Asad's Mate

The Felidae 2: Asad’s Mate Jade Buchanan All rights reserved. Copyright ©2007 Jade Buchanan Warning: The unauthorize...

Author: Buchanan Jade

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The Felidae 2: Asad’s Mate Jade Buchanan All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2007 Jade Buchanan

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is

illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary

gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison

and a fine of $250,000.

ISBN: 978-1-59596-631-5

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Changeling Press LLC

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www.ChangelingPress.com

Editor: Connie Alberts

Cover Artist: Bryan Keller

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

The Felidae: Asad’s Mate Jade Buchanan Asad Gatti knows what he wants. Asad has lusted after Catan ever since the pride rescued the little Lynx from a brutal attack, but he is afraid his desire for him will push Catan into running from him. Yet, he wants Catan as his mate. Catan Lynxis is afraid of what he wants. Catan’s dreams are filled with terror. He can’t rid himself of the overwhelming fear he has for the men who attacked him and his family. The only man he has ever wanted is Asad, but he isn’t sure if he can ever be what the big Leo needs. When Catan is captured by the same men who brutalized him once before, with the help of his pride, Asad must do everything he can to save him. Can Asad and Catan ever have a future together when their love is haunted with fear from the past?

Prologue Catan Lynxis paced in the tight confines of his quarters, waiting for someone to tell him he was needed again. They were on their way back from retrieving his pride leader Laithe’s mate and he wasn’t sure how he felt about the whole situation. He was thankful he was lucky enough to have a room to himself, at least. He didn’t want to appear this indecisive in front of the others. The four Gatti brothers had their own rooms, of course. So did the other three pride mates, but that was to be expected. After all, it was their pride. Catan wasn’t supposed to be part of their pride. When they’d found him they hadn’t had a separate room available for him. His options were to sleep with one of the others -- a fate that he couldn’t fathom -- or find a space where he could sleep by himself. He had been lucky that Asad had decided to clear out a small cubby -previously filled with mechanical spare parts -- in order to make very tight sleeping quarters for him. Catan couldn’t imagine what he’d have done if the older Gatti brother hadn’t found him somewhere to sleep. Although there was barely enough room for him to stretch out, it was perfect, and he wondered if Asad hadn’t realized that when he’d picked it out. He, like all of the Lynx clan, preferred his resting place to be in confined places, in crevices or under ledges. He liked to hide, and the small cubby was the perfect size for him. It was considered rare to have so many males in a single pride, which was why there simply wasn’t enough room for all eight of them on the ship. Then again, he supposed there were now nine of them with the addition of the little human. Little? He snorted quietly. She was the same size as he was. Some of the others tended to go back and forth between quarters, sharing beds and each other. Fahd used to be a prime example. He frequently shared a bed with the

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others when he grew frustrated from longing for Laithe but not being able to have him. Laithe had always avoided Fahd, his responsibilities as pride leader causing him to abstain from the pleasure they could offer each other. His duty was to find his destined mate, and provide a female for the pride. But if what Catan had heard earlier was correct, then Fahd and Laithe were together again. Catan wanted a mate, and he wanted his first time with his mate to be meaningful. However, he was tainted and undesirable. He could still remember the hot, stinking breath of the monster on top of him as he breathed out the words, “You are undesirable, an abomination. You are not worthy of being in the same room with me, Lynx. Your entire species should worship the strength of the Leo and bow down before us.” He shuddered, moving to his bunk to curl up on his side, his tail quivering. Although it was really more of a stump, not anything like the long thick tails the Leos possessed. Not like Asad’s tail. Catan knew that he wanted him, and truth be told, Catan watched Asad when he wasn’t looking. He knew that Asad held himself apart from the others in the hopes that he might get a chance with Catan, but every time he thought about being with Asad he could remember the heavy weight of The Other One thrusting on top of him before he let the rest of his men have at Catan’s body. Shivering imperceptibly, Catan brought up an image of Asad in his mind. He wasn’t like The Other One. He was honorable, strong, and loyal. His large body was heavily muscled. His light, tawny fur highlighted the ropy cords of muscle when he moved. His thick, heavy mane was a darker color than his body, although it wasn’t as dark a brown as Laithe’s was. And his tail… his tail was beautiful, thick and sleek with a tufted end Catan wanted to reach out and touch whenever he was near. Asad towered over him when they were together, dwarfing his smaller frame completely. Catan barely reached his chest, and his own tan-colored long hair masked the leanness of his body. He was no match to the Leo in strength and he never would be.

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A light knock on the outside of his door interrupted his musing. Catan looked up, considering whether he wanted the company before realizing who it probably was. None of the others would interrupt him in his private space. Scooting forward, Catan released the door latch to see Usama Gatti standing in the corridor. He was very similar in size to his older brothers; although he was younger than them, he was just as strong. The only difference was his coloring. Where they were tawny and golden, Usama was pure white. He was one of the only white Leos alive. Most of them didn’t survive childhood. It was hard to be a hunter when you had no natural camouflage. “Do you want to come in?” he asked. “Do you really think there is enough room for both of us in there?” Usama stuck his head into Catan’s cubby, taking a quick glance around at the tiny space. “Probably, but it might be tight.” “Never mind, come on and let’s go walk to the bridge. We need to talk about something, and I thought it would be better if you heard it from me and not from one of the others,” Usama said, backing away and standing in the hallway. “Wh-what’s going on?” “Come on, Catan, I won’t wait for you forever. Oh, wait, isn’t that supposed to be my brother’s line?” Usama laughed and cuffed him lightly on the shoulder. He hunched his back in reaction. “That’s not funny.” “Oh, ho, I think it is hilarious! Do you have any idea how long he’s waited to be with you? I heard Morgan complaining the other day that the only Gatti willing to play with him was Lev, and we all know Lev will fuck pretty much anything or anyone.” Hooting with laughter, Usama started down the hall. Catan realized that Usama knew he’d follow him out of curiosity, if nothing else. “Well, we all know that Morgan would be more than happy to fu-fuck you. Maybe you should take him up on it and then he wouldn’t be complaining anymore.” Catan scuffed his feet along the floor, depressed that he never seemed to fit in with the

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rest of them. No one would think twice to proposition Lev or Fahd, or Usama even, but they all avoided the poor little Lynx. Like he was still a child or something. “Yeah, well, I just might do that.” Usama shrugged, his white mane bouncing as he walked. “Although, pretty soon we are all going to be a lot closer than normal.” “What is that supposed to mean?” Catan looked up at his friend. Usama paused, drawing Catan’s attention to a small movement up ahead. Placing a finger against his lips, he silently cautioned Catan to be quiet. Lifting his toes, Usama carefully set the pads of his feet on the floor in slow, measured steps. Catan looked further up the corridor, curious to see what held his friend’s attention. And then he spotted it. A tawny yellow tail covered with black rosettes came into view. He looked up, trying to detect the rest of Morgan’s body, but all he could see was his tail. Morgan and Fahd, typical of their kind, preferred being off the ground, and Laithe had ensured that his warship, The Shahnaz, was built to suit them. Roughly fifteen feet above each corridor a walkway had been installed where an enterprising member of the Pardus clan could hide himself, and walk among the narrow spaces. It mimicked the arboreal habitat on their home world, Seren. The Felidae clans, for all their similarities, could be quite different in their behavior. Those differences definitely made things interesting in the pride. Catan had grown up on Kanad, the planet where the Lynx made their home, without much contact with the other clans. He hadn’t realized before being rescued that the Pardus clan liked heights. Usama was now almost directly below the swinging tail, reaching upward. Catan just knew he was going to try to pull on the Pardus’ tail, but he was interrupted by Morgan’s sharp threat. “Don’t even think about it.” Usama jumped, obviously startled. “I thought you were sleeping. You are always sleeping.” Morgan stretched above them, his nails clicking against the metal of the walkway while he curled his tail around Usama’s arm. “It’s impossible to sleep with the two of you bumbling your way down the hall. Could you possibly make any more noise?”

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“So-sorry, Morgan.” Catan winced. “Not your fault, little one. I’m placing the blame squarely on young Gatti here. Now get on with you both, and leave me in peace.” Usama and Catan quickly made their getaway, reaching the end of the passage and running up the stairs at the end. When they entered the bridge, Catan was again taken aback at the view in front of him. He was always taken aback by the view. The bridge covered the entire top of the warship, surrounded by walls that allowed them to see right out into space. It was as if they were actually among the stars. Catan would never tire of this sight and every time he saw it he was surprised by the vastness of the space around him. Moving toward the rear, skirting Rajiv while he monitored the controls, they entered a small room. The door swished closed behind them at a tap from Usama. Similar in build to the other pride warships, the bridge of The Shahnaz opened to the stars, and all rooms below deck were entirely enclosed. Laithe had set up the atrium to give them an area where they could stargaze without interrupting the crew on the bridge. Catan loved coming up here to watch the stars. He had never thought he would get this chance when he was growing up among the Lynx clans. The Lynx as a rule did not travel off their small planet. It was mostly the Leos who patrolled the stars, protecting their territory. “Okay, it looks like we are alone here. Now you might want to sit down for this,” Usama interrupted his thoughts. “What are you talking about, Usama?” He wandered over to a bench set up along the wall and slid into the chair set in front of it. “Well, how much do you know about the prides? I know that the Lynx don’t really have anything similar. You guys prefer to hunt in small family groups or by yourselves. And the Tigris definitely prefer to be solitary. I figured the same can be said for the Pardus to a lesser extent.”

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“Usama, I know all of this. The reason the Leos are the ruling clan of the Felidae is because they’re the only clan to form large coalitions of males. I know what we have here is unique in the clans. It’s never happened before.” “Exactly, but…” Usama paused, looking as if he was weighing his next words. “But each of the clans faces the same problem. All of the Felidae are suffering from having too many men. Our men outnumber the women by at least ten to one. So the other clans are often forced to form coalitions to protect a single breeding female. The Leos have always been better at this because we actually prefer to form prides, unlike the other clans, and so we are better suited to protecting our women.” “Yes, and over time, the pride leaders have been genetically altered to be matched at birth to a single female. Once he finds the woman that completes him, he can bring her into his pride and his pride mates will protect her,” Catan repeated the tale he had been told by his father when he reached his maturity. “Have you never wondered? When a Leo pride leader gets a mate, it is incredibly rare for his pride to revolt. They never try to take her for themselves -- to breed with her instead of going childless.” Usama looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to make the connection. “I don’t understand.” “I’m talking about Laithe’s mate. The one we just rescued? She may be Laithe’s, but he will share her with the rest of us if we all wish it. But that isn’t all. It is normal for the males in a pride to share quarters and each other when a new female mate is brought in. Something about the pheromones in the air. If you thought Morgan and Lev were bad before, just wait and see how horny they get now.” “What?” Catan shouted, panicked at the thought. “I didn’t think you would know that part of it. In the other clans, it is always the strongest male that becomes mated, and it will be up to him to keep her with his strength, but we’re different. We have bred differently. We like to share. A lot. Call it a survival benefit.” Usama grinned down at him.

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“Now do you understand, Catan? As a part of this pride, you are going to have to come to terms with the fact that very soon you will be in very close contact with another male. Better get used to it.” Catan tried to come up with something to say, but he was saved by Rajiv’s deep, coughing grunt through the door. “One of you better get your ass out here. We’re nearing Felid.” Catan rushed to the door, opening it to the displeased face of the imposing Tigris. He was massive, dwarfing everyone else on the ship. His fur was a shade of orange that took on glints of red ochre in the sunlight. The thick bands of fur extending down his sides were pure black. Catan had always wanted to count them to see exactly how many stripes there were, but he was afraid that Rajiv wouldn’t like it. He usually avoided the man. If Rajiv wanted, one swipe of his paw would kill Catan. “I’m coming, I’m coming,” Usama said, rolling his eyes for Catan’s benefit. Rajiv snarled, lifting his lip to show off his impressive canines. Turning to try and hide his smile, Catan waited until Rajiv and Usama left the atrium before he walked over to the bank of windows. “What does he expect me to do?” he whispered. “Even if that is true, there is only one man I actually want to be with. And there is no way that a woman would want to be with me when she has the rest of them at her disposal.” Huffing, he leaned into the glass, fogging it up with his breath. With one finger, he drew C. L. + A. G. onto the misty surface. His lips curled up in a goofy grin while he watched the letters disappear. “What are you doing up here, Catan?” growled a deep voice from behind him. He gasped at the intrusion. He hadn’t realized he was no longer alone. Turning, he spied the larger figure of Asad blocking the doorway to the bridge. Panicking, Catan backed up into the wall at his back. A brief look of displeasure ran across Asad’s face, before he replaced it with the blank mask he often wore. “I’m sorry…” he whispered.

