Page 7 of In Prey We Trust

Between that and cultivating a garden out back, it’s kept him from retreating to the bell tower to brood over her absence.

I’d be lying if I said he was wrong about commandeering the entire area for our family, though. They connected the annex to both my library and his mini tower. Plus, it’s spacious enough to hold everyone once we can congregate. He put our theory boards in the sunroom with a view of the river and garden, so our work will be safe from visitors.

“It’s puzzling to me as well, mon ami. But Fitzgerald is nothing if not a mystery only ma petite seems to be able to solve. Perhaps she’s had her paws in his silence?”

My lips curve as raven curls fall out of the messy bun he’s been wearing to keep the longer locks from getting in his face. Chess showed him how to scoop it all up in a hysterical lesson that our girl would have thoroughly enjoyed watching. He won’t say why he’s growing it out, but I noticed even straight laced Felix seems to forego his usual cropped look now and I assume it’s because Dolly likes it.

Hmmph. I’ll not be joining that little boy band soon.

The dragon inside of me flares up, disagreeing with my decision not to indulge his mate in any way she demands. Sending him the internal version of a middle finger, I roll my eyes and stroke my hand over the sand cat in my lap. If my animal thinks I’ll roll over for every one of her whims, he’s got a battle coming. Fitz and Chess spoil her enough as it is. I’m watching my oldest companion flit about like an interior decorator to make certain every single thing she could want is within her grasp.

Felix is right; she needs a firm hand or two so she doesn’t get out of control.

That makes my dragon snort and I huff, scratching Jinx again to distract myself from the much more vocal behavior of my inner beast. “You’re not the boss of me.”

“What?” Rennie says as he looks over his shoulder in confusion. “Who said I was?”

“No one,” I grumble. “At least, no one who wants to live has.”

He grins, walking over to pick Jinx up and set her on the floor. Once she toddles over to a pile of pillows and curls up, he drops into my lap, lounging lazily. “That’s not a game we play, mon ami. Is the thought of adding our belle lapin making you ponder new scenarios?”

Blinking, I consider that for a moment and shake my head. “That will probably be the bailiwick of our exiled Raj. I’m more interested in your favorite—the chase.”

“Oh, she likes to be chased. Her scent fills with excitement, arousal, and this bit of fear from her animal that’s delicious,” Ren coos as he leans into me.

Wrapping my arms around him, I rub my cheek on his head, feeling my body respond to that picture. “I can’t believe she asked you to hunt her—in public, no less. Snacksize surprises me like no one has in my long life, except for you.”

The gargoyle shrugs with a mischievous grin. “Our girl calls us all in different ways, mon fougueux. You’ve kept her at arm’s length long enough, I believe. Perhaps when she arrives, we might take her flying again? Would that soothe the flames consuming you?”

Pulling back, I look at the shifter who became the center of my world despite every obstacle I put in his way. “I’d love to, even if it will piss Fitz the hell off. He definitely knows one of our secrets now, and he’ll assume we’re whisking her away for something sexier than eating.”

“Who says we aren’t?” His hand comes up to cradle my jaw as he kisses me thoroughly enough to leave us both breathless. “I find that idea very appealing, Lord Draconis.”

Chuckling as I tug his shirt off, I arch a brow. “Do you, Monsieur Laveaux? Just what might we be doing on this steamier journey?”

“Oh, so many delectable things,” he says as I tug on his nipple rings playfully. “We can chase her through the trees until one of us catches her. Loser takes bottom.”

I laugh again, tickling my fingers down his abs to trace around his belly button. “Mmm. Is that a reward or a punishment? I can’t decide.”

“In this game, no one loses, mon amour. Everyone wins.”

I can’t argue with that.

Instead of responding, I unbutton his fly and lift his cock out, stroking it slowly. He shudders when I tighten my grip—my gargoyle loves a bite of pain with his pleasure. Leaning in, I scrape my slightly elongated fangs over his shoulder as my hand works his shaft. “Tell me more, Rennie. If you're the bottom, what else is happening?”

His breath comes out in a soft hiss, but he looks at me with electric blue eyes. “For me to be the bottom, our darling rabbit would have to make good on that pegging promise she made to Fitz at the rave.”

My hand cups his balls, rolling them in my palm as I nod. “Mmm. She’ll need a harness then.”

“Fuck,” he growls low. “Our girl would be magnifique trussed up in Domme leather and straps. Especially with you fucking her above me.”

Merciful Ra, I’m going to lose control of myself picturing this shit.

“Oh, yes, babe. That primal urge in her will make her a rowdy one. She’ll fuck the living shit out of you if we make sure there’s a little surprise for her on that strap-on. Would you like that?” His ass is wiggling over me so I know the answer, but I want to see him come apart before I get relief. Renard is beautiful when he’s pushed to let it all go and I want him to fall over the edge while we discuss sharing the lovely Delores.

“Ummm. Clit stim inside… got it,” he pants raggedly as I continue jacking his cock roughly. “You’ll wait until she’s dripping and then take her from behind. Her screams are even musical.”

Of course they fucking are.

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