His grip was firm, controlling, his fingers digging into her skin. He forced her head back at an arc, exposing her neck. His breath was hot as he blew across her jawline, grunting as he dragged his lips in a slow and easy fashion until he reached her neck.

  The bite was sensual, and she closed her eyes, caught in the most beautiful moment. Fingers touched her legs, caressing her skin, finding her swollen pussy lips, sliding inside. Bristol’s face was illuminated, creases in his gorgeous face more pronounced.

  She widened her legs, one hand gripping Larken’s wrist, the other falling aimlessly into the water. Lightheaded, she took several deep breaths as Bristol swirled his thumb around her clit, thrusting all four fingers in jabbing motions, driving her almost instantly to the point of ecstasy.

  “You will forever belong to us,” Larken whispered as he nipped and licked her ear. He fingered her breasts, pinching her nipples between his fingers.

  “To tease and tempt,” Trevor murmured, pressing open-mouthed kisses along her shoulders, dragging his lips up and down.

  Licking her dry lips, water rushed around her naked skin from the force of Bristol’s plunges.

  Bristol flexed his fingers open, driving in rapid motions. “To fuck and discipline.”

  The simple statements were aggressive, commanding and she was locked in their feeding frenzy. When Trevor crushed her mouth, thrusting his tongue inside, the rough kiss was manic, crazed.

  The taste of him was musky, sliced with a hint of warm hops, the taste of the very man inside. Nothing could be as sinful, as unrelenting. When he broke the kiss, she took several deep breaths. “Yes,” she whispered over and over again. She was vaguely aware she’d been pulled back to the dock and gently laid onto the cool wood, her legs splayed open. She kept her eyes locked on the moon as tongues licked up and down the insides of her legs, slight nips, the edge of teeth skimming along her skin.

  A single haunted howl skipped past Larken’s lips as he stood over her, tossing his arms toward the sky, his feet straddling her.

  She slid her hands up along his calves, savoring the warmth of his skin dancing on the tips of her fingers. The way Bristol and Trevor touched and tasted gave her a new series of quivers. The fuel in her belly ignited, roaring into a raging fire of lust and need. She was wide open, offering her men everything, every burning desire.

  Larken knelt beside her, dragging his hair across her chest before kissing her lips, brushing back and forth. “You are my life.”

  Trevor engulfed her clit, his tongue caressing her tender tissue, sucking in short bursts.

  She opened her mouth all the way, her tongue thrashing against Larken’s, the kiss laced with extreme passion. She continued to knead one leg as she struggled to reach his testicles, rolling them between her fingers, squeezing until he broke the kiss, hissing.

  “Be careful, my kitten,” he managed to say in between skipping deep breaths.

  Bristol cupped and lifted her ass, using a single finger to slide up and down the crack. “So beautiful.”

  And she’d never felt so beautiful. The instant Bristol slid his tongue between her folds, finding her dark hole, she tensed, her nails scratching Larken’s leg.

  “Relax and enjoy.” Larken leaned down, taking her nipple into his mouth, sucking and biting, his tongue moving in zigzags.

  Her toes remained curled as Bristol licked around her puckered hole, Trevor feasting on her pussy, lapping her cream. Nothing had felt so incredible, so uninhibited. As the invasion continued, Trevor finger fucking her cunt, Bristol ravaging her asshole, Larken issuing bursts of beautiful pain, her arms fell at her sides.

  “You are allowed to come, my kitten, my incredible lioness.” Larken’s dark words were almost inaudible and in truth, he didn’t need to say them out loud. She understood every thought, every emotion as their connections intensified, coming together as one.

  Panting, she could feel the ripples erupting throughout her body as the climax began, cresting very slowly, leaving her wet and hot, every ounce of her body, her bones and muscles weak. As their actions became more manic, driving her into yet another state of heightened bliss, she was unable to hold back. Jerking up, she arched her back, issuing a staggering moan as the orgasm rushed into her system. Lights popped in front of her eyes, her pulse skipping, and she was frozen in the incredible moment. “Yes!”

  Scarlet continued to shake, her muscles twitching. Her head lolled to the side and she tried to catch her breath until Larken gathered her into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist as he sat on the dock.

  The look on his face was carnal as he thrust the entire length of his cock inside her pussy. There were no words spoken as he rocked her, his hands roaming up and down her back, barely touching.

  She fell into the motion, clenching her pussy muscles as she flung her arms over his shoulders, riding him in slow and easy motions. Everything about his face and his body was overwhelming, leaving her breathless, in awe of the electricity floating around and between them. The sky seemed to crackle with their coupling, birds flocking even at night, slight howls from other lions skittering into the night sky. She simply gazed into his eyes, his soul telling her a story, giving her the gift of his past as well as their combined future. In that moment, she’d never felt so safe.

  They moved together as one, their bodies floating between heaven and hell. When his fingers began to shake, his nails sharper, she knew he was close to coming. She picked up her pace, riding him harder. Faster. The slap of skin against skin was a powerful aphrodisiac and she wanted nothing more than for him to fill her with his cum.

