads to her, a look of bliss etched on her face. Spreading her legs widely to accommodate him, she tilted her hips to his mouth, urging him to continue. It took only moments for her body to stiffen. Aylen screamed, her legs closing to hold his head to her, her arms tightening on Baer and Tyger as she came. Her pussy trembled and quivered with the force of her climax, her intimate fluid covering Tyger’s chin as he gave her what she needed to ride out the waves of pleasure. Tyger’s cock was a pulsing, living thing, needing to be inside his mate to let her milk him of his seed. Just as Tyger was about to crawl back up her body and sink himself in the haven of her body, the vision began to fade… Leaving him sweating in his own bed, a raging hard on making his balls ache. He heard similar groans from the front of their vessel and knew Baer and Wulf had experienced it with him. Moments later, the other two joined him, looks of pain etched on their faces that had nothing to do with any injury. “Sweet stars.” Wulf sagged against the bulkhead, looking weary and sporting a hard on the likes of which Tyger hadn’t seen from him in a very long time. “Did you feel that?” Tyger croaked hoarsely, “I certainly did.” “I told you she was meant for us,” Baer said softly. “Our mate.” Wulf sighed and looked back at his pod mate. “I’m not completely convinced she’s our mate, but only because finding a second mate is completely unheard of. I no longer think she’s a willing part of the WCGA.” Baer clapped Wulf on the shoulder as he passed into Tyger’s cabin and slipped onto the bed. “That’s just because you’re too stubborn to admit I’m right.” He smiled, baring straight, white teeth. “But I forgive you. Come. Join us and relieve yourself.” “Ass,” Wulf grumbled, but he went eagerly and with a smile. Tyger’s heart filled with joy and hope for the first time in more years than he cared to think about. Followed almost immediately by a slice of pain through his heart. It was very likely this
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woman was their mate, but wouldn’t that dishonor the memory of Ravyn, their beloved mate from a century ago? They couldn’t leave Aylen to face whatever the future held alone. They would find her. Soon. Tyger just had to resolve the conflict in his heart before they did.
Chapter Three Aylen felt something strange in the atmosphere. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but there was something out there beyond the horizon, something ominous. Despite the moderate temperatures and beautiful, bluish-purple sky that was a legacy of the Last Great Nuclear War, she didn’t want to shepherd the children outside to the playground. Deep within her subconscious some kind of alarm bell was clanking a warning to get the children to shelter, keep them safe. However, without anything definitive to tell her superiors, she would have to do as the schedule dictated. Teaching was sometimes a great joy, depending on who exactly her students were. Even though she cared for the children placed in her care after the morning meal until the sun was beginning to sink in the sky, they were a bunch of spoiled, privileged brats for the most part. These were the children of the ruling elite. Admittedly, the elite of Angels-Demonios were a far cry from the ruling class of the entire world government. Aylen had been trained in Eurasia, the seat of all power. Those children were downright scary. Her charges during the mandated workday were merely irritants the majority of the time. “Aylen, I don’t want to play outside today. It’s scary out there.” Aylen stopped at a softly understated sound from one of the few students whom it was actually a delight to teach. Juliette was the daughter of a member of the Western Council, higher in caste than any other child, but more modest and attentive than most of the rest combined. Sometimes Aylen thought she must’ve been a fabled changeling; no way one of the arrogant leaders could’ve spawned such a sweet child. Kneeling so that Juliette could be on eye level, Aylen placed a comforting hand on the little girl’s shoulder. It was as far as she was allowed to go in offering a child
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physical comfort. For all the WCGA espoused total equality, a kinder government and all things maternal, their society was strictly authoritarian, and sharply segregated. Affection was not a quality that was encouraged. “Why is that, Juliette?” There was absolutely no reason for any child to fear a thing in this segment of the city. They were guarded not just by government soldiers, but also by Warriors who guarded the borders between the haves and the have-nots in the teeming city. “Something bad is going to happen,” the girl whispered urgently, her oddcolored, crystal blue eyes going wide. In a society that knew no race, where everyone was some shade of brown, Juliette stood out. Just like Aylen, she had lighter colored eyes and deeply dark brown skin. If she had not been a member of the elite she might have been taken away for reeducation. Moreover, Aylen had found that often when she felt weird premonitions, little Juliette felt them too. They both shared a variation of coloring not usually found among the population. As much as she hated to admit it, Juliette was one of her all-time favorite students. Unable to reassure the child, who would know she was lying, Aylen rose and pulled her into the shelter of her body. Careful not to appear to be hugging, she gave Juliette’s shoulders a squeeze. “Just stay close to me, okay?” Wild displays were not encouraged, but for these children, the exuberance of youth was overlooked. Children ran about the wide, green yard, yelling at the top of their lungs. It was hard to suppress a smile at children being children no matter who their parents may be. Still, Aylen couldn’t shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong. Juliette must have felt it too, because the little girl wouldn’t let go of the grip she had on Aylen’s service dress. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the superintendent frowning at the contact, her thin lips pursed in disapproval. Great, all she needed was Miss Sour Puss giving her yet another lecture in front of the children about how inappropriate she was being.
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Just as Superintendent Katherine began to stride her way, something moved right under Aylen’s feet. It started out as a slight shaking, gradually intensifying in force until it seemed the very ground was rolling like the waves of the sea. Juliette buried her head into Aylen’s side, whimpering helplessly as Aylen froze, unable to process what was happening. In the distance, tall, dark-paneled buildings wavered as if being shaken by their very foundation. What was happening? Casting confused glances all around her, Aylen saw the entire earth tremble. Tiny cracks appeared in the ground, ugly, dark brown gashes against the emerald green of the playground. Even the normally rambunctious children stopped, watching as the very ground beneath their feet seemed to be willfully casting them from the earth, shaking them out as a maid would do to a dirty rug. The rumble was horrible, as if the planet were screaming in the beginnings of birth pains. It grew into a dull roar, the tinkling sounds of glass shattering in the background, objects falling to the ground with sickening thunks. Screams from the older students warned her to duck, sheltering Juliette’s body with her own. Explosions detonated all around the government-occupied sectors as the older part of the city gave way and underground pipes left from ancient times ruptured. Fumes filled the air in various places, carried to them by the wind, clogging in Aylen’s throat as she struggled to take a breath. All around her, chaos reigned as the earth rebelled and rose up to destroy everything. Aylen could see buildings aflame near the city’s edge. The danger to her and Juliette wasn’t immediate, but Aylen was looking for the best possible exit. Heading into certain death wasn’t something she intended to do. Holding Juliette firmly to her, she tried to remain calm until the ground stopped moving, but it just kept on and on, never ceasing, growing stronger. Just when she’d given up hope of the massive quake ever ending, the vibrations began to slowly ebb until, finally, they stopped. She stayed perfectly still for a moment, waiting, unwilling to believe it was over. The school had lost a section of its wall, wide cracks clearly visible on the surface. The ruins of ancient buildings no longer stood as
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testament to a past long lost. All around the city, smoke filled the air, obscuring what was left of the city skyline. She was about to gather Juliette and get to safety away from the buildings when strong arms surrounded her, lifting her against a massively muscled chest. Her first instinct was to reach for Juliette and fight, to get away from those who would try to take her, but something stopped her, some instinct she couldn’t name. She glanced over her shoulder to see another man scooping up Juliette, whispering softly to the frightened little girl. Juliette settled, wrapping her arms around the man’s neck and holding on tightly. There was another man bringing up the rear, watching everything with his hawk-like gaze. No, not men. These were Warriors. The fearsome fighters that guarded the borders into this part of the city; rarely seen, never heard, but always out there somewhere. It was illegal for women such as her to even talk to Warriors. They did not mingle with any caste higher than Soothers and prostitutes unless they were receiving or carrying out orders. However, these three were not the Warriors that still served the government. Aylen looked at the faces of her rescuers. Her breath caught, her heart slamming almost painfully against her chest. This was one of the men from her dreams. She knew every delicious inch of golden skin on them more intimately than she knew any other person on earth. Their dark eyes called to her on the most basic level. Impossible. Yet here they were in the rock-hard flesh. “Tyger?” She knew the name of the dark-haired man who held her as surely as she knew her own name. Her fingers involuntarily went to his face, and she traced the proud bones of his cheeks and jaw, lingering on his lips. “The others are Wulf and Baer, aren’t they.” It was a statement, not a question. She just needed to give voice to their names, as if by saying them out loud they would be real after all. “But you don’t exist outside my dreams.” “You are the one who should not exist, little one. Hush now, we need to get you to safety.” His voice wasn’t harsh, but there was a note of urgency in it.
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“No!” Aylen did struggle now. As much as she needed to get Juliette to safety, there were other children in the school. Most of them were brats of the worst kind, but she absolutely could not leave until she knew they were safe. “The children!” Tyger hesitated, allowing Wulf and Baer to catch up to them. Setting her on her feet, he looked back to the school and sighed. “You stay here with the girl. We will make sure the others are out of harm’s way.” “No.” Aylen didn’t give any of them time to argue. “One of you stay with Juliette. Bratty as they are, those are my kids.” And she meant it. She might not be allowed to show affection, might not even feel affection for any of them other than Juliette, but they were her responsibility. She wouldn’t abandon them. Wulf laid a restraining hand on her shoulder, but Baer shook his head and reached for her, ushering her back toward the compound. “Tyger, hide the girl and keep her safe. Wulf, let’s see what we can do for the other children.” Aylen was amazed at Baer’s quick acceptance. Somehow, she could sense all three of them just like she could in her dreams. The connection wasn’t very strong. She couldn’t read their minds or anything, but she could sense their emotions. Tyger wanted to roar in frustration. Baer simply accepted what was inevitable and chose to do it without argument. Wulf was confused, but by what she couldn’t really tell. As they ran, the ground began to rumble again, only this time quietly with far less vigor. Aylen wasn’t sure if these were aftershocks or the continued release of energy farther down the fault as it vibrated through the ground. Whatever it was, the tremors were much less violent, and she could run without stumbling. Nearing the school, Aylen heard screams and pleas of trapped students and teachers. Most of the buildings had fared well, all things considered, but there had still been isolated collapses, and there were obviously many people trapped. One small building on the outskirts of the school proper had completely caved in. Terrified screams filled the air, tugging at her heart. Rubble was mounded in a big pile, and she knew she had no hope of moving it. Fortunately, Baer loomed over her, moving her aside quietly, working methodically, moving large pieces one at a time.
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She moved smaller pieces with frantic hands, looking for openings where she might see any survivors. After several mind-numbing minutes, she saw fingertips, then a small hand as a child reached toward the light and freedom. Immediately, she grabbed for the child, clutching at the hand and pulling when Baer had cleared an area large enough for her to pull the child clear. There was no time to check thoroughly to make sure the child was all right. There could be more children under there. Aylen didn’t look up from the laborious task, didn’t even think about her sore hands as they rescued at least ten children. Her class totaled eight, but there had been others underneath the rubble. She had no idea how many children had been outside close to the building. All she knew was she had an overwhelming need to see them safe. No child deserved to be buried alive. The thought sickened her. Even though she kept moving piles of rocks and debris, Baer stopped when no more sounds came from under the rubble. “Is that all of them?” “I don’t know.” Looking around frantically, she scrubbed her hands down her dress, her palms beginning to burn with the scrapes and cuts. “I can’t remember who took cover where.” Just as she was about to insist they keep digging, Wulf pulled her back, moving her away from the school and back toward Juliette and Tyger. “Quickly. WCGA Rescue will be here any moment. I can hear their vehicles.” “We can’t just leave them here,” she protested, every ounce of maternal concern rising up in her, even if she wasn’t a mother. “They’re just children.” It was hard not to break down in tears -- the trauma and stress of the event were beginning to take a toll on her. “They will be all right,” Wulf insisted. “Look.” He pointed at the main building, where adults were pouring out along with more children. “They have people to look after them and we must get away. Baer and I are disguised well, but if we are found out, they won’t stop until they have us. Your Juliette needs you as well,” he reasoned. Aylen sighed. He was right, but she didn’t like leaving the children. “She’s special, just like you are; you know you can’t let them take her back.”
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“I don’t want to leave them,” she pleaded. Deep down she knew it was the right thing to do, but she just couldn’t make herself do it. “Come on.” Baer grabbed her hand, tugging her after him, making the choice for her. They let her set the pace as they raced away. Aylen knew she slowed them down, but Baer let her run instead of simply scooping her up like when they’d rescued her and Juliette. Even now, she heard the scream of sirens and knew they had left just in time, but it still didn’t sit well with her. Anger flared briefly, but she tamped it down. There would be time for discussion later. Right now, they needed to get away. It took only minutes to reach Tyger and Juliette, who seemed to be moving before a word was said. Once again, Aylen found herself swept up into Baer’s massive arms. There wasn’t a chance to protest as the Triad began to move. Even in the massive destruction that was the outer city, not one Warrior slowed his pace. Aylen had no idea where they were going, but she could hear the rescue troops as they arrived at the school and didn’t want to be caught abandoning her charges. It would be a death sentence for her. “Well, fuck,” Wulf swore and immediately looked apologetically in Juliette’s direction while Tyger glared at him, one massive hand over the child’s ear as he pulled her head toward his chest to muffle Wulf’s words. Aylen normally would have chastised him for using such language in the presence of a child, but she got the distinct impression something was very wrong. Besides, Tyger’s protective gesture warmed her to her soul. “What is it?” she asked, looking around for danger. “See that pile of rubble?” Wulf pointed toward a particularly large mound surrounded by the remains of one of the tallest buildings in the city’s skyline. “What about it?” To Aylen, it looked like just another casualty of a longforgotten war. “Our ride is underneath. We have no way to get us back to the Badlands.”
Chapter Four Baer had been wrong; in all of his very long existence, he had never been so glad to be so wrong. Aylen was no government tool, but instead she was a woman of honor and substance. It would be a privilege to call her mate -- once they indeed mated with her. Having very limited experience with human women outside of their first mate, he didn’t know how a female would react to their escape vehicle being destroyed. Calm acceptance certainly wasn’t what he expected. In the space of moments she seemed to absorb the magnitude of their dilemma, and without falling apart. Instead, she offered a solution. “Pirates.” While Tyger and Wulf blinked at their little miracle, Baer smothered a smile at her line of thinking. Pirates were united with the First Gen Warriors against the government. In exchange for help outside the Badlands, First Gen Warriors often supplied the pirates with food and supplies from their farms. “There are pirates in the forbidden sectors of the city. They can help you get out. I can tell them Juliette and I were kidnapped and I need to take Juliette back. Her father is a very important man -- there is no way her absence will go unnoticed for long. There are probably other Warriors on your trail even now.” Baer didn’t have a chance to gently disabuse her of the notion of staying. Tyger, who was still skeptical of Aylen, of the chance of a second mate, of everything involved in the rescue, spoke before anyone else had a chance. “Maybe Warriors are on the way because you found a way to warn them?” Because Baer had a firm hold on Aylen, Tyger couldn’t move in to try to intimidate her, but Baer found himself growling low in his throat at his pod mate in any event.