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“Don’t apologize, I know better than to startle you. I just wanted to make sure you were all right,” Asad rumbled. “Why wouldn’t I be?” he asked, turning to look through the wall to the stars outside. “I know my brother was in here with you. I’m assuming that he told you about Laithe’s mate. I was worried that you might be upset about it,” Asad muttered. Catan didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to talk about the human right now. There was a presence against his back, the heat of the larger male coming up behind Catan. Asad didn’t touch him, but he was just there. He had a sudden urge to lean back into him, to see what it would be like just once not to have to think. To just be. Not giving himself any time to doubt his actions, he quickly leaned back, pressing his smaller frame into the body behind him. Asad drew in a deep breath, stiffening behind him, and he dreaded the thought that he had done something wrong. Before he could pull away, two hard hands grabbed him at his waist, and he was thrust against the wall. Asad leaned hard into his back, purring when he rubbed his body against Catan’s. “You don’t know what you are asking for, kitten. I am no boy that you can play with.” “Please… Asad, I didn’t… I… please.” “What do you want?” Asad sighed against his ear, his breath ruffling through the thick tufts of hair curling around his face. “I don’t want to hurt you, kitten. I don’t want to scare you away. Tell me what you want.” Catan panted, shifting to feel the rub of his fur against Asad. A low groan was his only response. Hot breath blew against the side of his face, a rough tongue coming out to lick against his cheek, his jaw and then his lips. “When you find out what it is you want, come find me, kitten.” With those words, Asad grabbed hold of his chin, pushed their mouths together. Catan was suddenly filled with the taste of him. Asad’s tongue thrust into Catan’s

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mouth. Catan whimpered, utterly surrendering to the powerful man he had desired for so long. Asad’s muscled body pressed into his back, and his cock filled in response, rising up to press hard into the wall in front of him. Asad kissed better than he had ever imagined. Of course, it was his first kiss, so he didn’t have much experience to compare it to. Strange that he had never been kissed when he had been… He stiffened when the memories came flooding into his head. Asad immediately backed off, somehow knowing the small whimper that escaped his mouth was different, that it meant something else. He loosened his hold, keeping his arms around Catan, but allowing him room to escape if he needed it. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, ashamed that he couldn’t just let go of the fear.

“I’m here, kitten. I won’t leave you.”

“Promise?”

“My word, Catan. You have my word.”

Catan leaned into the warmth behind him, trusting that Asad wouldn’t let him

fall.

Chapter One “This seriously sucks. Tell me again why we have to be here?” Lev whispered. Asad huffed out a breath, shifting in place to lean up against the wall behind him. At his side, Lev sniffed, hiding a grin when Laithe turned to glare at them both. Lev was a few years younger than Asad, but they looked enough alike to be mistaken for twins occasionally. Lacking the dark brown mane Laithe had, both middle Gatti brothers possessed a heavy, thick mane in shades of tawny gold. Asad was larger than his brother, standing mere inches taller than him, but it was a height difference that he liked to take advantage of whenever he could. Asad shifted again, trying to keep his mind from wandering away from the discussion taking place in front of him. There were six pride leaders present, brought from all across Felid. This was their chance to talk to the Appaliunas, Asad’s father Haytham. He was the leader of the Felidae, and every clan owed him allegiance, from the Leo and the Pardus, to the Tigris and the Lynx. They might not all like it, but the Leo had always been the ruling class and they always would be. “You know very well why we have to be here, Lev. The pride leaders have come to announce their grievances,” he muttered. “Yeah, I get that, but why the hell do they have to be so damn boring. Blah, blah, blah. And how exactly did Usama manage to sneak his way out? Lucky bastard.” Asad chuckled, quickly turning it into a cough when Laithe glared at them again. His eldest brother looked like he was ready to tear a piece off both of them. He waited until Laithe returned his attention to the men petitioning their father. Laithe would one day rule over the prides and the other clans. It was his duty to sit with Haytham and listen to the grievances being brought forward. He had always taken his duties seriously.

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A flash of black caught his eye. Fahd shifted from where he stood behind Laithe. Fahd was a black Pardus, his entire body covered with short, black hair. Small, dark rosettes were interspersed throughout his fur, glinting in the light coming from the window to his right. At his side was his father, Pantheras. Both men acted as guards to Laithe and Haytham, although they took their duty to another level. Guarding one’s body was definitely easier when you had full access to said body. Asad snorted, secretly jealous that his brother had a mate and a guard to fuck while Asad was busy chasing after his shy little Lynx. His hand was starting to become a poor substitute for a warm body. “You have been spending too much time with our newest pride member, brother. Rowan is becoming a bad influence on you. You are starting to sound like her,” Asad whispered, trying to keep his voice down. “If you think that is bad, you should hear your little Catan. He is fast taking up her peculiarities,” Lev snorted. “Leave Catan out of this,” he mock growled, trying to get a rise out of Lev. He thought about the little Lynx. Honestly, it was hard not to think about him. Catan was covered in a sleek pelt of long, tan hair. He was leaner than the Leo, his head only coming up to Asad’s chest. His face was small, rounded where Asad’s was long. He had the most appealing tufts of white fur at either side of his face, drifting down into a patch of white on his chest. The rest of his body was lightly spotted, little markings a shade darker than his tan coat. His tail was short, smooth, capped with a splotch of black and tipped in white. His ears were large and pointed. Small tufts of black hair rose off the ends of his ears. Asad couldn’t help but be infatuated with every aspect of him. It was almost unheard of. No Leo had ever mated with one of the smaller Lynx before. The Lynx normally stayed away from the other members of the Felidae. They were very much solitary. He couldn’t stop thinking of him though. There was just something about the smaller man that called to him. He had never acted like this before, but from his first

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glimpse of the Lynx, he had fallen for him. He knew he wanted to look after him, to grow old with him. He could still remember what he’d looked like when they’d found him. Responding to a distress call from Kanad, the planet where the Lynx chose to live, Laithe had sent his warship to them immediately, only to find the pride that had attacked them had already left, leaving only one survivor. They had meant to kill him -that much was obvious from the wounds on the smaller man’s body. It was pure luck that Asad had found the body. Their home had been torn apart and completely ransacked. The bodies of his parents and his relatives had been left where they fell, and it was obvious they had been there for a while. Catan had been dragged from his room, the blood trail leading them outside to the back of the abode. There, he had found a small, broken body, beaten and violated. His fur was matted with blood and come and a thick layer of dirt. Laithe swore he was dead, but Asad knew better. He didn’t know how he could tell through all the filth, but he just knew that he couldn’t be dead. No one had wanted to touch him. They were all so horrified at his appearance, at possibly injuring him further. He had bent down and tenderly picked him up, carrying him back to their ship. He had stayed beside Catan the entire time until he had healed, refusing to leave his side for more than a few minutes at a time, before retreating to watch him from the shadows. He shook his head, returning his attention to the meeting in front of him. Asad glanced at Laithe, waiting for him to turn again and chastise them for talking. This was starting to become fun. Anything to break up the monotony of the pride meeting. Lev smirked at him, realizing what he was doing. Always game to pester their eldest sibling, Lev opened his mouth to retort. Laithe’s head shot up, his eyes unfocused, like he was hearing something the rest of them weren’t. Suddenly, he let out a loud, snapping roar. “Rowan!” Asad jerked upright. Laithe and his mate had a mind link that was able to connect them from any distance. It was the mark of a pride leader; the ability to link to

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his mate was one of the requirements for ruling. If Laithe was seeing something through his mate, it wasn’t good. The men in the room started, quickly gaining their feet and looking to the man who would one day rule them. “Shyam is here with his pride. He has my mate cornered in the first clearing south of here,” Laithe managed to grunt out while running toward the opening of the abode. He stared after his brother, before following him out the door, his roar joining those of the other men when his words sank in. Shyam on Felid? He had to protect Catan. Shyam was a purist, the worst form of Leo. He felt the Leo were better than the other clans, superior. But he had always taken it one step too far. He had been in hiding for years after he had killed the Lynxis family, leaving their only son a broken shell. Ahead of him, he heard a piercing scream, loud enough to cause his sensitive ears to quiver from the noise. It was quickly followed by the sound of a very familiar voice crying out. No! Catan couldn’t be in the clearing with Shyam. He moved faster, desperate to get to the Lynx. His heart pounded in his chest, an uncharacteristic panic tensing his limbs. An orange and black shape moved past him, distancing him easily. Rajiv hadn’t been with them in the pride meeting. As the lone Tigris in their pride, he wasn’t often invited to join in when the prides came together. Tigris were feared by the others, solitary by nature, fiercely territorial and incredibly aggressive. But they were also incredibly loyal, and he knew that Rajiv would give up much for the safety of the pride. Rajiv reached the clearing before he did, releasing a terrible roar. Asad pounded into the clearing to see the large Tigris pounce on top of a Leo. He saw a glimpse of blood-soaked white fur under the man, and for a terrifying moment, his heart stopped. A scuffle across the clearing drew his gaze away from the unmoving arm of his youngest brother. Catan was being pulled toward a small shuttle just inside the tree line. “No!” he cried, realizing that he was too late when the shuttle took off, skimming the surface of the ground.

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He couldn’t stop running, couldn’t stop reaching for Catan. He had promised. “We’ll get him, Asad. I promise you, we will get him back. No one comes into my pride and takes one of my family!” Laithe snarled. “I promised him,” Asad whispered. “I promised him I wouldn’t leave him.” “We hunt, brothers!” Laithe snapped out. Asad turned his head to the snarling visage of his eldest brother. He felt curiously empty. There was a numbing, sucking sensation in his chest. “Asad, we’ll get him back,” Laithe said, finally releasing his trembling mate to approach him. Rowan was quickly enfolded in Fahd’s arms, held tight to him. Her hairless body was wrapped in strips of deep violet cloth around her hips and breasts. The cloth was torn at her side, showing off a glimpse of creamy breast. Small droplets of blood misted her. The remains of the Leo that had attacked her lay broken behind her. He turned his head away, his gaze caught by the still form of Shyam. Snarling, he paced toward him, ignoring the glint of bone peeking out of his neck and the pool of blood growing around his lifeless body. He looked for Usama, finally glimpsing him in the arms of Rajiv. Rajiv was bent low, curling his face protectively around his brother. Usama wasn’t moving. Asad shook himself, tearing his gaze away from them. He couldn’t afford to be distracted right now. Bending down, he inhaled deeply, separating the scents until he caught a trace of the two Leos that had come with Shyam. They were unfamiliar to him, but he wouldn’t lose their scent now that he had it. He would track them down, and he would kill them for taking what was his. He disregarded the hand Laithe held out to him. Instead he gracefully stood, leading his brother to the edge of the clearing where the small ship had rested. “They won’t leave the planet right away,” he said, his voice hard. “They’ll be scattered, unsure of their next move now that their pride leader is dead.” “It should be easy enough to sneak up on them then,” Laithe observed. “Usama?”

