HerMatesEmbrace Page 18

  She wanted to come, but she wanted his cock deep inside her when she did. She needed to feel him thrusting into her and know that he’d find as much satisfaction as she did. It was a struggle, but she had to force something other than moans and pleas past her lips.

  “Your pants.” Even though she ached to feel his cock inside her, she couldn’t stay still. Her hips rocked forward, riding the ridge of his shaft through his pants. The texture of the fabric against her sensitive clit nearly had her eyes rolling up in the back of her head.

  His hands clasped her hips and he guided her movements for a moment before he grimaced and rolled them until her back pressed against the mattress. “Give me a moment and we’ll get right back to this.”

  He rolled off the bed and then tore at the laces on his pants. She muffled a giggle as he muttered curses when the strings knotted. As soon as the ties loosened, he pushed them down. Muscle rippled beneath the light golden skin of his thighs. Her eyes locked on the thick length of his cock. She wanted that.

  He stripped out of those pants in the space of a breath. She smiled as he left the pants where they fell and then crawled back onto the bed. Licking her lips, she reached for him. His arm slid under her shoulders and he pulled her close as his head lowered in a fierce kiss. The scrape of his teeth over her lips sent a shot of hunger through her.

  She didn’t want to resist, much less try to pull away from the growing pleasure. The way he and Colm made her feel was amazing. She didn’t even remember her scars when they were looking at her at times such as these. All that mattered was the touch of their hands and the hunger that rose higher with each breath.

  When his lips brushed over her jaw, she groaned at the loss of his lips on hers. Her hands clutched at his shoulders. Even though they were pressed almost completely body to body, she wanted him closer. She wriggled and strained against him.

  His breath hissed through his lips as her nails sunk into his skin. He turned her until her back pressed against the mattress and he loomed over her. His hands shackled hers, the grip loose, but still holding her as he drew her sharp fingernails away from his shoulders. He pressed her hands down to the bed beside her head. She arched, pulling at her arms to free them. She wanted to touch and stroke and make him crazy with desire.

  His eyes bored into hers and she could see the tension in his face now. He seemed to come to some decision and before she could work out why he was suddenly serious, his mouth fastened over one of her nipples. His teeth scraped and his tongue flicked driving her insane. He freed one of her hands, but growled when she tried to lift it from the bed.

  “Leave it there.” His voice rumbled against her skin as he licked and nipped teasingly all around the swollen mound.

  She shivered, willing to do anything for him as long as he continued the delicious attention to her breast. He hummed in satisfaction when her hand fell back to the bare mattress. The sound ricocheted straight to her core. The muscles in her pussy tightened and moisture seeped onto her thighs.

  “I want…” She didn’t finish her sentence as his hand trailed downward from her breast.

  Her breath hitched as his hand rubbed over her stomach before moving down to cup her pussy. Her hips arched off the bed in demand. He chuckled before drawing her nipple into his mouth. It felt almost too good.

  He gave a long, slow lick over the stiff peak as he lifted his head and their gazes locked. His eyes burned with hunger. He rose over her. Looking down, she saw the hard shaft of his cock. Her breath caught and anticipation drew her muscles taut.

  She almost purred with satisfaction as he moved between her thighs. Her inner muscles clenched in anticipation. That was what she needed. She lifted her head and her lips pressed against his, pouring all of the hunger and anticipation she could into the kiss. He responded with a fierce possession.

  Her fingers clenched against her palms and her nails dug into palms. Even the slight sting of pain did nothing to dull the need writhing and clawing inside her. As his shaft nudged at her entrance, her hips arched off the bed, lifting against his and taking his shaft deep.

  “I can’t get enough of touching you, Cami.” He nuzzled at her neck, kissing her on the shoulder.

  His lips trailed kisses up her throat and across her cheek. His mouth crushed hers as he drove into her, pressing her back into the bed. She moaned. He pushed the hand he still held down into the mattress, but she couldn’t stay still. Her free hand clutched at him and stroked over his back.