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It was ludicrous to even suggest she had warned anyone without their knowledge, but to question her integrity was damn near unforgivable. “Don’t be an ass, Tyger. You know that’s not even possible.” Tyger opened his mouth, but at the whimper from the little girl in his arms he shut it again. It was a good thing. Baer had never wanted to hit his pod mate before; he did now. “Aylen, we cannot leave you here,” Wulf cut in, stepping in front of Tyger. Whether it was to obscure her view or his, Baer couldn’t say. Wulf’s thoughts had suddenly become completely blocked for some reason. That hadn’t happened since before they escaped the WCGA, before their gifts had been fully awakened. “And we will not leave the child. You must know that.” Looking down at the woman in his arms, Baer could see that, yes, she had known it. It was also apparent she didn’t like it. A wave of fierce protectiveness washed over him so intensely, he actually found himself snarling at Tyger, baring his teeth just a little in challenge. “You need not worry,” he promised her. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.” Even though his words had been to Aylen, his gaze never left Tyger’s face. Why was Tyger acting this way? It was not like him. While Baer was generally the one who smoothed over what few disagreements they had, Tyger had never been this nasty toward anyone. It made no sense given their shared dream. If at all possible, Tyger seemed to be more skeptical than he’d been right after the Spirit Walk. To Baer’s surprise, Aylen practically shoved out of his arms, advancing on Tyger with a vengeance. “What’s your problem?” Fire practically sizzled around her, her anger was so hot. Tyger took a couple of steps backward against the fire in her eyes. It was the first time Baer had actually felt more than fleeting emotions from her. This was a raw, hurt anger. In her mind, Tyger was not only questioning her honor, but he was rejecting her outright. “I’ve not done anything to warrant this hostility, and you’re scaring Juliette.”
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They all felt it. Everything inside Baer wanted to go to her aid, but he knew this was an important turning point in their relationship. The rest of their lives would be determined by the next few moments. “You work for the WCGA. The very people who would destroy all of us and the girl if they knew for certain what she was. No matter who her father is.” He might have backed away at first, but he stood his ground now. Juliette struggled out of his arms and dashed to Aylen, cowering behind her as the child fisted her hands in the tail of Aylen’s skirt. “You cannot be our mate! Ravyn died long ago. She was the only woman for us.” Aylen tilted her head as if considering his words. “So that’s why you hate me so much.” Her voice was quiet. Baer caught the sharp sting of hurt before his connection to her faded to nothing. “I can’t fault you for wanting to honor the memory of your fallen -- mate.” She shrugged, looking for all the world as if his rejection of her meant little when Baer knew she felt the pain deep in her soul. “It’s not like I need your help. Juliette and I will be perfectly fine. Her father will protect her, and I have been on my own since I was a child. I have no wish to cause anyone more pain.” “Relax, love.” Baer moved to her side but didn’t touch her until he was sure she wanted the contact. “You are not alone -- you’ll never be alone again.” “And what about the three of you? You’re pod mates. Everyone knows pod mates are never separated except in death. I’m an outsider. No matter what our connection seems to be, I’m sure there is another explanation than me being your mate. If Tyger is this certain of it, then there must be something to his misgivings.” Baer felt nothing from her now. Absolutely nothing. It was if she didn’t exist for them at all. Desperately, Baer lunged for her, pulling her into his arms, Juliette and all. His heart ached, and his chest felt as if a great weight were crushing him. His throat burned with emotion he could not contain. Anger. Rage. Hurt. Fear. The Triad was divided like they’d never been. Not in two centuries. No matter what happened, they’d always had each other. When Ravyn had died, they’d had each other. Baer knew in his
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soul Aylen was their mate, but if Tyger couldn’t see that, if he refused to accept it, they could be divided forever. “By all I hold dear, Aylen, I will not let you go! You are part of us whether you or Tyger wish to see it or not.” With that, he scooped Aylen and Juliette up and headed into the forbidden part of the city, not giving her a chance to fight her way free. He went at a dead run, not bothering to see if his pod mates followed. He knew they would, though. The Triad might be divided, but they weren’t broken. They would get Aylen and Juliette back to the Badlands and figure this out. In the meantime, he had to get them all to safety. If that meant they had to buy passage on a pirate vessel, so be it. The others would follow him. Baer rarely chose to take the lead, but they would follow. None of them would give up the Triad without a fight.
*** Superintendent Katherine watched as the three Warriors left with Aylen and Juliette. She hadn’t gone after them or sent any of the school guards in pursuit because she saw them for what they were. They might try to hide the silver streaks in their hair, but the silver was dominant. It always was with First Generation Warriors, or so her grandmother had told her. She’d grown up with tales of the Warriors and how the First Gen had been too dangerous for the government to allow them to live. They were vicious killers with no sense of right and wrong. School authorities weren’t prepared to deal with that kind of violence. Once she was sure it was safe to leave her spot in the doorway, Katherine went to her office to the secure connection the school had with the High Counselor of the West. Given the close proximity to hostile parts of the city and the fact that every elite ruler in the West sent their children here, it was considered necessary for them to have a direct line to the highest command possible. Thank goodness it used a satellite uplink. Katherine was certain any landlines wouldn’t work after the violent shaking. Her hands trembled as she made the connection and waited for the High Counselor to answer her.
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“This better be important.” The other woman’s voice was strident, utterly without mercy. Katherine pursed her lips. Thank goodness it was only a voice link; she could very well lose her job for any outward show of negative emotion, and she wasn’t altogether sure she could keep her dislike of the woman secret if she could see her. “You are aware of the earthquake we experienced, High Counselor?” “Of course I am,” she snapped. “You didn’t interrupt me for that, did you? If so, you can --” “Ma’am, there were First Generation Warriors in the compound immediately following the event,” Katherine interrupted, rapidly losing patience with uber-bitch on the other line. “They left with one of my teachers and the daughter of Council member Jaques. I’m certain I’m right. Only a Warrior outside the WCGA influence would dare such a thing.” The counselor was young enough to be her granddaughter; she’d taught her once, in fact. Katherine would be damned if she’d let her talk to her like that, High Counselor or not. There was a silence. “You’re mistaken.” The High Counselor didn’t sound nearly as sure of herself as Katherine knew she wanted to sound. “There are no First Gen Warriors left.” “The Warriors I saw had hair banded with silver. They tried to hide it, but it glinted in the sun. Is it not said that they are always unable to hide the distinct markings to indicate their age?” Again, there was a pause. “I think your eyes need tending to, old woman.” The sneer in her voice was unmistakable, and something inside Katherine snapped. “You listen to me, young lady.” She deliberately turned the counselor’s words against her. “If you’re wrong and your superiors find out you could have captured or killed them -- which I can assure you, they will -- it will be more than your job on the line.” The following silence was so long, Katherine wondered if the High Counselor had terminated the connection. “Very well. I will send out a party of Warriors to find
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the girl and bring her home. They will also be instructed to confirm the existence of your so-called First Generation Warriors. But I warn you, if you’re wrong, I will make it my personal mission to make your life a living hell.” The steel in her voice made Katherine wince, but she wasn’t about to back down. “If they are able to find Juliette and Aylen, they will see for themselves the truth of it.” Katherine was suddenly weary. There was no use fighting with the girl. She had always been headstrong and stubborn. Katherine was fairly certain the High Counselor knew Katherine was right, but admitting such a thing would be political suicide. There was no doubt that Katherine’s days as Superintendent were numbered. She’d be lucky if she wasn’t reeducated. Or worse. With a sigh, Katherine disabled the unit. If nothing else, she could claim an aftershock had caused something to damage it. She had to get home and decide what she would do next. There was no way she was letting the bitch get the better of her.
Chapter Five Wulf wasn’t sure what he wanted more -- to kick Tyger’s ass or run Baer down and snatch Aylen from him. He would always cherish Ravyn’s memory, but even though he would always love her, so much time had passed since she was with them. The Triad had been happy with each other, but they all missed the soothing presence of a woman in their lives. No, not of a woman, of a female mate. Ravyn had complemented them in every way, being soft where they were hard. While Aylen was different in spirit, a wholly different temperament, she was exactly what they needed, complementing what they had evolved into in the decades following Ravyn’s death and the death of their children. Claiming Aylen wouldn’t dishonor Ravyn’s memory. Quite the opposite. Ravyn would want this for them. She’d always said they were too male to be on their own. They needed a woman’s touch in their lives. Wulf imagined Ravyn was smiling at them from the Great Beyond, happy in their find. As it was, he simply followed Baer as he made his way deeper into the forbidden part of the city, not caring if Tyger followed or not. He knew exactly where they could find the pirates they sought. They were undoubtedly the same lot they’d supplied with goods and food over the years. Safe passage was almost certainly guaranteed. It was a good thing too. Divided as they were at the moment, he felt the pull of Aylen’s body and spirit to his. Even in the midst of their flight away from the school, knowing there would be WCGA Warriors following them soon, his dick was as hard as iron with wanting her. It was inevitable the pull of a mate would have this effect on them all, but he wasn’t certain how Aylen would react. His experience with women was very limited. Even though they’d had a mate in the past, it had been over a century since he’d thought to woo a woman. Romance was never a thing at which he excelled. With
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all of them in such close proximity, the mating fever would soon take over with a vengeance. The very nature of a Warrior meant their coupling would be swift and explosive. Then there was Tyger. Pain emanated from his pod mate so strongly Wulf was concerned what Tyger might do or say. He’d already hurt Aylen with his words, though he wasn’t certain exactly how Aylen was taking what Tyger had said. More than anything, he hoped Tyger didn’t regret his words later. Wulf hadn’t been completely convinced she was their mate until he’d met her either. Now he was certain, as Tyger and Baer should be. He could feel the pull of his mate, and he would not let her go, no matter what the other two wanted. Baer was already showing every sign of mating fever. Tyger -- well, that was another story. The trek through the city was tedious at best. Debris littered the area from the ancient, crumbling buildings left from before the nuclear event. The going was difficult, especially considering the area they were trying to get to was underground. They had to find access to the subway system and there were few openings left. The pirates had seen to that. Their security was as tight as any net the WCGA could weave and more reliable. Occasionally, tremors would make the ground quiver as if in anticipation of the next event, but it was never enough to cause much alarm. Juliette, though, cried out softly every time, obviously traumatized. When she did, Baer would pull her in close, caressing her head with a softness that should’ve been awkward for a man his size. Wulf was more than a little envious, but beyond that his heart soared. This was right -if only there was time to stop and explore this connection, surely Tyger would feel it, be drawn in by it. That would be impossible given the situation; they had to get as far away from the city as fast as possible. Wulf could feel danger nipping at their heels with each passing moment. The government would not only send Warriors after them, but new ones, ones who were wholly loyal to the government. Up ahead, Baer paused at what looked like an opening of some kind that led straight down. Wulf read the concern all over Baer as Baer looked directly back at him.
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Anxiety -- a thing foreign to Warriors. With Aylen and Juliette in tow they couldn’t take too many risks. “There.” Aylen was pointing emphatically toward the narrow tunnel down. “We need to go down there. The WCGA sensors won’t be able to pick us up -- there is a dampening field.” “I’ll go first.” Tyger appeared from the rear out of nowhere. Wulf had to admit he was glad. Not that he didn’t want to go himself, or that he was afraid his pod mate would desert them, but he could feel Tyger’s deep anxiety as strongly as he felt Baer’s. They all wanted to keep Aylen safe, and not just because she was an innocent. “Baer can keep the females, Wulf protect our flank.” There was no time for discussion as Tyger disappeared into the shaft in the earth, his jet-black ponytail flying in the wind behind him. Baer followed without a word, leaving Wulf to smile as he followed, careful to keep an eye out as they descended into darkness. Tyger would come around sooner rather than later. Already they had slipped back into their easy roles, Tyger out in front, able to pinpoint dangers before they arrived. As for Wulf, he felt eyes on their backs. Had felt them as soon as they entered the ruined area of the city, though none were exactly hostile. As soon as their feet hit bottom, Wulf’s anxiety increased a hundred-fold. People huddled in small groups of five to ten, wearing little more than rags sewn together creating colorful patchwork clothing. They looked clean if a bit threadbare. Children ran around freely, until they spied Aylen, who struggled to get down from Baer’s arms. Wulf could clearly see that, as hard as Baer tried to keep her in his arms, he was going to lose that battle. Soon Aylen had scrambled down, but admonished Juliette to stay where she was in the protective circle of Baer’s arms. “Children! Is everyone all right? You kept safe during the earthquake, didn’t you?” She bent at the knees as she spoke, engulfing as many children as she could into big, bruising hugs.