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“Will be fine. Rajiv took him to Mother. She is going to patch him up. Broken arm and a few scrapes, nothing major,” Laithe commented, his voice flat. Asad breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn’t let himself consider the worst case scenario, but now his mind replayed images of his brother’s lifeless body when he’d first come into the clearing. “Rowan?” he asked, unable to form a full sentence. “Is with Fahd. She is scared, but unharmed.” Laithe huffed, crowding closer to him. Asad turned, rubbing his shoulder against his brother in comfort. “I don’t know how long it is going to take me to get over the sight of that bastard crouched over top of her. I couldn’t think. I just saw red.” “She is fine, brother. You said it yourself. You got to her in time, so let it go.” Laithe bumped against him, slinging his arm around his shoulder. He tucked his head, curling into Laithe briefly. His vision was suddenly filled with the deep brown of his brother’s mane. He inhaled, the familiar scent of his pride calming him. He needed to clear his head or he would be no good to Catan. He released Laithe, shrugging his shoulders to release his tension. “We’ll get your mate back, Asad.” Asad smiled, baring his sharp canines. “I know, and they will dearly regret taking him from me.” Squatting down, he surveyed the ground, studying the tracks they had left. His mind was slowly clearing from the panic that had ruled it only moments ago. He blinked, the broken blades of grass becoming clear as day to his trained eye. He was lucky they were in a shuttle. Because it hovered above the ground, the aircraft left a trail that was a dead giveaway to anyone who knew how to trace it. Grass displaced by the force of its passing would lead them straight to Catan. He moved off, conscious of his pride surrounding him. A streak of orange captured his attention off to his left. Glancing to the side, he nodded at Rajiv, glad the other man had left his brother long enough to join them. Rajiv had recently been paying more attention to Usama. He hoped the cub knew what he was doing. Rajiv wasn’t

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someone he would ever want to mess with. But the Tigris would protect Usama with his life, he knew that now. Behind him, he scented Laithe and Lev. His brothers were followed by Fahd and Morgan, the two Pardus joining the hunt. They were at a slight disadvantage here in the grasslands. Although there were trees interspersed in the grass, there wasn’t enough cover for the two Pardus to hunt as they felt most comfortable. They didn’t like stalking prey on the ground. They much preferred the advantage the trees gave them. The rest of the pride leaders moved soundlessly at their rear. They would track the men on foot. There was no way he wanted them to know death was coming for them.

Chapter Two Catan sighed, crouched in the corner of the shuttle. The two men who had taken him bickered back and forth about what to do now. He didn’t know what to think. The Other One hadn’t joined them. They didn’t know what had happened to him. In their panic, they had scattered upon hearing the hunting cries of the pride leaders, leaving their own pride leader behind. He was secretly hoping the bastard had met his fate and had his throat torn out by one of the men in his pride. He couldn’t say The Other One’s name -- he wouldn’t say his name. Shifting, he tried to move his feet. They had tied him once they reached the craft, stringing thick rope around his ankles. His wrists were imprisoned in front of him, but he couldn’t get loose, no matter how much he tried. The rope was pulled too tightly. Calming his breathing, he brought up an image of Asad. He couldn’t afford to panic, not now. He needed to keep his wits about him. Panting softly, he avoided looking at the two men with him. He thought he recognized them. They would have been with The Other One when he landed on Catan’s home world. It was rare for the prides to change members, which meant these men had been with The Other One for a while. If they had been there, it was pretty likely they had also violated him. He couldn’t remember much about that night. His mind shied away from it whenever he tried to bring it up. Maybe it was better he not remember the entire thing. “They can’t hurt me,” he whispered softly. “I’ve been there before. I managed to get past it once. I can heal myself again.” He would heal if something bad happened. He wasn’t a victim anymore. He wouldn’t let them control his mind. His body would heal.

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Fortunately for him, it didn’t look like they were going to do anything just yet. After they’d taken off, they hadn’t made a move toward him. The waiting was starting to drive him crazy though. He could deal with anything as long as he knew what was going to happen. Right now, his mind kept jumping to worst case scenarios. Asad would come for him. He just knew it. It would only be a matter of time. He puffed out a breath of air, relaxing into his bindings. They were slowing down now. The shuttle was coming to a stop. He whimpered, closing his eyes tight. Breathing slowly through his mouth, he tried to ignore the panting sounds of his own breath. He was calm, he would be calm. “Get up, you lazy mongrel,” growled one of the men. He roughly grabbed him around the arm, twisting it and pulling him to his feet. Catan couldn’t stop the gasp of pain when his wrists rubbed painfully together. The man smiled evilly, laughing when he met his gaze. “Did that hurt, precious? Don’t you worry, there is more where that came from. You’ll be begging us soon enough.” He snarled softly. He wasn’t a victim. This man couldn’t hurt him. Asad would come in time. He peered around, conscious not to make eye contact again when the man dragged him outside. They were in some kind of camp. There were four more men standing around, all Leos. One stepped forward, a man that he remembered clearly. He had a scar running the length of his face, cut from his forehead down to below his chin. He sneered at Catan, exposing his canines. One had been broken in half, something that should have made him less of a man, but he made up for it with his cruelty. He had been The Other One’s right hand. He was the one who had made the blow that had killed his mother. His name was Seth, that much he remembered. “So, the rumors were true. The little abomination has been brought back to Felid. Tell me, Abomination, why has Laithe returned to Felid when he should be patrolling his precious skies? Does he now have a mate?” Seth asked, twisting his lips to expose his broken canine again.

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Catan turned his head, looking to the ground. The Leo who had brought him out hit him hard on the back of the head, knocking him to the ground. Catan gasped when he landed on his bruised hands. “You will answer him, Abomination,” the man sneered. “Where is Shyam?” Seth questioned, ignoring him for the moment. “He did not make it. We came across the abomination with a hairless female and the white Gatti. Shyam was battling the white one when we were attacked.” “And you just left him there,” Seth snarled, reaching forward and grabbing the man around his neck. His mane puffed out in agitation. “We had no choice. They had the Tigris with them. He would have killed us all,” the man panted. Seth roared in rage, releasing his claws and swiping bloody furrows across the man’s neck. He gurgled once, choking, before he dropped motionless. Catan whimpered, remaining still where he lay on the ground. He didn’t want to draw Seth’s attention to him. Not when he was already angry. He twisted his wrists, trying desperately to find some leeway in the rope. He gasped at the burn, glancing down to see droplets of blood fall to the ground from where the rope cut into his wrists. Seth turned away, stalking toward the other men. They left Catan alone, instead conferring in hushed whispers. He couldn’t hear them, but he noticed several kept giving him panicked glances. Laithe’s pride had a reputation for their ruthlessness when they were angered. It was one of the reasons The Other One had hidden with his men when they found out Catan had been taken in by Laithe after they left him for dead. He was pretty sure The Other One would have made sure he had been killed if he knew Laithe was in the area when he’d attacked his family. Laithe had the power of the prides behind him. The Other One wasn’t so foolish to believe they would let him live if they ever found him. The day was ending. It was getting close to sunset. Not a good thing for Seth and his men. If the pride was coming after him -- no -- when the pride came after him -- the

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darkness would aid them more than it would Seth. Leos might have excellent vision, even in the dark, but they didn’t hunt at night. However, Tigris did. And so did Pardus. Laithe’s pride would definitely have the advantage. He just needed to make sure Seth was distracted when the time came. He was willing to do anything to make sure these men died. He only wished he knew what had happened to The Other One. Was he dead? “Please, make him dead. I can’t go through that again. Please… make him dead,” he whimpered. Catan turned his attention back to the threat at hand. The one remaining man who had captured him was telling Seth about Rowan. Seth was pacing agitatedly, probably cursing the fact that they had attacked Laithe’s mate. “The other pride leaders don’t care about the abomination. By attacking the mate of a pride leader you have ensured every one of them will be out for our blood! How could you be so foolish?” Seth questioned, coming to stand in front of the man. The man skimmed his gaze over the bleeding body near Catan, squaring his shoulders before replying. “Ash was the one who attacked her. We couldn’t stop him. The other pride leaders will be appeased with his death. They won’t come after us.” “How can you be sure?” Seth asked, raising his head and looking down at the man. Catan tucked his shoulders, trying to remain still and invisible. He knew what that look meant. Seth was about to kill someone else. “Ash hasn’t returned yet. They must have captured him,” the man stammered. Seth scowled, a low rumbling coming up from his barrel chest. Catan could see the scar on his cheek turning white. “And what have they done to our illustrious leader then, hmmm? Have you given any thought to the fact that he is dead by their hands as well? And it was you that left him there, wasn’t it? Why should I let you live when Shyam is probably dead? Give me one good reason and I may be generous,” he stated quietly.

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The man trembled, his big body shaking. He looked around wildly, his gaze landing on Catan, who was trying to hide in the grass. “Him! I brought you the abomination. It should be him that is punished. It is his fault Shyam was captured.” Catan gasped, holding his breath. His eyes grew large, his ears twitching madly. He stared blindly at Seth when the scarred man began stalking toward him. Seth bent over him, shielding his smaller frame with his own. He sniffed at his shoulders, moving up to draw air in deeply when he reached his face. Catan hunched, trying to look insignificant. Seth grabbed his arms, tossing him to his back, following him down and straddling his hips. He stilled his legs, trying not to buck up. Don’t give him a reason to hurt you. Asad will come. His hands twitched madly in front of him. He couldn’t still them no matter what he tried. He whimpered when Seth inclined his head to brush his mane against him. His heart was pounding loudly in his chest. He was sure Seth could hear it. He knew he could smell the fear on him, there was nothing that Catan could do to disguise it. Seth growled low in his throat, running his teeth gently down the side of Catan’s neck. He tilted his head in submission. He won’t kill you if you give in. Just act small, vulnerable. He moved his ears, desperate to look at anything but Seth. He could see the shuttle from where he was pinned, and the clearing beyond. It was almost fully dark, the light disappearing fast in the grasslands. He shifted his eyes, trying to find something to lock on. Something that would let him escape the man on top of him. His gaze was snagged by two glints further out in the field, coming closer. He paused, curious. The light glinted again, joined almost immediately by two more glinting lights. He looked to the left of the lights to find more. Curious, he kept his gaze on the lights, watching them approach the clearing. The other Leos were silent, sitting back to see what Seth was going to do. Seth, himself, had quieted. He was probably waiting for Catan to panic and try to get away. They had liked that before. Seth and The Other One had enjoyed it when he’d tried to fight them. He remembered that much.

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He kept watching the lights, watching, watching until they came even closer. And then he realized what they were. They weren’t lights. They were eyes. He bucked once, startled. Seth chuckled, no doubt thinking that he was trying to fight him. He grabbed his wrists, twisting them painfully until Catan let out a whimper. “That’s it, Abomination. You know what to do. You know what I like, don’t you? I want to hear you scream for me,” he sighed, licking a foul path along Catan’s cheek. He gagged, trying to breathe in through his mouth so he didn’t have to smell the fetid breath so close to his sensitive nose. Catan tried to move his eyes to see where the men who were approaching had gone, but he couldn’t find them. Where had the eyes gone? Seth lost patience with him, jerking him up and turning him quickly. His feeble attempts to stay on his back were all for naught. Seth outweighed him greatly. He landed on his stomach and his abused hands were crushed into the ground below when the heavy weight of Seth settled over his back. He mewled softly, trying to find the eyes in the grass. Seth exhaled deeply, ruffling the tufts of hair at his ears. “I missed you, Abomination. Did you miss me?” He laughed. Catan shook. Where had the eyes gone? Seth pulled him up to his knees, hampered by the rope tied tightly around his ankles. He grumbled, unable to get him in the position he wanted. Catan felt him move, probably to release his ankles, and he tensed. Waiting for the perfect moment. He looked forward again, directly into Asad’s gaze. He widened his eyes, silencing his cry at the last moment. Asad gave a low snarl, barely perceptible, rage evident in his shining, amber gaze. He crouched directly in front of them, hidden among the tall grass. He spread his hands, gaining more leverage. Seth snapped the rope at his ankles. Catan felt him moving, the pressure along his side changing. He moved to straddle his back just as Asad leapt.

