Sheer's choice

Sheer’s Choice Jade Buchanan The Pridelands 3

Chapter One “Did we do the right thing? Coming here?” Rais Steinsson sighed, looking out into the forest in front of him. It was an unfamiliar sight, and one that he was quickly becoming sick of. There were too many trees, too many sounds he couldn’t place, too many clouds in the sky… it was just too different. He didn’t want to be here on Earth; he wanted to be back home on Felid, surrounded by the rest of his people. His oldest brother turned to glance at him. “I cannot regret any of it.” Durai’s face was serene, calm. It just served to piss Rais off. “Even if it means we lost a brother to gain you a mate?” Durai narrowed his gaze, remaining silent, simply staring at him. Rais snarled softly, lowering his head. Durai was his eldest brother but he was also his pride leader, and because of that his word was law. Despite that, he could still annoy Rais faster than any of his other siblings. Rais still couldn’t believe Durai was mated. For a Leo pride leader to find their destined mate, they had to share a mind connection. Durai had discovered his connection to Darren Coleman upon their arrival on Earth and the two men were now almost inseparable. Darren was human, different from the Felidae Rais was used to, and one of the reasons they were still on this primitive planet. It seemed nearly impossible that so many changes had taken place recently. It was almost mind-boggling when he tried to think about how they had ended up here at this moment. Rais sighed heavily, his chest aching even more. He used to complain about Achan, whenever the cub did something to annoy him. He had always been in the way, butting his head into everything his older brothers did. Rais was ashamed now to think of how he used to snarl at the young one. Achan had always been so curious about the world around him. When he found out he could come with them to Earth he had been so excited, his joy infectious. Rais felt sick inside, thinking of his brother. He’d give anything to have Achan standing beside him, asking the same question for the hundredth time. He’d gladly answer anything Achan wanted to ask him, gladly show him anything he wanted to see. He wanted him back. When they’d arrived on Earth, they had met Darren immediately. Durai had been drawn to the other man, and in an effort to give them privacy, Rais and his siblings had gone off exploring. They’d quickly learned that some worlds posed a danger to them. It was still disturbing for Rais to think of an entire planet that had no knowledge of the Felidae. The only fur-covered beings they had encountered

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here had walked on four legs instead of two. They had been primitive creatures, unsettling for Rais to see. It had been like looking into his ancestors’ eyes, and seeing that wildness looking back. Even more disturbing had been when they’d discovered the humans on Earth hunted the creatures for sport. The one they’d come across had been killed within their hearing, chased through the forest and slaughtered for fun -- not sustenance. It was a horrifying ordeal, and they’d known immediately that they couldn’t stay here. It wasn’t safe for any of them. Just when they were getting ready to leave the planet and go back home, Achan had disappeared. For some unfathomable reason they couldn’t get a lock on his scent. They had tried to follow his scent trail when they first discovered him missing but it had faded quickly, blending in with the other smells in this confusing world, erased as if it hadn’t existed at all. Durai had taken Darren, Rais and Khalid with him, searching the north for their brother, while Lev had taken his own mates and the Bolen brothers south. His sister, Zula, had stayed behind, left alone with another of Darren’s human relatives. Rais hadn’t liked it one bit, but there was only so much he could focus on at a time. Once they found Achan, then he could ensure Zula was protected. Only a few days had passed between the time Durai had met Darren, and their brother’s disappearance. They had all known eventually Durai would find his mate; he was such a great man that Rais knew if anyone deserved a mate it was Durai. It was just such horrible timing. In his mind, it was all wrapped up and connected, and he couldn’t stop the feelings of anger toward the small human. Then he would just feel guilty, which made him even angrier. “Tell me, Durai. If you had to choose, would you save Achan or Darren? Our brother, our pride… or your mate?” Durai growled softly, turning away from him. “Do not think to rile me, Rais. I know what you are doing.” Snarling, Rais paced away, turning and coming back to his brother. He wanted a fight, damn it. He needed a fight. It was the only way to ease the pressure inside him before he went crazy from it. “You know nothing.” “I know enough, brother. Stop it.” Rais growled, baring his teeth. Placing both hands on Durai’s chest, he pushed him hard, forcing Durai to take a step back. “That is so easy for you to say. You’re always the one making the decisions. Your word is law, is it not? And what of the rest of us? Are we supposed to just sit here on this backward planet and hope for rescue? Do you not think our ship has been detected by now? It’s not as if we can hide it. What is preventing some human from stumbling upon it and risking all of our lives?” “Rais --” “Those hunters are still out there. Have you forgotten? The ones who killed the creature so much like us when we first arrived. The ones who shot her down like vermin, without a care, treeing her using beasts that ran on four legs like her. They are still out there somewhere. Our brother is missing. Our sister is stuck, completely defenseless, at a cabin with some strange male and all you can think of is when you next get to fuck your precious mate --” Durai stepped forward, his canines an inch away from Rais’ face. “Do you dare to insinuate I am not thinking of this pride?” Refusing to back down, Rais narrowed his eyes, staring back at his older brother. Sensing Durai’s weakness, he decided to pounce. He was so damn frustrated from all of this that he needed a release. Now. “What is wrong, brother? Do you think you are doing your best for the pride?” “That is enough!” He couldn’t stop the words from pouring out of him. The anger filled him until it was all he could feel. “I am sick and tired of your word always being the last one. I have always followed you, always. But this time, brother, we are in over our heads. This is so much bigger than anything we have gone through before. This time, we made a mistake and the one that is suffering is Achan. He could be… we do not know what could be happening to him at this very moment. You did this. This is all your --” Rais choked, trying to breathe around the massive hand that came out of nowhere to squeeze his neck, constricting his breath.

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“Enough, Rais. Do not do this. You will regret it when you calm yourself.” Khalid’s whisper came from behind him. His fingers tightened in warning. Khalid was stronger than him, stronger than them all. If he seriously wanted to hurt Rais, there was no way he would be able to prevent it without killing them both in a fight. Khalid was roughly the same age as Rais, although they hadn’t grown up together. The first half of Khalid’s life had been spent on Himalay living with his Tigris mother, and it definitely showed. He was quieter than the rest of the Steinssons, more apt to seek solitude than stay among his boisterous siblings. He was bigger than the rest of them too, a blend of his Tigris mother and his Leo father. He even looked different than the rest of them, a complete blend between Tigris and Leo. Tawny fur covered his body, and a sparse mane surrounded his bold features. Faint stripes wrapped around him, a shade or two darker than the rest of his fur. Khalid’s fingers opened slowly, releasing Rais. Coughing, shrugging his shoulders, Rais lowered his head, refusing to apologize. They shouldn’t have come here and they all knew it. Achan was lost in this strange world and it was all their fault. He was too young, the baby of the family. He shouldn’t be alone right now. Hell, he could be… No, he was still alive. Rais could feel it. He had to be all right. The soothing sounds of Durai’s mate tending to his oldest brother reached Rais’ ears. Darren’s voice was low, the scent of fear and confusion filling the clearing around him. Rais wrinkled his nose, barely able to stand the acrid scent. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Darren. He did. At least he thought he did. It was just that none of this would have happened if they hadn’t come here. If Durai hadn’t promised to bring Darren’s brother home to reassure the human. If Durai hadn’t connected with Darren and taken the man to mate. If, if, if. It was making him sick. He’d never been this helpless before. He couldn’t control any of this and for once in his life he didn’t know what to do. He’d always followed Durai, had never once questioned his decisions. What was wrong with him? “It looks like things are as interesting as ever. Khalid, you just have one big happy family.” The feminine voice was low and amused. Rais whirled in place, startled to see a female Tigris standing behind him at the edge of the clearing. She’d come from downwind, but how had she gotten here in the first place? What were the Tigris doing on Earth? Darren squeaked in fright. Durai growled, obviously just as startled to see the female. It was hard to tell what Durai was more mad about, the Tigris female appearing unexpectedly or the fright his precious hairless mate had been given. Rais cursed himself silently. He couldn’t continue doing this. If he didn’t get over his irrational anger at Durai’s mate, things were going to end badly for them all. The female moved forward, embracing Khalid fiercely. The big man seemed to be the only one not surprised about her being here. He rumbled softly to her, his words hidden in her hair. His faintly striped arms tightened around her, pulling her closer. Her tail swished, wrapping itself around Khalid’s knee. They resembled each other vaguely, as they should. This had to be Khalid’s Tigris sister, there was no other explanation. Rais had never met her before, Khalid always made sure his two families didn’t have contact with each other. It was probably easier for them all that way. She was tall for a female, her frame trim and muscular. Muted tan fur covered her body, intersected with dark brown stripes. Her hair was short, swinging in a striped bob around her ears. A simple cloth wrapped around her breasts, another around her hips. Despite his lingering frustration with his siblings, Rais felt a low throb of attraction for the female. She appeared delicate standing in front of Khalid, but he knew she could probably best him in a fight if she wanted to. She was Tigris, after all. “What are you doing here?” Durai’s voice was low, the threat behind his words apparent. His entire body was frozen, not even his tail twitching. Darren stood behind him, one hand grasped firmly in Durai’s mane, his knuckles white. The alluring female tore herself from Khalid’s embrace, bowing her head to Durai. “I am Rabi’a Asher, sister to Khalid Steinsson, daughter of the Tigris. I have come to offer you aid in finding your brother.” Her voice was quiet, controlled, familiar. It was odd hearing that tone come from feminine features instead of from Khalid. 3

“How do you know about Achan?” Durai frowned fiercely, his head jerking to study Khalid intently. His frown pulled his scar taut, calling attention to the jagged mark. The slash ran from his temple down to his cheek, bisecting his eye, standing out against the fur covering his brother’s face. Rais normally didn’t notice it anymore, it was such a part of the other man. “How do you think we know about him, Leo?” Rais closed his eyes, breathing deeply. That voice he recognized. Opening his eyes on a sigh, he turned to watch Pran Devan stride arrogantly into the clearing. He was striking, even for a Tigris, but his attitude sorely needed an adjustment. “Pran!” Khalid’s voice rang out, a clear chastisement. The other man bared his teeth, turning his back on Khalid to pace closer to Rais. “Forgive our intrusion, Durai Steinsson. It is not our intention to upset your pride.” A second man stood just inside the ring of trees, his face shadowed. Rais twitched his ears, drawn to that smoky voice. His tail swished once before he wrapped it around his thigh, stilling the betraying motion. He did not recognize that voice, but everything in him wanted to know more. The Tigris stepped out, towering over everyone in the clearing except for Khalid. He was big, muscular, his fur a vibrant shade of orange highlighted with red. Bold black stripes covered his body, wrapping around his arms, his chest, his legs… Rais turned his head, drawing his gaze away from the temptation presented by the small loincloth the Tigris had wrapped around his hips. He met Rabi’a’s gaze, catching her faint smirk. She raised a brow, looking Rais up and down briefly before turning her attention back to the newcomer. Rais felt his cheeks heat, suddenly thankful for the fur that covered his body. Of course, the Felidae could likely smell the difference in his scent even if they couldn’t see it. “And you are?” Durai clenched his jaw, staring at the big Tigris. The man bowed his head, the short strands of his hair glinting in the sunlight as he moved further into the clearing. “I am Sheer Ma’at, duty bound to accompany Rabi’a on her mission. It would be my honor to assist you in your hunt for your sibling.” “Durai?” Darren’s voice was quiet, his grip firm on Durai. “Aren’t these…” “What?” “Aaron said he was taken by someone who made Tony the Tiger look like a baby. Are they --” “They are not responsible for your brother’s abduction. Rabi’a is Khalid’s sister on his mother’s side. I am familiar with Sheer. He is known as a great warrior. Pran, despite his current scowl, will not hurt you. If he tried, he would be dead before his feet left their current placement.” Khalid rumbled, narrowing his gaze at Durai. Durai ignored him. “Rabi’a, Sheer, Pran. This is Darren, my mate. You know Khalid already, and the other is our younger sibling, Rais.” Rais glanced up at the Tigris, startled that all three were staring at him. “Now, introductions are over. How did you get here?” Durai demanded. “We arrived at the cabin, and Zula directed us to you. It was not hard to find you, your scent covers the area.” Rabi’a crossed her arms, meeting Durai’s gaze levelly when he snarled softly. “Zula?” “Is fine. We left her with my brother, Jai, and the small human, Mike.” She paused, smirking. “They seemed to be getting along well.” “Jai is here?” Khalid’s voice was tight, clipped. Rais jerked, remembering that Jai would be Khalid’s brother too. This whole double family thing was confusing at times. Rabi’a nodded, remaining silent. The two shared a glance, full of hidden meaning. “What do you mean, they are getting along well?” Rais spoke for the first time since they arrived, the tip of his tail beating out a rhythm against his thigh. He tried not to stare at Rabi’a. She was a beauty, confident and secure in herself. It was incredibly arousing to see, but he just knew she’d be trouble if he tried for something more with her. There were some Felidae he knew better than to start a sexual relationship with. Everything about her shouted her independence, and everything inside Rais yearned for a secure family. Besides, he’d heard the rumors about her. 4

“I believe your sister feels comfortable around Mike.” Rabi’a met his gaze, shrugging her elegant shoulders. Wait… elegant? What was wrong with him? It had obviously been too long since he had last had sex. If either of the Bolen brothers had been interested in men, he might have been able to slake his near-constant arousal, but he’d been trapped on their warship Azarnaz for too long without even the most basic comfort. Seeing as everyone else in the pride was related to him, Rais had been getting acquainted with his palm for far too long. The minute he stepped foot back on Felid, he was tracking down the nearest unrelated Leo, male or female. He couldn’t be attracted to these Tigris. Besides, even if he was… it wasn’t as if they would look twice at him. Why would they? The Tigris were solitary by nature. They’d never want any part of his family, and family was definitely a package deal when you got involved with a Leo. Sweet Felid, he wanted to go home.

