Claimed by the Beasts: A Shifter Reverse Harem Romance Read online

  Candy moved even closer until she was able to run her fingers down his arms. “I like the ink. Very sexy. Daddy needs to spank his little girl. She’s been very, very bad.”

  The sensations as she danced the tips of her fingers down his arms was enough to make him growl. He followed her trail with his eyes, keeping his breathing even. “A spanking. All little girls do need a hard whipping from time to time.”

  “Uh-huh.” She moved her hands to his chest, kneading and caressing as she licked around her full lips. “And I’ve been so very naughty. You just have no idea.” Every move practiced, very slow, she eased her hands down to his crotch, her eyes flitting up to his as she stroked his cock, cooing, her body undulating.

  He was as turned on as he’d been in months, the longing filling his blood cells, stretching his muscles. He used a single fingertip, swirling it around her nipple, the hardened bud pushing through her thin dress. In the garish fluorescent light, he could make out the dusky color and longed to suck first one then the other. “Then you need a belting.”

  She squealed, her legs quivering. “Yes. Oh, please, Daddy. Spank me like the bad little girl I am so I can be good.” She continued stroking, her hand moving up and down in a slow and even rhythm.

  Moving his hand to her other breast, he dipped his finger into the bodice, finding her swollen tip, flicking his finger back and forth.

  “Oh!” She closed her eyes briefly, arching her back, her hand pumping in more rapid motions.

  “Yeah, you are one sinful princess. I think you do need a hard spanking.” Larken pushed her hard against the counter, yanking her dress up and exposing the fact she wasn’t wearing any panties. He had to resist the urge to pull out his cock, fill her in one brutal thrust. Instead, he kicked her legs apart and unbuckled his belt, his eyes never leaving her.

  As she hunkered over the sink, the straps on her dress fell, exposing her breasts. She giggled and swished her hips back and forth. “I love a man who uses a belt on me. The feel of leather against my ass is so sexy.”

  She was nothing but a player, but at this point, he didn’t give a shit. He pulled the thick leather through his belt loops, slapping the end onto the cold tile floor. “You have no idea how disappointed Daddy really is.”

  “I’ll be good. I promise.” Her voice had taken on a child’s singsong in the tone, her lips pouting, her eyes glassy.

  He folded the belt in two before sliding it under her nose. “Take a deep whiff, princess. This is going to mark your ass for days.”

  “Yes. Yes!” She took a deep inhale, rising onto her tiptoes, her expression one of utter satisfaction.

  Smacking her across the ass gave him a series of shivers, the sound reverberating into the room. He slapped her again. And again, holding his breath as the slight redness on her skin brightened.

  “Oh!” Her squeal was followed by an intense moan.

  His entire body was shaking as adrenaline kicked in, forcing his heart to race. He was famished, not only for sex but for food. This wouldn’t bode well, but he was able to control it, if only barely. He smacked her again, catching the tops of her thighs.

  Candy yelped just as the door opened and two girls walked inside.

  “Oh, wow. This is…” one girl whispered, her eyes roaming up and down his body.

  He turned his head, allowing his eyes to glow for only a few seconds. Their thoughts became his and vice versa as his beast rose dangerously close to the surface. He backed down, grunting in response.

  “Um… I think we’re disturbing them,” the other girl whimpered, her hand floating to her mouth. They backed out of the bathroom, a look of slight fear in their eyes.

  “You’re all mine,” Candy murmured and jutted her hips back, as if begging for more.

  He rubbed his hand on the heat of her ass, taking a deep breath before beginning again. The hard smacks created a few welts, ones that would last for at least a day. The blushing color deepened as he continued, the slapping sound echoing.

  She panted, beads of sweat appearing along the top of her lip. Her eyes were glassy, her skin glowing. “More. Please. More.”

  After several additional smacks, he’d had enough, at least of this particular round of punishment. “I think you should go with me.”

  “Fuck, yes. I’d love to,” she whispered and turned around, her hand finding his crotch yet again.