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Catan ducked, plastering himself to the ground. He felt the rush of air when Asad moved over him, taking Seth with him. Seth shouted, his voice broken off with a gurgle. Catan heard other sounds, snarls and grunts. His limbs refused to move. He was suddenly hauled upright. Panicked, he tried to jerk back until he realized it was Asad in front of him. He whimpered, falling hard into Asad’s chest, dropping his head to burrow in as much as he could. His hands twitched against Asad’s rippled stomach, the soft fur a balm to his abused wrists. Asad caught him close, wrapping his arms around his back and pulling him in tight. He rubbed his mane against Catan, soothing him with his scent. Catan purred, rocking back and forth in Asad’s strong grip. He heard Asad murmuring something to him, but it didn’t matter. He was safe. He could let go now that Asad had him. His vision went black, and Catan let his body fold into his protector.

Chapter Three The hot, heavy press of The Other One held him in place. Catan squirmed, trying to get away, but it only served to amuse The Other One further. The man’s hard cock was an unwelcome intrusion into his abused body. He bent closer, his fetid breath foul to Catan’s sensitive nose. “You’ll never be rid of me, Abomination. When you close your eyes, the last thing you will ever see is my face. The last thing you will ever feel is my body using you,” he laughed. Catan jerked awake, startled by the short, panicked scream reverberating through his room. Almost immediately the door opened, a dark shape blocking out the light coming from the hall. He gasped, his heart thumping in his chest until the shape moved and the familiar features of Asad became clear. “It was only a dream, kitten. You are safe here,” Asad rasped. He stared morosely at the only man he actually wanted to be with. Asad wasn’t moving from the doorway. It had been like this since he had been rescued by him. He was more than ready to start a relationship with the larger Leo, but he just didn’t know what to do to show his desire. He huffed in exasperation, ducking his head and rubbing his cheek against his shoulder. Before he could respond, a small, hairless hand curled around Asad’s biceps. Stepping aside, Asad made room for Rowan to enter the small space. Catan purred when she knelt down and took him into her arms. “Can you give us a moment here, Asad?” Asad chuffed out a low, coughing grunt. Crossing his arms, he studied Catan. Catan stared back. With one last, long glance, Asad finally nodded, closing the door and shutting them in together. “What’s wrong? Did you have the dream again?” she asked, running her hands along his arms.

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He nodded, unable to form the words. It didn’t matter. He had told her about the dream the first time he had had it. Now, over a week later, she was used to being interrupted because of this nightly ritual. He couldn’t figure out why he wasn’t having dreams about Seth. Every night, The Other One invaded his sleep, even though Catan knew he was dead. He couldn’t hurt him anymore. “Do you want me to tell you a story?” she asked. Catan raised his head, staring into her almond-shaped brown eyes. “One from your planet?” he asked, his voice rough with a lingering trace of his terror. Rowan smiled, turning to sit cross-legged in front of him. She took both of his hands in hers, squeezing them gently. “One of my favorite stories when I was a child was called Beauty and the Beast. It was about a beautiful woman, gorgeous inside and out. One day, her father went away. Beauty wasn’t worried about him until the day his horse returned without him. She started to worry then, so she decided to go looking for him to see if she could find him.” Rowan paused, waiting until Catan nodded before continuing again. “Well, it turned out she did find him, in the home of a terrible beast. He was a horrid man, keeping her father prisoner because he trespassed on his property. Beauty made a bargain with him. If he let her father go, she would stay with him voluntarily. It was a bargain the beast immediately agreed upon and she got her first look at her captor. He was covered in fur, entirely, from head to foot. He had terrifying, sharp teeth, and he growled fiercely at her.” “He l-looked like us?” Catan asked, amazed. “He looked more like one of the Leos,” she said. “He had a thick mane that bushed out around his head.” “Was he a bad man?” “No, sweetie, he wasn’t bad. After awhile, Beauty started to see a different side to him. The more time they spent together, the more she started to fall in love with him. It turned out that he was a prince that’d been cursed to become a beast, because he wasn’t very nice to someone. In order to break the curse, he had to find someone who

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would fall in love with the man he was on the inside or else he’d become the beast forever.” “D-did she love him?” “Yes, she did, and they broke the curse together, freeing him,” she said, frowning. “What’s wrong? Isn’t it a good thing that they fell in love?” he asked, leaning forward. Her troubled eyes met his. She smiled bitterly. “I always hated the ending. I completely forgot about that when I started telling the story. When the curse was broken, he turned back into a human. I always wanted him to stay the beast. She fell in love with the beast, but she spent her life with the human shell of him. Besides, I always thought he was ugly in the movie. It just plain ruined it for me for him to change from this gorgeous, caring beast into this little, ugly human.” “Well, that sucks,” he pouted. Laughing, Rowan collapsed into his chest, hugging him close. “Yes,” she hooted with laughter, “it certainly does. So I guess it’s a good thing I managed to land my own beast. Or two,” she smirked. Catan grinned. “I’m gonna tell Laithe and Fahd you called them beasts.” “Don’t you dare, or I won’t finish telling you all about Earth.” “Well, maybe I could be persuaded to keep it a secret.” Pausing, he thought about her story. He couldn’t believe she had had fantasies about men like them before she had ever heard of them. He was constantly amazed about the differences between them. She was completely hairless, except for the smooth, sleek cap of brown hair framing her face. Unlike the smaller females of his clan, she was rounded in all sorts of interesting ways. He could stare at her for hours, the differences between them amazing to him. She was so gentle, so unlike the men around her. He raised his hand, smoothing his palm down her arm. “What’s wrong, Catan?” she asked, pulling away to look in his eyes.

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“I want to be this close to Asad,” he muttered. “So do something about it. I know he wants to be with you. You didn’t see his reaction when you were taken. The man is in love with you, Catan,” she said, brushing back the fur on his forehead. “I’ve tried,” he ground out, exasperated. “I’ve tried to let him know, but every time I touch him, he moves away. I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do.” “Oh, Cat, it’s gonna be okay. We just need to put our heads together and come up with a foolproof plan to knock his socks off,” she said, a crafty glint entering her eyes. “Really?” he asked, sitting up. “Of course. It’ll be simple. We just need to find the one thing that will entice him beyond measure, and bam, he’s yours.” “I can do that,” he said. “But there is one thing I don’t understand.” “What, Cat?” “What exactly are socks, and why would we want to knock them off?” he asked, confused even further when she erupted in peals of laughter. “I’ll explain it to you later,” she guffawed, holding her stomach. A snicker sounded in the doorway, where the door had been opened without them hearing it. Over Rowan’s laughter, deep chuckles could be heard from the two men staring down at them. Laithe and Fahd shook their heads, sending Rowan off again when she glimpsed their confused faces. Laithe might look like an older version of Asad, but Catan wasn’t as infatuated with him. Laithe had been his protector, more like the father figure that he had missed when his own father had been killed. Fahd, on the other hand, kind of intimidated Catan. He was entirely covered in black fur. He was spotted like Catan, but his spots were black. The black on black coloring was daunting to a Lynx that had never met one of the rare Pardus. In truth, he hadn’t met any other clans before being rescued. But Fahd and Rajiv were the only ones he shied away from. Fahd normally went out of his way to make sure he wasn’t scared, while Rajiv mostly

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ignored him. It was actually comforting, now that he thought of it. Rajiv ignored everyone. Asad pushed past the two men, striding toward the bed where Catan and Rowan were sitting. He couldn’t help but laugh along when Rowan stared down at Asad’s feet, hooting with amusement. Asad huffed. Glancing up at him, Catan feared he was annoyed with them until he caught the gleam of humor in his eyes. Asad winked at him, causing a blush to heat his cheeks. He got so flustered around the other man. It was one of the reasons he was getting so frustrated. He had really tried to let Asad know he was interested. He often brushed up against him when they were near each other. What more did the Leo need? “What’s going on in here?” Laithe asked, laughter ringing in his voice. “Nothing. We were just, ah, discussing a little story.” Rowan snickered, looking at him. Catan smiled, thumping his tail once against the bed. He thought he heard a groan, but when he looked up at Asad, the other man had his indifferent mask firmly in place. He tilted his head, thoughtfully looking up at the Leo. Fahd paced toward them, throwing himself down to lounge on the bed beside them. He reached forward, running his hand along Rowan’s thigh. She was wearing a strip of sunshine yellow cloth, this time wound around her breasts and down her waist to gather at her hips. Fahd let his hand linger on her thigh, brushing it back and forth, each time getting closer and closer to the edge of the cloth. She smiled sweetly, shifting in place. She reached for Catan again, pulling back when Asad jerked once, stepping forward. Her eyes grew large, the brown giving way to hints of green. Suddenly she narrowed them, reaching deliberately for Catan again. He glanced nervously when Asad moved agitatedly beside him. What was going on? Asad looked at Laithe, frowning when he came closer, moving calculatingly onto the bed to sink down onto the other side of Rowan and him.

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Rowan peered up at Asad, snickering before asking him, “What’s wrong, Asad? Cat got your tongue?” Fahd choked. “I think he is mad because little Cat doesn’t have his tongue.” Asad growled low in his throat, his only response. Laithe remained silent, pinching his mate on the arm when she opened her mouth again. Catan could feel the heat come up his cheeks again. He moved his hand, brushing it against Asad’s thigh. Asad jerked, startled eyes staring down at him. Catan studied him closely, his own eyes wide with wonder. Asad lowered himself, coming to rest behind him on the bed. His big body surrounded him from the back. He stilled, not moving until one of Asad’s arms curled around his shoulders, pulling him back to rest against his chest. He snuggled in between Asad’s thighs, brushing up against his hardening cock before trying to move forward again. Asad made a noise of discontent, immediately urging him back to lie fully against him. Catan’s tail quivered, brushing the cock behind him. A long, heated moan sounded from Asad, and Catan deliberately moved his tail again, a quick side-toside motion that caressed Asad’s cock from root to tip. Fahd said something to Asad, a low exchange of words he missed. He passed something over, a small bottle that Asad took with a rueful chuckle. Asad placed the bottle on the bed beside them, but Catan couldn’t see what was so special about it. Asad kept his arm around Catan’s shoulders, moving the other to grip hard on his hip. Catan felt himself responding to that large hand so close to his groin. The blood was flowing to his cock, lengthening it until it jutted proudly in front of his body. He dimly heard Rowan moan. He turned his head to see her on her back, the shapes of Fahd and Laithe crouched over her. Fahd had his head buried between her smooth thighs while Laithe was busy unwrapping the yellow strip of cloth. Every piece of skin he uncovered, he immediately sucked into his mouth, leaving behind a strip of marks that proclaimed her as belonging to him. “Watch them,” Asad murmured, whispering into his ear.

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Catan moaned, settling deeper into Asad’s embrace. The big man rewarded him with a nip to his jaw, sucking along it until he could nuzzle his face into Catan’s throat. Catan froze, the remembrance of Seth trying to intrude. This was okay, Asad wasn’t holding him down. It was okay. He panted, curling deeper into Asad and breathing deeply. He pulled the man’s scent into his lungs, inhaling deeply until all he could sense was the big Leo behind him. Rowan let out another sweet moan, Laithe sucking strongly at her breast, palming the other in his strong grip. Fahd was still feasting at her pussy, licking a path from her clit down to her opening. Catan squirmed, wondering what it would feel like to have a mouth there. What would it feel like to have Asad licking along his cock? He brushed his tail against Asad again, bumping his shaft. Asad retaliated by moving his hand from where it was bruising his hip. He heard the cap of the bottle being removed, and the squelch of some liquid. Asad curled his wet hand around his shaft, squeezing when Catan bucked up into the pressure. He gripped him tightly, creating a heavenly pressure along his aching shaft. Catan thrust his hips, his eyes rolling back in his head at the feel of Asad’s hand on him. He smelled nawra flowers, emanating from the oil that Asad was now smoothing down his shaft. His eyes crossed at the heavenly smell, so like Rowan, but erotic when mingled with Asad’s scent. Asad chuckled, hauling him even closer to his hard body. His cock bumped his back, Asad moving imperceptibly until he felt him pressed along the length of his tail. He seemed to really like his tail. He closed his eyes, tipping his head back to rest it on Asad’s shoulder. Asad grunted, raising his arm and grasping Catan’s chin. “I want you to watch. Don’t look away. Watch them,” he gasped. Catan panted, blinking his eyes open to focus on the three people in front of him. He didn’t think he could do this. “Asad, please…” “Kitten, I want you to do this for me. Can you do this for me?” Asad crooned.