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“Miss Aylen!” One little boy ran to her, heedless of the big Warriors surrounding her. “We were so scared something happened to you.” “I am fine, William. Nothing to worry about.” Aylen smiled and gave the little boy a kiss on the cheek, a move that had Tyger moving to stand directly behind her. Interesting. Tyger was actually glaring at the little boy. Not that Wulf didn’t feel the same, but he was able to restrain himself. Sort of. He was a kid, for goodness’ sake! “Why do you have Warriors with you?” the boy, William, persisted. “We have Warriors here. We didn’t need any more.” Wulf actually started to growl low in his throat. Warriors? Here? Why would that be? All of the renegade Warriors from newer generations always made their way to one of the many compounds in the Badlands around the world. He had never heard of any defecting from the government and living in urban centers. “Where are these Warriors?” Tyger demanded, moving in front of a now frowning Aylen, who had risen to her feet. Little William didn’t so much as flinch. “Hey, he’s just a little boy!” Aylen pushed on Tyger’s shoulder, her face full of righteous indignation. “I can show you where the damn Warriors are.” Uh oh, that was not the wisest thing she could have said. While Tyger turned to face her, Wulf could not help but agree with his pod mate’s rising anger. Other Warriors around her? It was obvious she knew her way around this place. The children all knew her, and the adults may have eyed them warily but made no move to stop them or make inquires. Concern emanated from the humans but no real fear. “And why do you know where the Warriors are?” Tyger demanded, stepping so close to her they were touching. To her credit, Aylen didn’t back down an inch, standing on her toes so that her head almost reached the top of his chest. Tyger had gripped her upper arm, not hard enough to hurt, but firm enough so that both Wulf and Baer stepped closer, protectively. The air between the two was thick, heavy with tension that couldn’t be explained solely by any animosity between them. In fact, most of the former hurt had morphed into something new. A far more powerful awareness was bubbling just beneath the
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surface. Wulf knew it was affecting him as much as it was the two of them. It was passion, a raw, desperate need that was sexual, yet more. The pull seemed to wrap itself around all of them, throbbing, aching to be released. “I know because I teach here, you big, dumb oaf!” Aylen pushed her finger into Tyger’s chest, making Wulf proud she was theirs. There was no fear in her as she stood toe to toe with Tyger. “And wouldn’t it be stupid of me not to be familiar with my surroundings?” Tyger was going to answer, but out of nowhere a Triad of twentieth century Marines appeared surrounding their position. Damn it! How had they not sensed this new presence? Wulf caressed the weapons strapped on his thigh, calculating an attack and escape route. Marines didn’t fight like other Warriors; they were not so easy to discern. Because they varied in nationality, it was easier for them to blend. The only way to recognize them really was the way they wore their hair shorn close to their scalps. “Well, one thing’s for sure,” the blond Marine spoke as he eyed Wulf up and down. “You aren’t from around here, are you.” He made it a statement, but he didn’t seem to bear them any ill will. In fact, he stuck out his hand. Wulf eyed the man reluctantly, but extended his hand as well, clasping the other man’s forearm. None of them smiled, but there was respect in their eyes. “I’m Alec.” He gestured to the chestnut-haired, slimmer warrior beside him. “This is Michael and Vic.” One of the largest men Wulf had ever seen inclined his head and also offered his hand in greeting. “You are First Generation?” Wulf saw no reason to deny it. “We are. What kind of settlement is this?” “We and a few others protect this group. There are several families, many orphans and some… others. We live here free of the WCGA.” “We have need of passage. Are there any here who can aid us?” Wulf didn’t really want to ask these new Warriors for help, but they were out of options. “We need to get back to the Badlands.”
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“There are always ships headed in that direction,” Alec said, “though I don’t know when the next one will leave. Thanks to the quake, we’d rather not risk getting caught out in the open should the way be blocked. Scouts should return soon with the route.” “In that case --” Baer stepped forward, gently moving aside a child who had sat down at his feet, playing with the laces of his boots. “-- is there someplace we can go to rest?” That was the best idea any of them had had. They needed to be alone to sort things out. And to claim their mate. The presence of one Warrior was too damned many in Wulf’s mind. It was absolutely unthinkable for them to remain anywhere near so many with a mate unclaimed. “Juliette will need to be with us,” Aylen said quietly. “I can’t leave her alone. She doesn’t know anyone here.” “Don’t worry about your little one,” the chestnut-haired Marine assured her gently. “I know of a kind and trustworthy woman who will be glad to watch over her.” He glanced at Baer knowingly. “You need to settle down your Warriors, ma’am.” Aylen snorted. “Easier said than done.” With a soft chuckle, the Marines led them to a small shelter slightly away from the others. It would afford much-needed privacy. Wulf had a feeling things were about to get very interesting.
Chapter Six Tyger had to admit he was nervous; even more nervous than the first time they had been with Ravyn, their deceased mate. He had been very wrong about Aylen. Any doubt that she was indeed their mate was erased by the raging erection that just wouldn’t quit. The sexual tension between them was intense, thickening with each passing second until he wasn’t sure he could be trusted not to take her right there where she stood, whether Baer and Wulf joined in or not. It was really hard not to run to the quarters the Marine Warriors led them to. He knew what would happen there, as did his pod mates. Tyger could feel Wulf and Baer’s sexual tension increase every bit as much as his own. But the thing that had Tyger nearly swallowing his own tongue was the emotions emanating from Aylen herself. The heat from her desire was almost visible, causing even the Marines to give them all wide berth. Wise move, because there was no guarantee any man -- Warrior or otherwise -would survive being too close to their woman. The government issue dress Aylen wore was considered appropriate for a woman with her position, forming the minds of the young. Unfortunately it hid the lush body he had only glimpsed through the shared dream. Tyger’s hands itched to rip the offending material from her body. It should be sacrilege to hide the beauty he knew lay underneath. The rooms were deep in the tunnel, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. His breathing grew heavy as the door opened, revealing furs on the floor serving as a wide bed, along with other furnishings that would have to be examined later. “If you need anything --” the blond Marine began.
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“Take care of the child,” Wulf growled, sounding almost like Tyger imagined the extinct animal he was named for must have sounded. “Our mate will need proper clothing.” Aylen turned, those odd, deep blue eyes dotted with green fire and flashing with a mixture of fear and anticipation. Tyger’s cock jumped in his pants, throbbing with the need to claim her. He was so focused on his need for her he almost missed the little tube of lubricant Baer tossed next to the furs in front of the fireplace. Good thing one of them was thinking clearly. Heaven knew he wasn’t. He couldn’t think beyond the woman he would claim this night. “Wait! I don --” Aylen began, but Tyger couldn’t take it another second. He swept her in his arms and took her mouth, delving his tongue deep inside, swallowing her moan and tasting the sweetness of her kiss. So good, so fucking right. His hand tangled in her hair, forcing her head back. He snarled at her, but no less than she did at him. There was still underlying anger, Tyger understood that. But the passion they shared burned far hotter. He could see lust dancing in the depths of her blue-green eyes along with her anger. There was a need that went deeper than anything he’d conceived possible. Had it been this way with Ravyn? Right now, he couldn’t remember, couldn’t think of anyone other than Aylen. Her scent tempted him as he breathed her in deep. Her essence surrounded him, filled him, consumed him. With more force than he intended, he took her mouth again, dominating and hard. He knew he needed to slow down, woo her. She certainly deserved to be wooed sweetly. Unfortunately, he couldn’t seem to stop himself from devouring her mouth. Her taste was addictive -- the more he got the more he wanted. His tongue swept in, plundering her mouth, and she gave as good as she got, her tongue tangling with his, her small hands clutching the shirt of the hated WCGA uniform he had on. Tyger tried to fight down the all-powerful need to possess her, knowing he wasn’t the only one to feel this way, this strongly. They all did. As if they were suddenly of one mind, he could feel his Triad with him, surrounding them both. All of
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them wanted Aylen with every breath they took. He didn’t need to look to see it was Baer who moved behind Aylen, sliding down the closure of her dress. Didn’t need to see Wulf kneeling, easing between their bodies to assist gravity in tugging the offending dress down. They moved in concert to strip her to her essence. Although Aylen was aggravated, she was far more aroused. She needed this as much as Tyger did -- as much as they all did. Where Tyger’s mouth sought to master her, Wulf and Baer were gentle, coaxing. Tyger supposed it was a good thing. Had they all been as dominate, she would have probably run from them. For all their sakes, Tyger tried to calm himself, to be as gentle as his pod mates, kissing every inch of her skin he could. However, when Wulf managed to insinuate himself between her thighs, Aylen grew as aggressive as he was. He had to admit he was pleasantly surprised her hunger matched his stroke for stroke. Darting her tongue inside his mouth, Aylen tangled the fingers of one hand in his hair, holding him to her, angling his head where she wanted instead of letting him take the lead. Tyger knew her other hand was deep in Wulf’s dark hair, urging him to the spot she craved him most, riding Wulf’s tongue as he pleasured her. “That’s it, precious.” Baer’s deep rumbling voice surrounded them in the small room. “Take what you need and show us how to please you.” She broke her kiss with a sigh, still holding Tyger’s head in a death grip. “I want you all. All three of you. Your hands on me.” She briefly kissed him again, tongue stroking deeply. “Your mouths on me. I want it all!” “Can you accept us and what we mean to each other?” Baer stood. Tyger caught his gaze over Aylen’s shoulder. Wulf didn’t stop his sweet torment of her pussy and clit, and Tyger felt Aylen’s shiver with every stroke of his tongue. The three of them had been a part of each other for so long, a part of each other’s pleasure, that their ways of sexual gratification might be odd to her. They would not force her to take part in them pleasuring each other, but she had to know it occurred. They could not hold any part of themselves back from her if they wanted her respect.
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She paused, looking back at Baer. “I assume you’re lovers as well as pod mates.” There was no accusation in her voice. It was a simple statement. “I am aware of Triads such as yours. I have seen you… in my dreams.” That was shocking. Until the Spirit Walk, they hadn’t known of her existence, although they had certainly felt something, someone out there. Tyger knew Wulf paused in his taking of her pussy with his mouth. Perhaps she could actually accept what they had become. It was something they all needed to know. “We are. After Ravyn passed, we still had needs no one could fulfill. Without the solace of a mate, we turned to each other.” Baer paused, looking thoughtful as he reached out and stroked her chin with the pad of his thumb. “I suppose we would look less to each other now that we have you, but don’t expect it to stop. Our love for each other, and its physical expression, is as natural to us as joining with your body will be in time. Can you accept that in us?” Baer’s gaze was hot, intense. Just looking at him made Tyger’s cock jump. This was about Aylen, but the thought of her participating with them, with all of them taking pleasure from each other, was the most erotic image he’d ever had. Tyger felt Aylen’s hesitation, but also her excitement. “I’m not certain I’d know exactly what to do…” She trailed off, but her body shivered in anticipation. Tyger smiled, catching her chin with his hand to turn her to him. He cupped her cheek in his palm and brought his mouth to hers once again. “Just relax. Do what feels right. This is a time for exploration, for us to get to know you. For you to get to know our bodies and our touch. It’s not like you could ever do anything wrong. Just do what pleases you.” And he claimed her mouth once again.
*** Drugged with Tyger’s kisses, Aylen’s head spun and her womb clenched. What they were suggesting was the most delightfully sinful thing she’d ever imagined. Wulf renewed his assault on her cunt, pulling her leg over his shoulder to grant himself better access as Tyger moved to the side slightly to accommodate Wulf. The wicked swipes and plunges of his tongue were relentless, causing her hips to rock against his
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mouth in a blind drive for more. Baer pulled her closer to him, mashing his chest against her back while his hands cupped her breasts, his thumbs strumming her sensitive nipples. Tyger reached for Baer as he kissed her, the three of them intertwined in an erotic embrace. With no warning whatsoever, Wulf hit the exact spot her body had been waiting for. Aylen screamed, unable to stop herself. The sensations were unexpected and came in one long spasm. Her body shuddered and bucked as she pulled Wulf more firmly against her, her hand fisting in his long, dark, silky hair as she rode out her orgasm. Sweat coated her body and her knees gave out, refusing to hold her upright after such an explosion of energy. It mattered little. Tyger simply scooped her up, urging her to wrap her legs around his as he made his way to the fur-covered floor in front of the big fireplace. Baer and Wulf flanked her sides as he loomed over her. They looked every inch the ancient Comanche Warriors that they were, with the exception of the eerie, almost glowing blue eyes. Lightly bronzed, sharp features, long, glossy, midnight hair just perfect for pulling or holding on to as an anchor; they were every bit as beautiful as she’d seen them in her dreams. So long she’d waited for them, wondering if she might be insane. Now finally they were here. “Aylen, once we take you this first time you will crave us even more.” This came from Wulf, who added emphasis to his words with a light caress against her side. The feather light touch caused her breath to catch, tightening her already hard nipples painfully. “It will become almost unbearable if we wait too long to join.” She was almost going insane from the longing she was feeling now. The cool air against her bare skin was excruciating. Moans fell freely from her lips in a plea she couldn’t put into words; a mouth, a hand -- anything! She needed. Hungered! These extraordinary men, the men of her dreams, were driving her to unimaginable heights, and they hadn’t done more than caress and kiss her. What would making love with them do to her? Surely she wouldn’t live through it. How could any woman?