Chapter Two Sheer stood still, keeping everyone in sight. It seemed the Leo were having more issues than they’d realized. He’d heard the rough tones of the two brothers as they argued, heard the pain behind each voice. He wondered if they realized it themselves. It wasn’t anger propelling them, as much as a deep abiding fear. Khalid stepped up to him, grasping his forearm in greeting. “It is an honor to have you here, Sheer, to see you again.” Khalid’s voice was smoky, rasping as if he struggled to get every syllable out. Bowing his head, Sheer studied his friend. “It has been long since we last met, Khalid.” “It has.” “What do you require of me?” Khalid smiled slightly, the corners of his mouth twitching. “Find him. If anyone can, it will be you.” “Of course.” Sheer waited for Khalid to speak, sure there was something more he wanted. He recognized that look, even if he hadn’t seen it in years. The two men had grown up together, hunted together, killed together before Khalid had gone to live with the Leo. They knew each other like brothers would. Khalid was the one man he would have chosen as his family if he could have, the brother of his soul. Khalid leaned in, pitching his voice low until Sheer was confident he was the only one hearing the words. “We need to split up. Rais will not last much longer before doing something he will regret. I need you to care for him, protect him.” Sheer refrained from glancing at the younger man. He’d noticed him when he’d first arrived; it was hard not to. Rais was tall for one of his kind, his shoulders wide and strong, although he was still smaller than Sheer. His fur was burnished gold, his mane long and lush. It had been a while since Sheer had last felt the first stirrings of arousal. He hadn’t missed Rais’ mutual attraction. He’d been able to smell the man’s scent rising, but Sheer was used to ignoring the needs of his body. If he went off with Rais, he wasn’t sure he would be able to hold back. “You know what you are asking me?” Khalid nodded. “I trust you to take care of him. He has always fought to find his place among our pride, following whatever our father and then Durai asked of him. I can sense that he is no longer content following blindly. He needs to experience independence, if only for a moment. He is confused, guilty for feeling that way. He needs to work it out for himself, to see that it is his choice to stay and not his duty. He cannot do that here.” “Khalid…” “I once loved you like a brother. I trust only you to look out for my precious Binnodara, to care for him the way he needs.” Grinning, Sheer stepped forward to entwine his tail with Khalid’s, nearly overcome with pride over the honor Khalid had given him. He was asking him to take care of his Binnodara, his half-brother, to claim the man as his own for this one point in time. There was no greater honor among Tigris. “He may not accept me, you know that.” Khalid snorted, rolling his eyes. “The little runt cannot stop looking at you. Do not even try to tell me you have not noticed. I can tell you are just as interested as he is.” 5

Smirking, Sheer let his gaze wander to the Leo again. Rais was standing off to the side, listening to Durai as he discussed a plan of action with Rabi’a. As he watched, Rais turned his head, gazing back at Sheer for a moment. When he realized Sheer was looking at him, Rais tensed, swinging his head around again. Oh yes, he was definitely interested. Rabi’a drew his attention when she shook her head at him. Lifting one slim brow, she smiled softly. Sheer nodded to her, confident she was aware of what Khalid had asked him to do. He turned to Khalid, the question on his lips. “She knows. I do not hide anything from my sister, my Attika.” “This is why you asked us here.” “Of course. I am fully aware when there are tensions among my pride. I knew once Durai took a mate, it would become harder for the rest until they too found their Cittaja, their own heart mate.” “It would be my greatest honor to assist your Binnodara in discovering his path. As long as we are here, I will be there for him if he will accept me and be at his side until we part, or until the time comes that he finds his Cittaja.” Sheer turned once more to glance at Rais. He knew there were some among the Leo who didn’t understand the way of the Tigris. They must seem cold and brutal -- calculating -- to people who were used to growing up in big, dominating families. The Leo prides served as a protection for every family member. As long as they had their pride, they would never truly be in harm’s way. Their strengths and weaknesses were balanced within the pride and they depended heavily on each other. The Tigris believed that every man and woman had to find their own way, become strong on their own. They came together to raise families, but they were still independent. If you were strong enough to establish your dominance among the Tigris, you could do anything you wanted. It was a near constant power play that exhausted him at times. Always needing to be aware of his thoughts, his words. Waiting for the next challenger to try and take his territory from him. It was these strengths, though, that Khalid was asking him to share with his Binnodara. “Do they know you sent for us?” Khalid smirked. “Durai is pretending he is not aware, but I am fully confident he knows what I have done.” Khalid had sent for them before the Leo had even left Felid to come on their journey. He had contacted his sister, Rabi’a, asking her to come to Earth and intercept Durai’s pride there. “You asked for me.” “I did. I believed you would complement Rais, be what he needs in this moment. I knew that you would follow Rabi’a, trust in her judgment, and let her lead.” “And Pran?” The big man’s shoulders tightened minutely. His tail swished once, stilling against his side. He shook his head. “I did not know she would call for him.” “He has been… unpleasant… of late.” “I heard.” Knowing enough about Khalid to sense when to stop, Sheer nodded. Rabi’a and Durai had finished their conversation, and Durai motioned for the others to come forward. Sheer angled his path, coming up beside Rais, breathing in the scent of the other man. He smelled like the open plains, wild and free. It was a scent Sheer had never realized he could yearn for. The vast openness of Felid wasn’t familiar to him. He much preferred the rugged mountains and hardy forests on Himalay. But there was something there, something that intrigued him about Rais. He looked forward to discovering what it was. Rabi’a watched as the others came closer. Sheer brushed up against Rais, causing the intriguing Leo to tighten, his scent becoming stronger. Khalid stood beside them, his arms crossed on his burly chest. He nodded to her, his satisfaction apparent. She had to shake her head. Khalid always tried to take care of the ones around him. Even when they didn’t realize he was doing it. She wondered if his Leo family saw that in him, that need to make the ones around him happy. Rabi’a was fully aware of his reputation, the fact that most saw him as intimidating. It wasn’t always true. He had his own set of vulnerabilities that he fiercely guarded. 6

She glanced at Pran, standing off to the side. It was typical of him, always wanting to be the outsider. She hoped she had done the right thing by asking him to come with her, but she had needed to get him off Himalay. He would have died there after his incessant challenges, she felt it deep inside her. “We have decided it is best for us to split up into two smaller groups, scout out the area and meet up again. It is possible the Tigris can find something we have not been able to.” Durai’s voice was firm, determined. Rabi’a had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. It had taken her precious minutes to convince him of her plan, but he had agreed with her in the end. The Tigris were the best hunters among the Felidae and Durai was fully aware of that. Possessing almost uncanny hunting skills, they were tough, bold, dominating. If they weren’t so solitary, they might actually rule the Felidae instead of the Leo. She was used to arguing with the men around her. She had finally gotten to a place in her life where they would at least deign to listen to her. She supposed she had Isha to thank for that. It was the only thing he had given her. Well, not the only thing. Her heart clenched for a moment, the unfamiliar longing rising up again. She had done the right thing, she knew that deep inside, she just had to remind herself of it every once in a while. It hadn’t been easy leaving Himalay, leaving behind someone more precious than her own life. She missed her daughter, the soft weight of Beryl in her arms. But it was for the best. Isha and his new mate, Navin, were the best parents she could have hoped for. It had all turned out better than she had thought when she first approached Isha to father her child. When he met Navin, she had finally realized she had to leave. Her daughter would be better cared for in the arms of the two men. Shaking her head, Rabi’a focused on the task at hand. Her brother, her beloved Khalid, had asked her to help him, and that was why she was here. She wouldn’t let him down. It was time to set part of his plan in motion. “Rais, Sheer, you will both come with me. Khalid, Pran, you will accompany Durai and Darren. If we split up, we will be able to use the strengths of both the Leo and the Tigris. We will find a trace of your brother, I know it.” No one argued with her. It was almost too good to be true. She had at least expected some token protest. They were all men, after all. Darren pulled out some device, pressing a few buttons. It must be the satellite phone Zula had first mentioned when they arrived at the cabin earlier. Their way of contacting each other over distances. “Mike? Yeah, it’s Darren again. Listen, the new arrivals are here, and we’re splitting up. I need you to call Aaron, let him and the rest know what’s going on. We’ll be in touch, okay?” Rabi’a remembered Aaron from his brief stay on Himalay. Looking at Darren, she could tell the two were brothers. They were almost identical. Nothing like their cousin, Mike, though. She wondered if he was the same as Khalid, a half-breed, different from his family. Darren listened to Mike for a moment, nodding once or twice. He said his goodbyes, putting the phone away before leaning into Durai’s side. “He’ll call Aaron and make sure Lev and the other three know what’s going on.” Rabi’a wondered how they had come up with the idea to split their group into two. It only made sense to have Lev and Durai separated, since having two pride leaders would automatically confuse everyone into wondering who to listen to. You couldn’t get more than two Leo together without them trying to figure out who was more dominant anyway, but it would be more confounding when two of the men were used to leading without being questioned. She knew there were two other members of Durai’s pride, although she had never met the spotted men. She vaguely remembered Lev’s other mate being Pardus. That must be why the twins had joined Lev and Aaron in the search. Nodding firmly, she motioned for Sheer and Rais to join her. Both men pulled at her, made her want to run her hands over their bodies, revel in their strength. It was going to be hard watching Sheer win over Rais while standing back, but she was used to ignoring her feelings. She would never have been able to leave her daughter behind if she wasn’t skilled at battling down her emotions by now. Maybe if she had been different, more relaxed, she would have been able to proposition both men. Unfortunately, Rabi’a was very aware of her responsibilities at all times. She could not afford to become involved with anyone. She had more important things to sort out. Men only confused the issue, clouded her mind with their essence and made her want to submit to them. 7

