A Growl, a Roar, and a Purr Page 5

  Horvan grumbled but then pulled on his jeans and T-shirt. “I don’t know about you, but I need a drink.” He walked over to the cabinet, opened it, and took two squat glasses from a shelf inside. “How about you?”

  “Whiskey if you have it.” Rael got dressed, his heartbeat returning to normal.

  Horvan said nothing but poured the whiskey. He handed a glass to Rael, then indicated the couch. “So… mates?” His brow was furrowed.

  Rael held up his hand defensively. “Hey, I’m only marginally ahead of you. I found out about this in the early hours of this morning.” He sat down and swallowed a mouthful of whiskey, wincing as the fiery liquid hit the back of his throat.

  “But how did you know I was your mate?”

  “I didn’t!” Rael sighed. “I came here to set up a rescue. Finding out you were both a shifter and my mate was as big a surprise to me as it was to you. Believe it or not, mates are incredibly rare.”

  Horvan stilled. “This tiger you want me to rescue… it’s more than just a tiger, isn’t it?”

  Rael nodded. “He’s our mate.”

  His eyes widened. “Our mate?”

  “Well, if he’s mine, it stands to reason he’s yours too. Only don’t quote me, because right now I don’t have a fucking clue.” Inside, he prayed Horvan was going to accept the bombshell Rael had dropped on him.

  Dellan’s freedom depended on it.

  Horvan sagged against the cushions, his glass in his hand. “And why does he need rescuing?”

  As succinctly as he could, Rael shared his suspicions. Horvan’s face darkened as he listened. When Rael finished, Horvan drained his glass, then got up to pour another.

  “You do believe me, don’t you?” Rael asked anxiously. Granted, he was asking a lot.

  Horvan said nothing for a moment but sat on the edge of the seat cushion, his elbows on his knees, staring into his glass. Finally he raised his head and looked Rael in the eye. “I believe you, because all my senses tell me you’re telling the truth. I’m just having a hard time accepting it, that’s all. You walked in here and changed my world.”

  And you think my world hasn’t changed?

  Horvan gave a wry smile. “That will take some getting used to. At least I don’t feel sick now, like I did the first time I heard you inside my head.”

  Rael gaped. “Me too. Both with you and Dellan. It must be a mates thing.” He hesitated, but the question was right there on his lips. “Will you help me?”

  Horvan rolled his eyes. “What kind of man do you think I am? As if I could say no. I mean, I’m an asshole, but ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you I’m not that much of an asshole.”

  Relief flooded through Rael. He put his glass on the coffee table, leaned in to Horvan, and kissed him on the mouth.

  Oh my God. Rael shivered at that first intimate human contact, and he was close enough to feel Horvan’s reaction. Horvan pulled him in, deepening the kiss, and Rael went with it, riding a wave of pleasure, cupping the back of Horvan’s head and drawing him closer.

  Horvan broke the kiss with a gasp. “If that’s how kissing you feels, imagine what it’s gonna be like when we fuck.” Rael caught his breath, and Horvan chuckled. “Yeah. I can see some definite advantages to having mates.”

  At least he accepts it now.

  Horvan arched his eyebrows. “You know I heard that, right?”

  Rael sighed. “You’re right. That part is going to take some getting used to.” Rael’s stomach chose that moment to complain, and his face heated. “Sorry about that.”

  Horvan cupped Rael’s cheek in his hand. “Sweetheart, don’t sweat it. I’m not the delicate type.” Rael gave him a grateful smile, and Horvan’s eyes gleamed. “You ain’t heard nothing until you’ve heard a bear fart.” He winked. “Not that I would ever do that, of course. At least, not without warning.”

  Rael rolled his eyes. “Wow. Really feeling the love here.”

  Horvan patted his knee. “Tell you what. Let me make a few calls. Then we’ll go out and grab some dinner. After, we can come back here and talk some more. Maybe we can come up with a few ideas before the boys get here.”

  “The boys?”

  “I meant what I said on the phone. I can’t do this alone. We’re gonna need more help. And the sooner we get started, the better.” He patted Rael’s knee again. “Don’t worry. They’re good guys. Of course, they lack my charm and wit.” He got up from the couch and walked out of the room.

  Rael bit his lip. Saying nothing.

  I heard that!

