Page 41 of Their Shared Mate
“Explain what happened right now or I will discipline you,” he warned, expression inflexible.
“I told you what you need to know,” she snapped, chin raised, eyes flashing. “I have no intention of saying any more.”
“Have it your way.” His fingers tightened and he pulled her toward the bed.
“Let go of me!” she yelled, yanking against his hold.
He sat down then bent her across his legs. She kicked and twisted, rearing as he yanked her nightshirt off over her head. “Right now you’ve earned a good hard spanking.” He smackedeach ass cheek to emphasize his claim. “Keep this up and it will get much, much worse.” His hand connected with her bottom over and over. Each slap created a burning sting. “Who wants to return and why are they determined to go?”
Claire clenched her fists and tried not to struggle; tensing just made each impact hurt more. Her other ‘lessons’ had been for her benefit. This was unfair.
He focused on one side and then the other. The heat and discomfort compounded faster that way. Soon her behind throbbed dreadfully, and her skin blazed with pulsing fire. And predictably, the discomfort and humiliation stimulated other sensations. She might be angry and resentful of this lesson, but her body craved her mate.
A harsh sob tore from her throat and she began to struggle again. “Stop,” she pleaded. Then louder, “Stop! I only lied because you wouldn’t let it go.”
His hand came to rest on her burning ass, and he gave each cheek a firm squeeze. “You lied to avoid the truth, which indicates that the truth is damning.” He pulled her up and placed her beside him.
She gasped and rocked forward, taking as much of her weight off her tender bottom as possible.
Cupping her chin, Raphael angled her face until she looked into his eyes. “Is the female in danger?”
His penetrating stare made her feel exposed and vulnerable, so she closed her eyes and nodded.
“Look at me.”
She shook her head and wiggled, trying to find a position that hurt a little less.
“Is it just one female or is the male a danger to all of them?”
“It’s just one.” Hope flickered through Claire. Could she offer him just enough honesty to satisfy his curiosity, or would he keep asking questions until she had no choice but to lie again?
“Will returning Heather to the feline village defuse the danger for everyone?”
Her eyes flew open, and she fought back a gasp. “How did you know it was Heather?”
“It was an educated guess.” Raphael stroked the side of her face with his knuckles, his expression still grim. “Tell me who upset her.”
Claire shook her head. She would gladly endure a sore bottom to protect her friend. “It’s not important.”
Victor walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his lean hips. “It sounds like you started without me.”
“Our mate had a momentary relapse into dishonesty, but she’s better now,” Raphael told him.
“That’s too bad,” Victor said, his voice low and slightly menacing. “I was hoping to assist with her lesson. She’d been so well behaved lately. I’ve missed punishing her.”
Claire sucked in a nervous breath. Raphael’s punishments were always straightforward, usually a firm hand spanking. Victor, on the other hand, could be incredibly cruel. He used a confusing mixture of pleasure and pain to communicate his expectations and demonstrate his control over her.
“Well, she is refusing to divulge important information,” Raphael pointed out with a sexy smile. “That too is a punishable offense.”
Claire shot to her feet and moved away from the bed. “I don’t want to play these games tonight. You already spanked me. That’s enough.”
Victor chuckled, but there was no humor in the sound. “Haven’t you learned by now, mate? You are not in control once the lesson begins.”
“I learned my lesson,” she objected, heart beginning to pound. “Raphael spanked me, so I told him the truth.”
“You told me part of the truth,” he clarified, “and I did not give you permission to use my name.”
She gritted her teeth. She’d foolishly allowed herself to think that her punishment was over. “Yes, Sir.”