  He allowed her to stroke as he thought about his actions, an odd sensation creeping into his loins. There was danger facing all of them, the realization taking hold. While he couldn’t read or understand what enemy they were facing, he knew that certain numbers of his people could die.

  Over his dead body.

  Taking her hand, he led her out of the bathroom and toward the entrance. And he could feel all eyes on him. He had a target on his back.

  Chapter Three

  The hard slaps against her ass drove her up onto her toes.

  “You will learn to obey me, to obey the men who own you.”

  Hearing the words, she shuddered and bit back a cry as he struck her again, the leather strap slicing across both ass cheeks. She sucked in her breath, blinking back the tears. “I understand.”

  “You will learn to please us in every manner, no matter what we ask.”

  Swallowing, she could only nod as he continued the punishment, the sounds floating into the night air. With every brutal slap, she fell into a place of peace, even as the anguish rolled through every cell. Minutes later, he turned her to face him.

  “I want you. You are mine,” he whispered in the darkness, standing just out of reach.

  “Why?” she dared to ask, every portion of her body quivering from his voice alone.

  “Because you have always belonged to me.”

  “I…” Lowering her head, she didn’t need his command, but she knew what he required. Sliding first one then the other strap of her dress down her arms, she wiggled until the material slid to the floor, cascading around her feet. The light breeze sent shivers dancing down her spine, skating across her heated ass. She truly belonged to this powerful man.

  He advanced, his actions more like a predator than a man hungering for his mate. Using the back of his hand, he brushed his fingers down her cheek to her jaw, his eyes penetrating the shadows. “You will do everything I say, remaining obedient at all times.”

  “Yes…” The single word was almost inaudible.

  Lifting her chin with a single finger, he lowered his head, breathing across her face. “The first lesson, my sweet, is that you will speak to me with respect. If you don’t, I will whip your ass again.”

  “Yes, sir.” Shuddering, even the slight touch made her pussy clench, her nipples harden.

  “Better,” he whispered before brushing his lips across hers.

  The taste of him was unlike any other, leaving her breathless, the longing driving her onto her toes. She would do anything for this man, her chosen one.

  Crushing her mouth, he thrust his tongue inside as he wrapped his arm around her, yanking her against his chest.

  His naked skin was hot to the touch, enveloping her entire body with a raging fire. As their tongues entwined, she sensed the power he carried, the roar of his beast ready to breach the surface. She palmed his chest, digging her nails into his flesh as the kiss became unbridled, a wild moment of shared passion. Her heart fluttered, every cell in her body alive from the rush of current. She was floating on air, yearning to have his cock buried deep inside.

  When he broke the kiss, he tossed his head back and issued a deep roar, the sound floating toward the trees. Moving behind her, he cupped her breasts, squeezing. He licked and nipped her earlobe as he flicked his fingers back and forth across her nipples.

  “Oh…” Leaning her head against his chest, she reached back, draping her arms over his shoulders and arching her back. The pain as he pinched her nipples forced a trickle of her juice seeping from her pussy. She closed her eyes, falling into a quiet sanctity, hearing the combined beating of th
eir hearts.

  He eased her legs apart and ground his groin against her ass. “Are you wet for me?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Are you ready for me?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Pushing her against the railing, he impaled her with one savage plunge, driving the entire length of his cock into the depth of her cunt. “Mine!”

  As a series of dazzling sensations erupted throughout her body, leaving her panting and weak, he lowered his head, slicing his teeth into her neck.

  What the hell? Jerking her head upright, Scarlet panted, both hands gripping the chair as she blinked several times in an effort to focus. The image remained, her mystery lover’s eyes shimmering in the darkened night. She pressed one hand over her neck, certain she’d been bitten. Feeling nothing but a light sheen of perspiration, she swallowed and struggled to stand. She must have fallen asleep.