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Tyger settled himself between her legs, his weight held by his forearms as he braced his heavy frame away from her. Once again, he bent his head to capture her lips and she opened to him willingly, eagerly. This time, it was her tongue that delved into his mouth, staking her own claim. She held him to her, squeezing his waist with her thighs, pulling him more fully into the nest of her body. Wulf and Baer stretched out beside them, each man stroking some part of her body. Baer delved his fingers into her thick mane of light chestnut-colored hair while Wulf kissed his way from her knee to her waist. As a young woman, she’d secretly read forbidden books. Books that spoke of a man worshiping a woman’s body like this, but she’d never dreamed it could be as beautiful and pleasurable as this and certainly not with more than one man. At least, not until she’d seen them in her dreams. And it wasn’t only physical. This was bonding on an emotional level the likes of which she’d never conceived of. Her mind reached for all of them, found them, and fused to their souls as surely as they merged with her own. She could feel the connection taking hold and embraced it with everything feminine inside her. These were her men. Her mates! With a cry of joy and wonderment, Aylen shifted her hips so that the head of Tyger’s cock entered her. He froze, holding himself back. With her mind so wrapped around his, she knew it was out of fear that he’d hurt her. There was nothing about him that was small and she, though rounded and soft in all the right places, was a small woman. His thoughtfulness when it came down to it, even though he’d once sought to punish or even hurt her, was telling. Tyger wasn’t a cruel man. He was concerned for her well-being and pleasure whether he wanted to admit it out loud or not. Aylen knew the exact moment Tyger let go of his fear and doubt. He sighed and simply slid inside her, giving her his whole heart. He would try to pull away from her again after they were done; Aylen knew that. But she had every intention of fighting for him, starting now. If she had to use her body to seduce his heart, so be it. These were
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her men. All of them. Aylen wasn’t willing to give up any of them to fear or doubt, no matter what she had to do to keep them. In a show of acceptance of his nature, Aylen nipped Tyger’s bottom lip, a tigress demanding everything her mate had to give. Arching her hips at him, she pulled simultaneously with her legs, her heels digging into his butt. She urged him to move, to take her as his nature demanded. His answering groan said he couldn’t agree more. Tyger began a hard, driving rhythm that Aylen matched thrust for thrust. Baer and Wulf remained on either side of them, touching her, him, anywhere they could. They seemed to understand this needed to be between her and Tyger for the moment. More for Tyger’s sake than hers. She felt their love and warmth filling her. Tyger. Each other. She embraced them all as much as she knew how. It was instinctive, as if her mind had been waiting for this connection with these men all her life. Sweat shimmered over Tyger as he closed his eyes and gave himself up to the sensations surrounding him. Aylen felt them through him, and they gave her peace. Hope. He was surrounded by the love of his Triad and her, the four threads twining into one, and Tyger surrendered to the moment. The instant Wulf and Baer knew their pod mate was engrossed in nothing but the four of them, that there were no ghosts with him, they joined the building passion. Wulf knelt to stroke Aylen’s hair from her face, and his lips were a warm caress on her forehead. He kissed his way down her face to find her mouth as she kissed Tyger. Together, their tongues twined and slipped in and out of mouths until Aylen’s heart pounded so hard, she feared it might pound through her chest. She dug into Tyger’s shoulders with her nails, trying to find an anchor to hold her to the earth as her soul strove to soar high above them. Her other hand found the back of Wulf’s head and she held him to her, kissing him with all the want and need struggling to free itself from her body. She was on fire with wanting them! Baer’s presence in her mind was just as powerful as Tyger’s and Wulf’s. He kissed Tyger’s back along his spine to the top of his buttocks, his hands kneading the fleshy cheeks as he urged Tyger to continue his strokes. Aylen found Baer’s thigh with
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her foot and scrunched her toes, trying desperately to hold him to her as she did the other two. This was more than a simple claiming of a mate -- to Aylen, this was claiming her family. Over the years she’d dreamt of them, they had become so much more than fantasies. She had come to think of them as her only family in a bleak world. Now, with the chance to have everything she’d ever wanted, she was making the most of their first time. She would have them with her. Safe. She’d take their hearts into hers and protect them as long as she lived. They deserved that much. So did she. With a groan, Wulf rose over her and offered his cock to her, the large, purple head resting lightly on her lips. Aylen opened her mouth, reaching for him gratefully. She needed this. Needed them. She needed them to all be connected as one. She felt Baer behind Tyger. A quick glance over Tyger’s shoulder showed Baer with the little tube of lubricant he’d so thoughtfully tossed next to their makeshift bed when they’d first entered. Immediately, her heart stuttered, then pounded even harder. This was the most erotic, intimate thing in the world. Tyger tensed and looked back over his shoulder, hissing at Baer, much like the cat that embodied his spirit self. Aylen felt the subtle pressure as Tyger’s cock throbbed inside her as Baer entered him. Letting everyone adjust to the new sensations for a few moments, no one moved. Then Baer set the rhythm. Slowly at first, he drove into Tyger who, in turn, sank deeper into Aylen. Wulf pushed his shaft into Aylen’s hungry mouth, careful of the depth of his strokes. Aylen knew he didn’t want to risk choking her, and she was grateful for his thoughtfulness. Pleasure built in all of them. Aylen hadn’t felt such tremendous longing in her life. She reached for an ever elusive… something… she could never quite grasp. She knew that, when it came, the explosion would be like nothing she’d ever experienced or even conceived of. As much as their positions limited their movement, as much as the experience was alien to her, the pleasure was swift in coming. Without much warning -- only a tingling in her cunt where Tyger joined to her -- a crescendo of sensation erupted over
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her. She felt the answering orgasms from her men deep inside her. Each pulsing member gave her as much pleasure as her own climax. They’d come for her. For each other. Her body took Tyger and Wulf’s seed, as Tyger’s took Baer’s. Their circle was completed. They would forever be in each other’s care and, God help her, she knew she’d be addicted not only to the sinful sex the three of them provided for her, but to the touching of their minds and hearts and souls. Aylen knew in her heart of hearts none of them would ever be the same.
Chapter Seven Their little mate was truly a wonder. As joyous as sharing the psychic link with his pod mates had been while making love, Baer needed to be inside her himself. He knew Wulf felt the same, but they had no time. The very air screamed a warning to get as far away from the city as they could as fast as possible. Not only had they taken the child of a high-ranking council member, Baer was almost certain the child, Juliette, was a descendant of Warriors. Possibly the child of one. Unlike most children, her skin was darker than the muted browns of the general populace, her hair a riot of flame-colored curls; however, it was her eyes, lighter sky blue, that proclaimed her different from the humans around her. There was something about the child. The way she had come along with them without a fight screamed of an inner knowledge regular humans just didn’t have. “I wish we could linger, but we must find the pirates soon and get away from here while the city is still in chaos.” Wulf voiced the feeling Baer had just been struggling with. Baer reluctantly withdrew from Tyger, placing a soft kiss on Aylen’s sweet lips before going in search of water to clean up and clothes for Aylen. Tyger followed at his heels, while Wulf lingered. He would hold Aylen until one of them returned, Baer knew. It was their way never to leave their mate alone. Although this time, it was different. What he felt, what he knew Tyger and Wulf felt, was deeper, forged by having known loss so profound it nearly broke them once. Aylen was a blessing beyond that of their first mate because they had never hoped to experience the feeling of completeness again. They had to keep her safe, which meant they had to get her to the compound in the Badlands as quickly as possible.
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Once they were all fully dressed, Aylen led the way through the maze of corridors to the place the pirates gathered. Baer frowned as they entered a large gathering area, not really a room, more like a gathering place in the middle of a bustling underground city. Much to Baer’s dismay, there were two Triads besides the assembled human pirates, and they all knew Aylen. He could feel Wulf and Tyger’s displeasure as well. When one of the pirates moved toward Aylen, the huge Marine Warrior, Vic, stepped in his path. “Not a good idea, friend,” Vic said with a smirk. The pirate looked startled, stepping back a few paces. “Aylen, it is good to see you, though you know we hate to see you take such risks. There was an earthquake! You could’ve been hurt.” “We would never allow that to happen, pirate,” Tyger growled, stepping in front of Aylen. Although it made no sense, none of them wanted him or any other man anywhere near Aylen. It was a symptom of the mating fever; any other male was seen as a threat, whether he truly was one or not. The need to surround their mate, to hide her away from any other man, was instinctual, almost animalistic in nature. “Aylen?” The pirate unwisely looked past the large Warrior looming in front of him and straight at the woman he had probably known for some time. Baer didn’t blame Tyger for drawing a razor sharp knife as long as his forearm while Wulf grasped Aylen and moved her into Baer’s arms. “Tyger, no!” Aylen cried, but it was of little use. “Do not interfere, little one,” Baer whispered in her ear. “He won’t hurt your friend, but the human needs to understand the rules have changed when it comes to you.” She was confused, he could feel it. And she was scared for her friend, though Baer could sense no stronger feelings for the man than a distant fondness. Thank the heavens and earth she hadn’t bothered to try to block her emotions from them, though she would find it harder to do so now.
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“My friend.” Alec pushed the pirate back toward the other group of humans who all looked ready for a fight. “Aylen now belongs to them. I would strongly advise you to keep your distance and never, ever assume they won’t take care of their mate.” “Mate?” The pirate looked toward Aylen, then back to the Warriors. “But they are First Gen. How could Aylen be their mate?” “The same way the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening,” Wulf groused through clenched teeth. He stood tall and proud, every inch the Warrior they all were. Aylen’s pride in her mates swelled in her mind, and Baer couldn’t help but puff his chest out a little. She might not completely understand what was going on, but she appreciated the beauty of form as they stood proudly defending what was theirs. “We would prefer to deal fairly with you, but if you persist in challenging us, we will show you the wrath of a First Generation Warrior.” “We have no grievance with you, my friend.” The pirate held up both hands and offered a smile. “Aylen has been a valued ally to everyone living in the underground, teaching our children and helping our women. While you may have been a valuable trade partner, what kind of men would we be if we didn’t question the welfare of someone who calls us friend?” Luckily the man spoke truthfully. Warriors could smell a lie in the air. Most had no idea untruths held a stench that was offensive. The newer Warriors assembled also spoke volumes. This was a safe place, though the spirits of the ancestors help the man who tried to come between them and Aylen. Especially since there hadn’t been time to fully mate her yet. The mating wouldn’t be complete until they could all join with her. “You must be the First Generation Warriors that have the local authorities in such an uproar.” One of the Triad of Romans spoke, stepping forward to extend a hand. “Our Triad still patrols the city. We were called in to track you down. Instead we came here, knowing this was one place Aylen would be safe.” This one, Baer didn’t trust. Thrusting Aylen behind him, he faced the Roman squarely. “Why would you go against the WCGA? When was your awakening? What caused it?”
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Warriors had many gifts, many latent talents. However, most of them were not awakened by chance. Warriors were loyal until either in the presence of their mates, or an elder awakened their abilities. Being in close proximity to any First Gen Warriors would cause some of their genetic psychic talents to awaken, but generally they had to be trained to use all of their special attributes. Who had awakened these Warriors? There were no First Gen Warriors in the area closer than the Badlands, far to the south. “The girl, Juliette,” the Roman replied simply, shrugging his shoulders. “I don’t know how. We are sometimes tasked to guard her on the way to school after long vacations at home. Her father is an important man. She -- awakened us somehow.” “Are you saying a child is your mate?” Tyger demanded, his hand caressing his weapon once more. “By the gods, no!” The Roman looked truly appalled by the notion. “But the child is… different. She has the looks of neither her mother nor father. We escorted the councilman’s wife home from the lab where the child was born. Even as a child the woman wouldn’t touch Juliette. But we have felt different since that first day. Eventually we found our way here, spying where and when we could. We share useful information to those here in the underground, until the time comes when we must leave.” Baer, Wulf and Tyger exchanged meaningful glances. Now was not the time to delve into it, but the mystery of Juliette had to be solved, and soon. “Are you the only Warriors assigned to track us?” Baer asked more quietly. It was hard to think clearly. The half-mating had left him harder than he’d been before they sampled her body. He needed to complete their mating. “No, there are Apaches after you. We were merely told to be on the lookout.” The Roman shrugged again. “We came here because we found your craft. You are going to need transport back to the Badlands.” Well, hell, they weren’t going to have to negotiate much after all. These men, Warriors, brothers-in-arms, had done it for them, as they would have done in the compound.
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“We have a ship that can sail you south of Camerico into the Badlands, but you will have to trek to wherever you are going,” the main pirate spoke up again. “The ship is being made ready now. We leave within the hour.” “We are in your debt.” Tyger spoke graciously, the tension in his body fading, making Baer’s tension fade as well. “We ask that you take the Marine Warriors with you,” the Roman pressed. “They are deserters -- the WCGA have been looking for them for some time. We -- we cannot explain it, but we feel they should go.” Baer knew all too well the strange new sensation the newer Warriors were feeling. The certain knowledge of things unseen could be disorienting at first. “There is no need to explain,” Baer waved a hand dismissively. “If you feel that is the need, we can do nothing but comply with your request.” Baer extended his hand to the Roman. “Strength and honor, my brother.” He clasped the man’s forearm and honored him with a Roman salute of his fist over his heart. The Warrior raised his chin, accepting the farewell for what it was. “May the wind be at your back and speed your voyage.” They were Warriors. Honor ran deep, and Baer knew he could count these Romans as his allies in the time ahead. The Marines led them through a long tunnel. By the smell of it, it had been used as a sewer, and recently so. The stench was almost unbearable, and more than once Baer saw Aylen cover her nose with the sleeve of her shirt. No lights showed them the way. They simply walked, trusting the Marines to see them safely through. Various turns and twists veered off from the main pipeline, but they stayed on the widest route. When they reached the end of the line, a series of iron rungs lined the tube leading upward. Without a word, they climbed, one of the Marines going first to heft the big, heavy covering to the tunnel’s entrance. The evening air had never smelled so fresh. Baer knew he’d feel unclean until they’d bathed. Nothing like walking through shitsmelling foulness to dampen one’s spirit.
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As he turned, the sea welcomed him with its clean, cool breeze. A pirate vessel, one he had seen on numerous occasions, sailed into view. The port was protected as best as it could be, but the sea was still choppy with oncoming weather. The sleek vessel rolled and pitched, but her crew seemed oblivious to the motion, walking -- even running -- across her decks with all the grace of dancers. Aylen turned to Baer, her eyes wide. “Pardon my language, but no fucking way.” Amusement skittered over Baer’s senses. Aylen may have trepidations about getting on the vessel, but there was another problem she was suffering from right now. Her body temperature was high, her breathing ragged. The way she was pressing her thighs together as she stood spoke volumes. Their little mate was suffering from the fever and trying to mask her agitation with fear of another sort. Her body ached to be filled by Wulf and himself to complete their mating. She wasn’t afraid, exactly, but Baer knew she was very uncomfortable. “Don’t worry, little one,” Baer whispered in her ear. “We promise to keep you well occupied. You won’t feel anything but your mates for some time to come.” “What about Juliette? I’m not leaving that child to run around a rolling ship and get tossed overboard while we play hide the banana. That’s insane!” She was fighting her need hard now, letting her agitation manifest with a sharp tongue and sarcasm. Baer had to smother a grin. Somehow, he doubted she’d appreciate his amusement. “Look.” He pointed to where the little girl was being carried by Vic, the biggest Marine. He looked fierce and deadly… except for the child with her arms securely around his neck. The others flanked him, guarding the man and child, more than capable of looking after one small girl. “She’s well taken care of. I doubt anyone -- man, woman, or child -- could have better bodyguards. Trust us to keep you both safe. I swear we won’t let you down.” It was a promise Baer intended to keep, and he knew without a doubt Tyger and Wulf felt exactly the same.