  He froze when he’d pushed as deep as he could. His teeth clenched and his head went back. “One day, I’m going to sit you astride me and suck and nibble on those gorgeous breasts until you scream.”

  Oh Gods, the idea sent a bolt of pleasure straight through her. She could see it and wanted it. Her hips rocked against him. She needed him to move. Her body burned. The press of his chest against her breasts made her ache for more. Her nails scraped over his back. He hissed and his hips jerked.

  It seemed to break his control. He growled and he withdrew, only to thrust deep. She dug her nails into his back, holding on with that free hand. Her body rose to meet his every stroke as the need built.

  “More. Please, Linc.” She didn’t care that the words came out on a breathy plea. Her body trembled, so close that the need to come was almost painful.

  Linc kissed her. His tongue drove deep as he thrust into her. She groaned. Her body tightened even more. She strained against him, rubbing her breasts against his chest in a desperate bid to take that last step to pleasure. He nipped her lip. The sting threw her over the edge. She trembled and screamed as the wave of pleasure slammed over her.

  Linc continued thrusting into her. He groaned and stiffened as he came. She held onto him as his weight came down on top of her. She breathed in his scent, content to simply hold him for the moment. She knew that it might not last if they allowed their hands to wander.

  He withdrew and moved to her side. She wanted to grab him and pull him back to her. When he curled an arm around her and pulled her next to him, she relaxed and settled in with her head nestled next to his chest. She needed a little nap.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Cami strolled down the hallway. She looked over her shoulder. She had a feeling she should get out of sight, find some place to hide and stay there for a while. Her skin tingled and she felt a little lightheaded. Flashes of Colm and Linc’s faces filled her mind. She didn’t doubt the sensation was some kind of premonition. She simply didn’t know what she was supposed to do about it.

  Running away was not an option. Hiding, well if there was physical danger and she couldn’t escape or fight her way out, maybe. This wasn’t physical. Colm and Linc wouldn’t hit her. She trusted them that much. She sensed a turning point, but she wasn’t going to walk quietly into it.

  The worst thing about this was that she didn’t even know when it would happen. It could be today or days from now. How was she supposed to plan or find a way to stop it if she didn’t know when it was going to happen? That feeling told her nothing, much less what it would change.

  Sometimes these feelings and images were more of a curse than a blessing. Really, what kind of help were they if they didn’t give her some kind of edge to control the chaos in her life? The help with Laed and Kynar was great and all, but Linc and Colm were causing so much more trouble for her than those two men right now. Other than this vague warning, the abilities hadn’t been much help to her in that regard.

  She decided to head up to her room. Maybe if she sat quietly, closed her eyes and simply breathed, something more would come to her. It was a takeoff of one of the techniques Colm and Linc had taught her to control her power, but she hoped it would help get a little clarification here. She wasn’t going to be pushing or trying to shove the ability back down as she did when she practiced, but she didn’t think it could hurt.

  Worrying as she moved around sure hadn’t helped. If she wasn’t as attracted to those two men, finding more information wouldn’t be an issue. She
grimaced as she started up the steps. If she was going to think about situations where it wouldn’t matter, she might as well go for the big one. If those two men weren’t her mates, she wouldn’t care what was going to happen. She’d have nothing to fear from them.

  “Cami!” The shout came from the bottom of the stairs.

  Cami winced. She had no problem recognizing that deep voice. Colm. Could he sound more demanding? Looking over her shoulder, she glanced down and saw him at the base of the staircase. One hand rested on his hip and the other hung loosely at his side. His eyes narrowed into slits and he looked tensed to chase, as if he expected her to run. That expression almost had her sprinting up the steps. Maybe she should have found a place to hide after all. She had a bad feeling about this.

  “What?” She knew the word carried enough attitude to be considered a challenge.

  She saw the muscle along his jaw flex. He took a deep breath and then held out his hand. That wasn’t good. He was too controlled and focused. He had a clear goal in mind and that meant trouble.