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Catan felt a pressure in his lower back, his balls tightening. He wouldn’t be able to last with Asad’s hand grasping his cock. As if he knew what he was thinking, Asad suddenly changed his grip, squeezing hard at the base of his cock, making a ring with his thumb and forefinger. It was just enough to clear his mind. He could think again. He looked back to the scene in front of him, desperate to do what Asad wanted. He thrust his hips, feeling the brush of Asad at his back and the tightening of his hand on his shaft. Asad shifted lower, cupping his sac with a steady pressure. He seemed to be memorizing every inch of him. Long, agile fingers ghosted along his groin. Glancing touches that made him writhe and want more. Asad smoothed his palm up the long shaft of his cock, pressing his thumb hard into the row of barbs ringing the glans of his penis. Catan mewled, thrashing his head. His skin was so sensitive every brush of Asad’s hand made him mindless with need. Laithe roared. He had moved up to straddle Rowan, his muscled knees at either side of her chest. His long, thick cock was bumping her lips, painting pre-come over her mouth. Fahd had moved upward too, poised between her legs. He was waiting for something… some sign. Catan gasped when Rowan lifted her thighs, wrapping her legs around Fahd’s waist. She pressed her small heels into his lower back, the muscles in her thighs and calves clearly flexing, trying to draw him closer. “Do you see, kitten? Do you see how much she wants it? How much she is begging for it. She wants his cock. Thrusting hard into her, until she can feel him within every inch of her being,” Asad said, darkly. “Asad… please…” he gasped. “Watch them, kitten. Watch how she takes him. How her pussy opens up and accepts his shaft. See how prepared she is, how easily she takes him?” Laithe glanced over at them, smiling erotically when he glimpsed Catan’s face. He held his cock in one hand, running it over Rowan’s face, teasing her with it. Rowan was whimpering, her head raised, tongue seeking. “Damn it, Laithe. Please…” she begged. “Do you want my cock, Nawra?” he asked, thickly.

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Rowan made a single sharp exclamation, finally getting her wish when Laithe lowered his cock to her waiting mouth, sinking in several inches. Catan gasped, watching her take it. He had never seen anything like that before. Asad made his presence known again by pressing his thumb against his barbs once more. He slid the side of one nail against the raised bumps, the contrast between his warm thumb and the hard nail so incredibly erotic. Catan mewled, thrusting his hips as much as Asad would let him. Asad’s other arm moved down, smoothing his palm over Catan’s lean chest. He felt the hard, heated press of Asad against his back. His cock bumped his tail, sliding along the short appendage, riding up to press hard against his lower back. He wished there was something he could do for Asad. He wanted to touch him, press his body against the man. He wanted to drive Asad out of control with need for him. He tilted his hips, raising them. Jerking his tail hard, he was elated when he heard the strangled moan behind him. Maybe he was doing something right after all. Rowan was breathing hard now, her chest rising erratically. Her head fell back, releasing her hold on Laithe. Fahd pressed hard, a lusty groan ripped from his chest, jerking his hips when he must have released his seed into Rowan. Rowan screamed, arching her back. Catan panted loud, harsh breaths into the room. Asad pressed his thumb to the tip of his cock and his eyes crossed. His mouth opened, but no sound came out. The pressure was unbearable, his cock throbbing. He tilted his head back, gasping as he came hard, his seed jetting out to coat Asad’s hand. Asad growled, bucking his hips. A hot blast of come released on his back. Catan twitched his tail and Asad slumped against him. He looked up just in time to see Laithe come, pearly white ropes landing on Rowan’s face. She had her head tilted back, a smile on her face. Catan couldn’t breathe, couldn’t believe what had just happened. Fahd was the first to move, leaving the room only to return in moments with a cloth in his hand. He brushed it over Rowan’s face, cleaning her before moving between her thighs. She moaned, pressing her knees together to keep his hand captive. He chuckled, taking the

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cloth and handing it to Asad. The three sprawled together, wrapping their arms around each other while Asad moved the warm cloth over his back. Catan felt himself getting sleepy, his eyelids heavy. He purred, content while Asad gently cleaned his cock, removing the oil. Asad maneuvered him, pulling him down to the bed, moving behind him to spoon his chest to Catan’s back. He couldn’t believe what had just happened. He did it! He actually overcame his fear and was able to be with Asad in the way he had always wanted despite his fears. His last thought before he shut his eyes was he couldn’t wait to do that again.

Chapter Four Catan snorted, stretching his limbs. He bumped into something large, and finally noticed the weight of the arm pinning him in place. Before he could panic, he breathed deeply, recognizing Asad’s scent surrounding him. The memory of last night returned full force. A blush crept up his face. He screwed his eyes shut, burrowing his head into the sheet below him. Asad snorted behind him, moving to spoon him closer. He was on his side, the big man behind him, wrapped completely around him. Catan moved as much as he was able within Asad’s tight grip. He couldn’t see anyone else in the room. Where had they gone? “Can’t sleep, kitten?” came a drowsy voice. Catan turned his head, studying Asad. He was blinking his eyes, just waking up. He stretched his body, shifting Catan when he moved his long limbs. “Wh-where did they go?” he asked quietly. “They left after you fell asleep. Laithe was worried you would be uncomfortable in the morning. We didn’t want you to panic when you woke up,” Asad said, smiling at him. He reached up one hand, brushing Catan’s cheek with the back of his fingers. “Are you uncomfortable, kitten?” Catan paused, weighing his reaction. He couldn’t believe last night had actually happened. Was he uncomfortable? Not really. “I just can’t believe it happened. I’m afraid it was all a dream,” he whispered shyly. “It wasn’t a dream. I finally have you right where I want you.” Catan frowned, turning to face front again. “What’s wrong now?” Asad grumbled, leveraging himself up so that he could look down upon Catan.

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“It sure didn’t feel like you wanted me. Why did you change your mind?” Asad was silent for so long Catan finally got up the nerve to meet his gaze. Asad was staring down at him with a completely dumbfounded expression. “Are you kidding me? Please tell me you aren’t serious. I’ve been chasing after you for four years and you thought I didn’t want you? What the fuck do you think I’ve been doing? Catan, I want you more than I’ve ever wanted another person, male or female. I can’t imagine my life without you in it. Why would you think I don’t want you?” he finished, sputtering in indignation. Catan shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I… I’ve been trying to get your attention recently. Every time I make a move toward you, y-you back away. I thought maybe… you didn’t want me because of what happened.” “Refresh my memory, kitten. When did you make this fabled move toward me?” He pushed up, trying to dislodge Asad. “I’ve been doing it all week. I’ve touched you, br-brushed up against you. I don’t know what I could have done to make it any more ob-obvious that I wanted you.” “That was you being obvious? Lord, kitten, I had no idea.” He huffed, glaring at Asad’s chin. He couldn’t meet his eyes. So maybe he wasn’t quite as obvious as he’d thought. Saying the words made him feel like a child. But how was he supposed to act? He had never had to deal with this before. Asad sighed, lowering his body to rest against him. “I’m sorry, kitten. I’ll pay closer attention from now on, okay? I didn’t want to push you too fast. I didn’t think you wanted that kind of relationship after what happened to you.” “Nothing happened,” he groused. “Maybe not this time, but I didn’t want to push you.” “I…” “What?” Asad asked. “It’s just… I like when you call me that.” “Kitten?” “Yeah, it makes me feel special,” he admitted.

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“You are special, kitten. Don’t ever think differently.” His lips curving, he closed his eyes to savor the warm feeling in his chest. Asad made him feel special with just a few words. Asad shifted, sliding off the bed to stand beside him. “Laithe wants to leave today. Can you get ready to go back to the ship?” he asked. Catan hesitated, realizing they had been delayed because of him. They were supposed to have stayed only a few days on Felid. Now they had spent an extra week on the planet when they were supposed to be patrolling their assigned territory. He nodded, picking at the blanket in front of him. Asad bent down, leaning over the bed to kiss him. Catan raised his head, meeting Asad’s lips with his own, pressing into the kiss when Asad tried to back up. He moaned, sliding his arms up and around Asad’s neck. This was okay, there was no pressure here. Asad’s lips curled against his own. The Leo leaned back to nip at his mouth with his teeth. “If you don’t stop that, I’m going to be late, and Laithe is going to have your head when he realizes that it is your fault,” he teased. “We can’t have that, now can we?” Catan said, pouting. He slumped back to the bed, sitting quietly. Asad was silent for so long he finally looked up at him. He was grinning widely, his eyes shining with something that Catan couldn’t quite decipher. Asad purred, crawling onto the bed and maneuvering him back until he rested against the wall behind him. “It looks like I’m going to be late. Laithe can just wait until I’m finished.” Catan opened his mouth to speak, but all thoughts went out of his mind when Asad dropped his head, nuzzling his thigh. His vibrating purrs filled the room, the sound hypnotic and calming. He responded to that purr, undulating his hips when his slender rod started to engorge with blood. It rose into the air, right in front of Asad’s questing mouth. He gasped, startled, when Asad kissed his shaft. “Oh, oh, Asad. Please,” he mewled. He wanted that mouth on him.

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Asad smiled against his shaft, his lips brushing him. Catan raised one hand, pressing the back to his mouth, trying to silence the whimpers that were escaping. Asad tilted his neck, swallowing his shaft in one move. He tightened his lips along the base of Catan, sucking hard. Catan stilled, frozen when Asad vibrated his cock with a sawing purr. His eyes shut tight, his sac drawing up, his cock erupting, sending jets of come into Asad’s throat. Asad released his cock, gracefully moving up his body to press their mouths together. He could taste himself on Asad’s tongue, nearly mindless when Asad started to move on top of him. His hard shaft rode along Catan’s thigh, bumping into his own cock on every upward thrust. It wasn’t long before he started reacting again, the heated press against his body causing his shaft to fill with blood, his hips jerking in time to Asad’s long, measured strokes. Both men panted, matching their mouths together, eagerly kissing. Asad’s agile tongue moved into his mouth, and he sucked hard on the appendage. Asad grunted, pulling away to stare deeply into his eyes, gasping with his thrusts. Catan was distracted by a flash by the doorway. He turned his head, glancing over to see a rangy, white body, propped up along the frame of the door. He hadn’t even heard Usama open the door. His face flamed. He didn’t know what to think with Usama watching them. “Do you like it?” Asad murmured softly. “Do you like the idea of being watched? You certainly liked watching Rowan with her men last night. How does it make you feel? Knowing that Usama is watching, growing hard from seeing you shake beneath me? Knowing that he wants to be in my place right now, but that he won’t get his chance unless Rajiv and I allow it. You are mine, little one. And he knows it.” Catan mewled, tearing his gaze away from the hungry look Usama was giving him. He pressed his body up into Asad and found his second release. Asad groaned, jerking hard against him, the hot splash on his thigh signaling his pleasure.