She would never do that, would never risk her heart on a man who could subdue her. She understood well what men wanted. Especially strong men like Rais and Sheer. She couldn’t imagine them wanting her as a partner, an equal. They hadn’t been raised that way, either man. She wouldn’t play the mate who stays at home with their cubs. The two men weren’t for her, no matter what she wished for deep inside. Dimly, she was aware of Durai setting out with Darren and Khalid. Pran held back, scowling fiercely. A low growl escaped her throat. She was sorely getting tired of his behavior. It was a good thing he wasn’t her problem anymore. “Let’s go.” She started off in the opposite direction, confident the men would follow her. She knew what she needed to do. The sooner she could find Khalid’s young brother, the sooner they could leave and she could be alone again. She focused her attention, breathing in the scents around her. Slowly, she was able to separate the individual scents clouding her mind, pull them apart until she could pinpoint the direction of each smell. Her ears twitched, picking up strange sounds, the rustling of the leaves in the wind, the soft shushing of some animal in the distance. Closing her eyes, she let everything sink into her body, aware of Sheer doing the same. This was what they were bred for, what their purpose was. There were no greater hunters than the Tigris, she would stake her life on that. Actually, at the moment she was staking Achan’s life on it. They would find the cub. “Do you smell that?” Sheer’s voice was quiet, intent. She moved closer to him, watching his face closely. She knew when he found the same trail she had. His eyes snapped open, his grin feral. Holding in her gasp, she turned away, trying to calm her breathing. She couldn’t let him know about her attraction. He had his own mission now, and she didn’t need to complicate things by wishing she could be with him, with Rais. “Smell what?” Rais’ scent intensified, his confusion apparent. “It smells like Leo, faint but there. Khalid said that he had been able to find traces of Achan, but he kept losing it.” Rais nodded. “We all did at first. I don’t know what it is, but whenever we think we have it, everything just blends together again until it is nearly overwhelming.” “The scents of the forest?” “Yes. I have never had this happen before. It is normally so easy to single out each unique scent around me, but for some reason I cannot do that here. Things become clear for one moment, cloudy the next.” “I wonder if it is because you are Leo?” “Hey!” “I meant no offense. We all know we are different, is it not possible there is something in the air here that is making it more difficult for the Leo?” Sheer pursed his lips, bringing his hand up to rub his chin. “It is possible. Makes things more difficult, but at least it explains why Khalid has not been able to find his brother yet. He is one of the greatest hunters I know. This inability is not like him. I guess it is a good thing he called for you, then.” Rabi’a started, turning to view Rais. “You know he called for us?” “Who else would have? You are here, there is no denying it, and I am going to assume you are not here to take in the sights around us. Khalid must have contacted you after Achan went missing. Durai forbade him from contacting anyone, but I think we all knew Khalid was going to do it anyway. I just do not understand how you arrived here so fast.” She frowned. “You think he contacted us after Achan went missing?” “When else --” “It does not matter, Rais, Rabi’a. We are here, and that is enough.” Sheer held out his hand, gesturing for her to start out before him. “Wait, when --” “Drop it, Rais.” “I will not. I want to know --” “Rais --” “Just tell me!” Rabi’a kept walking, letting the two men argue it out behind her. Concentrating, she pulled up the faint scent trail she’d discovered earlier, positive now that it belonged to Achan. He smelled different from Khalid, similar enough to Rais but that wasn’t what called to her. He smelled familiar, and that shouldn’t be possible. She’d never met

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Achan, had never met any of Khalid’s siblings on his Leo side. She understood why, so it had never been an issue for her. She couldn’t figure out what it was that made Achan’s scent so familiar. Mulling it over, she blindly followed the meandering path through the forest, aware of Sheer and Rais behind her the entire time. Suddenly, she stopped, blinking hard. Innocence. That was what it was. His scent was innocent, fresh like the first hint of spring after the snow came to Himalay. A tail rubbed against her calf a moment before Sheer placed his hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right?” She shook her head, needing a moment to calm herself. The tail wound its way around her leg, the tufted end beating gently against her knee. Furrowing her brow, she glanced down, stunned at how right the solid, pale golden tail looked against her stripes. Rais remained silent, comforting her with his tail, just as Sheer was with his presence. Oh, this was not good. Smiling softly at both men, she pulled away. Pushing down the yearning to stay in their loose embrace, she picked up Achan’s scent again. She could tell she was getting closer; the further away from their starting point they moved, the stronger it became. Stopping once more, she glanced to her right. Sheer stepped up beside her, nodding once. He’d scented it too. “What’s wrong?” Rais’ agitation was clear, his swishing tail stirring the air behind her, bathing her in his scent. A part of her wanted him to wrap the appendage around her again, but she squashed that down. If she was really being honest, there was a large part of her that just wanted him to wrap anything around her. He was a man she could quickly become addicted to. If that wasn’t warning enough to stay away, she didn’t know what was. “Can you smell anything, Rais? Is your nose still unable to separate the notes?” “Every once in a while I think I can find him, but I cannot tell anymore if that is truly what I smell or just me wishing for his scent.” She nodded, understanding. Taking a deep breath, she turned again to Sheer. He was studying her face intently. She wondered what he saw. She was fairly confident she was hiding her emotions from him. She didn’t want him to see her internal struggle. Rabi’a blinked, angling her head toward Rais. Sheer nodded, accepting the responsibility to tell him what they had discovered. “His scent has just intensified, but… there is another. Several others. They smell strange, like your Darren, but not.” The scent of fear and panic washed over her and it was all she could do to hold herself back from him. Sheer reached out, pulling the Leo closer to him, enfolding him tightly in his embrace. Rabi’a looked away, stepping forward to where the scents converged together. “Humans? You think Achan was taken by the humans? Is he… is there a… do you --” “Breathe, Rais. You must breathe.” Rabi’a glanced back at them. Sheer’s eyes were closed, his grip tight around Rais. The other man looked like he’d been gutted, the pain obvious on his face. Turning around again, she studied the foliage around her. Right in front of her, where Achan’s scent intensified, the forest floor was littered in tiny white flowers. Crushed greenery sprouted up around the flowers, releasing their fragrance. Reaching out, she plucked off an intact branch, one of only a few that had not been crushed beneath some great weight. Bringing the flowers to her nose, she inhaled carefully. Her mind blanked for a moment before she could shake it off. Interesting. “Rabi’a?” Sheer crouched beside her, Rais firmly held against his side. “He was here. There is no doubt in my mind. These flowers are covered in his scent, almost as if he rolled around in them, marking them. Smell this.” She held out the branch, nodding when Sheer shook his head and sneezed. “What is it?” “I do not know. I have never come across anything like this before. The scent from the plant lingers, does it not? Clouding the mind, distracting…” 9

“You think Achan was overcome by the scent?” Rais thudded to the ground beside them, falling face first into the bulk of the white flowered plant. Sheer gasped, dragging the man up and holding him tightly against his front. Rabi’a quickly checked him, breathing a sigh of relief when she found his pulse. Brushing back his thick mane, she stared up at Sheer. “What is going on here? We have to alert the others. Warn Durai --” Sheer’s snapping roar rumbled from deep in his chest. The sound vibrated through her, the sawing noise resonating out until the forest went silent. “Well, that certainly is one way of alerting them.” She couldn’t help but shake her head.

Chapter Three Sheer held Rais tightly, rocking the man back and forth, quietly whispering for him to wake up. He stood, grunting at the weight of the Leo, pulling him backward until they were no longer beside the white flowers. Sinking to his knees, he settled Rais across his lap, pressing the side of the man’s face into his shoulder. He couldn’t stop his hands from moving, sliding over Rais’ body, making sure he was okay. Rabi’a brushed back Rais’ mane again, her long fingers moving over his forehead, his cheeks. They brushed down his nose quickly, before she placed her palm against Rais’ neck, holding it there. Grunting, Sheer watched her face, seeing again that lightning quick flutter of her eyelashes that betrayed her. She was not as indifferent as she tried to appear. He didn’t know what that meant for the three of them, but he was nothing if not resourceful. His curiosity was piqued, and he fully intended to see what could happen between them. It seemed the most dominant female on Himalay had a soft side. Despite what others said about her. It made him wonder what else there was about her that he didn’t know. Sheer had a sudden urge to find out as much about Rabi’a as he could. Long minutes later, Rais moaned, twisting in Sheer’s grasp. He blinked open his amber eyes, staring up at both of them. Rabi’a removed her hand quickly, backing up until she was standing off to the side. Sheer opened his mouth, closing it with a snap when Rais nuzzled his cheek against him. The other man moaned again, sliding his cheek along Sheer’s upper chest, turning his head and pressing an open-mouthed kiss against his pectoral. Gasping, Sheer fought with himself, torn between wanting to nudge the man closer and wanting to pull him back to make sure he was recovered. Rais beat his tail against Sheer’s thigh, moving the appendage between their bodies until the tufted end tickled the edge of his loincloth. Sheer gasped, opening his legs wider. Rabi’a chuckled, drawing his attention. “I will just go down the path a ways, wait for Durai to arrive.” She shook her head, walking away quickly. He hadn’t missed the interest on her face when Rais had moved into him. Oh yes, she was definitely captivated. Sheer wanted to call her back, but Rais chose that moment to dip his tail below his loincloth, brushing against Sheer’s cock. The half-hard erection he’d been nursing since first seeing Rais tightened abruptly, hardening and lengthening until his loincloth was in threat of being torn. Rais purred, the rumbling noise vibrating his body, sinking into Sheer. Grabbing hold of his sanity, Sheer grasped the side of Rais’ face, pulling him up enough to look into his eyes. They were dazed, unfocused. Sighing with regret, Sheer extricated himself from Rais’ hold. As much as he wanted the other man, he was not going to take advantage of him when he was in this state. A noise alerted him to the arrival of the others. Durai burst into the small area they were in, snapping out a raspy snarl at Sheer. “What happened to him? Rais?” Durai grabbed hold of his brother, tilting his head back and frowning at the glazed look on his face. “Rais!” His voice was almost frantic. Khalid crouched down, placing one hand on Rais’ shoulder. “Sheer? What happened?” “We were following Achan’s scent. Rabi’a led us to this place and we found traces of him. His scent was all over this one plant, lingering on the crushed branches as if he rolled in it.” He paused. “I do not know what 10

happened to him, but we found traces of humans just before Rais fell. It has to be the plant. What else would bring Rais to his knees like this?” “Show it to me.” Moving away, Khalid followed him back into the brush, stopping at the sight of the crushed plant. “What is this?” He reached out a hand, grasping one of the broken branches. Sneezing when he brought it to his face, Khalid abruptly stood up, stepping away from the plant. He shook his entire body, breathing deeply. Sheer watched him carefully. Khalid took one step forward, his knees buckling. Grabbing hold of the bigger man, Sheer grunted when he took some of Khalid’s weight. Pran grasped Khalid on his other side, holding him up. His face softened, and if Sheer didn’t know any better he’d say it looked like Pran was worried. Khalid sneezed again, shaking his head. He straightened his body, and Pran abruptly backed away. “What’s wrong, Khalid? Are you going to pass out like your weakling brother, too?” “Enough, Pran.” Sheer reached out, cuffing Pran on the side of the head. Pran scowled, snarling softly. Sheer waited, but Pran seemed to come to a decision. He curled his lip, turning to give them his back. Khalid paused, his voice shaky when it came. “I could feel it sucking at me. Whatever it was, it is very strong.” Darren stepped forward, holding out one of the leafy green branches. “It’s just a plant. What’s the big deal?” “It is the scent. Holding it in my hand was…” Khalid rubbed the pads of his fingers together, reaching out and wiping them on a nearby tree, as if he wanted to get rid of the sensation. “What is it, Darren?” Durai tightened his hold on Rais when the other man tried to get loose. He brushed back Rais’ mane, leaning down to rub his cheek along his brother’s. “You’re going to be okay, Rais. Please, Darren, tell me he’s going to be okay.” “I’ll call Mike. He’ll know.” Darren turned away, pulling out the small box he’d spoken into earlier, his way of contacting his cousin back at the cabin. “Mikey? I need you to identify something for me. It’s a plant with tiny white flowers. Leaves look like fern, they smell a bit like mint.” He paused, listening. “Uh huh. Yeah, that sounds like it. Yarrow? Is it dangerous? Well, it did something to Rais. He’s weak, almost unconscious. Even Khalid was affected by it. What?” Darren glanced at the rest of them. “Is anyone else feeling the same thing?” Darren related their negatives to Mike, listening again. “Okay, Mike says that yarrow has been used for medicinal purposes in some areas. That he’s heard of it being used to stop bleeding, and when made into a tea it can aid digestion.” He stopped. “What was that, Mike? Ah, shit. Okay, thanks, I’ll tell them. Mikey says it can be used as an anesthetic too.” Sheer shook his head, not sure what he was talking about. At their blank looks, Darren laughed softly. “Sorry, a local anesthetic is something that causes you to lose feeling in a part of your body. It stops the signals going to your brain that let you know you can feel. I’m not explaining it very well. Hell, I’m an animator, not a doctor. I draw things for a living.” “Would this explain Rais losing consciousness?” Sheer struggled to understand what Darren was saying. “Yeah, it would. There are drugs that are general anesthetics and they can cause you to become completely unconscious to the point that even pain won’t rouse you. They use it a lot during surgery, when they’re trying to heal you.” Rais moaned, pulling away from Durai and clutching his stomach. Without thought, Sheer knelt down beside the man, sliding his palms down his back. Rais purred again, shifting until he was lying prone against Sheer’s thighs. “What was that, Mike? Oh, just frickin’ wonderful. Thanks a lot. No, no worries about that happening. Rais definitely isn’t doing that!” Darren reached down, running his fingers through Durai’s mane. Durai stood up, a fierce frown on his face, turning his body in to his mate. Darren’s fingers brushed along his shoulder before he wrapped an arm around Durai’s waist. “Okay, I’ll let you know what happens. Bye.” 11

