Page 25 of The Omega's Bloodline: Part One

Caden wasn’t a huge fan of my work with fosters for an animal rescue for the very reason that had saved his life: I couldn’t tell the difference between a shifter and a regular animal, and I was willing to foster just about anything. Five years ago, that had meant I’d happily taken in Caden and his younger brother when they’d shown up injured in my front yard. I hadn’t found out they were shifters until almost two months later.

Now he insisted on sniff-testing any animal that came into the house to make sure I hadn’t hauled in anything dangerous.

“Besides,” I continued, “these are in the baby potato stage. Even if theywereshifters, they’re newborns, so I’m not that concerned.”

Newborns have parents, he pointed out.They’d smell me on you.

“Quit being so stanky, then.” I laughed and gave him a squeeze. “I returned in one piece so there’s no need to be so fussy.”

Protective isn’t fussy.Caden shifted position and dropped us both down to the ground, his massive cat form hovering over me. He settled further, his whole weight draped across me. My bones protested with a series of crackles, and inhaling became a chore.

“You’re killing the spicy vibes.”

Magic made him shimmer and his fur slipped away in favor of skin until his human form stretched out on top of me. Butt naked. Shifting didn’t accommodate for clothing, unfortunately.

Or fortunately, depending on your mood.

It was usually averyfortunate occasion in my house.

I grinned, lifting my wrists over my head and spreading my thighs so he could settle closer to me. Caden pinned me down, a hand on each of my wrists, his hips tucked firmly against mine. His hazel eyes watched me expectantly. I wanted to trace myfingers over the dark stubble at his jaw, but he only held tighter when I tried to move.

“Better?” he asked.

“Mhmm.” I looped my legs around his waist. “Much better.”

“Did you save the kittens, at least?”

Caden dipped down to my throat, his fangs sliding against my neck. He nipped carefully, not quite breaking the skin, and lapped his tongue over the spot. I shivered, need pulsing through me. I strained against his hands and let out a startled moan as he braced me in place, the tips of his fangs resting at the pulse point in my throat.

As much as I love you making that sound, it’s not an answer to my question.

It was too hard to think with my heart hammering and my pussy clenching.

Words.

You know words.

Use them.

Whydidn’t the telepathy work both ways? I could think so much easier than speak in these situations.

“Yes.” I shuddered as he ground his hips down. “The kittens are at the shelter to get their vet check.”

“Mmm,” he murmured against me. “Good, then I have you all to myself.”

His growl turned my insides to liquid fire and I squeaked, clit pulsing, as he freed my hands and laid a palm over my throat to keep me in place. Gods. I was too weak for him. Five years of Caden and I still melted like the first time.

“Now, about that punishment.”

A patterned knock struck the door and Caden froze.

The sound of it kicked my sexy mood right down the drain.

“Who the fuck is that at two in the morning?” I asked.

He slid into his house cat form and dashed toward the door, poking his head through the curtains. A wordless groan from his telepathy was followed by a hiss.

“Who is it?”

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