Chapter Eight Wulf was delighted that the pirates had heated water and a large bathing tub in the quarters his Triad and Aylen had been assigned. The pirates, well-known smugglers of products most regular people would never see in a lifetime, had an assortment of fine soaps and bath salts, just perfect for treating Aylen to the kind of lavish attention that would be hers for the rest of her days. Stripping off the clothing the pirates had provided for her back in the underground city was one of the greatest pleasures Wulf had ever experienced. This time, they were unhurried, taking their time. Tyger lounged after stripping himself, using a cleansing cloth until he could bathe. They all needed a bath, but Aylen would go first. They all recognized her need to be clean after the underground journey. Inch by slow inch, Wulf and Baer revealed her silky flesh. Raw sienna colored skin beckoned them, tempted them. It was all Wulf could do not to seduce her right then. Had he not been in her mind and known her distaste of the scent lingering on all of them, he probably would have. Soaping her soft skin held such delights, and creating fluffy white suds against the darkness of her skin was a beauty to behold. Wulf’s cock twitched behind his trousers. He was as hard as he’d ever been, harder probably. This was his mate -- their mate! He’d had a teasing taste of her before, but this was the real thing. This would seal their bond and unite them as long as they lived. It would ease the mating fever in Aylen, but she would always crave their touch. It was as much physical as it was emotional. The bond between mates was more intimate than any other bond a Warrior might have. Easing Aylen’s head back, Wulf caressed her scalp, soaping the thick tresses with mint-scented shampoo. Her eyes closed, a look of utter calm on her face. Wulf almost
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hated to stop the slow massage she seemed to enjoy so much, but the three of them had more urgent needs. Even now, Baer soaped her limbs, his big hands easily circling her arms, sliding up her calves. He didn’t touch her in a sexual manner, but it was hard not to be aroused by all that lovely, bare skin. Baer was. Wulf certainly was. Aylen was caught in a sensual haze on the verge of turning into a frenzy. Outwardly, she was calm. Wulf knew she tried to hide her reactions, needing to be in control of her body if nothing else. She had thus far accepted everything they’d thrown at her, but she had to be feeling like they were taking over her life. They were and, much as he wanted to give her an apology, Wulf knew he could not. He was sorry it had to be her to make the sacrifices, but he wasn’t sorry they’d taken her and Juliette with them. Once they had thoroughly cleansed Aylen, Wulf and Baer left the task of brushing her long, chestnut hair to Tyger while they bathed. She held her towel firmly to her chest, clutching the soft, plush material to her as if it was her lifeline. Wulf knew she wasn’t afraid of them. She was afraid of herself, of her reaction to them, though she kept it stoically inside, refusing to admit it to them. “The mating fever is natural between mates, especially when they’ve not shared their bodies with everyone in the group.” Tyger’s deep voice was soft, soothing. Wulf was grateful his pod mate had come to accept their union, if only in a small way. “It will lessen somewhat, but will always remain at times. You will need us as much as we need you. There is nothing to fear.” She looked back and smiled at him. “I’m not afraid. It’s just that the emotions are very intense. It’s a little uncomfortable.” “Do you trust us?” Tyger’s question was a whispered seduction, a calling impossible to resist. Wulf felt its allure in Aylen’s mind. She did trust them. More than she’d ever trusted anyone. “Just tell me what you want me to do,” she whispered. “I don’t fully understand everything, but it feels right. You feel right. I know in my very soul we all belong together.”
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“Then join with Wulf and Baer. Let them know the joy that I found in your body, and we will all be one.” She stood, her hair spilling around her, freely curling around her face and shoulders in damp, silky tendrils. Surely the sirens of old couldn’t look more alluring than she did. Wulf and Baer dried themselves quickly, more than ready for her. As she approached them, she held her arms outstretched to them, welcoming them to the haven of her body. Her smile was beautiful, her body even more so. She was perfect, everything they could ever want or need. Wulf reached for her, gladly taking her offered hand and pulling her into his arms. Baer pressed himself against her back, both men kissing her neck and shoulders. It was a tender assault, nothing short of loving and gentle. Wulf wasn’t sure how long it would stay that way, but she deserved tenderness. Warriors weren’t generally known for their gentleness, but in this case they’d make an effort. Finding her mouth with his, Wulf teased her lips, delving his tongue deep inside. Her whimpers were the sweetest music, filling the cabin with sighs and groans from all four of them. Wulf hooked her leg over his hip, finding her feminine entrance already slick and welcoming. Her skin burned with the fever, needing what only they could give her. Baer urged her to circle Wulf’s hip with her other leg, lifting her and supporting her weight as she was suspended between them. She slid her pussy over the length of Wulf’s cock, teasing him with the silky wetness outside her body, evidence she was, indeed, ready for him. Heat flashed through him with the force of a firestorm, taking the breath from his lungs, silencing his gasp of need and pleasure. Her flesh was scorching hot, nearly burning him where she wrapped around him. It was normal for the mating fever, but he was certain the wait to claim all of them had increased her need. Even now, he sensed she held herself back, afraid of the intensity of her emotions. She was a strong woman indeed. “Let yourself go, Aylen,” Baer whispered. It was Wulf’s greatest desire as well. “Don’t hold back. Tell us -- show us -- what you need.”
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“Oh, God,” she whispered in a shaky voice. “Oh, God!” Aylen threw her head back to lie on Baer’s shoulder and screamed as her lower body glided over Wulf’s. Wulf was certain the entire ship heard her needy cry, but it mattered little. What mattered was the writhing woman in their arms, suspended above the ground, held only by their strength without regard for her own safety. She trusted that to them as she trusted them with her body and pleasure. Wulf gripped her hips, holding her still as he inched his shaft inside her welcoming body. She arched her back to receive him, tilting her hips as best she could. Gripping his wrists, Aylen dug her nails into Wulf’s skin as she used the leverage to pull herself more fully onto his cock. Baer’s hands came around her torso to cover her breasts, teasing and pinching the taut nipples. Immediately, she let go of one of Wulf’s wrists to circle her arm around Baer’s neck, pulling his head down to meet her hungry lips. Her tongue flicked out, darting into Baer’s mouth. Aylen gasped, the sound followed closely by Baer’s sigh. This was how Wulf needed her. Wild. Uninhibited. He wanted her inner need to show in her lovemaking. Aggressive. Needy. Hungry. All for them. Once he was seated fully inside her, Wulf looked up to see Baer lift his head, his expression fierce. Strands of her hair caught on the slight stubble of his jaw, connecting them. Her body knew to whom it belonged, and this was just another way she accepted them. With a hunger he hadn’t felt in more than a century, Wulf thrust into Aylen. Each time he retreated, he plunged into her harder, faster, needing the sweet friction of her body’s silky glide around his. It was heaven. It was hell. The need to come was second only to the need to see to her pleasure, and he was sorely afraid he wouldn’t be able to hold off his own orgasm long enough for her to reach hers. Desperately, Wulf reached to their joined bodies and found her clit. The sensitive little nub peeked out from the sparse hair surrounding her sex, as if seeking his touch. Almost immediately, Aylen let go another scream of pleasure. This time, her inner muscles contracted around him, milking him of his seed as he exploded deep inside her.
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He pulled her tightly against him as he emptied himself, needing to know he’d filled her. That primal need of a male to plant a piece of himself inside his female was strong, and he couldn’t seem to let her loose, though he knew he needed to. He could feel her continual need -- stronger instead of lessening after her orgasm -- as well as Baer’s fierce arousal. Once he’d taken her, the circle would be complete and the mating ensured. Her discomfort would lessen for a time, and they could concentrate on getting back to their home in the Badlands. With a growl, Baer pulled her away from Wulf, setting her feet on the floor and gripping her waist. Wulf’s legs were a little rubbery, but he stood there when she twined her arms around his neck, pulling him to her for a passion-filled kiss, a kiss of need so elemental it made him want her all over again. Baer guided his cock between her legs, and Wulf knew the moment the thick head found her entrance. Aylen stiffened and sucked in a sharp breath, only to let it out in a slow hiss as Baer sank deeply into her. It didn’t take long for Baer to find a comfortable pace for both of them. He held her hips when she tried to throw them back at him, and she turned her head to look at him over her shoulder and hissed. Baer’s eyes glowed a feral, eerie blue in his lust, and he snarled right back at her. Neither seemed to care that the other looked ready to kill -in fact, it seemed to fuel their bodies’ reactions even more. Aylen stood up, Baer’s cock pistoning inside her all the while, and gripped his ass, urging him on. Beads of moisture slid between her breasts, both from her own perspiration and the droplets of water clinging to Baer’s long hair. The two of them looked like heathen deities in the midst of a fierce coupling the likes of which would probably make the spirits blush. Baer’s big body dwarfed hers, but they moved in complete harmony despite the look of violent need radiating from them. Finally, Baer hooked one arm around her body to find her clit. Two seconds later, both of them screamed their completion. Baer’s roar nearly deafened Wulf, and Aylen tossed her head, slinging her hair all around Baer. She looked wild, uninhibited. Fierce.
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Baer sank to the cabin floor, careful to keep Aylen on top of him. Seed trickled from where their bodies joined down her thighs and Baer’s balls. The sounds of gasps and ragged breathing and sighs filled the room, but otherwise nothing stirred. Tyger stood from where he’d been stroking himself, watching the erotic display, and picked up a cloth, wetting it in the remains of the bath. He carefully cleaned both Aylen and Baer before rinsing the cloth and doing the same for Wulf. None of them said anything. There really wasn’t much to say. Tomorrow, they’d reach the limit of this vessel to carry them. They’d begin the second leg of their journey, taking their woman and the child, along with the Marines, to their home in the Badlands. Tonight, they needed rest to be at their most alert. With the mating fever satisfied for the moment, they shouldn’t have a problem sleeping. Wulf picked up an exhausted Aylen from Baer’s arms and took her to the large bed the pirates had so graciously provided for the four of them. He took his place on Aylen’s right side while Tyger wrapped his body protectively around her on the left. Baer snuggled in behind Tyger, his arm draped over the other man to find the curve of Aylen’s waist. With one last contented and exhausted sigh, Wulf closed his eyes and slept.
Chapter Nine The pirates dropped anchor inside a natural harbor made by one of the many earthquakes following the war. It was tricky to get to, but once inside, the water lapped gently, the sea buffered from the churning waves that would have made entry to this particular stretch of shoreline impossible otherwise. Most larger WCGA vessels could never approach this area, and it made for a relatively safe port, if closely watched. The pirates had to be quick with any loading or unloading. The six Warriors disembarked with little Juliette carried, once again, by the biggest, meanest looking Marine. Aylen couldn’t help but smile. Juliette was rapidly wrapping those three around her little finger. Winding their way through the dense foliage to a small inland river, the group made camp. Daylight was rapidly waning, and they needed to get a shelter made before it was too dark for them to see. The moon was full, but the canopy of trees was thick, blocking out all light. Once the sun was too low in the sky, the darkness would be absolute. While the Warriors set up camp and Juliette snuggled contentedly in her Warrior’s lap, sound asleep, Aylen followed the river downstream. She wanted some private time away from the men who were now her mates. Much as she was growing to really like the big guys, they could be oppressive at times, and she needed a little space. She wanted a cool dip in the water alone. Her body was deliciously sore, but she needed to gather her thoughts and regroup. The swim was invigorating, waking all her senses. It seemed her body was still so very hot, yearning for her Warriors to fill her again, but they were busy, and she needed a little time to come to grips with the wild changes in her life.
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Just yesterday she had been a boring schoolteacher, no real prospects or adventures in her future. Now she was the mate of not just Warriors, but First Gen Warriors. Letting her thoughts take over, she hadn’t meant swim so far out into the water, but she had never seen real wildlife like this before. A school of perhaps five pink dolphins with turquoise stripes down their backs swam and jumped in the water, singing a sweet song, lulling her closer and closer. She was entranced by the beautiful river creatures. One made another graceful jump into the air, changing from an aquatic creature in midair into the shape of a man, plucking her from the surface and plunging her deep into the cold water. There had been no time to scream, no warning. One moment she was admiring pretty dolphins, the next she was being dragged under the cool water unable to catch her breath, unable to fight it. Strong arms encased her, pinning her own arms to her sides. She could hear muted cries of alarm. Felt rather than saw someone plunging in the water after them, but the strange, pink-colored men with streaming turquoise hair swam fast, deeper, deeper, until Aylen thought her lungs would burst. Panic gripped her, threatening to strangle her as surely as the water would if she dared to take a breath. In her terror-filled mind, she screamed for her men, sure they would be her only salvation. At the moment she felt she might pass out from lack of air, the dolphin men emerged in some kind of underwater cave, setting her on dry land as she fought to gulp in air. “Pretty human,” one of the pale pink men purred in a strange, deeply accented voice. Out of the water, the men were even more intimidating, standing taller than most humans, though perhaps not as tall as Warriors. Their hair, eyelashes, eyebrows and eyes were the same deep shade of turquoise, though there wasn’t any other place which had a trace of hair -- not even their manhood. Cocks hung proud and free, not to mention abnormally large, with little ticklers that came out underneath the head.
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“You give us pretty mermaid children.” Another pressed close, attempting to touch her breasts before she slapped away the hand that felt far too warm for river creatures. She wasn’t certain she could fight them all off if they chose to molest her, but she knew she’d give it everything she had. “She’s not giving you anything.” Aylen wanted to weep at the sight of her Warriors emerging from the water, looking fierce and sinister. It was Tyger who spoke now, drawing a wicked looking blade in each hand as he did so. In fact, they all drew their weapons. Behind her Warriors, Alec and Michael emerged from the water as well, looking maybe not as fierce, but every bit as determined. One of the pink dolphin men grasped her wrist, yanking her to her feet and pushing her toward the others of his kind before turning to face the Warriors. “She is ours. We found her -- we will breed her,” the pink man proclaimed in his unsettling voice. It was at the same time melodious and grating. Aylen wanted to clap her hands over her ears and close her eyes. Without warning or discussion, Tyger charged, Baer and Wulf less than a second behind. Though the pink men had no weapons, they were agile, quick on their feet. Strange, barb-like things emerged from their wrists and ankles. They were sharp and lethal looking. Fortunately, with the Marines engaging the other two pink men who had held her between them, Aylen was able to scramble away, closer to the water’s edge, but she could not dive in to swim back to the surface. Not when her men might be in danger. Although her Comanches slashed at the dolphin men with deadly precision, the barbs struck Wulf deep in the thigh. The blood didn’t slow him down. He fought on, inflicting far more grievous wounds on the pink man he fought, though Aylen could feel the burning pain throbbing deep in his muscle, and she had to muffle a cry. The last thing she wanted was to distract them when they were in such danger. Tears came to her eyes as she tried to be brave for Wulf, for all of them. They had been terrified when they saw her plucked from the river. She felt that now, as well as their rage. Another male dared not only to touch her, but they thought
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to mate with her. The mere thought was sending her mates into a fury. She had to be strong for them, willing them all the power she could muster as the fight seemed to drag on. Baer was sending her messages telepathically, telling her to escape now, but she just couldn’t. She had to be here for them, had to send them as much of her strength as she could, especially to Wulf, who was still standing in sheer tenacity. One of the Marines, Alec, seemed to notice Wulf’s weakened condition as well, because he moved to assist Wulf, receiving a cut to his forearm for his troubles. It was nowhere near as deep as Wulf’s, but then again, Aylen couldn’t sense anything from him like she could her mates. Her heart pounded in fear as Warriors and dolphin men seemed to whirl and dart around the cave in a deadly dance. Knives flashed and barbs clashed with steel, never yielding, never slowing. “Stop!” the lead pink man jumped back, his men with him. They looked more like pink, red and turquoise now, rivulets of blood flowing freely from various wounds on their strange skin. “She loves you. We had not considered that.” No one moved for a few moments. All of them had wounds in varying degrees, Wulf’s obviously the most serious. They gasped for breath, sides heaving, sweat streaming. “We will let you have her. But be warned, and let your people be warned, we need women. We will come to your cities and take them if necessary.” As quickly as they appeared, the dolphin men were gone, disappearing in the darkness of the cave where Aylen heard a resounding splash echo in the underwater cavern. “Come, little one, we must get to the surface before they return with more from their tribe.” Baer held her as he led her to the water. “Take a deep breath, then merge your mind with mine.” This time her lungs didn’t burn for air as they made the trek back to the river’s edge, though she could feel Wulf had to be assisted by the Marines and Tyger in order to make it back to shore. Aylen dragged herself to her feet, running as fast as she could to Wulf’s side when he crawled from the water. Juliette followed close behind, huddling next to the
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fallen Warrior, crouching against the shelter of his body. In her fist, she clutched a wicked looking knife. They were definitely going to have to have a talk with Juliette’s Marine about what was and was not appropriate for a child to carry. Taking the knife gently from Juliette, Aylen hugged the child close, examining Wulf’s torn and bleeding thigh. The others were rapidly breaking up the camp, wary of the water now, knowing the scent of battle was heavy in the air. “They will be on us soon,” Tyger stated, sniffing the air, nostrils flaring. “They try to stay downwind, but the rising storm carries their scent to me. They are close. Perhaps only a mile or two off.” Baer grunted his assent as he brushed the ground carefully, removing all traces of their presence along with much of the evidence of battle, though they knew the Apache Warriors wouldn’t be fooled easily. One of the Marines limped slightly, testing a twisted ankle, while the other bandaged a wound on his upper arm. None appeared to be in mortal danger. Aylen dressed the vicious tear as best she could and helped Wulf to his feet. Juliette ran straight to her Warrior and raised her arms, fully expecting to be picked up by the hulking man. Vic didn’t even flinch, but scooped the child up in one arm, hefting his pack with the other. “Who’d have thought such a hulking monster could be tamed by such a small child?” Baer muttered as he helped a groaning Wulf to his feet. The big Marine snarled at him, but quickly looked back at Juliette and winked. Aylen grinned at Juliette as the child beamed at her, looking for all the world as if she were with a favorite uncle. “Quickly,” Tyger urged. “We have to get moving.” “There’s no way to get the women to safety before the Apache Warriors reach us.” Baer clenched and unclenched his fists, more agitated than Aylen had seen him yet. Helplessness and indecision rolled off him in waves. Every instinct he had screamed at him to protect her and Juliette, but he had a duty to the other Warriors in the compound. If he and his Triad took the swift route to safety, the Apaches would know exactly where their compound was, and no one would be safe.