“What?” Sheer ran his palm down Rais again, calming him when the man shivered. “Oh, it was just Mike trying to be funny. He said he’d heard somewhere that yarrow can be used as an aphrodisiac. You know, as a sexual stimulant.” Sheer jerked, lifting his head to meet Rabi’a’s gaze. He shook his head at her, asking her to remain silent. He didn’t think Rais’ family needed to know about that. Rais chose that moment to shift in place, agilely sliding along the forest floor until Sheer’s thighs rested against his upper chest. He lifted his head, rubbing it along one firm thigh, purring louder. Before Sheer could stop him, Rais ran the palm of his hand up Sheer’s thigh, burrowing under his loincloth and grasping his cock tightly, rubbing his thumb along the sensitive barbs ringing the head. “Rais!” The erection that had flagged when the others had arrived quickly hardened again within Rais’ heated grasp. If he didn’t find release soon he was liable to have a stroke at the rapid blood loss and gain in his groin. “Well, I guess that answers that question. Yarrow is definitely a sexual stimulant.” Khalid snickered. Sheer swung his head, staring in shock at his friend. He grabbed Rais’ wrist tightly, carefully trying to extricate his shaft. He wanted to avoid unmanning himself by accident. Rais twitched and Sheer seized on the movement to clasp his hand firmly, bringing their now joined hands to rest on his belly. He silently prayed for his erection to go down so he could think again. Durai’s mouth gaped open, no words coming out. “Hmmm, maybe we can get you to roll around in it, Durai.” Darren laughed cheekily, drawing his mate’s attention away from them. Durai growled, pulling his mate further away down the path. Khalid knelt beside him, bringing his attention back to the reason they were here in the first place. “Did you sense anything else about Achan?” “He was definitely here. I can’t tell but it seems almost as if his scent doubles back.” “It definitely doubles back,” Pran muttered. “Can’t you smell it? The humans are stinking up this area, but I can definitely smell Achan in the midst of them.” Khalid stared intently at Pran. “You can follow them? Find them?” Nodding reluctantly, Pran motioned for them. “If it gets me off this stinking planet faster, I will track them.” He knelt down, brushing his hands along the ground. His left hand twisted minutely before he stood up again. Sheer frowned. What had he picked up? Durai walked back to them, obviously catching that last part of their conversation. “We will follow Pran and see if we can find Achan and these humans. Sheer, you stay with Rais until he’s a little more… aware. I don’t like leaving him but --” “He would want you to find Achan. It is his only wish.” Khalid stood up, directing Durai away. “But --” “He will be fine. Trust in Sheer. He will not let anything happen to our brother. Sheer will return to the cabin when Rais is recovered and wait there with the others. It is Achan I am worried about now. We must find him, quickly.” “If Rais is --” “Yes, if Rais feels this weak, this aroused, Achan might have as well. We do not know what happened when the humans came upon him. We need to get him away from them before he is hurt. He will be vulnerable, open…” Sighing heavily, Durai motioned for Pran to leave, waiting until Khalid and Darren had started out behind him. “We will contact Lev, warn him about the effects of this plant, direct him to return to the cabin and await further orders. I do not know what it will do to one of the Pardus. It obviously does not affect Tigris in the same way as it affects Leo.” Sheer nodded respectfully, letting the pride leader sort out his thoughts. The uncertainty was clear on Durai’s face. “Do not hurt him. Rais… Rais is very precious to me.” He closed his eyes, walking away. Alone, Sheer glanced up at Rabi’a. She was staring off to the side, watching the others leave. “Ra --” “I will be back later. I need to talk to Khalid.” 12

“Please --” “I will be back.” She fled down the path, leaving Sheer and Rais alone. He wanted to call her back, plead with her to stay with them. He knew better, though. He gently nudged Rais aside, moving before the man could grab hold of him again. Shaking his head, Rais blinked up at him, mindlessly reaching out. Sheer stepped aside again, evading his hands. They weren’t going to do this. He had no intention of taking advantage of Rais when he was drugged like this. Struggling to his knees, Rais moved forward once more, blinking those wide amber eyes at Sheer. He purred, arching his back before standing up tall. Oh, ga’ad, he couldn’t do this. He couldn’t stay here with Rais looking like that. He wasn’t strong enough, especially when he’d been looking at the man since he’d first seen him. He’d known they’d end up here eventually, but this wasn’t right. He wanted it to be because of Rais’ choice, not because he was blindly following his body’s urges. He would be like this with anyone. Right? He dodged Rais once more, chuckling at the situation he’d found himself in. Who would have thought that he’d be trying to avoid Rais when the man came on to him. If anything he should be on his knees, enjoying him. Rais growled at him, flashing his canines, obviously angered at not getting what he wanted. Exasperated, Sheer swiped out his paw, catching Rais on the side of the head. “Enough!” Rais stopped in mid-growl. It didn’t seem possible but his pupils dilated further until Sheer could barely make out the thin ring of amber. Sniffing, he was almost bowled over by the scent of lust rising off Rais. Tumbling forward, Rais went to his knees, butting his head against Sheer’s leg and almost knocking him to the ground. Sheer grabbed hold of Rais’ mane, holding him in place. A long, raspy tongue flicked over his inner thigh, causing him to buck. “Rais, enough.” Rais purred, extending his tongue to lick at the sensitive skin on Sheer’s thighs. Tightening his hold on Rais’ mane, Sheer tugged hard. Bad idea. Or good idea, depending on what outcome he wanted. Rais let out a rumbling yowl, plastering himself to Sheer’s legs. He nuzzled against Sheer’s groin, nosing underneath the thin loincloth. Gasping, Sheer tried to pull back. He wasn’t strong enough to resist Rais like this. Whimpering, Rais glanced up at him with wide eyes. Dropping to his knees so they faced each other, Sheer grasped either side of Rais’ face, holding him still. “I need you aware for this. Talk to me, Rais. Tell me this is what you want, or so help me I will start a fight just to draw off your energy. Talk to me, now!” Rais shook his head, gasping. “What…?” “That’s it, Rais. Come on, come back to me. Don’t let this rule you. Come on.” “Oh, S-She-Sheer. What… what’s wrong with me? I need…” “You need what?” “I ache.” Rais trembled. Brushing back the Leo’s mane, Sheer stared into Rais’ eyes. They weren’t as glazed as before. He was definitely coming back. “You know where you are?” Rais nodded, blinking up at him. “I remember the plant. Achan. Was Durai here?” “Yes. You are feeling better?” Placing one hand on his forehead, Rais frowned. “I ache something fierce.” “Your head?” “My cock.” “Oh, ah, I see.” “I really don’t think you do.” Rais tilted his head, smirking. “Of course, if I do this…” He grasped his own loincloth, ripping the material off and leaving him gloriously nude. “Now do you see?” Oh, wow. Sheer felt himself falling, all the reasons why he shouldn’t do this disappearing.

13

Rais grinned wickedly, grabbing Sheer’s thighs and bending forward until he nuzzled his groin, lifting Sheer’s loincloth and going right for his prize. Sheer arched up, the feel of those warm lips closing around the head of his cock making him shiver. He grabbed the back of Rais’ head, fingers sliding through the thick strands of his mane. It was a good thing he was already on his knees. His legs felt weak, his muscles quivering. Moaning, Rais sucked the head of his cock, pressing his tongue firmly against Sheer’s barbs, saliva running down his shaft. He brought up one of his hands, grasping Sheer’s sac in his nimble fingers, rolling the balls gently until Sheer felt like he was about to explode. It wouldn’t take long, at this rate. Giving up, letting himself go, Sheer simply rode the pleasure, gasping and groaning as Rais worked him expertly. Rais bobbed his head, sinking further down his shaft, milking the head of his cock with his throat. A single digit ran behind his balls, teasing the sensitive flesh there. Rais sucked firmly, dragging Sheer’s cock out of that wet heat, flicking the tip of one canine against his barbs. Sheer screamed, releasing himself in Rais’ mouth. His back arched, his hold on Rais’ mane the only thing that held him up. Well, that and the wicked lips now swallowing his seed. Rais gasped, sitting up and grabbing his shaft in both hands. A thin trickle of come escaped his lips, wetting his chin. Snarling, Sheer made his exhausted limbs move forward. Grasping Rais’ cock in one hand, he ran his palm over and over the glans. He grabbed the back of Rais’ head in his other hand, pulling the Leo into him, licking his own seed from Rais’ face. He thrust his tongue into Rais’ mouth, biting and sucking at his flesh. Rais let his head fall back, giving himself up to Sheer. It was a heady moment. Moving his hand, he flicked one of his claws along the tip of Rais’ cock. Swallowing the man’s moan, he smiled when Rais jerked, releasing himself all over Sheer’s fingers. “Well, well. Seems you decided to get a little closer while I was gone.” Sheer gasped, turning his head to spy Rabi’a staring at them both. Shit. Chapter Four “That didn’t take long.” She quirked an eyebrow, her lips twitching. “I couldn’t… he just… I did --” Rabi’a laughed, flashing her canines, enjoying the flustered look on Sheer. “I don’t think you minded.” She paused, glancing down to where Rais was slumped, nuzzling his thigh and purring. “He certainly is very friendly.” “He is drugged, and if that doesn’t make me feel like a heel, I don’t know what would. I took advanta --” “He is an adult, and I do not think he was entirely unaware of what he was doing. By the way he was looking at you earlier, I think this was bound to happen anyway.” Sheer sighed loudly. “You think so?” Nodding, Rabi’a stepped forward, running her fingers over the back of Rais’ head. He pressed into her touch, his purrs louder. Stepping aside, she motioned for them to start moving. If Rais was well enough to do that then he was well enough to start walking back to the cabin with the rest of them. Trying to ignore the sounds of heavy breathing behind her, she focused forward. Rais purred, mumbling something. His words were low and thankfully she couldn’t catch them. She really did not want to hear whatever he was saying to make Sheer moan like that. Really. “Cittaja, enough. Please, if you care anything for my sanity, you need to try and fight the effects.” Rabi’a tripped, turning to look back at him in shock, her eyes wide. Sheer grimaced, shaking his head at her to keep quiet. Had he meant to call Rais his heart mate? Were the drugs affecting him too? She paused, sniffing delicately. She was fully aware of what Khalid had asked him to do earlier. But looking out for Rais and letting him experience a small taste of independence were not the same thing as falling in love with him. When had Sheer’s 14