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He didn’t know how long he lay there, panting. Asad finally lifted his head, briefly kissing his forehead. “Mmm, we are definitely doing that again,” he drawled. “Although, I can’t wait to get you alone, without an audience.” Catan glanced back at the door. Usama had disappeared. “Are you going to get into trouble?” he asked, worried now that his mind had cleared. He didn’t want Laithe to be mad at him. “Laithe isn’t going to mind. He knows we are together, and if I know him, he is probably off somewhere fucking one or both of his mates, anyway.” Catan blushed, remembering the details of last night. “I’ll let you rest for a bit. Come out when you are ready,” Asad said with a grin. Catan smiled happily, releasing Asad. He watched him pace to the door, turning back briefly to blow a kiss to him. He waited until he was alone and then he bounced in place, squealing quietly and hugging the sheet to his chest. He heard a snort outside the door. Usama stuck his head back in to laugh at Catan bouncing like a child in the middle of his bed. “I’m guessing someone got lucky last night, and I know that someone got lucky this morning,” he said, smirking. “When did you finally decide to push your fear away and experiment with Asad?” “I’m not gonna tell you anything, so don’t bother asking,” Catan countered. Usama came into the room, flinging himself onto the bed beside him, carefully holding his one arm aloft. It was covered in a white wrapping, cupping his broken arm stiffly in place. He still had a variety of cuts and scrapes covering his body, but they were slowly fading. Catan couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to fight The Other One. “Come on, you’re my best friend and he’s my brother. You have to tell me something. Besides, take pity on me. I didn’t even get a very good show. I couldn’t see anything with the big bruiser’s body in the way.” Catan stilled, smelling something different about his friend. “Well… if you tell me what you did last night, I might tell you what I did last night,” he said, looking pointedly at the bite mark visible at the crease of Usama’s neck.

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Usama covered the mark with his hand, pink just visible under his white fur. “Never mind about that. I’ll tell you later, when we don’t have so many prying ears,” he whispered. “Besides, we have to get ready to leave. Laithe is getting impatient, and you know my brother. Not as well as you know my other brother, but you know what Laithe is like,” he giggled. Catan reluctantly stood up, releasing the sheet around him. He pushed Usama away when he came close to sniff him. Usama laughed, ducking out of the way when Catan mock-snarled and swiped his arm out. “I like seeing you this relaxed, Catan. It’s a nice look on you,” Usama said, his voice serious. Catan nudged him, bumping into Usama when they walked out the door together. There was a reason they were best friends. He had never felt uncomfortable around Usama. All joking aside, they had shared some of their deepest secrets with each other. The corridor beyond was short, leading from the six bedrooms into the main room of the abode. This was their home when they were on Felid, which wasn’t very often, but it was nice to come to something familiar. He heard the voices of Lev and Morgan behind one of the closed doors. He couldn’t make out what they were saying but it didn’t sound happy, whatever it was. They entered the main room, empty of everyone for once. Usama led him outside, skirting Fahd and Rowan who were leaning up against the side of the abode. Fahd had her pinned to the wall, his hand cupping her one breast, fighting her for control. She was laughing, trying to keep her wrap on, while Fahd was doing his levelbest to take it off. Catan blushed, embarrassed to come upon them after last night. He quickly moved past them. Maybe it would be easier at some point, but for now, he couldn’t think of a single thing to say to them. Maybe Laithe was right to leave before he woke up this morning. It seemed his pride leader knew him better than he did.

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Asad and Laithe were standing near The Shahnaz, talking to the Appaliunas and their uncles. Asad’s parents were mated, but his father shared Asad’s mother with his brothers as well. It was a setup that was very common among the Leo. Catan still couldn’t get over it. His parents only had each other. Lynx definitely mated for life, and they only ever had one mate. Most remained alone if anything happened to their mate, instead of finding a replacement. It was almost unheard of to have an arrangement like Laithe was proposing. He knew Fahd and Laithe shared Rowan and each other. But he wasn’t entirely comfortable with it. It was hot, definitely, but Catan didn’t know if he could ever have sex with more than one man. Truthfully, he wasn’t entirely sure he would be able to have sex with one man. What happened last night and this morning hadn’t scared him, but what would happen if Asad tried to cover him? He didn’t really want to think of that right now. He didn’t want to ruin his good mood. The two friends wandered for a while, always within sight of Asad and the others. They were far enough away that they had some privacy, but close enough that they were within view at all times. He had noticed Asad glancing over periodically to make sure he could still see him, and after a few minutes outside, he noticed they had a new observer watching them. “What’s with you and Rajiv?” he asked, curious. Usama looked over to where Rajiv was lazily sunning himself nearby. He was alone, like usual, but his half-lidded eyes were eerily constant on them. “I’m more interested in you and Asad,” Usama said, turning back to face Catan. “Are you okay? You looked like you were enjoying what happened, but I don’t want you to get hurt.” “Yeah, of course I am. I… I had another dream…” Usama stepped close to him, winding his tail around Catan’s leg. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked, sympathetically. “I think I should talk to your brother about it. But thanks. You know how much that means to me.”

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“Well, here is your chance, ’cause big brother is heading this way now. It looks like we are on our way out of here.” Sure enough, Asad approached them within minutes to tell them they were leaving immediately. Catan followed the two Gattis, lost in thought. He briefly said his goodbyes to Laithe’s family, thanking them for their kindness. He entered the warship, making his way to the bridge. He didn’t really have a lot of duties on the ship. He pretty much played gofer for anyone that needed anything. Gofer… another word he’d learned from Rowan. This past week, every night she had entertained him with stories of her planet, little sayings he found fascinating. He was so curious about the world around him. He shouldn’t be. Lynx weren’t supposed to be curious. They were supposed to stay home, breed with a suitable female and raise their young. All while remaining separate from the other Felidae. His father would be horrified if he knew Catan was here with one of the prides, contemplating a relationship with a male. He stepped up behind Usama, watching his friend’s pale fingers work their magic to initiate take-off. Rowan was standing in the atrium, where the door had been left open. Lev and Morgan were conspicuously silent. He had grown used to hearing their normal quips and jokes. He wondered what could have happened to set them off. He glanced at Asad, standing close to Laithe. Asad caught his gaze, smiling at him. He gestured for Catan to join him and he quickly bounded over. Asad lifted his arm, curling it around Catan when he happily fit himself in the space beside him. He curled his body into Asad, swishing his tail quietly. Asad moaned in his throat, smoothing his hand down his back, pulling on his tail with a sure grip. “Don’t start that in here, or everyone else will be wanting to have sex on the bridge,” Laithe said, frowning at them. Catan grimaced, trying to pull away but was held fast to Asad’s side. “I don’t mind, really. Carry on,” Lev joked, glancing at Morgan.

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Morgan paused for a moment, sharing a deep look with Lev. The two men seemed to have a discussion with just their eyes. “I don’t mind either. It boosts morale to see a live sex show, I always say,” he quipped. Catan sighed in relief, not realizing how tense he had been. He wanted everything to stay normal. It was supposed to be exactly the same as it always was. Asad nudged him, towing him away from the others. “Looks like we are done here. Do you want to go under for a bit, set up in your room?” he asked. Catan was about to reply in the affirmative when he happened to glance up at Asad’s face. His lids were hooded, his lips curled wickedly. Catan panted, going from happy to horny in a matter of seconds. He nodded. Asad grinned, grabbing his hand and quickly pulling him out of the bridge. They walked hand in hand down the stairs and along the hallway leading to their rooms. Asad didn’t even pause outside Catan’s cubby. Instead he led him toward his own room. The door opened, admitting the two men into the cool space. He remembered being in Laithe’s room once, the ever-changing walls reminiscent of Felid, the grass blowing in the wind. The walls had been covered in a material that was able to be changed to suit the needs of the occupant. They were like a hologram, showing any scene imaginable. He knew the sky in Laithe’s room changed periodically, shifting from a soft blue to a vibrant violet. Asad, too, had ever-changing walls, but his were decorated in an entirely different way. He couldn’t believe he had never been in this room. Gasping, swinging in a circle to take in as much as he could, he looked around the space. The walls were covered from floor to ceiling so they looked like a forest. Tall, chocolate-colored trunks rose to the sky, towering over the shrubs at their base. Leaves in every color of green imaginable hung on the trees, blowing back and forth in the imaginary wind. The sky was a dark purple, bleeding into indigo. His favorite time of day, the purity just before the sun fell.

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The sky was free of clouds, but far behind the trees, huge, grey, skulking mountains were hinted at. Catan wasn’t aware of the tears falling down his face until Asad moved, raising his hands to brush them away. He leaned in, licking the salty traces off Catan’s face. “You did this?” Catan asked, his voice breaking. “I did this for you. Does it make you happy to see your home?” Asad asked, his voice quiet. “I… I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe you would do this for me.” “I thought you might miss it. I know your last memory of Kanad was unpleasant. I know you don’t often talk about your life before we came.” “There just didn’t seem to be much need to talk about it. I…” He paused, trying to find the words to express how he felt about that time in his life. It seemed like a distant dream, so far away from where he was at the moment. “You have never talked about what happened, Catan. I don’t want to push you. If you decide you want to talk, I’m here for you. But I understand if you wish to remain silent.” Asad tugged him to the large bed dominating the room. It was his surprise over the walls that had kept him from seeing the bed when he had first entered the room. Asad lowered himself to the bed, bringing Catan with him to curl up in his lap. Catan sighed, laying his head down to rest on Asad’s chest, listening to his heart beat. Bathump, ba-thump. It was a calming noise. He was silent, gathering his thoughts, trying to figure out what to say and in what order to say it. “I don’t really remember what happened. I think about it a lot. But I don’t know how much of what I think about it is true or what I’ve made up to fill in the blanks,” he whispered. Asad tightened his hold, resting his cheek on top of Catan’s head. “Is it so bad that you don’t remember everything? Is it important that you have all the details?”

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“Not really. I just wish I could let it go. I was supposed to be helping my father that day. We were in our home, but I was angry with them. I was in my room. I didn’t even hear the men come in. Not until I heard Mother screaming. “They caught us all by surprise. It was just us in the house. Father wasn’t a warrior. He was lying on the floor when I ran out of my room. I can still see him lying there, staring at me when I came out. His eyes were open, but he was already gone. Mother was on the ground. Seth was over top of her, teasing her. He kept saying if she just did what he wanted, she would live. I heard her begging him to let us go. He was laughing when he struck her,” he sobbed, caught up in his memory. He saw the face of his mother, tears streaming down her cheeks. She was always so gentle. She shouldn’t have died like that. Asad said nothing, merely tightening his hold. He breathed in deeply, the spicy scent of Asad surrounding him and letting him know he was safe. “I heard other screams outside. I knew they were going after my family, my aunts and uncles. I didn’t know what to do. I just stood there, frozen, staring at the bodies of my parents. I wish… I wish I could go back and erase that day. I wish I could go back and do something… anything!” “There wasn’t anything you could have done, Catan. They were warriors. They would have killed you immediately if you had tried to fight them. You did the only thing you could. There is no shame in that,” Asad crooned. “Seth was the one that grabbed me. He dragged me down to the ground. I tried to fight then, but he was too strong. The Other One was outside, and Seth threw me down in front of him. He laughed when he saw me struggling. I don’t… I don’t remember all of what happened after. I know they cut me, I remember the smell of his breath, the feel of him inside.” He whispered the last, his voice growing softer. “Neither of them can ever hurt you again, kitten. They are both gone from this life.” “I know that. But you know what? I wasn’t going to let them hurt me again. I knew you would come for me. But I knew that even if you didn’t make it in time, he

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wasn’t going to ruin me like he did before. Do you know why?” he asked, raising his head to look at Asad. “Why, kitten?” Asad asked, his voice thick with emotion. “Because I’m stronger. I knew I could survive this time. I knew I was strong enough. I knew it,” he said, his voice determined. He laid his head back down, curling into Asad. “I’m strong enough,” he whispered, almost in awe.