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Aylen could appreciate their concern. Baer was right. But whatever happened from this point forward, she was proud of her men. All of them had fought valiantly. Side by side. She knew trusting Warriors they’d only just met was a huge leap for them. They didn’t trust readily outside their own Triad, especially when their mate was involved. She knew alliances had been forged this night that would last for the rest of their lives. All of them would be stronger for it. “It would appear you have a bit of a problem.” The voice was muffled, as the speaker was covered from head to throat with only his eyes exposed. Wearing black clothing with only a hit of greens, he and his companion blended almost seamlessly with the thick vegetation. His companion stood behind him in the best defensive position. They were fast and silent. Not even a whisper of cloth escaped when they moved. Tyger hissed with distaste. “Ninja.” “Don’t act so surprised. You know we’ve always known your every move.” Aylen stepped protectively in front of Wulf but he shoved her behind him. The Marines moved to circle the Ninjas in a loose ring. “What is it you want?” Wulf demanded. Aylen felt the unease and suspicion in his mind, but nothing to indicate they were in any immediate danger. The Ninja shook his head. “Such distrust.” Baer snorted. “You’re sneaky. We don’t like sneaky.” “I’m sneaky,” Juliette piped up. “Does that mean you don’t like me?” Her big Marine stepped close to her and took her hand, pulling her firmly against him. “Of course we like you, Juliette.” It was the first time Aylen had heard the big man speak. He kept his eyes firmly trained on the Ninja, but his words were soft and reassuring. “The compound you’re headed to is a haven for all Warriors. It must be safeguarded at all times. We might not dwell there, but we recognize the need for such places in the Badlands.” The Ninja spoke matter-of-factly, not in the least perturbed at
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the lack of trust on the part of any of the Warriors. “Take your wounded, disguise your trail as best you can. We’ll lay a false trail for the Apaches to follow.” “They won’t be easy to fool,” Tyger mused. “They are master trackers and Warriors at that. Every sense born to them of their ancestors is heightened a hundred fold. If you fail, we will lead them straight to the compound.” “Then I guess you’ll just have to trust us.” With that, the Ninja and his pod mate were gone. Aylen shivered at the misgivings of her men, but there was very little else they could do other than try to get Wulf back home to heal. The Marines weren’t injured as badly, but they’d all taken painful, if shallow, cuts and puncture wounds. With a snarl, Tyger hefted one of Wulf’s arms over his shoulder to aid him in walking. Aylen didn’t like it anymore than the men did, but they really had no other choice. As quickly as they could with an injured comrade to care for, the small band headed deeper into the Badlands, toward home.
Chapter Ten Tyger knew Wulf’s strength was fading. He’d lost a horrible amount of blood from the wound in his thigh. It was very likely the pink dolphin had at least nicked Wulf’s femoral artery during the battle. They needed to make it to the compound as quickly as possible. The one thing that would speed his natural healing process just wasn’t possible while trekking through the Badlands. Their senses needed to be alert for the various predators that could take one unaware. The incident with the pink dolphins had scared them all shitless. For the Marines, it was natural to protect those weaker than themselves; it was a thing bred into every Warrior. For Wulf, Baer and himself, it was their worst fear come to life. They could not lose Aylen. She was a blessing they had never imagined, never dared dream to have. They would all fight to the death to ensure her safety and happiness. Which was another reason they could not stop to heal Wulf just yet. The process would involve all of them joining. As they were all still in the midst of the unseen but deeply dangerous creatures of the Badlands, having sex was not an option. As much as he and Baer tried to block their ominous presence from Aylen’s consciousness, her gifts were being awakened faster than Tyger could remember in any mate. That meant she felt the things that watched them as they trekked through dense, tropical forest. Her quick, darting glances into the underbrush and up into the trees proved that. There was so much of this world of which the humans were ignorant. For now, Tyger was glad. For the most part the creatures, humanoid and others, would leave them alone. There was an unspoken truce this close to the compound. Both Aylen and the Marines might have sensed the eyes on them, and were understandably
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wary; however, Juliette was completely at peace, though Tyger could sense the little girl not only knew about the unseen creatures, but was somehow projecting peace to them. What was this child? They would need to convene a full council to combine their powers to puzzle out the question of exactly what Juliette was. That she was a descendant of a Warrior was a given, but how had she come to live as a daughter of a member of the WCGA? Why was she so powerful so young? What was more, why was this child able to awaken the dormant powers of fully grown Warriors? These were all questions that had to be left for later. The top priority right now was getting Wulf home and healing him. Not to mention easing the sexual frustration coming off their mate in waves. Aylen’s thoughts were a jumble of worry over the creatures of the Badlands, even more worry over Wulf, and a growing need to mate that had her wet and needy. Knowing her thoughts was surely going to be a distraction, but the most pleasant kind. Never had Ravyn been so bold in her fantasies, though she gave all in the sleeping quarters. Finally the compound was in sight, some younger Warriors rushing out to meet them and assist in carrying Wulf to their lodge. Not surprisingly, the other Elders -- a Scottish Highland duo, a Triad of Samurai, a Templar who had lost his mate, and a foursome of Aztecs who were originally two duos who had banded together after each had lost the third to their original Triads, all convened right in front of the lodge as soon as they made it to the door. “We cannot speak now,” Tyger groused, understanding the Elder Council’s need to know, but needing to bind with his family even more. “We know you have found an unexpected blessing on your journey,” Sukemasa, a solemn Samurai, spoke gravely and, Tyger knew, with great reluctance. “It gives so many of us hope. Yet we must ask about the child.” Baer growled, ready to argue, Tyger could sense; however, he never got the chance. Wriggling out of the big Marine’s arms and jumping down to her feet, Juliette faced the Elders without fear. Although every one of the Warriors towered over her, the little girl planted her hands on her hips and scowled at each of them ferociously.
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“We’ve been through a bunch of scary things, and Wulf is hurt.” Tyger bit back a smile at how very serious the tiny person sounded. What was more, her anger came out so strongly it felt like a physical push. Each and every Elder took a step back, looking at her in awe. “Aylen should go away with Tyger and Baer to help Wulf.” She wrinkled her brow, looking slightly confused. “I don’t really understand why. I just know she needs to. You can ask your questions later -- for now my daddies need a place to rest, and I want to take a nap.” For a moment no one spoke. They all stared at the child, wide eyed in wonder. It seemed she’d adopted the Marines, never having raised a cry or protest at being taken away from her father. It was as unchildlike as her fierce defense of her friends. And what exactly was the child sensing about the mating heat? They’d known there was something different about her, but she seemed to sense things most others couldn’t. Meztli, one of the Aztecs and a fierce warrior with a soft voice, stepped forward and knelt at the little girl’s feet. “You don’t like us, little sister?” “You should be nice and let us rest. We’re tired. Wulf will be okay, but only if Tyger, Baer, and Aylen are alone for a while. Everyone is asking too many questions, and it makes me mad.” She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Meztli, unflinching. Another Aztec, Itztli, smothered a grin while another in the Quatra, Manauia, chuckled outright and spoke. “You are correct, little sister. The Comanche and Marines will have time to rest and collect themselves before we interrogate them.” “You should ask nicely instead of demanding,” Juliette chastised. “Didn’t your mommy or daddy teach you manners?” “We dinna have parents, little sister,” Duncan, one of the Highlanders spoke, circling the little girl while considering her carefully. “Speakin’ of parents, who are yours?” Tyger had had enough. This could go on for hours; they had a pod mate to heal and a mate to satisfy. He had no patience left for this.
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“We will deal with this later.” His growl left no room for argument. Even the Elder Council members knew when the Comanche meant business. Tyger glanced at Baer, who slung Wulf’s arm over his shoulder and, with Aylen’s help, headed toward their lodge. None of them looked back or slowed for anyone other than Wulf, the others effectively dismissed from thought. Juliette would be safe with the Marines she’d adopted. They would care for the child. It was time for Tyger, Baer, and Aylen to care for Wulf. The Triad needed to reconnect mind, body and soul to help ease the mating fever in them all. Tyger entered the lodge first, lighting candles and stoking a fire in the center of the large structure. Even still, they had plenty of room to rest comfortably. Aylen entered next, followed by Wulf and Baer. Aylen moved swiftly, fluffing pillows and laying down quilts, effectively making a bed for her wounded lover. “Lay him down,” she directed. “We need to see what damage has been done.” Tyger knew Aylen was running on blind instinct and her innate compassion. She thought of nothing so much as easing Wulf’s pain. What she didn’t know was that their desire and love for each other could speed his healing once they joined if they were in perfect harmony. It would be no easy task, but Tyger had no doubt Aylen could do her part in the joining. His only concern was himself. He’d almost lost her. Even now, the thought sent a chill down his spine and threatened to choke him. Wulf wasn’t mortally wounded, but should there be a battle, Wulf would be of little use in protecting either Aylen or Juliette. A Warrior couldn’t tolerate such a slight to his honor. Wulf less than most. Once Wulf lay in the furs and blankets, he lifted a hand to Aylen, a slight smile on his pain-lined face. “Come here, Aylen.” He stretched out his hand, which she took without hesitation. Tyger and Baer looked at one another, stepping back into the shadows to prepare themselves for the coming mating. “You’re hurt, Wulf.” Her gaze slid from his face down his body, and she shoved his vest aside, examining his torso for wounds. Like the others, he was covered in a multitude of small scratches, but the wound on his thigh was much worse. Tyger
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watched as she carefully slid down Wulf’s trousers to get to the jagged wound. It was deep. Ugly. The flesh torn all the way to the bone and barely missing the artery and vein running along his inner thigh. Wulf let out a slow hiss as she gently wiped the blood from his thigh with a damp cloth. Sweat glistened on his skin in the flickering firelight while she tended to him. Once the gash was cleaned to Aylen’s satisfaction, she bandaged it with a thick, bulky dressing, tying it tightly around his leg. “That should work for now. You need medicine so it doesn’t get infected.” He smiled. “You think too much like a human, Aylen. We are genetically enhanced to withstand bacteria and poisons. The pink dolphins were vicious, but they do not seek to kill their prey. Only fend them off from what they consider theirs.” He tilted his head, studying her face intently. Tyger shifted his stance as he watched restlessly. They were all still in the mating fever, though it was much less urgent. The sexual energy they generated during the last of the mating fever should be enough for Wulf to heal himself easily. She blinked at him, then shook her head and shrugged, sighing. “I don’t suppose it matters. As long as you’re all right, that’s all I care about.” “Kiss me, beloved,” Wulf whispered, pulling her close. Aylen sprawled over his upper body, trying to push away from him slightly in alarm. Tyger felt her burning need to protect him, even from herself. She absolutely didn’t want to cause him more pain. “Hush, little love. You can’t hurt me. Our love could never hurt me.” Wulf lifted his upper body to capture Aylen’s lips with his. After only a brief resistance, Aylen let herself go into his keeping. The surrender was a sweet balm to all three Warriors. She didn’t understand the healing power of sexual energy, but she was willing to follow their lead. Baer approached the couple silently. Naked and unashamed, his larger frame enfolded Aylen from behind. Their legs intertwined, and Baer urged her to kiss Wulf again. Tyger reveled in the heat surrounding the trio, longing to be a part of it, knowing he should be a part of it. He’d pulled back from Aylen, if only slightly, after the awful
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fright of almost losing her. He’d tried to close off a part of himself to protect his heart, but looking at her now, he knew it was a losing battle. She gave so freely of herself. She trusted the three of them to keep her safe. To keep Juliette safe. The least he could do for her after she accepted them so completely was to try to put aside his own fears and accept the precious gift he’d been given. Tyger stepped closer, watching as Baer kissed his way down Aylen’s back, nipping gently at the curve of her waist. Soft sighs came from her delicate throat, filling the air with the most exquisite music. Baer’s thick erection bounced against her thigh, arching upward, seeking her entrance. Wulf was just as eager, if less able at the moment, but he kept kissing Aylen. The love and lust he felt for her were nearly overwhelming, Baer’s feelings just as strong and true. Aylen pushed away from Wulf, looking at Tyger with confusion and hurt on her lovely face. For a moment, Tyger’s heart stopped. What had upset her? She reached out her hand to Tyger, her heart in her eyes. “We need you,” she whispered. “I need you. As much as I want this, I need you to be a part of it.” Sighing, he scrubbed his hands through his hair, knowing there was no way he could continue to hold himself away from her or the other members of the Triad. Finding Aylen had unbalanced him. Since then, he’d tried to hold himself aloof only to slip enough that there was no going back. Deep down, he’d known that the first time he’d made love with Aylen and the Triad. Had they not almost lost Aylen, Tyger had no doubt he could have assimilated into their new life easily. He simply didn’t want to go through the pain of losing a mate again. It had almost killed them all. Sometimes, Tyger wished he’d joined her, but that would separate him from his other mates, and that was just as unacceptable. “Am I not worth taking a chance, Tyger?” Aylen’s soft, sad whisper penetrated his heart as nothing else could. Not even his pod mates had been able to fill the void Ravyn had left with her passing. In that one softly spoken question, Tyger felt the pieces of his heart, his soul, finally knit back together. There might always be scares, but they would only give him character. Make him stronger.