feelings become so serious? When had he realized the man beside him was the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with? What did this mean for the rest of them? For her? Rabi’a forcefully reminded herself that whatever happened between the two men had nothing to do with her. She was here to do a job, and once Achan was found, she could leave and go back to Himalay. Go back to her lonely life pretending she was happy. Sighing, she shook her head. When had she become so dissatisfied with her life? If she had known becoming a mother would have done this to her, she never would have approached Isha. It was probably all those blasted hormones swimming around in her bloodstream. She could understand a reaction based on that. It was much cleaner than examining her emotions. The three of them walked on for a while, silent except for the occasional moan from Sheer and whimper from Rais. She kept her gaze forward, cursing her sensitive hearing. Breathing shallowly, she ignored the heat she could scent, ignored the smell of release on both men. Twisting her neck, she realized they were passing near to a body of water. Stopping, she waited for Sheer to come closer to her. “He would benefit from a clear head.” “He would.” Sheer’s voice was dry, the arousal nearly hidden. Nodding, she altered their path, leading the two men to the water. A few minutes later, they came upon the edge of sparkling blue waters. She could tell just by looking at it that it was going to be cold, but that might be a good thing at the moment. They could all benefit from a cold soak to clear their minds. Smirking, Rabi’a turned to Sheer and Rais. Rais was still hanging on Sheer, nuzzling the other man’s neck. He was making the most adorable horny, happy noises. Gritting her teeth, she gestured to the water. Sheer shook his head. “He is going to hate this.” “I know.” “You are doing this on purpose.” Rabi’a couldn’t help herself. Her smirk widening, she grinned wickedly at the Tigris male. Everyone knew the Leo hated water. Not that they didn’t bathe, they just hated spending more time than necessary in any liquid. She was definitely looking forward to this. Arching a brow, she deliberately turned her back, reaching around and removing her top. The wrap around her hips was next. With a final taunting swish of her tail, she strode into the lake, glorying at the instant relief as she sank into the cool waters. Tigris loved being in water, would practically do anything to stay in it. She moaned, dunking her head once she’d gone far enough in. Surfacing with a splash, she shook her head, slicking her short hair back. Sheer was still on the bank, glaring at her. Rabi’a ignored him, scooping up water to pour over her head. Humming softly, she waited. Snarling, Sheer tore off his loincloth, reaching over and doing the same for Rais. Both men were gloriously hard, their cocks standing up, flushed and weeping. It was quite apparent Rais had been teasing both of them since they’d left the clearing. Her eyelids lowered, and her pussy clenched at the sight. Ducking her head again, Rabi’a stayed underwater for as long as she could. Damn them, but she shouldn’t be looking at either man. A loud echoing bellow brought her back to the surface. Snorting, Rabi’a watched as a very frustrated Sheer manhandled a protesting Rais into the water. The bigger man finally gave up, picking Rais up and throwing him further into the lake. Rais bellowed again, roaring out his displeasure. Well, if that didn’t wake him up she didn’t know what would. “You are a dead man, Tigris!” Oh, and Rais looked good wet. Rabi’a licked her lips, unable to look away as the fierce Leo shook himself, his golden mane plastered to his head, allowing the beauty of his face to show. Usually the first thing she noticed about the Leo was their manes, so different from the Tigris she had grown up with. Different even from Khalid’s sparse mane. Rais himself had wonderfully thick hair. It looked so soft that she had to clench her fists so she didn’t accidentally reach out and try to run her fingers through it. Especially now that she had actually touched his hair. Earlier, she hadn’t been able to stop herself. It had been as soft and silky as she’d hoped. Rabi’a ran the palm of her hand down her thigh, trying to get rid of the lingering sensation. 15

Rais was growling low under his breath, but at least he looked like he was marginally more clear-headed. He stomped out of the water, shaking himself violently. Sheer did nothing to stop him, simply swimming out of the way. Slumping down on the ground, Rais glared at both of them, rumbling. He looked so unhappy she had to duck under the water again to hide her grin. She hadn’t thought it would be possible, but seeing Rais with that adorable scowl on his face just made her want him all the more. This wasn’t going to work. She needed to forget all about this and just go on with her life. Why did Khalid have to go and ask her to come here? And why had her blasted brother insisted she stay close to Sheer and Rais when she’d first arrived. She surfaced, sneaking a peak at Sheer as he lazily washed himself, pretending to ignore Rais. Khalid wouldn’t have… would he? Why would her brother ask her to stick close to both men and then go off only minutes later and ask Sheer to take care of Rais? He… oh, that blasted man! She was going to strangle him when she next saw him. He’d done this on purpose. “I am going to gut him, just see if I don’t. He cannot do this.” Sheer turned at her low words, frowning. “Gut who?” “It is none of your concern, Tigris.” He pursed his lips, lazily swimming closer to her. Rabi’a held herself still, refusing to back away. He would only see it as a challenge, and she had no intention of capturing this male’s attention any more than she already had. A low purr caught both their attention. Swiveling her head, careful to keep Sheer in view, Rabi’a looked at the bank. Rais was sprawled out, apparently fast asleep. His chest rose and fell rhythmically. On every exhale his purr rumbled out. Snorting with humor, Rabi’a turned back to Sheer, startled to see he was much closer than she’d thought. “Tell me who has caused that fierce expression, Rabi’a.” “It is none of your concern.” Sheer grinned, shrugging his shoulders, gracefully moving through the water. “I say it is.” She was sick and tired of men like him always thinking they knew best. She was the most dominant female on Himalay and she would be damned before she would bow before any male. “Go and distract yourself with Rais. You will get far more out of him than you ever will out of me.” Instantly, she regretted her words. She had forgotten who she was dealing with. Stilling, Sheer studied her carefully. Something flickered across his face, too fast for her to identify the expression. “You think so, Rabi’a? You think I will get more out of him than I will out of you? Why do we not put that to the test?” Rabi’a pushed backward in the water, needing to get away from him. She had known better, she really had. He nodded as if he’d heard her thoughts. “You have spent too much time with Isha and his little mate, Rabi’a. You have forgotten how to act around a male who is interested in you. Or is it that you wanted to pique my curiosity?” “I want nothing from you.” She refused to show him how much his words hurt. She knew Isha hadn’t wanted her. She didn’t need to be reminded of it. Regardless of the fact that she hadn’t wanted him either, it still pricked her pride to hear the words coming from this masculine perfection in front of her. Especially when she knew Sheer and Isha were as much friends as any Tigris males could be. He would probably know exactly how Isha felt about her. This was exactly why she avoided Tigris men. They took everything as a challenge. Of course, she avoided all Felidae men, but that wasn’t the point here. “You should take care of Rais.” She desperately tried to grasp onto something, anything to distract him. “He is fine.” “He is sleeping --” “Rais will feel better once he has gotten some sleep. Who knows how long this will last. We need to do something to pass the time until he wakes up.” Sheer arched his brow, licking his lips. “You said it yourself, Rais is your Cittaja --”

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“Do you honestly think he would mind? I saw the way he looked at you before, the way his scent increased when you drew near. He is just as interested in you as he is in me. The only reason he was with me and not you is that I accepted his advances. I was closer when he had his yarrow attack, or it would not have been me that he reached for.” “You cannot possibly think that you know what he wants. You are not all-knowing, Sheer.” “Fine, but we are not talking about Rais here. We are talking about you and me.” “There is no you and me.” “No?” Growling, she stopped her retreat, letting him come to her. Desperately, she racked her brain for an argument. “You are only doing this because of what I said. If you will stop and think, you will realize that. So why don’t you go and give your affections to your Cittaja? I do not want you.” Sheer purred, sliding in front of her. His movements displaced the water, causing it to lap against her overheated body. “That is a lie, Rabi’a. I thought you were too proud to tell a lie.” “Do not do this…” Her words were entirely too close to a whimper for her liking. Moving swiftly, Sheer pulled Rabi’a into his arms, running a soothing palm down her back. She arched into his touch, glorying in the feel of his skin against hers. Clenching her fists, she refused to wrap her arms around his muscular body. She would not touch him. “I have no wish to hurt you, Rabi’a.” “Then why are you doing this?” “Why does everything have to be right or wrong with you? You are so stubborn that you refuse to see that things are not always as clear-cut as you try to make them. Isha --” “Has nothing to do with this.” “Now that, Rabi’a, is the first honest thing you have said this hour. Whatever you had with him is not what is between us. You know this.” Rabi’a closed her eyes, trying to ignore his words. She couldn’t listen to him, wouldn’t listen to him. He obviously did not know, or he would not have said that. She couldn’t bear to see his face when she told him the truth about her and Isha. If only she could prevent her body from softening, melting into his embrace, she would be fine. She didn’t need this. “Do not give up on this just because of your past.” Incensed, she tried to push him away, scowling when he didn’t budge. She honestly hated it when she was faced with a Tigris stronger than her. She could best him, she knew she could, but both of them would be severely wounded, and she knew they needed to be in their best shape to find Achan. She wasn’t innocent enough to believe that Sheer would walk away graciously if she tried to fight him. He was too much the typical Tigris male. Glancing at the bank again, she studied Rais carefully. Where did they all fit together? Did they even have a chance of fitting together? “You think too much, Rabi’a.” “And you know nothing of my past, Sheer.” He nuzzled the side of her face, licking her earlobe with his raspy tongue. Shivers ran up her spine. Opening her mouth on a gasp, she couldn’t prevent her reaction. From the tightening of his arms around her, he’d obviously felt it. “I know enough, for now. Whatever you wish to tell me, I would gladly listen to.” “There is nothing to tell. Now, let go of me, you brute, before I decide you need to be taught a lesson.” “Rabi’a, sweet Rabi’a. Always trying to prove something.” “Do not --” His lips cut her off, swallowing her protest. Rabi’a moaned heatedly, wrapping her arms around his neck. Even she wasn’t strong enough to continue resisting him when he had his mouth on hers. Why had she never noticed how strong he was before? Sheer propelled her backward, never relinquishing his hold on her body or her mouth. Her feet brushed the bottom of the lake, touching briefly before he hiked her higher in his hold. His tongue thrust deep, licking along the top of her mouth, sliding around her teeth. He wasn’t careful with her canines, cutting his tongue on one sharp tooth, filling her mouth with the taste of his blood. 17

Panting, she pressed into him, sucking his tongue hard. Rabi’a was suddenly glad he was Tigris, that he would understand her needs. There was no fear of him pulling away because of her actions. She knew some of the other Felidae viewed them differently, as something to be avoided. Scratching her claws down his back, she gloried in his hiss, swallowing the small sound. Wrapping her thighs around his hips, she arched her back again, brushing her groin against his cock, riding his shaft. Her pussy lips opened, letting her feel him more intimately against her core, pressing her clit against his flesh. Whimpering, she thrust her hips, fighting for release. She was so close, it would not take long. She couldn’t remember the last time she had come from someone else’s ministrations. It seemed so very long ago. Howling, she tore her mouth away, sliding her teeth against his jaw. Nipping his firm skin, she licked him, bringing more of his taste into her being. Touching him, tasting him… memorizing him. She didn’t know if she would ever get this chance again so she might as well make the most of it. Remember every moment so she could replay it again and again when the nights got too lonely. Letting go of everything but Sheer, she threw her arms around his neck, pulling herself up minutely. He helped her along, palming the cheeks of her ass with both hands. They both groaned as they slid against each other, fur made slick from the water. When he slid her back down, his cock nudged her pussy, opened her completely for his possession. She slid down his shaft, milking him with her tight heat until she felt his pelvis rock against her. Oh, she was so full, he was stretching her almost unbearably. It had been so long since she’d felt this way. Sheer opened his mouth, sinking his canines firmly into her shoulder. Rabi’a screamed, tossing her head. He grasped her hips tightly, slowly drawing her up his body, so minutely she felt every damned drag of his barbs. Scratching her, rubbing against the walls of her pussy, driving her mad with pleasure. When he reached her opening, Sheer paused there, holding her firmly in his arms. He was so strong, so dominating in this moment, that she felt soft and feminine. Almost fragile. Rabi’a let go of his neck, running her sharp claws down his back again, reaching down and teasing the underside of his tail with one nail. Jerking his hips, Sheer growled, letting her drop back down onto his cock, sliding up into her in one firm stroke. She yowled, closing her eyes, clamping down on him with her muscles, holding him tight. She was so close. Her nerve endings were hyper-sensitive, every move of his body causing her to react. Shivering in his hold, Rabi’a mewled when he started to thrust firmly, short and shallow jabs that kept them in constant contact. “Almost… there… oh, Sheer… Almost…” He pushed into her, holding her still. Blinking open her eyes, she stared at him, panting. “Please… Sheer…” “What do you need?” “You…” “Is this what you want?” Sheer lifted her once more, letting his barbs drag along her hyper-sensitive flesh. “Sheer!” “Is this what you want?” “Yes, oh, yes.” “Then take it. Take me.” His voice was low, intense, barely audible. Snarling, he sank his teeth into her shoulder again, holding her tightly. Writhing in his hold, Rabi’a thrust her hips as much as she could. She was so close, she just needed a little more… Sheer tightened his hold on her hips, sinking his claws into her ass. Arching her back, Rabi’a splintered, coming hard, milking his cock rhythmically with her contractions. Sheer grunted around the flesh in his mouth, squeezing her to his chest, holding her still as he found his own release. His warm seed bathed her, his barbs pulsing within her pussy, causing little aftershocks to run through her body. Slowly he withdrew his canines, licking along her skin, cleaning her. Panting, Rabi’a dropped her head to Sheer’s shoulder, sinking into his embrace. Oh, this wasn’t good at all. What was she going to do now?