  “Come. We have somewhere to go.” He didn’t move, merely kept his eyes on her.

  “Where? Why?” She turned to face him, but didn’t budge as she stared suspiciously down at him. No way was she going down the stairs. Once she got close enough for him to grab, he wouldn’t need her cooperation.

  “Get down here or I’ll come up and get you. You know you obey your Ardin.” He growled.

  “You’re not my Ardin. The last—” She stumbled back and her heartbeat accelerated when he leaped up the stairs between them. His hand closed around her arm before she could dart up the stairs.

  He snarled down at her. She snarled back. It hadn’t been the wisest thing she’d ever said, but it was almost automatic. He knew she wasn’t ready to make any kind of commitment. She didn’t know why her saying that had such an effect. It wasn’t the first time she’d told him that. She wondered what had happened to draw this reaction.

  This was the cause of the unease she’d felt. She had no doubts, but she’d like to know what had set this in motion. He didn’t decide this on a whim. Why did he want her to go with him and what was so important?

  “Let go. If this doesn’t have anything to do with catching Laed and Kynar, then I don’t have any interest.” She jerked on her arm, trying to get him to release it.

  “You know, I don’t really care if you’re interested or not. We’ve given you space and you continue to try to push for more distance. This is the end of it. Everyone will know what you are to us.” Colm leaned in, his face so close she could feel his breath. His lips pulled back in a fierce, determined snarl.

  She kicked. Her boot smacked into his thigh, but he didn’t even falter. If he kept this up, they were going to end up tumbling down the stairs. It might not be a long fall, but still someone could get hurt. She sunk her nails into his arms and twisted her body in an effort to get free.

  “What happened? You were simply supposed to come get her.” Linc’s voice broke into their struggle.

  “She decided that she didn’t have to obey a simple order to come with me because we’re not her Ardin.” Colm glared down at her.

  The anger and frustration building in her sparked the magic inside her. She didn’t stop trying to slip away from them, even though she knew she was outmatched. If possible, she’d like to blast them down the staircase. Her hands warmed. Wrenching herself to the side, she managed to pull Colm off balance. His hold didn’t even loosen.

  “What’s wrong, Cami?” Linc put his hand on her shoulder, his hold effectively stilling her.

  “This is going to change something.” She glared at him. It galled her that all he had to do was use one hand to control her.

  “Yes, it is, but it’s not the ultimate claim that we want. All it will do is make sure that everyone knows exactly how we see you,” Linc said calmly. “No more denials that you’re only here to catch the false Ardin or that you have no claim on us.”

  “What does it matter what I say? The way you’ve been acting around me pretty much announces it.” She shook her head and glared at them. The magic burned in her at a higher level than her anger now.

  “And you deny it whenever you’re asked. The mixed messages are going to cause problems.” Linc growled.

  He hooked an arm around her waist and lifted her off her feet. Fear had her free hand slapping onto his shoulder for balance. He drew in a hissing breath. His eyes locked with hers. He looked concerned suddenly instead of angry and determined.

  “Grab her hand, Colm. It’s hot and you’d better switch your grip to the other one before the anger makes her control slip.” Linc lowered her to the step, ducked and hoisted her over his shoulder.

  The silent coordination amazed her. As soon as Linc bent, Colm released her so that the other man could easily lift her to his shoulder. She smacked his back as she hung down his back. She only managed to do it once before Colm grabbed her hands.

  He drew in a hissing breath. “Stinging hot. Damn, I had no clue. Her eyes aren’t even glowing yet.”

  “I think it’s focused power and I’d guess she’s having some pretty violent thoughts. Our little Lady is angry. She just doesn’t know how to release it as a weapon yet. Luckily for her. I would have put her over my knee if she managed to use it against us.” Linc growled and walked down the stairs.