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“More than any of us, Aylen,” Tyger said fiercely, “you are worth anything. You have the heart of a Warrior and I’m proud -- so very proud -- to have you as my mate.” Nothing more needed to be said. Tyger knelt on the other side of Wulf and leaned over his pod mate to kiss Aylen. She sighed into his mouth, apparently satisfied he was now completely hers. Her warmth was magic to him. In that moment, he let go of everything. Pain. Pride. Longing. All of it. He let it go and put himself in the hands of his mates. Together. They could do this together.
Chapter Eleven Aylen had been so sure when they’d made love before that Tyger had fully accepted her place in their lives. After they’d all fought for her, to keep her at their side, she’d felt Tyger pulling away again. Not anymore. She felt the threads of his soul straightening and reaching for all of them, needing to twine with them to complete them all. Finally the last piece of his heart was theirs. She felt it with every fiber of her being. As he kissed her, Aylen smiled. Nothing could keep them apart now. They were truly one. She could feel them in her mind, her heart. Baer moved down her body, over the curve of her ass to her thighs, pushing them apart with his broad shoulders. Aylen sucked in a gasp when she felt his warm breath on her sex. The first swipe of his tongue made her blood run hot. She screamed, arching her back and rubbing herself against his questing tongue. He took each fold of her cunt between his lips and sucked delicately, building her pleasure. Her position leaning over Wulf’s body to kiss Tyger placed her breasts over Wulf’s mouth, which he took full advantage of. Capturing one nipple with his mouth, her mate sucked and teased the hard peak with his teeth only to ease the ache with the flat of his tongue. One hand held her breast still for his delicious assault. Sensations swamped Aylen. Tyger’s taste lingered on her tongue even as he moved his kisses to her neck, nipping and sucking her as he went. She would bear his mark on her skin, but she knew she’d wear it with pride. The men stroked and rubbed her body with reverent urgency, each movement of their hands and mouth increasing in intensity with every moment. Their masculine
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growls and groans thrilled her as nothing else could. She loved knowing they enjoyed her body. “Sit across my thighs, beloved,” Wulf commanded. “I want you to ride me when we complete our joining and end the mating fever.” Aylen hesitated, though the raw hunger and need in his voice and eyes was impossible to ignore. “I don’t want to hurt you, Wulf.” “You won’t.” He gave her a lopsided grin full of mischief. “I’m a lot tougher than I look.” Snorting inelegantly, Aylen did as he ordered. Sliding her leg over his waist, she lowered herself against his body, his cock trapped between his stomach and her pussy. Immediately, Baer and Tyger found her breasts. Each man took one nipple into his mouth, and Aylen threw her head back, cradling them to her and rubbing her pussy over Wulf’s cock. “Yesssss,” she hissed, unable to do much more than simply feel. This was right. Perfect. They fit, and she wanted to find out just how perfectly. As if he read her mind, Wulf reached between them and adjusted the angle of his cock so that, with the next slide of her pussy, he slid into her in one smooth glide. Aylen gave a sharp cry, seating herself carefully, allowing her body to adjust to his length and girth. He filled her so completely, perfectly, but she knew this was only the beginning. She had two other mates eager to join her, and she would welcome them however they chose to do it. Baer moved behind her, squeezing her rounded bottom and occasionally dipping to the place where she was joined to Wulf. Aylen knew moisture leaked steadily from her body. With every movement of their bodies, her womb clenched, sending liquid desire from her body to ready her for her men. How she could take more, Aylen didn’t know. There was already so much pleasure surrounding her, coursing through her, she wasn’t sure she could survive much more. She had no time to contemplate it further because the blunt tip of Baer’s finger caressed the rose of her ass and all thought ceased for her. Glorious, astounding pleasure filled her senses. The feeling of both men invading her body was erotic and
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naughty, a pleasure all its own. With her mind sharing a merge with her men, she felt not only her pleasure, but theirs as well. It was all overwhelming, and she embraced it like it was her only lifeline. Tunneling his fingers through her hair, Tyger commanded her attention silently. He stood before her, his cock standing up proudly, unashamed. Aylen looked at him. The hot lust in his eyes shone brightly. She smiled, opened her mouth, and took him inside. The velvet feel of him in her mouth had a sinful, sexy flavor to it. She was doing things she never thought to do in her life. She’d certainly never thought she’d actually have a mate, let alone three. What they were doing was so beyond anything she’d ever dreamed of, all she could do was follow where they led. She’d do that. Gladly. These men had shown more love and caring for her than anyone in her entire life. She wasn’t about to let them down because of any hesitation on her part. With Tyger and Wulf both inside her, Aylen waited somewhat impatiently for the last link in their union. Baer was busy filling and stretching her, being careful to take it slowly so he didn’t hurt her. She could feel the need paramount in his mind. He wanted to take her as badly as he wanted to breathe, but he absolutely refused to have her feel any discomfort, no matter how long he had to wait. Wulf reached between them to find her clit with his thumb. Her first orgasm washed over her, filling her with a surge of power that left her gasping and convulsing inside. She squeezed Wulf’s cock spasmodically, unable to control what was happening to her body. Wulf hissed and Tyger gasped. At first she was afraid she’d bitten him. The pleasure had been so intense, she couldn’t remember what she’d done. When she tried to pull away, he fisted her hair tightly, holding her to him. “No!” His hoarse shout did something to her insides. She had done this to him. She had done this to all of them. “The power of your pleasure is incredible! Don’t pull away from me, Aylen. Not now. Not ever!” There was no way she was going to survive this. She could feel the spiritual energy crackling around them. A thought she should be scared of what was happening
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flitted across her consciousness, but it was no more than a glimmer of doubt before she embraced her destiny. Nothing that felt this good could be bad. Big, firm hands on her hips stilled her movements as Baer guided the blunt tip to her back entrance. He felt slick and cool, and Aylen knew he’d used an additional lubricant to ease his passage and see to her comfort. Inch by slow inch, he pushed the thick head of his shaft inside her. Carefully, he eased out of her again only to advance once more, keeping up the slow, easy rhythm until his tight belly was mashed pleasantly against her bottom. She was so incredibly full Aylen wasn’t sure she could move. And she didn’t have to. Her men did all the work, allowing her to simply feel. At first, she was uncomfortable, but it was no more than a brief passing before her body stretched to accommodate the erotic invasion. It was as if her body was made for this, for these men. Their bodies moved as one, never more than she could handle, always taking her to the edge of pleasure and passion but never allowing her to reach that ultimate goal. They built pleasure to a fever pitch until Aylen thought she’d die from unfulfilled desire. Just when she thought she couldn’t take another second, an orgasm unlike anything she’d ever dreamed or heard about exploded through her being. Wave after wave of sensual pleasure crested and swept her into a sea of sensation where only Tyger and Wulf and Baer existed with her. Her world was these three men and the love she felt for them in her heart. She knew without a doubt they loved her just as much. They didn’t have to say it, she felt it. It was foremost in their minds, but, more importantly, she could feel it in the way they touched her, in the way they made love to her. Always, their thoughts had been for her comfort. That was the way it was supposed to be. Power prickled Aylen’s skin as her body’s pleasure became physical in nature and spread from one of them to the other. It was so strong the air shimmered with it and the fine hairs on their bodies stood on end with the unleashed energy. Another fierce release took all of them by surprise. Wulf and Baer shouted a long, intense scream of pleasure that filled Aylen with their essence. She too screamed around Tyger’s cock,
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even as he tried to pull away from her. She gripped his hips with both her hands and held him to her, allowing him to explode in her mouth so that she took every drop of him inside her as she had Baer and Wulf. When their pleasure faded, so did the power sizzling around them, until only a faint glow around them remained. Aylen collapsed on top of Wulf, her breath coming in deep, ragged gasps. It took her a few seconds to realize she was probably hurting him. His injuries, while cleaned and dressed, had to hurt like hell. She rolled off him, pulling her body from him and Baer. All three men groaned, and Baer fell to his side away from Wulf, rolling to his back while Tyger simply sat back on his heels. “I’m getting too old for this,” Baer groaned, though Aylen noticed he had a smile on his face. Knowing Wulf’s wound was probably open and bleeding again, Aylen scrambled back to him, removing the dressing carefully. She had been afraid the bulky covering would stick to the wound, but when she removed it, all she found was pink skin. No blood or jagged flesh marred his thigh. The wound was completely healed. All she could do was stare in amazement. “What the hell?” Wulf grinned up at her. “Being genetically created has its advantages from time to time, though I daresay the government didn’t intend for this to happen.” “I don’t understand.” Aylen looked at each of them, confusion foremost in her mind. “The sexual energy we produce during a mating of all mates at the same time can heal almost any illness or injury. No one knows exactly how it works, only that it does,” Tyger explained. “None of us has any remaining injuries,” Baer continued. “It only works with the combination of male and female. I don’t know for sure, but I’ve always suspected that it’s the female’s energy that does the majority of the healing. We Warriors were made to fight and kill. Not to heal.” Aylen thought about it for a moment before responding. “No,” she finally said. “I’m not sure about the energy thing, but I can tell you one thing with absolute
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certainty. You were not made to kill. You were made to protect. There’s a difference between wanting to kill and killing for survival. The three of you are fierce in battle, but I’ve known nothing but gentleness from you since we met. Even when you were angry with me, thinking I was a puppet of the WCGA, you didn’t harm me or Juliette.” Aylen had never been more passionate about anything in her life. These men might be Warriors, but they weren’t killers. “You’re simply trying to fight for the survival of your people, including all Warriors and their families. And that is the only kind of mate I’d ever want.”
Chapter Twelve The gathering of Elders had been delayed for a day. Once alone in their own home, it had been impossible to tear themselves away from Aylen even for a moment. They almost hadn’t made it to the Elder Lodge tonight either, but Aylen was still mostly human and needed rest, which was actually a good thing. The moon was full tonight. It was a perfect time for a gathering. With little Juliette seated in the center of the room under direct moonlight and Aylen situated between Tyger and Wulf, all the Elders assembled in a circle, combining their energies and gifts and centering it all on the little girl. For her part, Juliette sat silent and still. With a maturity far beyond her years, she gazed solemnly ahead of her, allowing the essence of the Elders to wash over her. Although the child seemed to be able to block others out of her mind at will, she allowed the Elders free access now, holding herself completely open. Yet there was a part of her that remained locked, not just from the Elders, but from Juliette herself. “Juliette, we need you to close your eyes,” Philippe French, the Templar Knight, instructed the little girl. “Reach inside yourself to the place locked away from you.” “Picture a door, cherie,” Philippe’s only remaining pod mate, Gérard, added. “Do you see it?” All eyes focused on the little one, who had obediently closed her eyes and was indeed reaching inside herself. Each one of the Elders shared their strength with her, as well as Aylen, the only mate present. As the mate of an Elder, she was gifted with the same amount of gifts her mates had. Through them, she had the power of a First Generation Warrior. None of the other Elders had mates, none that were alive. In this
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instant, Aylen was a distinct blessing, adding a tender touch that soothed the child while the Warriors pushed. “I see it!” Juliette declared excitedly, almost bouncing up and down in her joy. At least her aura bounced. Baer had to smile at the perseverance and tenacity of the little girl. Would the children his Triad had with Aylen be as fearless and as courageous as Juliette? Probably more so, given the backbone of steel Aylen possessed. “C’est bon,” Gérard encouraged. “Now reach out and open that door, cherie. Walk boldly inside and seize the knowledge that is yours.” The Elders all closed their eyes eagerly, joining their minds with Juliette’s. Inside each Warrior was the knowledge of their origins, ancient and new. If this child was the descendant of a Warrior pod, their history was written inside her, though she could have probably never accessed the knowledge on her own. In an Elder circle they should all be able to see who Juliette was simply by joining with her. Only that wasn’t what happened. While they could see the child walking boldly through the hidden door in the innermost recesses of her mind, none of the Elders could see clearly as they attempted to follow. Once that knowledge was unlocked, the dark corner of her brain became flooded with light, blinding them as they tried to stumble along. It was too much. They could not see to go further, nor could they see clearly as the child obviously could, judging by the vibrations of absolute joy that radiated off the little girl… and Aylen. Baer watched in his mind’s eye as their mate walked boldly with Juliette, holding her hand and sharing the unfettered joy the child felt. Trying to retrieve the information from Aylen wasn’t working either, though it wasn’t the child or their mate that was blocking this time. It was another. “Juliette, cherie, do not forget we are here waiting,” Philippe called to the little girl. “Can you open your mind to us a little more? We cannot see what you are seeing.”
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“I’m not blocking you,” Juliette insisted, her voice as happy as the waves emanating from her. “It’s not me, it’s my mother! My real mother, not the woman they sent me to live with.” And just like that, the connection each Elder had with her was abruptly cut, casting them out of her head with such force, they all rocked back. Eyes snapped open, looks of pure disbelief shared around the circle. That was not the child; there had been someone inside Juliette. There wasn’t a Warrior in the compound strong enough not only to invade her mind, but force fourteen Elders out of one little girl’s mind. Only not everyone had been forced out. Aylen was still in there with the little girl, linked inside whatever it was that had lain dormant inside the child. Baer’s heart jumped to his throat as he sent a searching glance toward Tyger and Wulf. There was nothing any of them could do. They couldn’t call her back because they couldn’t get back into Juliette’s head no matter how hard they tried. It wasn’t unheard of for someone to become lost inside another’s mind. There had been rumors of such happening to mates who refused their Warriors. After a prolonged separation, the women had been drawn into their Warriors’ consciousness even miles away. If Aylen was trapped inside Juliette’s head, it might be impossible to get all of her back again. “We have to do something!” Baer hadn’t felt this scared even with the dolphin men. In this case, they were completely helpless. Unable to reach Aylen, unable to fight. They could not lose her! Not after they had just found her! “She will be fine,” Tyger growled, though Baer knew Tyger was every bit as panicked as he was. Wulf said nothing, merely drawing the body of their woman close, trying to calm the fear threatening to choke them all. The other Elders said nothing, adding every bit of power they had to the Comanche Triad. Baer wanted to roar to the heavens, unable to find an outlet for the angry frustration and unspeakable fear threatening to choke him, to choke them all.