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Chapter Five Rais stirred, opening his eyes with a groan. Instantly, his vision was filled with stripes, orange and black and tan and brown. Hmmm… he could get used to that. Blinking to clear his vision, Rais stared up at Sheer and Rabi’a, both looking at him with concern. He vaguely remembered… Sniffing, he pulled in the scents around him, trying to see if that was all a dream or if it had really happened. “Are you well?” Sheer’s voice was rough, but the hand he smoothed along Rais’ brow was as gentle as anything he’d ever felt. Oh, he could definitely get used to this. “Did I… Was that all a dream?” Rabi’a sat back, pulling away from the two of them. He didn’t like her distancing herself, but he couldn’t figure out why. It probably had more than a little bit to do with the fact that she smelled like sex. He was glad the two Tigris had at least had fun while he was unconscious. If what he remembered was real, then she definitely had fun with Sheer’s cock. It had been beautiful, appealing to every one of his needs. “It was no dream, Citt… ah… Sit up, Rais. You will feel better.” Rais allowed the bigger man to help him into a sitting position. He couldn’t figure out why Sheer smelled like he was embarrassed, but he didn’t mind it. He hoped it was a good sign. He noticed they were all naked and took that as a very good sign. “So, that was no dream?” “How much do you remember?” “Pieces. I think. I remember seeing the white flowers, and then I cannot remember what happened after that.” He closed his eyes, trying to bring it all up. Things seemed like they were out of order in his memory. He kept seeing confusing flashes of his brothers and Sheer and Rabi’a, all jumbled together until he couldn’t quite figure out the sequencing of everything that had happened. “Do not force it, Rais.” Sheer brushed back his mane again, smoothing his palm down Rais’ cheek before cupping the back of his head. “Kiss me?” Oh, he hadn’t meant to say that. It had just slipped out. Sheer purred, leaning forward and capturing his lips softly. The kiss was almost his undoing. Gentle, unhurried, Sheer tasted him, licking around his lips, pressing against the crease of his mouth. Rais opened his lips, granting the other man access. Whimpering, he brought up his hands, grasping Sheer’s shoulders. Sheer pulled away, reluctance in his every movement. When Rais tried to follow him, Sheer placed a big hand on the middle of his chest, keeping him in place. “Did the two of you have fun earlier?” He couldn’t keep the arousal out of his voice, and truthfully he wouldn’t have tried to even if he could. He wanted them to know he was turned on at the thought of them together. Sheer grinned, leaning in for a quick kiss before trying to move back. Rais sucked his lower lip to hold him still, moaning at the taste of Sheer. Moving closer, Sheer grasped Rais around the waist, picking him up easily and settling Rais on his lap. Gasping at the show of strength, Rais turned his head to view Rabi’a. She had her lids lowered, the expression on her face unreadable. He paused, suddenly unsure. What was he doing? He couldn’t tell if she wanted this, and he wasn’t about to make a move on Sheer after she had obviously had sex with the man. Never mind if it was what Sheer wanted. Rais didn’t do things like that, not after what had happened to his mother. He knew better. Trying to draw back, Rais smiled cheekily, hiding his unease. “I think I need another soak in the lake. You don’t mind, do you?” Ignoring the soft growl Sheer emitted, Rais twisted out of his grasp, striding down to the lake and immersing himself in the freezing cold water. Biting back his automatic yelp, he dunked his head, shaking it to clear it of the lust clouding his mind. What was wrong with him? He was no different than his father. It was a sobering thought. “What just happened here?” Sheer’s voice was calm, but Rais could sense the tension underlying it. He could scent the bitter frustration Sheer was trying to subdue.

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Ignoring the question, Rais hopped out of the water, unable to hide his unhappiness as he tried to shake off the cold droplets clinging to his fur. He would never understand the Tigris’ fascination with water. It wasn’t something he ever wanted to understand either. Trying for nonchalance, he glanced briefly at the other two. “We should head back, right? Am I remembering that correctly? I remember something about everyone going back to the cabin, following Achan’s scent trail.” “I swear the two of you are the most frustrating creatures sometimes. You would try the patience of the Appaliunas, the Father Lion himself.” Rais snorted. “Trust me, Haytham Gatti’s patience is legendary. It would take more than Rabi’a and I to unsettle him. Or have you forgotten that Lev’s father has had to deal with a few rambunctious and troublemaking cubs of his own?” “That is not the point.” “Well, then tell me, great Tigris, what exactly is your point?” Sheer moved so fast Rais didn’t realize what he was going to do until the bigger man had him clasped firmly in his arms. Struggling briefly, Rais moaned at the feel of those firm muscles against him. “Rabi’a, if you leave this clearing I will be forced to chase you down, and you do not want that right now. Trust me.” Sheer’s voice was wild, skirting the edge of control. “Do not try to tell me what to do, Sheer.” Rais turned his head, spying Rabi’a standing at the edge of the clearing, her tail twitching in agitation. Her hands were splayed on her hips, her legs spread wide. She was glaring at them both, her ears cocked back until they were almost flat against her head. Ga’ad, she was magnificent. Sheer nuzzled his cheek, sliding down and pressing his canines against Rais’ neck. “I smell that, Leo. You like her, do you not? She is glorious, is she not? Imagine all that passion directed at you, that control splintering because of your actions. Would you like that?” His words were pitched low, hitting Rais with deadly accuracy. “It does not matter what I want,” he panted. “You think she does not want you?” “I-It d-does not appear as i-if, oh, Sheer…” Rais tilted his head, giving Sheer more room to bite and lick his neck. Sheer’s right hand was dangerously low on his back, brushing against the base of his tail with feathery strokes. Growling, Rais decided that turnabout was in order. He had been aware of what they did before, but he had been acting instinctively, not planning any of that. It was time to show Sheer what he could really do when he set his mind to it. Grasping the other man behind his neck, Rais claimed his mouth, biting into Sheer’s lower lip. Sheer growled at him, sliding his hand down further and grasping Rais’ tail in a firm grip. He squeezed the appendage like a cock, milking it in time to the tongue now thrusting in Rais’ mouth. Determined, Rais undulated his body, rubbing every inch of his skin against Sheer, sliding against the bigger man, his hands roaming, touching, feeling. He brought up his left leg, wrapping it around Sheer’s hip, bringing their cocks into glorious alignment. Bucking his hips, he ran the head of his cock against Sheer’s furred hip, making sure to trap Sheer’s shaft between their bodies. Forcing open his eyes, he sought out Rabi’a. She was closer than she had been before, her breath coming in pants. Letting go of Sheer with one hand, he held it out to her, hoping against hope that she would accept it. He let her see his desire for her, his yearning to be able to explore her delectable body, to feel what Sheer had so obviously felt in her arms earlier. He cursed his bad luck at falling asleep, but he was smart enough to realize that it never would have happened if he had been awake. Ga’ad, if he was going to accept that, he might as well accept that none of this would have happened without him being overtaken by that plant. It had lowered his own inhibitions to the point that he could ask for what he wanted. He didn’t think he would have even dared to approach the two intimidating Tigris otherwise, no matter if they had returned his interest or not. Rabi’a stepped forward, coming toward them. “Yes, that’s it. Please…” He bucked against Sheer again, whimpering when the bigger man ran the edge of his canines along Rais’ shoulder. 20

A smaller hand tentatively touched his own, Rabi’a placing her trust in him. He smiled at her, overjoyed that she had come forward instead of retreating. He knew they all needed to talk this out at some point, but right now he just wanted to touch them, to run his hands along both of them. With that in mind, he extracted himself from Sheer’s hold, turning to pull Rabi’a into his body. She came without a protest, fitting her slight curves along his muscles. Purring, she arched into him, tilting her head to rub against his shoulder. Sheer stepped up behind her, fitting his much larger body against her back, pressing her into Rais. “This is what you both want. Please do not fight it. Do not fight us.” Rais studied the big man, wondering how it was possible someone so dominant - a Tigris of all people -would be confident enough in himself to appear vulnerable. Sheer was stronger than both of them, freely and openly acknowledging his wants. Rais wasn’t entirely sure what to make of it. It messed with his perceptions of the majority of the Tigris. He had always thought they were closed off, content to hide their emotions under layers of control and steel. Even Khalid sometimes acted like he hadn’t a care in the world, hiding behind his reputation when he didn’t want to become involved in something. Oh, Rais knew it was an act, but he had always assumed Khalid was more open than other Tigris because of his Leo heritage. But this man was obliterating every one of his preconceived notions about his brother’s people. It was unsettling. Maybe the Leo weren’t the only ones capable of forming great bonds. He’d always thought the Tigris avoided all contact with others, except when absolutely necessary. Had he been wrong this whole time? Shaking his head, Rais ran his hands down Rabi’a’s hips, pulling her tighter against his erection, feeling her body yield to his own. He knew she was doing it on purpose, and the thought of her yielding to him was almost enough to cause him to shoot off. He clenched his teeth, capturing her mouth in a kiss intended to drive her as mad as he was. Her arms came up around his back, pulling him tight to her. She whimpered, her voice broken. Releasing her lips, Rais met Sheer’s wicked gaze before dropping his gaze, following the curve of one thick and brawny arm to where his fingers disappeared between Rabi’a’s thighs. Rabi’a whimpered again, sliding her body against his. Rais ran the palm of his right hand down her belly, pressing between her thighs and brushing up against Sheer’s fingers. He had two of those long talented digits pressed deep in Rabi’a’s core, sinking into her heat. Rais touched him where he joined with Rabi’a, brushing his fingers over her flesh while she writhed between them. Pressing the pad of his finger against the bundle of nerves above Sheer’s thrusting digits, Rais rubbed her slick flesh, holding her still with his other hand on her hip. Arching his neck, Rais yielded to Sheer’s crushing kiss, moaning when Rabi’a joined in, their tongues dueling for dominance, growling and hissing at each other. He tightened his hold on her hip, sure that she would be bruised in the morning if he was not careful. Speeding up the press of his finger, he flicked the edge of his nail against her nerves, holding her still when she screamed and bucked her hips. Sheer moved his hand, pressing his fingers deeper, harder. The back of his hand brushed against Rais’, connecting them again. Rais ran his tail along Rabi’a’s thigh, brushing her own tail, intertwining them when she jerked. “Come on, Rabi’a, come for us.” He captured her mouth again, thrusting his tongue between her lips, licking her mouth, tasting her essence. Rabi’a froze, whimpers escaping her throat, purring lightly. He didn’t think he’d ever heard her make that noise. He wanted to hear it again and again until he had the sound memorized. Bucking fiercely, Rabi’a screamed out her release, flooding his hand with slick heat, her pleasure evident with every movement of her hips. She was so wet his fingers slid against her clit, smooth and insistent. It was one of the reasons he loved being with women, you never had to worry about finding oils. Rabi’a slumped between the two men, letting them hold her weight. Sheer rumbled, rocking her gently, his gaze heated on Rais. Oh, it looked like he was next. Unless… With a wicked tilt to his lips, Rais slid around Rabi’a’s body, coming up behind Sheer. He ran his hands down the muscular back in front of him, letting the other man feel his claws. Sheer danced for him, his body moving and swaying with pleasure.