  Stretched out as she was with Colm holding her hands, she couldn’t even twist around and bite him. Both men were out of reach and her legs were anchored. They didn’t hesitate as they walked through the hallways of the first floor. They obviously had planned before they came to get her, but she still had no clue about where they were going.

  They turned onto the main hall that led to the outer door, but didn’t go that far. Linc opened a door. Only as they passed through it did she realize it was one of the double doors to the gathering judgment room. She drew in a startled breath. She hadn’t done anything to be brought before them here. Her mind kicked in and she realized that if she’d been the one meant to be judged that they wouldn’t have gone to get her themselves. What kind of game were they playing?

  Colm released her hands and circled around her. Cami felt something pass through the air. She knew it was magic, but since it didn’t settle over her, she had no idea what it was supposed to do. Looking around the room, she didn’t see any change.

  “What do you want that it’s so important that you can’t accept the word ‘no’? I don’t want to take whatever step you’re ready to take. You promised you wouldn’t take anything away from me.” Her hands landed on her hips and she glared at them.

  “We’re not going to take any of your tricks away from you.” Linc’s voice rolled through the room, so calm that she had to look at him to make sure it was the same person. He was still frowning at her and she could see the tenseness of anger there.

  “What are you going to do, then?”

  Linc took a single step forward, but halted when Colm put his hand on his arm. “Watch your tone, Cami.”

  “Why should I? You’re going to do something that you think is going to help claim me.” Her lips curled and she wanted to be able to use the magic against them as Linc thought she would.

  “We’re your Ardin. You will respect us.” Linc’s eyes narrowed.

  She had a feeling he was a breath or one unwise taunt away from hauling her over his knee. He’d threatened something such as that before, but right now he was closer than he’d ever been. The thought was a little intimidating. She took a few deep breaths and tried to calm herself. They obviously weren’t backing down.

  “What are you going to do? What are you planning?” She managed to keep the anger out of her words. A growing feeling of being cornered made her angrier. The magic inside her rose even higher. She began pacing, but the closed doors and the windowless room made the caged feeling even worse.

  “We’re going to show people just what you are to us. The only effect it will have on you is how they perceive your position.” Co
lm stayed where he was in front of the chair.

  “How do you expect to do that? There are those who haven’t believed you with the way you’ve acted so far.” Her jaw ached. They kept pushing and pushing as if they could wear down any resistance to their plans through sheer determination.

  Linc stepped back and waved his hand at the two chairs and the tapestries behind them. Pillows had been placed on the floor in front of the two chairs. Her eyes widened. She stopped abruptly and slowly shook her head. Panic welled in her. There was nothing subtle about what they wanted to do.

  “You can’t make me sit there.” She took a step back. She wanted to run out of the room. The only way they could have made a more blatant claim was with the mating bite.

  Colm laughed, supremely confident. The arrogant man didn’t even tense to chase. She knew he’d seen and noted her taking a step back. Did he expect her simply to walk over there and sit down docilely?

  “You’ll sit where you belong. It’s time to stop denying what you know. We’re not backing down. You will accept us. We haven’t taken away your ability to hide your scent, but you will play this our way from this point on. We know what you are to us and we’re not going to let you pretend anymore.” Linc raised an eyebrow in open challenge.

  “Accept you? How can I do that if you’re forcing me to do something I’m not ready to do?” She threw up her hands and stalked the length of the room again. She didn’t understand how they thought this was going to change anything. It certainly wasn’t going to make her decide to stop using the lotions and tea.

  “Once you start actually taking the position that’s yours, hopefully it will help you realize that you do belong with us,” Linc answered bluntly. “Now get over here and sit down. We have work to do today.”

  “No. If you’re going to do any judging, you’ll do it without me. I won’t pretend to claim a position I’m not ready to take.” She folded her arms across her chest and smiled.

  They might say that they were going to make her do this, but they’d made demands before. While they might not have completely backed down from their wishes at that time, they’d stopped. Sometimes it had been because of her magic and others it had been because she was too agitated. They’d given her space when she needed it. She definitely needed it now.