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“Be at peace, my loves. Your new mate is fine. She will return to you soon. She is merely escorting an anxious little girl to meet her mother. Allow me to wait with you and ease your minds and hearts.” That voice! Baer knew that voice as well as he knew Tyger’s, Wulf’s or his own. It had been so very long since he’d heard the calm, dulcet sound, soothing like a cool stream on a blistering day. “Ravyn?” Tyger’s voice broke, and Baer could feel the tears that gathered not only in his pod mates’ eyes, but his own as well. As his lips formed her name, Ravyn’s tall, slender form swirled and shimmered in front of them like sparkling mist in the morning fog. “My big, strong Baer. You’re not so frightened by my spirit come to offer you my blessings, are you?” Ravyn chided him with a smile as he stared in fascination at the shadow of her form. No more substantial than smoke, their deceased mate smiled down at them all. She cast a long lingering look at the body Wulf was cradling. “We have not forgotten you.” He felt like a fool saying it. There they were cradling this new woman -- how was the original supposed to feel about that? He didn’t say it out loud. To do so seemed… wrong in some way. Much to his surprise, the spirit of Ravyn merely laughed, a tinkle in the wind. “Oh, you three. How could you think I would be sad?” A ghost of a finger trailed across Baer’s cheek; not cold, but it lacked the substantial warmth of flesh. Her eyes, however, were full of warmth and love, her smile bright and genuine. “I am in a place beyond such a thing. A hundred years is more than enough mourning for anyone. I would never wish such a lonely existence on you. I love you still -- will always love you -- but she can love you in the way of the living. I can only love you in spirit.” “How is this possible?” Tyger demanded. “Why have you never come to us before?” The spirit looked to the little girl, whose eyes were closed tight, a ghost of a smile across her lips.
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“Thank the child and your mate. I never had the strength to come, though I wanted to so many times. Even now, only Aylen’s overwhelming need to ease your suffering and fear for her allows me to be here. She desires your comfort above all else and has tasked me with it, which I accepted gladly.” Ravyn smiled, a sad quirk of her lips laced with longing. “I have always been with you. But now it is time for me to move on. Now that I know you will be loved as deeply, as fiercely as I love you, I am at peace. Let me go and embrace your future.” Baer’s heart filled to the point he thought it would burst. He felt it too from Tyger and Wulf, but for far different reasons. While Baer was relieved and grateful for Ravyn’s blessings, her love and acceptance of Aylen was more than he had ever dared hope for. Baer could feel the healing warmth intended for Tyger’s lingering, confused guilt, freeing his pod mate more than he or Wulf could have ever done. Oh, Tyger had accepted Aylen with his whole heart, but deep inside Baer knew Tyger felt as if he was being unfaithful to Ravyn’s memory. Now Ravyn herself had set him free. “Take heart, brothers.” Ravyn turned to the other Elders with a brighter smile, this one not the bittersweet grin with which she had gazed upon the Warriors who had been her mates. No, Baer saw a hint of mischief in the bright smile. “You too shall be as blessed. Keep the eyes of your heart open.” Baer could feel the collective shock of the Warriors assembled, felt their questions bubbling up. However, Ravyn began to fade before any of them could say a word. “Be well, my loves… and love your new mate well.” With those parting words she was gone. As soon as her shade dissolved the Elders erupted in a cacophony of voices equally confused and cautiously optimistic. With all their collective gifts, not one of them had ever sensed a mate for any of them. “Wulf? Tyger? Baer? Who was that? What happened?” The sound of Aylen’s voice was like a balm to Baer’s frayed nerves. She was back! “That was Ravyn.” Tyger’s voice sounded gruff with emotion, though Baer noted he’d reached over to take a firm grasp of Aylen’s hand. Baer too moved closer,
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more relieved than words could express, both by Aylen’s return to her body as well as Ravyn’s final blessings. “Sweetheart, tell us what happened,” Baer pressed. It seemed they all needed to touch her, to make sure she was really there and all right. “We could not follow you and the little one inside her mind.” “Oh, that. We met Juliette’s mother.” All talking inside the lodge ceased, all eyes swinging from Aylen, to Juliette, then back to Aylen. “I am afraid you will have to expand on that, beloved,” Baer pressed. A child born outside the union of mates, raised with his or her parents, could perhaps sense their parents at a much older age. Much, much older. None had ever heard of mind-tomind communication with their offspring. They could sense when a child was in trouble, sense a child’s feelings, but true communication was only done within a pod and later with a mate. “Her mother. She called herself a Valkyrie, which didn’t make sense because they are fictional, ancient Earth mythology right?” Aylen asked, genuinely confused. “Maybe she is addled in some way, because she is apparently locked away in some government run facility.” “My mother is not addled. She is a Warrior, just like all of them!” Juliette jumped to her feet, looking every bit as ferocious as any full-grown Warrior. “The WCGA keeps her locked away so that no one would ever know who she is, just like they do with all the others!” Once again silence descended on the group. Female Warrior? Such a thing was unheard of! Baer was about to comment, but Wulf placed a hand on his knee and nodded toward the entrance to the lodge. Alec, Vic, and Michael, Juliette’s Marines, rushed inside. They looked ready to do battle, their fists clenching and unclenching as they swept the room, looking for dangers. Juliette must have noticed their tension, because she ran to them and jumped into Vic’s arms.
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“Are you taking me to find my real mommy?” Her voice was all sweetness and innocence, but her eyes were as fierce as the Marines’. Vic wrapped his arms securely around the child, pulling her close and kissing her temple. Looking over her head at the elders gathered around them, he uttered one word. “Yes.”
Chapter Thirteen Saying good-bye to Ravyn had been the most emotionally draining thing Aylen had ever experienced. Even though the other woman had welcomed Aylen with open arms, Aylen still felt awkward. It had been an intensely private moment between Tyger, Baer and Wulf and their lost mate. Aylen might be their mate now, but she was still sure they’d want some time aloneto comfort each other. Though Aylen loved the three men and had shared part of her spirit with Ravyn, she did not grieve for the woman as her mates did, which was only natural. Closing her mind to them, not wishing to intrude on their time of closure to the overwhelming grief they’d had at Ravyn’s passing, Aylen exited the lodge and found the Marines. Once she was certain Juliette was safe and happy, she went to her Warriors’ lodge to await them. “You left us,” Tyger said gently. Aylen jumped a little, startled. She hadn’t expected them to be there yet. “We’re in this together.” “I just thought you guys would need a little time alone.” Her voice was husky with emotion, but she couldn’t help it. “Not from you.” Wulf’s gentle voice wrapped around her heart and squeezed. “Never from you.” Baer stood from where he sat on the plush fur on the floor. All of them were gloriously nude, a slight sheen of sweat coating their bodies. The candlelight made the shadows dance all around them. The images should have been disturbing, but it was oddly comforting, as if her men surrounded her in a loving embrace. “Open your mind to us, beloved.” Baer’s gruff voice was oddly gentle. It was strange how it suited him. He was the fiercest man she’d ever met in battle, but the most gentle and kind person in the world when he was with her.
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“I just didn’t want to intrude.” She smiled up at him. It was difficult to know what these men had gone through when they’d lost Ravyn. They were such passionate men and their hearts had been shattered. The only reason they hadn’t gone insane from the grief had been because they’d had each other. “And now we have you, Aylen.” Tyger moved toward her slowly until he reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. Warm lips moved slowly across her knuckles in an intimate caress. She allowed Tyger to lead her to the furs and remove her clothing one slow inch at a time. All of them kissed every inch of her flesh as they uncovered her body. When she was nude, Baer swept her into his arms only to kneel and lay her gently on the floor in the soft bed of pelts. “You are our mate. Our beloved,” Wulf whispered to her as he kissed her temple and cheek. His silky hair caressed her skin where it touched it and she shivered. She loved the feel of their hair on her body as they kissed and licked her skin. “We share all of us with you. Our sorrow. Our happiness. You are a part of us, no matter what the occasion. We always want you near.” With that, Wulf took her lips gently. The sweet way he caressed her mouth, sweeping his tongue across the seam and delving in to tangle with hers sent her heart soaring. She absolutely loved the way they loved her. Each man had his own brand, his own style, but together they were masterful. Tyger kissed his way up one thigh while Baer lay on the other side of her, stroking her belly and breasts. Aylen’s body burned. Burned for them as she instinctively knew she always would. They were inextricably bound together in a tie none of them wanted to break. Aylen reached for Baer to pull him to her more closely. She needed his mouth on her as the other two were. She wanted it all. All of them, and she was willing to give all of herself in return. Wulf left her lips to trail kisses down her jaw and chin, to her neck, and finally down to her breasts. He and Baer lavished so much attention on her chest and belly, she
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almost forgot what Tyger was doing. Until he reached the apex of her thighs. That clever tongue of his twined its way around her clit and took her to heights of pleasure she had come to associate with their lovemaking. She tangled her hands in Baer’s and Tyger’s long, dark, silky locks, holding the men to her. With two of them at her chest and one between her legs, Aylen was sure there wasn’t anything closer to heaven. Tongues laved. Teeth nipped. All of it conspired to send her over the edge of euphoria into ecstasy. “I love the way you taste, beloved,” Tyger growled from between her thighs. “So damned good…” Aylen flexed her hips, trying to get closer to Tyger’s questing tongue. All of them murmured encouragement to her, driving her closer and closer toward a shattering orgasm. She loved their masculine growls and snarls. Rough hands abraded her skin, Warriors’ hands, callused with countless battles, yet they brought her only pleasure. She loved all of it, all of them. The force that was her Warriors. The great Comanche. And they were hers. With a growl of savage lust, Tyger lifted his head and crawled up her body. The other two parted, merged deep in his mind, knowing what he needed. Aylen welcomed him with open arms and a smile. “My Warriors,” she breathed, opening her mind fully to them, letting her love flow over them as much as she was able. “You’re my beloved. All of you.” Tyger closed his eyes and dipped his head to her breast, taking one nipple into his mouth. Aylen knew he was trying to hide from her, given how hard he’d fought against her at first, but she felt his tears fall to her chest and trickle between her breasts. She urged his head up and pulled him to her, wrapping her legs around him and welcoming him home. He sank into her in one slow thrust, her sheath clutching him as he settled there. Smiling up at him, she flipped them to their sides, presenting her back to Wulf. Baer wrapped his arms around Tyger and found her side, caressing down to the curve of her buttocks. There was nothing to be said. They each knew what they needed and
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weren’t shy about taking it. Even as Aylen watched Baer squeeze the thick fluid from a little tube nestled in the furs, she felt the cool, slick head of Wulf’s cock pressing against her ass, seeking entrance. Aylen pushed back against him, opening herself to both men as her body stretched for their intimate invasion. The burn was a pleasurable pain while she adjusted, both men deep inside her. Their grunts and sighs let her know how much they loved the feel of her as did the intense pleasure building in their minds. Baer’s face grew tense as he fought to take it slow, not wanting to hurt Tyger as he slid inside his pod mate. The pleasure was immediate and intense once they were joined as one. It was as if the connection they already carried normally was amplified several times over. She felt all of them. The pleasure squeezing their shafts in hot warmth. Slowly, carefully, they moved. It took a few moments to get a rhythm going, but the result was worth the effort. The friction on Aylen’s clit as Tyger and Wulf sandwiched her between them was almost unbearable. The throb of Tyger’s shaft inside her as Baer surged into him only increased her pleasure. It was heaven. It was like nothing she’d ever experienced. Her body tingled and throbbed, her climax lying just out of reach, and none of them seemed willing to let her have it yet. Had she not been enjoying herself so much, she might have shrieked at them. As it was, as long as they were together, pleasuring one another as mates, she’d endure. She trusted them enough to let them see to it. The scent of musk, sweat and sex hung heavily in the air, as did the sounds of their breaths and sighs. Her Warriors’ big, muscled bodies surrounded her in erotic warmth as her tongue darted out to catch a bead of sweat trickling down Tyger’s neck to his chest, the salty-sweet taste bursting into her mouth. With that last sensation, Aylen’s orgasm swept over her. She knew she bucked and thrashed about almost wildly, but she couldn’t seem to help it. Tyger gripped her hips to steady her, holding himself tightly against her. His cock throbbed and pulsed, and Aylen knew he was close to coming. With the last of her
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waning strength, she gripped him tightly, encouraging him, coaxing him to come with her. With one last thrust of Baer’s hips, Tyger threw back his head and roared, his seed bursting inside of her. Baer’s face grew fierce, and his gasping shudder signaled his release as well. Not long after, Wulf gripped her breast, clamped down on her shoulder with his teeth and let his own seed spill into Aylen. His orgasm made him shudder and grip her all the tighter, and Aylen gave herself over to him, her body erupting in another fierce orgasm, milking Wulf of all he had to give. None of them could speak for several minutes. Indeed, breathing was hard enough. Aylen laughed in pure, unadulterated joy. These extraordinary men were hers. She wasn’t going back to her former life, and she didn’t regret a single thing that had happened. It had all worked out for the best. “I love you, Aylen,” Tyger said fiercely, turning her to face him and cupping her face in his big hand. “We all do.” She laughed, more carefree than she could ever remember. “I know. I love you too.” She looked at all three of her men. They were everything she could ever want. More than she’d ever expected. And they were Warriors. Her fierce, Comanche Warriors.
Marteeka Karland Erotic romance author by night, emergency room tech/clerk by day, Marteeka Karland works really hard to drive everyone in her life completely and totally nuts. She has been creating stories from her warped imagination since she was in the third grade. Her love of writing blossomed throughout her teenage years until it developed into the totally unorthodox and irreverent style her English teachers tried hard to rid her of. Want to see what’s up with Marteeka? Check out her website at www.marteekakarland.com
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Shara Azod Shara Azod is the first one to admit she is a little off. Her favorite movies are Steel Magnolias and Apocalypse Now, with a little Godfather and Animal House thrown in for fun. When not planning to take over the world, she can usually be found having deep and meaningful conversations with her kids about the meaning of life or trying to talk her husband into buying her weapons -- just in case of Armageddon. Read more at Shara’s website: www.sharaazod.com.