  Rael needed to ask someone who knew about such things if there was a way to shield his thoughts. Because having Horvan in his head was one thing, but how on earth would it be when there were two of them? Things could get real noisy inside Rael’s head.

  And another thing to consider. Over what distance could this… telepathy work? Because surely there had to come a point when they couldn’t hear each other.

  Then he considered that last thought. There has to be someone we can talk to who knows about shifter mates. His parents knew next to nothing from the sound of it. What we need is an expert. Except how did one go about finding such a person?

  Horvan appeared in the doorway. “You’re right. We need to know more. And I might be able to help us there.” He gazed pointedly at Rael. “While I’m making my calls, isn’t there someone you need to talk to? I mean, I don’t know you all that well—yet—but what about family, friends?”

  Rael frowned, perplexed. Then it hit him. “Oh Lord, my parents.”

  He’d better make sure they were sitting down first.

  “THESE ARE really good tacos.” Correction—they were good tacos. Rael had pretty much demolished them as soon as they were placed in front of him.

  “Well, you said you like Mexican. I found this place a couple years ago. It’s great when you want a quick bite. And their buffet is awesome.” Horvan took a long drink from his bottle of beer, then leaned back in his chair. “So how did you come to hear about me?”

  “You did an op a few years ago where you rescued that senator’s family who’d been taken and were being kept someplace in the Appalachians. I know Pierce, the journalist who went in there with you.”

  Horvan beamed. “Pierce. Sure, I remember him. Skinny runt but with a good head on him. Two good heads, actually.” He leered. “Not to mention a wicked mouth.”

  Rael stared at him. “Really? You’re going to sit there and reminisce about a blow job in front of your mate? How does ‘highly inappropriate’ sound?”

  Horvan frowned. “Hey, I was single at the time. Plus I was horny.”

  Rael smirked. “Is there ever a time when you’re not?” Horvan seemed to be the typical alpha male, not that Rael had a problem with that. But he certainly did not want to hear about his mate’s sexual conquests. “Tell me about the mission.”

  Horvan shrugged. “It was pretty straightforward. Textbook, really. I don’t think they were expecting the senator to react the way he did.” He smiled. “We were a complete surprise.” Then he laughed. “Oh God. There was one morning before we raided their camp when I just had to shift. Must have been the surroundings. They reminded me of home.”

  “And where’s that?” Rael inquired.

  “New Albany, Indiana. Right on the border with Kentucky. Forests as far as the eye can see. That’s where I go to shift. Anyhow, that morning I got up early, before everyone else, went a distance from the camp, undressed, and shifted.” He sighed. “It was so good. Only, when I got back to camp, all hell had broken loose. Someone else had gotten up early too, and had gone for a morning walk. Trouble was, he’d found my pile of clothing. Plus he’d seen my bear. They were all convinced I’d been eaten or something.” Horvan snickered. “As if a bear was gonna eat me.”

  “I take it they don’t know about you. Your team, that is.”

  Horvan shook his head. “I figure what they don’t know won’t hurt ’em. Let them go around blissfully ignorant of us, like the res
t of humanity.”

  “So how did you explain the clothing?”

  He grinned. “I told them a tale about how I was a secret nudist and liked to go for naked rambles. They bought it, thank God.”

  There was one question Rael had been burning to ask ever since their phone conversation. “I have to ask…. Do you really know fifty-seven ways to kill a man?”

  Horvan chuckled. “More, but I had a bottle of Heinz sauce on the table in front of me when I was talking to you.” He smirked. His phone buzzed, and he picked it up, peering at the screen. “Great. Roadkill will be with us in the morning. He’s catching a late flight.” Horvan peered at Rael’s plate. “You done?”

  Rael chuckled. “Why—aren’t you?” He had to admit, Horvan’s appetite was impressive.

  Horvan shrugged. “I got snacks at the apartment if I get the munchies. But I really think we need to head back there. Tomorrow’s gonna be a busy day by the look of it, and we need our sleep.” Another grin. “And other things.”

  Oh Lord. Rael had a feeling he knew exactly what Horvan was referring to. Only thing was, Rael had ideas on that subject too.

  Ideas he was keeping quiet about.