  She gripped the railing, her mouth cotton dry, her legs shaking. The dream had been so real. Her nipples were rock hard, slicing against the material of her bra, the friction almost too much to bear. And the scent. God, the fragrance of her pussy wafted toward her nose, filling her nostrils. The intensity of the dream was frightening. Even her skin tingled. Domination. Obedience. The words reverberated in her mind. A single word was the most troubling—them.

  She was supposed to belong to more than one man, but this one creature was her true mate. “God.” She’d spent too many hours thinking about the stories her grandmother had told her, what little she remembered. None of it was real. Couldn’t be.

  Prickles covered her skin and she knew it had nothing to do with the warm breeze. She sensed him. She knew he was here, in the city. And he was waiting for her. Turning away, she kept one hand on the railing, her grip firm, struggling to make sense of why her thoughts were rattled. The three-quarter moon was high in the sky, illuminating the entire backyard, as well as the small deck, the giant orb kissed in a hint of rose. She reached for her wine, almost knocking the glass off the small table. Every nerve stood on end and while she hadn’t been able to see his face in her dream, she would never forget his eyes.

  After taking a gulp then another, she was able to calm down and breathe normally. There couldn’t be any truth to what her grandmother had told her. She rubbed her temple, a headache already dulling her senses. Maybe a good night’s sleep would help. As she headed for the back door, the shrill sound of a ringing landline phone forced her to jump. Swallowing a nervous laugh, she raced inside, grabbing the kitchen handset on the third ring. “Hello?”

  The crackling on the other end of the phone made her pull the handset away.

  “I’m sorry. I can’t hear you. There’s a bad connection.” She hung it up and took a step away, her skin crawling for no apparent reason. Her grandmother had friends, people who cared about her. Maybe no one knew that she’d died. Or maybe they were just finding out. There’d been no funeral arrangements and not a single soul, other than the attorney, had contacted her.

  A loud clap of thunder rolled in the distance. She glanced out the door, shaking her head. The moon had been completely covered by a bank of clouds. God, she hated thunderstorms.

  Scarlet took another sip of her wine, trying to rid the odd feeling, breathing easier.

  Until the phone rang again.

  This time, she waited, counting to five before answering. “Hello?”

  There wasn’t a single sound, no harshness from clicks and whistles, and no one answering.

  “Is anyone there?”

  Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a string of lightning illuminating the sky. The storm rolled in fast. Just like in Chicago. “I’m hanging up now.” She held her breath to keep from crying out, fear racing down the back of her legs.

  When she heard the distinct sound of the phone being disconnected on the other end, she shivered.

  Danger surrounded her on all sides.

  * * *

  The air was no cooler, yet the wind whipped as if a storm was on the horizon. Larken studied the sky, allowing his senses to become accustomed to the darkness, as well as to the visions slowly pushing inside his mind. He’d often loathed the way he was in tune to his people, as well as the land, even learning how to push them aside, but tonight, he allowed the images to surface. Trevor and Bristol were correct. He had a certain feeling about Viola, a skip in his psyche as if she was as much in danger as the entire Pride. But there was nothing else, no direction of what would happen or when.

  He took a deep whiff, his senses ripe from the smells coming from all directions. He bristled as an unfamiliar current rolled into his system. Several beasts were hunting. He could almost taste their desire. He curled his fingers and glanced at the moon, hissing from the revelation that he could no longer deny. A mate. His mate to be exact. Her presence was close, maybe too close.

  Tonight, he refused to accept his destiny.

  “This is amazing,” Candy cooed as she skidded beside him, her heels clipping on the broken pavement.

  Larken had no intention of taking her to his cabin. No human would ever be allowed to his place, a sacred location nestled in near the swamps, secured as living quarters for hundreds of his Pride. While they weren’t required to live in the hallowed space, they were encouraged for safety reasons. Those who’d lost their lives had ventured off the communal base. He’d had limited contact with the Vusi, other than Trevor and Bristol. He’d simply disappeared one night, vanishing in order to find a life. In the five years since he’d been gone, much about the Pride had changed, and not necessarily for the better. There were rumors of a planned overthrow, no doubt fueled by the upcoming lunar cycle. Perhaps he’d been a fool after all.