Chapter Five Asad knew the exact moment Catan woke up. He was staring down at the Lynx, running his hand along the side of his face when Catan scrunched up his face and let out a little purr. He grinned, leaning down and placing a kiss on those adorable lips. Catan inhaled, completely boneless. He had slept the entire night curled up in Asad’s arms. Asad hadn’t slept much, terrified Catan was going to wake up with another dream. He wanted to make sure he was peaceful during the night, as if his presence might be enough to stop the dreams from coming. Catan opened his eyes, blinking up at him. His face was open, trusting. Asad couldn’t resist, bending over the smaller man and capturing his mouth. He sent his tongue delving into Catan’s mouth, tasting the flavor of him, running his tongue along the roof of his mouth. Catan purred into him, vibrating his chest where it was pressed against him. He moved restlessly, inserting his larger thigh between Catan’s legs, raising it to press hard against his groin. Catan purred louder into his mouth, thrusting into his thigh. Asad wrapped both arms around him, pressing him closer and at the same time moving his thigh up and down. Catan’s long, slender cock rose up to greet him, smaller than his own, but perfect. He lowered one hand, gripping Catan, squeezing his cock and smiling into Catan’s mouth when he whimpered. Asad released his mouth, sliding lower on the bed to bite a path down his jaw. He scraped his teeth against Catan’s collarbone, pleased when Catan raised his arms to grip his head between two strong palms. His little kitten definitely liked to be touched. Asad moved his lips down Catan’s chest. He couldn’t resist the lean muscles, stopping to suck beside his right nipple, making a mark on his chest. He lowered

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himself further to press against his belly. Catan’s cock bumped his chin, and he looked down to see the weeping slit. He extended his tongue, lapping up the cream, poking at the little hole to get more. He loved the way he tasted, sweet, yet bitter and all Catan. He tongued the barbs ringing his glans, smoothing them down with his rough tongue. The barbs were meant to initiate ovulation in females, but they were incredibly sensitive for any male. If Catan was anything like him, he would be out of control if Asad played with them too much. He grinned, turned on at the thought that he might be able to entice Catan into losing control. He extended his tongue again, wrapping the long appendage around Catan’s shaft. He raised his head, looking down at the glistening cock in front of him. A droplet of pre-come glistened at the tip and he eagerly lapped it up again. Catan had a firm hold on his mane, digging his fingers in and kneading his head. Asad stuck one finger in his mouth, sucking it deep to make sure he had enough saliva on it. This would probably be better with oil, but at the moment it was too far away and there was no way that he was going to relinquish the tasty treat in front of him to bother with it. He sucked Catan deep, swirling his tongue around the base of his shaft. He kept one hand on a lean hip, holding the Lynx down when he let out a garbled yell and bucked his hips. With his other hand, he traced a path down past his scrotum, teasing the flesh behind. He ran a nail against the sensitive skin, moving further until he rimmed his anus. He paused, waiting to see if Catan would panic. He didn’t want to overwhelm his kitten. He concaved his cheeks, sucking hard before releasing his cock with a pop. A string of saliva connected his mouth to the tip of Catan’s glistening penis. He moaned at the sight, lowering his head again to lap against his slit to taste more cream. He teased Catan’s hole, rimming his finger in tiny circles, touching off the nerve endings in his anus. He inserted one finger gently, running his finger around and around, widening his passage in increments. He wanted to take this slow. Catan wasn’t quite ready for the main event yet.

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Catan pulled hard on his mane. “Asad… oh, God, Asad… please… please don’t stop. Don’t you dare stop,” he mewled. Asad grinned around the head of his cock, careful of his canines close to such sensitive tissue. He sucked hard again, swallowing Catan’s cock until it bumped the back of his throat. The barbs teased the base of his tongue, a firm pressure in his mouth. He knew exactly what that would feel like for Catan, so he swallowed again, caressing the barbs with his tongue and the opening of his throat. He felt his sac getting tighter against his chin, Catan pulling hard now on his mane. Asad swallowed again, waiting until Catan jerked up before inserting his entire finger into his ass, twisting it until he felt the little bump inside. Catan roared, his seed jetting out of his cock and coating Asad’s throat. He purred happily, swallowing it all down. He continued lapping at his shaft, making sure he had all traces of cream licked off before he looked up at Catan. His kitten was sprawled on the bed, his limbs heavy. He looked utterly wanton, a satiated smile on his face. Asad waited until Catan looked down at him, before he slowly removed his finger, making sure Catan felt every millimeter of his exit. Catan’s eyes widened large in his face when he realized what exactly Asad had done when he was so enthralled. “Are you okay, kitten?” he asked, moving up the bed and taking Catan into his arms. “I am,” Catan said with wonder. “I can’t believe you did that and I didn’t panic. I was so afraid I would panic.” “I’m very proud of you, kitten.” Catan hugged him hard, butting his head into Asad’s chest. He raised his arms, smoothing down the long fur on Catan’s back, running his hands down the side of his body and holding him tight. Catan glanced up at him, shaking his head clear. He smiled devilishly, purring once more.

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“Why do I have the feeling you are going to do something completely out of character?” Asad teased. “It isn’t out of character. You just under-underest-underestimated me before.” Catan grinned. Asad growled, a low rumbling coming up from his chest. His cock was still achingly hard, but he didn’t want to push Catan too far. He was willing to let his kitten set the pace for them. “Asad?” “Yes, kitten?” he asked, pausing to cup the side of Catan’s head. “Can we… can you do something? It’s all right if you say no. I won’t hold it against you or anything, I just thought that maybe --” “Kitten, what is it?” he interrupted. “I want to know what it feels like, to… you know, with someone I love,” he said, batting his large, sensuous eyes. He tilted his head. Was his kitten asking what he thought he was asking? “Are you talking about sex?” Catan huffed, frowning at him. He took his silence for assent and had to hold in his laughter. Now was definitely not the time to laugh at the situation. His kitten was asking him to fuck him. Asad bowed his head, capturing Catan’s lips again. He released them with a smack. “You can ask me anything, kitten,” he soothed. “I want it to be like before, with Seth,” Catan said, a determined glint in his eye. Rage filled his body. He didn’t want to relive the helpless feeling when he had spied Catan being thrown to the ground, the bloody bastard grinding into him from above. He wished he could go back in time and kill him again for scaring his kitten. He tamped down his anger, closing his eyes briefly. He had to do this for Catan. He couldn’t turn him away now. “Do you want me to tie you up?” he asked, mindless of the quiver in his voice.

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Catan nodded, a slight movement betraying his nerves. “I don’t want you to stop. If I panic, I don’t want you to stop. I need to move on, Asad. I need to find a way to get rid of my dreams.” “But you didn’t have a dream last night, kitten. Your dreams might be gone now. We don’t have to do this,” he said, trying to find a way for Catan to back out if he wanted to. Catan squared his shoulders. “I need to do this. Please, Asad.” Asad smiled, brushing his lips over Catan’s forehead. “Of course. I’d do anything for you.” He raised himself up from the bed, turning to the wall set across from them. He pressed a panel hidden within the mural, releasing a small cubby. He found what he was looking for at the back, a thick pile of rope and the small bottle of oil Fahd had given him. When he turned around, Catan was on his knees, swaying on the bed. He pursed his lips, tilting his head to look at Asad. Asad grinned at him, content to see how far his kitten was willing to take his newfound sexual freedom. Catan blushed, a rosy bloom just visible beneath his fur. Asad chuckled, walking forward and uncoiling the rope. When he reached Catan, he had a length of rope separated. He released one razor sharp nail, easily tearing through the rope to give him a smaller, more manageable length. Catan hesitated before holding out his hands in front of his body. Despite his misgivings, Asad’s cock gave a painful lurch, intense pleasure filling him from the thought of binding his mate. Blood flowed into the shaft, lengthening and thickening it until it jutted forward, reaching for Catan. He dropped the rest of the rope and the bottle to the bed at Catan’s knees, reaching forward and grabbing Catan’s wrists with his free hand. He positioned his hands, palms touching and fingers stretched. He folded the rope in half, forming a loop at one end. He wound the rope once around his arms, feeding the ends of the rope into the loop. He repeated the winding again, feeding the ends through the loop and forming a line of rope just below the first.

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Asad glanced at Catan to make sure he was comfortable. Catan had a line drawn between his eyes. He was looking at the rope. He tilted his head and met Asad’s waiting gaze. “This isn’t what --” “Let me do this my way, kitten. Okay?” he asked, patiently waiting. Catan nodded and he went back to his knots. He wound both ends of the rope around the previous windings, cinching them between his wrists. He split the two ends of the rope, weaving them around Catan’s wrists and tying a loose knot to complete everything. He wanted his bondage to be tight but not threatening. It was loose enough that he could still move, but secure enough he was assured Catan couldn’t break free unless Asad decided to let him go. Catan smiled at him, nodding his head again when he saw the finished product. Asad grinned, grabbing his kitten around the waist and lowering him to the bed to sprawl on his back. Catan shimmied his hips, getting comfortable, making Asad groan when he noticed the motion made Catan’s cock bounce. He reached down to grab the bottle of oil, opening it to squeeze out a generous handful. He coated his cock, slicking his hand up and down his shaft. Asad moved to lower himself over Catan, pausing when Catan cried out. “Wait, I want to taste you first. It’s only fair.” He grinned, wiggling his hips again. Asad couldn’t help but laugh. His cock was throbbing, and he was an instant away from bathing Catan in his seed. He held the base of his shaft with a hard grip to distract himself. Moving onto his knees, he raised one leg, placing it on the other side of Catan, straddling his chest on either side. Catan hummed happily, placing his bound hands against one of Asad’s thighs. He tipped his head, reaching out with his tongue until he touched the tip of Asad’s cock. Catan licked along the head, bathing his glans with his saliva and licking off the nawra oil. Catan moistened his lips, grinning when Asad moaned in response. He returned to his shaft, moving his agile tongue along the side, hungrily sucking and kissing his length. He lapped around Asad’s hand where it held the base of his penis.

Jade Buchanan


- 55 -

Asad shifted, rising up slightly so Catan had access to his sac. He felt the rough, little tongue dance across his scrotum, leaving behind a fiery path. He passed over his fingers again, kissing his hand before moving back along his shaft. When he reached the glans, Catan paid special attention to the barbs ringing the head. They were different from Catan’s, thicker, more prominent, so sensitive it made Asad’s toes curl, watching his kitten lapping at his cock. He felt a tightening in his lower back, his balls drawing up, and he pulled away. His tail caressed Catan’s thighs, moving along to brush against his cock. “I won’t last if you keep doing that, kitten,” he growled, pushing himself back to straddle Catan’s thighs. Catan’s bound hands twitched against his stomach, reaching for him. He leaned forward, placing a kiss against the ropes, moving down to suckle the slender fingers. Asad moved back, resting on his knees. He shifted, drawing Catan’s legs out from under him and sliding them up his arms. He held Catan’s knees in the bends of his arms, pushing them back so he could see exactly what he had been waiting for. He reached back for the bottle of oil, coating his fingers once more. His eyes on Catan’s face, he painted oil on his opening, drawing circles around his hole. Catan tensed, obviously waiting to see what he would do next. “This isn’t how --” he started. “Kitten, let me do this my way. I don’t want any memories intruding on what we do here.” Catan subsided, resting back and watching every move Asad made. He knew that Catan had only been taken from behind. He would have no idea of the pleasures that could be had, and Asad wanted to make sure that he didn’t accidentally remind Catan of something from before. He worked the opening, pressing his fingers around the hole, not entering, just dancing across the flesh. Catan mewled, rising up, asking for something he had no idea he was asking for. Asad grunted, satisfied. He slowly inserted one finger, brushing it up into Catan, carefully probing until he felt the bump of his prostate. Catan squeezed his muscles, pressing against Asad’s finger. Now it was Asad’s turn to gasp, feeling the

Jade Buchanan


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squeeze of his kitten. He removed his finger, pressing two fingers into the opening, watching Catan’s face for any discomfort. When he realized he was okay to move forward, he pressed the fingers in, scissoring them and stretching the ring of muscle inside Catan’s ass. He groaned again at the warm, heated passage gripping his fingers. It was going to feel like heaven when he sheathed his cock inside. He thrust his fingers, bumping his prostate on every stroke. “Are you ready for more?” he asked, panting. Catan squirmed, moving his hips, bucking into his fingers. Asad grimaced. He was going to take that as a yes. He slid his fingers out, pressing three fingers together and inserting them simultaneously. It was a tighter fit. He had to be careful, but Catan made no move to tense up. He thrust the fingers in, gentle at first and then harder when Catan started to move with him. He couldn’t take any more of this. He needed him now. Asad removed his hand, reaching for the oil again. He poured out a generous amount, coating his cock until it shone with liquid. Pressing his aching shaft to Catan’s hole, he paused. He couldn’t believe how hot he was, staring at the sight below him. He was close to bursting from watching his mate writhe beneath him. “Kitten… do you want this?” Catan moaned wantonly, tipping his hips. “I need the words. Do you want this?” he asked, desperate. “Yes… yes…” Asad thrust, parting Catan and inserting his cock. The walls of his ass closed like a vise around his shaft, brushing up against his barbs. He had to pause, waiting until the urge to come had passed before continuing forward. Grasping both legs, he raised them higher, pressing Catan’s knees back into his chest. Carefully, he inched forward, his cock sliding into Catan. His kitten gasped, eyes wide, staring at him in wonder. He slid forward, bumping his prostate with the head of his glans. Catan tipped back his head, letting it fall hard to the bed. He thrashed from side to side, tipping his hips to take more of Asad.