  HORVAN’S PHONE buzzed as he let them back into the apartment. “And that should be Crank,” he commented as he closed the door. He removed his phone from his pocket and smiled as he gazed at the screen. “Yup. That makes all of them. They’ll be here tomorrow.”

  Rael chuckled. “Your boys have some weird names. So far you’ve mentioned Crank, Roadkill, and Hashtag.” The efficient way Horvan was dealing with the situation instilled confidence.

  Horvan went through the archway into the kitchen. “Their names are practical. Crank flies anything that can fly. Great chopper pilot. Roadkill—”

  “Let me guess. He’s the driver,” Rael surmised. “So Hashtag is your tech guy?”

  Horvan stuck his head around the corner and beamed. “You’re smart. I like that. Yeah, Hashtag’s the man when it comes to tech. I’m making coffee. You want some?”

  Rael nodded, and Horvan went back into the kitchen area. As Rael sat down, his phone vibrated, and he took it from his pocket.

  Okay, your mother has stopped crying now. I’m still stunned. And both of us can’t wait to meet them. THEM.

  Yep. Still can’t take it in. You don’t do things by halves, do you?

  OH. Your mother says she’s going shopping tomorrow for the biggest bed she can find for the guest bedroom.

  Rael couldn’t even think about that part. It got him way too hot under the collar.

  “We didn’t come up with many ideas,” he called out to Horvan.

  “That’s because we were too busy eating,” Horvan called back. “For some reason I was starving.” He popped his head around the corner again and grinned. “I was obviously anticipating tonight’s… exercise.” Then he disappeared from view.

  Rael hadn’t stopped thinking about that ever since Horvan’s comment in the restaurant. He had a feeling Horvan was not going to like what he’d decided, but Rael refused to be moved on this. Provided he could resist Horvan’s charms.

  Of course, for all Rael knew, Horvan could already have seen his decision right there in Rael’s head. Hopefully there were limits to how much his mate could see.

  “How many bedrooms does this place have?”

  Horvan leaned against the wall. “One.” His eyes sparkled. “What a pity. You’ll have to share my bed.” He inclined his head toward the kitchen. “Coffee’s ready.”

  Rael got up and followed him into the adjacent area. “Listen, about the sleeping arrangements. We have to talk.” His pulse quickened.

  Before he could say more, Horvan took him by the shoulders, spun him around, and pushed him gently up against the wall. Rael groaned inwardly at the feel of Horvan’s hard cock at his ass. “Uh-uh. No more talking. Now we fuck.” He slid his large hands down Rael’s body to his butt, squeezing his cheeks.

  “We… we can’t,” Rael gasped.

  Horvan froze. “Why the fuck not? We’re mates, aren’t we?” He leaned in until his breath tickled Rael’s neck. “You telling me you don’t want to fuck? Because….” He slid his hand around and down to cup Rael’s hard-on. “Pants on fire.” He gently squeezed it, and a soft moan spilled from Rael’s lips. Horvan chuckled. “Uh-huh. That doesn’t lie.” He undulated his body, his dick pressing against the seam of Rael’s jeans. “Because I know where this wants to go,” he whispered.

  Fuck. Rael wanted it there too, but this wasn’t the time.

  He turned around, looped his arms around Horvan’s neck, and kissed him, taking his time. Horvan quickly warmed to the kiss, his tongue exploring Rael’s mouth, his hands going around Rael’s waist.

  Rael carefully broke the kiss. “Of course I want you. Right now, I feel like a cat in heat.” He chuckled. “Which, of course, I am. But… not yet, okay?”

  He felt Horvan’s shock in his mind before a word escaped his lips. Horvan blinked. “When, then?”

  Rael took a deep breath. “When it’s all three of us. I’m sorry, but I really feel our first time should be together.” He locked gazes with Horvan. “Try to set aside your raging lust and rampaging libido for a minute and you’ll know I’m right.”

  Horvan stared at him in silence for a moment, then sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging. “You’re right. Not that I like it, and I’m not even sure it makes sense, but yeah, you’re right.”

  A wave of thankfulness crashed over Rael, and he kissed Horvan again before leading him by the hand into the living room. He pointed to the couch. “Then that’s where I’ll sleep tonight.”

  Horvan uttered a low growl but finally nodded. “Okay. But I can see me taking several cold showers while you’re here.” He nodded toward the couch. “Sit. I’ll bring the coffee.”