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Studying the contrasts of their fur, he watched his golden hands as they brushed along black and reddishorange fur. It was so different from what he was used to seeing with his partners. He liked it, loved it to be honest. Leaning forward, Rais kissed Sheer’s shoulder, licking up the back of his neck. Sheer shuddered. Turning in Sheer’s arms, Rabi’a righted herself, staring at Rais over Sheer’s shoulder. She smiled widely, obviously more than ready to move on to the next phase of this seduction. Rais licked his lips, holding her gaze while he ran his fingers down Sheer’s back, grasping the man’s tail in a firm hold. Sheer gasped, his head tilting back. Rabi’a took advantage of the move by sinking her canines into his upper chest, right below his shoulder. Bellowing, Sheer jerked between them. Rais palmed Sheer’s ass, squeezing the firm muscles. The man was hard everywhere, every inch of him muscular and oh-so-tempting. Running his thumbs down Sheer’s crease, he studied Sheer’s reaction. Rais knew enough about partnering with men to realize that not all men were accepting of being fucked. He wouldn’t assume anything with this big Tigris. Sheer thrust his ass out, pressing into Rais’ hands. Oh, yes, that was the reaction he was looking for. He ran one thumb along the puckered entrance, pressing and releasing against Sheer’s ass. Sinking just the tip of his thumb into Sheer, he moaned at the heat he felt inside. “We cannot, Rais. Unless you see a ljuba flower around here somewhere, I am afraid that will not happen.” Sheer’s voice was tight. His arousal scented the air around them until Rais could not breathe without inhaling the scent. “Live a little, Sheer. I know you want it.” “That may be, but until we get back to the cabin and find something, you are not going anywhere near my ass.” “Really?” “I think you can change his mind, Rais. His eyelids just flickered.” Rabi’a grinned at him, sliding her tail along his thigh. Rais panted, his heart beating loudly. He wanted to fuck Sheer so badly he was about to break. Although, with the way Rabi’a kept rubbing her tail along his, he couldn’t quite decide if he wanted to fuck her first or keep on trying to wear down Sheer. He was suddenly regretting his anger earlier about coming here. If they hadn’t come to Earth, if Durai hadn’t found Darren, if Achan hadn’t been lost, would he have met these two fascinating Tigris? Durai was never going to let him forget this. Although, his brother was practicing his diplomacy lately so he might decide to let it go. Unfortunately, after his little scene before, Khalid was likely to bring it up again and again. Especially once he found out that Rais was getting up close and personal with his baby sister. This entire situation was just one big complication. And why was he thinking about his brothers when he was currently one third of the sexiest pairing he’d ever been in? “Please, Sheer, I need…” He pressed his throbbing cock against Sheer’s ass, letting the man feel his need. Sheer snapped out a growl, pressing back into him briefly before picking Rabi’a up and bringing her down to the ground. His big body blanketed hers for a moment, their lips sliding against each other before he shifted, coming to his knees, holding out a hand for Rais. Rais eagerly went to his knees beside Sheer, running his hands along his body, nuzzling his shoulder. “Cub, I swear, you test my patience.” He grinned at the words, reaching down to squeeze Sheer’s cock, familiarizing himself with that big piece of meat again. “Enough, Rais, before I embarrass myself by releasing in your hand.” Rais smirked, but backed off, turning his attention to Rabi’a lying before them. She spread her legs, smiling coyly at him. His cock pulsed, his balls drawing up tight at the look on her face, one that promised him heaven if he just came into her arms. He couldn’t refuse that. Sinking onto her, Rais moaned again at the feel of her fur brushing his. Her arms came up to grasp him around the shoulders, her long, graceful legs clasping his hips. She hooked her ankles under his ass, brushing one foot against his tail. Unable to stop, he wrapped his tail around her ankle, holding her in place. 22

“This is what you want?” “Would you two stop asking that! If I did not want this, believe me, you would know about it.” She narrowed her eyes, moving her body and rubbing her small breasts against his chest. He palmed one globe in his hand, testing her softness, so different from Sheer but just as arousing for him. They were both enough to drive him wild, just perfect. He thrust his hips against her core, feeling her heat call to him, almost begging him wordlessly to fuck her. She tossed her head, closing her eyes. Rais paused, fitting the tip of his glans to her pussy, just feeling everything he could. If this was all he could have with them, this one time together, he was bound and determined to remember it all. Rais began to press forward, sinking into her, coming home. Wait, that wasn’t… oh, it felt good, right. He imagined this was what it would feel like to sink into Sheer’s ass, as if their bodies were made to go together. When his pelvis bumped hers, and they were as close as they possibly could get, he opened his eyes, not even aware of when he had closed them. Rabi’a parted her lips, panting softly, meeting his gaze. Her eyes were glazed over, passion filling her expression. Sheer’s knee bumped her shoulder, calling both of their attention to him. Glancing up, Rais licked his lips at the sight of the big man cradling his own erection, pumping slowly as he ran his gaze over both of them. Rabi’a reached up with one hand, cupping his balls, rolling the two spheres in her palm. Sheer gasped, holding his shaft against his belly to give her more room. Smiling, Rais thrust against Rabi’a, leaning over her and licking up Sheer’s thigh. This was one of those times he was thankful he was tall. There was just enough of a height difference between him and Rabi’a so that he could touch both his mates at the same time. Sheer fisted his hand in Rais’ mane, drawing tight, putting pressure on his scalp. Oh, Rais loved that, wanted more. Withdrawing from Rabi’a, he fought the clasp of her legs, trying to get as much distance between their hips as he could without completely pulling out of her. He loved the way she danced under his body, loved the way her tight heat clasped his barbs, squeezing the small nubs until he wanted to thrust into her mindlessly and spill himself. Deciding there was absolutely nothing wrong with that picture, Rais thrust back into her, pushing her up against Sheer’s knee, the bigger man holding her in place, allowing Rais to pump his hips as much as he wanted to without losing traction. He nuzzled Sheer’s groin, licking up the sensitive flesh of his inner thigh, letting his mane brush against Sheer’s cock. Rabi’a still had her hand wrapped firmly around Sheer’s balls. Sheer bent over them, offering his cock to Rabi’a, hissing when she opened her mouth wide, sucking just the head, running her tongue over his engorged flesh, lapping up the pre-come spilling out. Rais paused inside her, arching his back so he could join her at Sheer’s cock, lapping along the man’s barbs, knowing just what amount of pressure to use to drive the man nuts. It was true, there was nothing quite like getting a blowjob from another man, especially one who knew exactly what to do with you. Rais had always prided himself on his ability to suck a good cock. His own sac was tight, his release close. It wouldn’t take much. Rabi’a slid one of her hands down his back, tickling along his ass, bumping his hole with her fingers. His eyes crossed, and he gasped around Sheer’s cock. She chuckled, her voice breaking. Releasing him, Rabi’a tapped the side of his mouth. He opened up, sucking her fingers in, getting them nice and wet. She pulled out slowly, tickling his upper lip with her nails. He panted, waiting for it. She wasted no time, obviously aware of how on edge he was, how close he was. Sinking her two fingers into his ass, Rabi’a curled her fingers, giving him the ache he wanted, needed. He bellowed, jerking his hips, fucking into her heat and backing up onto her fingers. She pressed deeper, giving him what he needed. Tossing his head, Rais came, shooting his seed deep inside her body, feeling as if his entire soul was being drawn out of him along with his release. Rabi’a tightened her inner muscles around him, the first flutters of her orgasm drawing out his own until he could barely breathe. She clenched tightly around him, whimpering with her mouth still on Sheer’s glans. Sheer followed them into release, his seed splattering out forcefully to coat Rabi’a’s face, running down her cheek until Rais bent his head, licking it up. Swallowing the essence of the man he was afraid he wouldn’t 23

be able to let go. Tasting Rabi’a’s skin under Sheer’s seed, letting their taste fill his mouth. How could he let them leave after this?

Chapter Six Sheer pondered his words, choosing them carefully, discarding several possibilities. He knew they needed to discuss this, but he just didn’t know how to bring it up after they had been so close. Of course, maybe now was the perfect time, after they had relaxed enough with each other to be honest. He slid a palm down Rais’ back, holding the smaller man tight to his side. Rabi’a shifted on his other side, curling in closer. Her tail wound around his, giving him silent support. He forgot sometimes how perceptive she was. She always seemed to know what he was going to do before he did it. He was lying on his back, beside the lake, his two mates pulled up on either side of him. They had been too exhausted to do anything more than shift to the side once they had come. “Tell me about Achan.” Rais tensed. “There is nothing to tell.” “Rais…” Rabi’a lifted her hand, running her fingers down Rais’ arm. Rais turned his palm over, grasping her hand in his and resting it on Sheer’s chest. Rais sighed loudly, expelling a big gust of air. “What do you want to know?” “Anything. Tell me what you want us to hear. Just talk about him.” “I would do anything for him. If it weren’t for him… our family would not be as strong as it is.” “What do you mean?” Sheer frowned, not quite sure what Rais meant by that. He knew more about Khalid’s Tigris family personally, not much about his Leo side. He wanted to know more, though. He wanted to know everything about his Cittaja. “You know about our relationship with Khalid?” “I understand it, yes.” Rabi’a remained silent, not interrupting. He wondered if this was the first time she’d heard this. Tilting his head, he glanced down at her. She had her eyes closed, her cheek resting on his shoulder. Her fingers tightened in Rais’ hold, squeezing his hand. It had been more years than he could remember since he had last seen that softness on her face. Sheer raised his free arm, pressing Rabi’a closer to kiss her forehead. She smiled softly, keeping her eyes closed. It was going to be tricky, for him, to balance the needs of his two mates. They both seemed so fragile at times, fiercely independent at others. They were more similar than either realized. “When Khalid was born, my family did not know about him at first. My mother knew about my father’s dalliance with Khalid’s mother, but she did not know there was a cub produced from it. None of us were aware of it. It-it was hard on us all, though. My mother would not forgive my father for breaking their mate bond. She saw it as the deepest betrayal he could have given her. It was… unpleasant.” “Does she have other mates?” “Yes, my uncles. My father’s brothers. But, as the pride leader, my father always comes first. They share a mate bond, a mind connection.” “That is rare, is it not?” “Fairly. It happens, but not to every pride leader. It is something to be cherished.” Nodding, Sheer tightened his hold on Rais, letting him continue to tell the story as he needed to tell it. He had a feeling Rais needed to let this out, to understand exactly what it was he was feeling. “Many years after Khalid and I were born, our youngest sibling was born. It took quite a long time for my mother to get over her hurt feelings. Her anger. When Achan came into our lives, he was so innocent, so young. His birth healed the wounds created when Khalid was born, brought everyone together and made us a family again. We would still be splintered if it hadn’t been for Achan.” “You will find him. I know it.” Rais whispered something, his words so low, Sheer did not catch them. “What did you say?” “It was my fault.” “What was?” “Achan. It was my fault.” “Rais…?” He held the other man tight when he shifted, afraid Rais was going to try and move away. 24