Jade Buchanan


- 57 -

Finally, Asad bottomed out, sliding himself in to the hilt. He stilled, content to feel the snug grip of Catan’s ass, contracting around his cock with every shift Catan made. Catan couldn’t stay still. His hips were moving, eager to feel every inch of Asad inside him. Asad lowered the legs he was holding in front of him, maneuvering until Catan could wrap them around his waist. He leaned forward, pressing his chest to Catan’s, waiting until he met his gaze. Catan lifted up, kissing him ferociously. He started to move, withdrawing, moving against legs that were desperately trying to keep him inside. They tightened around his waist, causing Catan to tighten the muscles in his ass. Asad groaned at the feeling. Catan writhed now, the barbs catching on his every nerve ending on their way out, scraping like fingernails along the walls of his ass. Asad pulled out until just the head of his cock remained, pausing before thrusting back in. He wouldn’t last long, not this first time. He thrust, withdrew, thrust, withdrew until he was nearly crazy with the need to come. Catan was moving into his thrusts, desperately twisting his hips. Asad moved one hand, curling it around his kitten’s cock, and that was enough for him. He squeezed down on Asad, roaring out his release. Asad groaned, jerking once more and then joining Catan in his release. Pearly white strings of come coated his hand where it cupped Catan’s cock. His own release jetted up into Catan, marking him as his. Catan was his. “I love you, Asad,” Catan whispered, panting. “I love you, kitten. You belong to me,” he returned, leaning down to kiss Catan. He tenderly held his hands, unwinding the rope from his wrists.

Chapter Six Catan paced along the bridge, walking from one end to the other. He was conscious of Asad watching him, and every once in a while he put a little bounce in his step, trying to entice the other man into going below with him. Asad had wanted to come up and talk with Laithe, and Catan was trying his level best to get him to change his mind. He smiled, thinking of the power he held. It went both ways, but with Asad he didn’t have to fear anything. His Leo accepted him for who he was and it was incredibly empowering. He passed by Asad again, twitching his tail back and forth. “For all that is holy, if you don’t stop that, I’m going to take you below and teach you a lesson,” Morgan growled. Asad reached over, swiping at the Pardus, snarling when Morgan laughed and jumped out of reach. Catan lowered his head, not wanting Asad to see his smile. He would just get upset if he realized Catan was happy the other members of the pride were noticing him in a sexual way now. Not that he was tempted to go to anyone but Asad. He couldn’t imagine being with anyone but him, but it was nice to be noticed. It was nice not to be scared of his feelings. Lev laughed, hooting when Morgan ducked behind him for protection. “Seriously, Asad, you have to admit the little Lynx there is trying to entice someone downstairs to fuck him. If you aren’t going to do it, some of us are more than up to the task.” Asad merely shook his head, looking at Catan with a small smile on his face. Catan grinned back, turning his back to him and swishing his tail again. “That’s it,” Asad rumbled.

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Catan turned around, eyes widening when he saw Asad coming toward him. He danced out of the way, moving backward. “Come in, Warship Shahnaz, come in,” sounded a garbled voice. Everyone paused, turning to look at the console in front of Laithe. Laithe held up his hand for silence, answering the call. “This is the Warship Shahnaz. Who is this?” he asked. “We are calling from Himalay. We need your help,” the voice came back. Rajiv stood from where he had been sprawled, silently padding toward Laithe. “I know that voice,” he said quietly, his deep voice rumbling out from his throat. Catan looked at the others. They were all staring at Rajiv, startled that someone from the Tigris home world would be calling for them. Asad motioned for him, bringing him to the side where they were out of the way. Catan could still hear the voices continuing their discussion, but he couldn’t quite grasp the words. Laithe called out to them, bringing their attention back to him. “We are changing our course,” he said. “It seems the Tigris have a crisis on Himalay they don’t want to deal with. Does anyone have an objection to traveling there?” Catan knew that no one would speak up. They were all curious to see what could possibly cause the Tigris to call for help. They were the largest species among the Felidae and they had no problem asserting their dominance when they felt like it. They never called for help. What could be so important they would ask for it now? “What did they want?” Asad questioned, brushing his hand along Catan’s arm. “They didn’t say,” Laithe groused. “But I can’t ignore a call for help. We have no choice. Unless one of you strongly objects, we are changing our heading and going to see what the problem is.” They all looked to where Rajiv had been standing. He was gone, nowhere to be found on the bridge. Catan opened his mouth, startled. He stared at Asad, waiting for him to say something, but Asad merely shook his head. Catan settled down, watching while the other pride members initiated a change in course. “I wonder what’s going on?” Rowan asked him, sidling up beside him.

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“I don’t know. Maybe Laithe will find out more when he talks to them again. This has never happened before,” he said, turning wide eyes on her. “It’s pretty exciting though, isn’t it?” she asked, laughing quietly. “I get to see another planet. How cool is this?” “Are you cold?” he asked, staring at her. “No, it’s an expression. It means that it’s nice, wonderful.” “Ah, okay,” Catan said, grinning when she laughed freely. He loved her laugh. He looked over to where Laithe and Asad were talking. When they had finished, Laithe nodded to Asad. Rowan passed him, squeezing his arm and walking to her mate. Asad moved up toward him, catching his hand and walking to the stairs. “Well, this is definitely a change in pace,” Asad commented. “What’s going on?” he asked. “We’re not sure. Laithe is right though. We can’t ignore a call for help. I just wish they had given us more information to go on. I don’t like going into anything blind and if I know Fahd, he is probably going nuts trying to figure out how he is going to keep Laithe and Rowan safe if this is an ambush of some sort.” Catan remained quiet, lost in thought until they reached Asad’s room. Their room now. Asad had told him in no uncertain terms that morning that his place was now with Asad. He couldn’t be happier about it. “How long will it be until we get to Himalay?” he asked, thinking ahead. “Not long. We should be there in a few hours,” Asad replied, sighing and falling to lounge on the bed. He brought up both his hands, smoothing back his mane. Catan stilled, rubbing his thumb along his nose. He tapped the end, waiting until Asad looked up at him. He quirked his head, swaying side-to-side. He’d bet he could come up with a solution to keep Asad busy for a few hours until he was needed again. He pounced quickly, landing on Asad’s chest, laughing when his mate grunted. He wiggled into a more comfortable position, crossing his arms on the big chest in front of him. “Sooo… it seems we have a few hours to while away,” he giggled. Asad smirked, raising his arms to cross them behind his head.

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“And what do you have in mind, kitten?” he asked, failing to keep a serious face. Catan lowered his face, blowing a hot breath along Asad’s chest. With another giggle he traced C.L. + A.G. into the fur. “What are you doing, kitten?” Asad asked, trying to raise his head to look at Catan. He smiled, smoothing down the fur, finishing it with a kiss pressed to his chest. “Nothing, Asad. I’m not doing anything.” With a sigh of contentment, he lowered his head again, resting his cheek on Asad. Asad uncurled his arms, bringing one up to cover Catan’s hands. With the other, he pulled him close, shifting to place a kiss against his forehead. Catan leaned forward and nipped the hand covering his own. With a wicked glance at Asad, he shimmied down his body, ending up with his chin hovering over Asad’s groin. He leaned forward, breathing along the shaft, elated when it started to harden, rising up to press heavily against his cheek. He licked up and along the side, gratified to hear the long, heated moan from above him. Asad lowered his hand, grasping Catan hard behind his head. He ground his own cock into the sheets beneath him, rubbing against the silky material. He shifted, bumping into Asad’s leg, rising up and straddling his leg. His cock now rode Asad’s hard, hairy calf, the fur inflaming his shaft when he rubbed against him. “Suck it, kitten. Please,” he groaned. Catan lowered his head, drawing the shaft into his mouth, swirling his tongue around like Asad had done before. He smiled, forgetting about his teeth for a moment. He scraped the side of Asad’s cock with his canine, pausing when he realized Asad had gone still beneath him. Asad moaned loudly, tightening his hold on Catan and bucking upward again. Catan smiled, repeating his path, carefully drawing his canine down Asad’s shaft. “Oh, kitten, enough, I won’t last if you keep doing that,” Asad gasped.

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Catan reversed direction, sliding his canine up, tracing his tongue behind to coat Asad’s cock. He reached the barbs at the glans of Asad’s cock, flicking against them gently with his tooth. Asad roared, grasping his head hard and shooting his come into his mouth. Catan gasped around the cream in his mouth, rubbing furiously against Asad’s leg. He came in a hot splash, his seed landing in Asad’s fur. When he could breathe again, he glanced up to see Asad sprawled out, his arms dropped to his side. “How much time did you say we had before we reached Himalay?” he asked, his smile evident in his voice. “A few hours,” Asad gasped. “Good.” He grinned, returning to lap gently at Asad’s cock. A few hours? This was going to be fun.

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The Felidae: Laithe’s Pride

Rowan Brandt needs a life… Rowan is a plain Jane and she’s tired of drawing the short stick when it comes to luck and love. She needs a change of pace, but she definitely isn’t expecting a sevenfoot-tall, fur-covered man to walk into her life. Not only does he get hair on everything, he also informs her that he will be sharing her with his pride.

Laithe Gatti needs a mate… With males outnumbering females ten to one, his odds are poor that he will find her among his people, the Felidae. His pride is depending upon him to find the one woman that completes them, and the seven men are more than ready to make a few changes among the status quo… particularly when it comes to the sleeping arrangements among them.

And then there’s Fahd… Fahd has been trying to change his position in the pride for years. He has always been in love with his pride leader, but Laithe’s position and Fahd’s temperament ensured they could never be together.

Will the addition of the lovely Rowan change that, especially when she makes it clear that she is more than interested in having them both?

Jade Buchanan Jade Buchanan was born in the summer of 2006, out of a slightly shy but definitely warped mind. Jade’s alter-ego spends her days working in the world of safety management consulting, but at night she lets Jade out to play. Preferring to live in the world of fiction in which she was born, Jade can be found wandering through fields of words whenever she can. Now if only she can find her dream man -- a time-traveling Scottish laird who was born a werewolf that became a vampire and lived on a pirate ship, only to make his way to the new world and work on a ranch in Montana (with a brief foray in the Navy SEALS), before conquering the space time continuum and becoming a space marauding pirate and ruling the galaxy -- she’d be a very happy lady.

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Renny's Mate

Wilder's Mate

Mate Hunger

Megan’s Mate

Coyotes Mate

Pride Mate

Wilder's Mate

Wilder's Mate

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Destined Mate

Coyotes Mate

Mate Hunt

Determined Mate

Perfect Mate

Pride Mate

Mate Night

Dream Mate

Perfect Mate

Alphas Mate

Mate Claimed

Protective Mate

Lycan Mate

Vegetarian Mate

Jaguar Mate

Dragon Mate

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