  Rael sank thankfully onto the couch. Thank God Horvan responded to reason.

  Although there is one thing you should be aware of, sweetheart.

  Rael jerked his head toward the kitchen. “And what’s that?”

  Horvan appeared, carrying two mugs. He handed one to Rael. “If you’re gonna play hard to get, you need to remember what you wrote in that email.” Rael frowned, trying to recall his words, and Horvan grinned. “And I quote, ‘I hear you’re a man who can get into hard places.’” His eyes gleamed. “Challenge accepted.” He nodded toward Rael’s coffee. “Drink before it gets cold. Because then it’s bedtime.”

  Rael realized his first thought had been correct.

  It was going to be a very long night.

  “Baby, you got that right.” Horvan snickered.

  Rael sighed. He was going to have to work on this whole “not thinking” thing.

  RAEL KNEW it was a dream, but it was so real. He was back in the cage again, only this time, Dellan hadn’t come to him. He lay on his branch, his head resting against it, his leg hanging down limply.

  Dellan. It’s me, Rael. Your mate.

  Dellan didn’t move. He gave no sign he’d even heard Rael.

  Please, Dellan. Show me you can hear me.

  At last the tiger slowly raised his head and stared at him. Mate. Need you. So tired. He lowered his head.

  Is something wrong? Rael’s heart pounded. He strode over to Dellan and stroked his fur.

  It was cold.

  Can you shift? Dellan, can you shift back?

  The tiger blinked. Shift?

  Rael nodded. Shift back into a human. Like me.

  Dellan closed his eyes. Not like you. Tiger. Dellan tiger. Not human like mate.

  His speech patterns were beginning to scare Rael. It was as if he’d forgotten how to speak. Rael held Dellan’s head in his hands and stared into those tired eyes that had lost all their luster. Listen to me. You are human. Somewhere deep inside you know this. Find that spark, Dellan. Find the human part of you and hold on to it. Because I’m coming—we’re coming—to save you.

  Dellan pushed his nose into Rael’s hand. Save me. Please. And th
en something snapped, and Rael was pulled from the dream to awaken with a cry, tears pouring out of him. He sat bolt upright, unable to contain the violent sobs shaking him.

  “Hey. Hey.” Horvan was there, his hands so gentle on Rael’s back. “Easy. You were having a bad dream. I could feel it from my bedroom.” He scooped Rael up into his arms like he was made of feathers and carried him out of the living room into the dark bedroom.

  “What… what are you doing?” Rael blurted out between the sobs that still shook him.

  “I’m taking you to my bed. You’re sleeping with me.” Horvan laid him gently on the bed. “Get in.”

  “But… I thought we agreed—”

  Horvan silenced him with a finger to Rael’s lips. “Hush now. I’m just going to hold you, okay? Nothing else, I swear. You’re going to sleep in my arms.”

  With a final sob, Rael realized it was exactly what he needed. “Yes,” he managed to get out. He got beneath the sheets, and Horvan climbed in beside him. He gathered Rael to him and held him close, his arms around Rael’s body, Rael’s back pressed against Horvan’s warm chest.

  Horvan kissed his hair. “Go to sleep, sweetheart.”

  “But the dream… it was so real.” Rael’s heart quaked. “It was like we were losing him.”

  “Then we’ll work as fast as we can to get him out of there, all right? Tomorrow. Wait and see what tomorrow brings.” Another kiss, but this time it was unexpectedly tender. “Sleep, sweetheart.”

  Rael closed his eyes and lost himself in Horvan’s warmth and strength. That wonderful feeling of peace washed over him again, and he knew it came from the connection with his mate.

  Tomorrow, then.

  He prayed it wouldn’t be too late.

  Chapter Six

  MATE. FUCK. I have a mate. Scratch that. Two of ’em. And both needed his help.

  Horvan stood beside the bed, gazing at his sleeping mate and holding a mug of steaming coffee. Rael’s distress the previous night had left Horvan unsettled initially. What assaulted him was guilt that he hadn’t shared Rael’s dream. Then he realized Rael had an advantage—he’d met Dellan in the flesh. Maybe that’s what’s needed to connect us psychically. For all Horvan knew, the first time he laid eyes on the tiger, he’d have the same experience as Rael.