“I was given the task to look after him. It was my responsibility to be with him. I just needed a break, just a moment to myself. I yelled at him, told him to give me a minute of peace and quiet. He left, and I never even thought to check where he went to.” Rais’ voice broke. He broke away abruptly, standing up and pacing to the left. Sheer let him go, realizing the Leo needed this. Rabi’a rolled away from him as well, standing up in a smooth motion. She stepped in front of Rais, halting his movement. “You cannot blame yourself.” “Who else would I blame? I told Durai it was his fault, but it wasn’t. It was mine. This is all my fault. I want him back.” Stepping into him, Rabi’a curled her body against Rais’ chest, whispering soothing words to him. Rais froze for a moment, his body heaving. Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around her, clasping her tightly to him. Sheer couldn’t hold himself back any longer. He stood up, pulling them both into his arms with Rais’ back flush against his chest. Extending his arms, he wrapped them around Rabi’a as much as he could, running his palms down her sides. Rais shuddered, a sob escaping. His fists were clenched tightly around Rabi’a, fingers twitching. “It will be all right.” “I just… I just want my family back together. I want to see us grow, all of us. My brothers and sisters, Darren… everyone. I want our pride to be filled with cubs again, I-I want that so badly.” Rabi’a froze before jerking in their hold. Rais lifted his head, studying her just as carefully as Sheer was now studying him. He wondered if Rais knew the entire truth about Rabi’a’s situation. It wasn’t the easiest thing to understand, especially if Rais wanted a deeper relationship with her. “What?” “It is nothing.” Rabi’a’s voice was controlled, her expression serene but for the tightening around her eyes. She wasn’t unaffected, and he thanked his stars she was having difficulty controlling her emotions around them. He had never seen Rabi’a so much as shed a tear before this trip, and now he was seeing depths of her he didn’t know were there. He wasn’t entirely surprised. She was Khalid’s sister after all and Sheer knew quite a bit about the secrets of that man. It was no surprise that his sister also shared those same traits. He wished she wouldn’t do it around them, but perhaps he was thinking too far ahead. He wanted a life with these two, he just didn’t know what they wanted. “You did not like something I said.” Rais jerked his tail, flicking it back and forth between Rabi’a and Sheer. “It was not what you said. It was just the idea… the idea of cubs.” “You do not want more cubs?” Rais frowned, looking thoughtful. He obviously knew Rabi’a already had a daughter. Of course he would know. Khalid would not have kept that a secret from his family. “I am not the motherly type. It would not be fair.” She smiled briefly, probably attempting to fool them into thinking she was fine. Sheer could see right through the move and he suspected Rais did too when the man’s arms tightened around her. He still wouldn’t release Rabi’a, holding her firmly in place. “I am.” Sheer met Rabi’a’s shocked gaze, both turning to stare at Rais. The other man’s scent increased, blood rushing to the surface of his skin. He was embarrassed by his comment. “I helped raise Achan. I do not know if you are aware of that.” Rabi’a shook her head, clearly at a loss for words. “It was always my responsibility to help him, look after him. And you don’t have to say anything, I’m pretty sure I know what you are both thinking. If it was my job to look after him, I failed miserably, did I not?” Rabi’a’s face softened. She reached up with both hands to place them on either side of Rais’ face. “No, never think that. He was an adult, not a cub. You cannot blame yourself for everything that happens to those you love, or you will spend a lifetime feeling nothing but regret. You cannot put your brother in a bubble and prevent everything from ever reaching him. It does not work that way. That would only be half a life, no life for a Leo. You would not want that for him. I know.” “You do not --” “I know, Rais. Trust me, I know. If it were up to me, I would keep my daughter safe, away from everything that would ever harm her. But she needs to make her own choices, needs to find her own way. It is 25

why I left her behind. She needs the freedom to choose her life, the way I did. I do not think I can give that to her. Not the way Isha and Navin can. They are her real parents.” Sheer hesitated, working his words in his mind. He said slowly, “You will always be her parent, Rabi’a. My friend knows that. Isha does not want to cut you out of her life. You will always be welcome in their home. She is yours. I do not know all that happened between you and Isha…” “Nothing happened between us, trust me. We mated once, when my heat was upon me. I knew I would conceive. I knew I only had one chance. We… we did not… we both knew we were not what the other wanted.” Sheer remained silent, letting that truth sink into his being. Rabi’a sniffed, turning her head. “We are a pair of fools, are we not?” “Never fools. You both feel deeply. It is why you are so determined to protect those around you, to protect yourselves. There is no shame in that. A man would be very honored knowing he had two such people in his life.” “A man?” He snorted, meeting her gaze. Nodding firmly, he answered, “I am very proud of you both. My past seems almost empty in comparison, but I look forward to growing with you, learning from you.” Biting her lip, Rabi’a looked down, fingers clenching and releasing on Rais’ shoulders. “There are no guarantees…” “No, there are no guarantees that life will be perfect from here forward. We are always being challenged with some new task. It is how we approach those challenges, how we fight to get through them, that tells us who we are. I am not afraid of the future. I know what I want.” Rais twisted his head, looking over his shoulder. “What do you want?” Sheer smiled when he realized neither of them was trying to get loose now. “I want a family. I have never had one before and I would like to know what it feels like to be loved unconditionally.” “It won’t be perfect.” Sheer nodded. “It never is, Rais. Love is not perfect. The bond that your brother has with his mate is special. They are able to instantly know they are meant to be together, but it is not that way for everyone. Love does not always happen immediately. Sometimes it needs to grow, be nurtured into becoming something strong. The more stable the base for that love is, the bigger that love can become.” “I do not know what you want from us.” Rabi’a’s voice cracked, her head falling to Rais’ shoulder. “I want all of us to realize that we have the beginnings of something incredible. Cittaja, we belong together, I can feel it. Three parts of a whole, we can form the most firm base you can ever imagine. If we are together, we can find the strength to discover our own path, different from those around us.” “You will not let us go, will you?” “I will never let you go, Cittaja. My two Cittajas, my heart mates. I will not lie to you. It will not be easy, and we will probably fight and yell and misunderstand each other at some point. But we will always find a way to make up, to continue.” Rais choked out a laugh. “I guess that makes us pretty lucky.” “You are quite correct, you are very lucky that such a great and powerful man got you both to admit to your feelings.” Rabi’a snorted, swiping out her arm to hit him. Sheer laughed, releasing both of them and moving backward. Shaking his head, Rais ran his tail along Rabi’a’s thigh, wrapping the appendage around her leg. “You are going to pay for that arrogant remark, Tigris.” Grinning, Sheer motioned them forward. “Please make me pay, Leo. I would gladly accept that fate for the rest of my life.” Rabi’a paused. “I will not thank Khalid for this. He is entirely too arrogant as it is.” Laughing, Sheer pulled her closer when she came near. “You realize he set us up?” She rolled her eyes. “I was not born yesterday. I admit it took me a while to realize he had maneuvered us all. I must be losing my touch.” Rais snickered. “Why don’t I help you find that. I would not want you to lose your touch. Here, touch this and see if it comes back to you.” He grabbed her hand, pulling it to his seemingly never-ending erection. 26

Rabi’a grasped his cock in her hand, squeezing it and causing Rais to come up on his toes. His head tossed, his mane flowing down his back. Sheer bit his lip, watching them together. He could get used to this. Rais pulled Rabi’a into his bigger body, lowering his head to nuzzle her neck. He murmured something to her, his words lost to Sheer, both of them chuckling. They angled their heads, turning to glance back at him. Snorting, Sheer wondered what they were up to. Hopefully they wouldn’t make him wait long. He sank down to the ground, ending up on his knees, his ass propped up on his heels. Wrapping his tail around his feet, he watched them. Rais turned his attention back to Rabi’a, sucking up a mark on her neck, nipping her with his teeth. She let her head fall back, giving him more room to work with. They gracefully went to their knees, still facing each other, still wrapped up in each other. If he didn’t know better, he’d think they were so completely focused on the other that they had forgotten him. It was a good thing he knew better. Nuzzling her neck again, Rais peered around her, his gaze flashing to Sheer briefly, probably making sure he was paying attention. Pushing Rabi’a to her back, Rais covered her with his frame, the two of them undulating against each other. “Do you think he likes this?” Rabi’a’s voice was soft, almost innocent. Fuck, his mates were fun when they were trying to be misleading. He could still hear the steel behind her words. She would never be completely submissive. Sheer wasn’t that naïve, he knew she only let them dominate her because it was what she wanted as well. Luckily, he was completely and utterly fine with that. Rais paused, as if considering her words. “I do not think we have him convinced, yet.” “Hmmm, what do you suggest?” Rolling his eyes, Sheer shook his head. “Why do you not taste her, Rais? That might convince me.” “Hey, no suggestions from the audience.” He chuckled, waving them to continue doing whatever they wanted. “You know, he makes a good point. Why do you not taste me?” Rais grabbed her around the waist, rolling them over until he was flat on his back, Rabi’a now stretched out above him. “Turn around, sweet.” She stretched, the move highlighting her lithe muscles and her small but obvious curves. Moving quickly, she sat up, swinging around and ending up straddling Rais’ chest, her head pointed toward his feet. Turning to glance at Sheer, Rabi’a grasped Rais’ shaft in one lean hand, bending forward to lick the head of his cock. Pausing, she rolled the taste of his pre-come in her mouth, closing her eyes as if it was the most intriguing thing she had ever put on her tongue. Sheer growled, reaching down and grasping his own cock, pumping it briefly. He was hard, his shaft pointed up toward his belly, flushed already. Rais pulled Rabi’a’s hips closer to him, leaning up and lapping at her pussy, devouring her with little grunts and moans. Rabi’a arched her back, her hand squeezing Rais, pumping her hips into his face. Stumbling to his feet, Sheer paced forward, intent on the two of them. He’d be damned if he waited any longer. Not with these two teases in front of him. He’d created monsters. Not that he was complaining. Rabi’a saw him coming, and the smirk on her face let him know he was right in his assessment. Time to teach them both a lesson. Stepping up behind her, he grasped Rais firmly by the mane, pulling his head back and ruthlessly fitting his own cock at Rabi’a’s core. He paused, waiting until Rabi’a arched her back again, letting him know she was fine with this. He thrust forward, his knees to either side of Rais’ head, letting go of his hold on the other man. Rabi’a’s body accepted him easily, eagerly. She was slick, her juices coating his cock, soothing his aching barbs. A soft tongue against his balls had him roaring out his pleasure. Rocking his hips, he panted when Rais sucked one of his balls into the tight heat of his mouth, rasping his sensitive skin with his rough tongue. Sheer placed his hand on Rabi’a’s head, urging her to go back to sucking Rais. He wanted them all to come together, and he knew damn well he wasn’t going to last very long. Losing himself in the pleasure of Rabi’a’s body and Rais’ tongue, Sheer closed his eyes. He let himself feel, losing sight of everything around him. The human hunters could come up behind them at this very moment and he probably wouldn’t notice. 27

He was close, he knew it. Rais moaned, his tongue stuttering along Sheer’s flesh. His teeth raked against Sheer’s sac, the sting making Sheer’s eyes cross. He felt the familiar tightening in his back, his balls drawing up tight. With one last thrust, he was coming in Rabi’a’s welcoming body. He ran his palms along her back, gratified when her pussy began to clamp around him, the rhythmic contractions alerting him to her own release. She let go of Rais’ cock, gasping out her release. Rais whimpered, needy. Still imbedded in Rabi’a, Sheer leaned over, grasping Rais’ cock in his tight clasp, jerking the other man. Flicking a nail along one of his barbs, he purred when milky white seed coated his hand, raining down on Rais’ belly. Rabi’a slumped forward, resting her cheek on Rais’ thigh, lapping up the come she could reach. Pulling out, Sheer had just enough energy left to slump to the side, bringing Rabi’a with him and rolling them both off Rais. They’d crush the other man if they stayed on top of him too long. Rais groaned, his body slow and cumbersome when he twisted around, pulling himself up beside them and sinking into their embrace. Sheer shook his head, joy filling him at the idea of having this pair in his life. All they needed to do now was find Achan and everything would be perfect.

Epilogue Achan whimpered around the gag in his mouth, twisting his wrists once more to see if the binds had loosened any. His wrists hurt, his throat was sore and his mouth was so dry his tongue felt like it was about to fall off. A soothing hand touched his mane, brushing it back off his forehead. He pushed into the touch, unable to help himself. He loved the way this human smelled, so different from the others. “Here, let me get that.” The human slid the gag down his chin, bumping a familiar bottle against his lips. Achan hungrily swallowed, desperate to get as much water as he could. “Easy now, don’t hurt yourself. Too much is a bad thing, remember.” The human rubbed his wrists, comforting him, soothing him. Achan sighed. He wanted to go home. Where was his family? Why hadn’t they come for him? He sobbed, his chest tight. “It’s going to be okay, little one. It’ll be okay.”

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