  Whispering in his ear, she offered basic directions to her house, cooing the moment she noticed the Harley.

  “A big, bad wolf on a massive bike. I love it. I knew you were a dangerous man,” Candy purred as she brushed her fingers across the cold steel, shivering in an exaggerated fashion.

  Yeah, she had no idea. He tossed her a helmet before straddling the bike, starting the engine. The way she climbed on the bike and held onto him was far more seductive than safe, but he took off, enjoying having her arms surrounding his waist, her pelvis pressed up against his ass. He was going to enjoy fucking her.

  He heard a clap of thunder in the distance and could sense the storm was only minutes away. The sky had been clear when he walked inside. Bayou storms could be severe, downpours causing massive flooding in less than an hour. Kicking down the pedal, he swerved around what limited traffic there was, easily finding the small cottage only ten minutes later.

  She lived in a crime-ridden section of town, the area filled with drug addicts and rings of prostitution, but her little house was spotless, her meager belongings well taken care of.

  He stood just inside the entrance, waiting for perhaps her approval to come further inside.

  “Do you want a drink?” Candy asked as she dropped her purse and removed her heels, rubbing her long legs.

  Shaking his head, he grabbed her arm, pulling her against the heat of his chest. Crushing her mouth, he thrust his tongue inside, savoring the way she felt in his arms. He was as horny as he’d ever been, the need increasing to the saturated point.

  She moaned into the kiss as she slid her arms around his neck, grinding her hips against his. Wrapping one leg around his thigh, she opened her mouth even wider, forcing their tongues to entwine.

  Easing an arm under her ass, he picked her up, sliding her up and down on his groin. The friction was incredible, sending a shower of electricity rocketing through his system. He broke the kiss, licking down the side of her neck. The way she was grinding against him, her moans becoming husky groans, created a wave of heat, his dick anguished from the tight confines.

  Candy purred as she yanked at his shirt, easing her hand under the material. “So muscular. Perfectly carved in all the right places. Isn’t that right, Daddy?”

  He nipped her neck and moved his mouth down to h
er shoulder, using his teeth to drag down the strap on her dress. When her breast was fully exposed, he engulfed her nipple, sucking on the tender flesh, taking her hardened bud between his teeth. He heard the sound of thunder again, only this time the claps were much closer, the power vibrating the earth beneath them. He glanced out her window, able to see a flash of lightning. The storm was going to be intense.

  “Yes…” She rubbed her hands up and down his chest then tossed back her head, as if offering him every inch of her body.

  Jerking back, he pulled his shirt off from the back, tossing the unwanted material before advancing like the true predator he was. His chest heaved as he cornered her, crowding her space.

  “I like it when men are forceful,” she cooed and turned in a seductive circle, slowly lowering the other strap, dancing back and forth. “Would you like me to suck you, Daddy? Take that hot cock of yours into my mouth?”

  “Yeah. I’d like that very much. Take off your dress.” He folded his arms as she spun in a circle, moving just out of his reach, giggling as she danced to an imaginary tune. He allowed her the play time, enjoying the view as she teased and taunted.

  She turned away from him and shimmied the dress all the way down, allowing gravity to take it to the floor. When she was fully naked, she eased her arms over her head, her hand floating up and down, shifting her ass from side to side.

  “Come here,” he commanded, his tone gruff.

  “Or what, Daddy? Will I get another spanking?”

  “You just might,” he stated, a growl just under the surface.

  Turning, she held her arms over her breasts then dropped to her knees, crawling toward him ever so slowly, keeping her eyes on him. She slithered in between his legs, rubbing her hands up on the insides of his thighs. When she reached his groin, she pressed her face against his stomach as her fingers worked to unfasten and unzip his jeans. Peeling away the thick material, she tugged until she was able to release his cock and balls. “So big, Daddy. You’re the biggest one I’ve ever had.”