  Larken tossed his head, water as well as beads of sweat dripping from his face, the veins in his neck thrumming, so alive.

  And for a moment, she could feel his beast.

  He grunted, his hips bucking, and he began to shake wildly. “Rar!”

  She closed her eyes, a smile crossing her face as he erupted deep inside, filling her. “My master.”

  Larken slowly dropped his head, nuzzling against her neck, raking his canines across her skin and when he spoke, his words were no longer human. “My. Family.”

  As she looked up at toward the passing clouds, she could still see the vivid colors, strings of red and a blush of pink crisscrossing the sky. She smiled as Bristol stood over her, running his fingers through her hair before guiding her to her feet.

  Trevor picked her up into his arms before leaping off the dock, carrying her to the deeper part of the water.

  Scarlet clung to him, kissing and licking the underside of his chin, her heart racing. As he eased her down, pressing kisses along her forehead and cheek, she allowed a long breath to escape. She was exactly where she was supposed to be.

  “Now, it’s our turn,” Bristol breathed from behind, blowing a swath of hot air across her shoulders. He kept his touch light as he ran his hands down her sides, squeezing her buttocks.

  She could feel his stiff cock and undulated her hips, unable to stop a giggle.

  “A very bad girl,” Trevor chortled before lifting her thighs and impaling her pussy. He held her still, the look on his face almost obsessive.

  “Oh…” she whimpered as she gripped his shoulders, shuddering as Bristol wiggled the tip of his cock between her ass cheeks. The pain was intense at first, yet so powerful and she arched her back as she wrapped her feet together, almost begging them to take her savagely.

  “A terrible tease,” Bristol whispered and eased his shaft deeper inside her asshole, one hand gripping her hip.

  She held her breath as she darted a glance toward the dock. Larken was watching, as if overseeing, his eyes penetrating the darkness.

  You will forever be mine…

  Always…

  When Bristol thrust the remainder of his dick all the way inside, he roared, the sound thunderous.

  Together they moved in a perfect orchestration, thrusting all the way in then pulling out, over and over again.

  Water splashed all around them, cooling their overheated bodies. She could no longer breathe or feel her legs as the hard fucking continued, both men now pumping in wild abandon, their grunts reeking of their animal, their possession. They were claiming her.

  The moment of their release, she was unable to stop an orgasm of her own, the climax as powerful as the one before, driving her into a foggy haze of pure euphoria.

  They held her, caressing her arms and legs, kissing her shoulders and neck for several minutes until their breathing slowed. After they released their hold, she dipped her head under water, the cool liquid revitalizing her loins, refreshing her skin. She kicked out, paddling until she was a few yards away, finally studying the men as they made their way back to the dock. Their bodies glistened in the moonlight and as she inhaled, their scents filled her nostrils.

  She swam closer, enjoying the view, an unbridled need filling her mind. “Turn.”

  “Hmmm?” Trevor eased down onto the dock, his legs dangling in the water.

  “I want to see you shift,” she said in a firm tone, inching closer.

  Larken didn’t move a muscle, react in any manner. Only Bristol gave her a wary look, wrinkling his brow.

  “Why?” he asked, almost casually.

  “Because I need to see you.” She remained just offshore, paddling to keep herself afloat.

  Bristol snorted as he moved to a standing position, brushing water from his hair. “You’re not ready.”

  “Yes, she is.” Larken’s quiet voice was still commanding.

  Trevor eased to a sitting position, narrowing his eyes. “You’re serious.”

  “Yes.” Larken’s decision had been made.

  Making a clucking sound, Trevor stood and took a step away from the edge. “If you’re certain.”

  Larken nodded and remained exactly where he was.

  “Larken.” Bristol shook his head.

  The growl came from the alpha in a manner that screamed authority.

  “Remain in the water,” Larken instructed and dropped his head, clenching his fists.

  Scarlet had no idea what to expect but as the current surrounding them intensified, becoming even more electric, she was mesmerized. The air around them seemed to be floating, as if there was a transparent haze encompassing their prone bodies. She held her breath as the first crackling sounds were followed by what could only be described as muscles elongating, and bones changing form.

  Trevor’s shoulders and arms were tense, and he grunted as his eyes changed, becoming a glorious shade of burning amber, flecks of gold highlighted by the effects of the shining orb. His body shook, the grimace on his face reeking of anguish.

  She shifted her gaze toward Bristol, popping of muscles occurring along the fronts of his legs. Only a sliver of fear furrowed deep inside, but she found herself swimming closer, until she was almost at the end of the dock. She was fascinated and as Larken’s body began to shift faster, skin peeling away, his brow forming lumps, ridges, she could sense her own body responding, as if longing to transform by their side.

  Time seemed to stand still as each man morphed and she was no longer able to distinguish them as human. They dropped onto all fours, one after the other, tossing back their heads as the grunts of pain became something more intensified. Air rushed all around them, kicking up the water and she heard the distant cries of other beasts, knowing their leaders were shifting. Everything was dazzling, leaving her in such awe, her emotions riding high.

  As Larken continued to transform, a snout erupting from his magnificent face, a blond mane replacing his dark hair, she pressed her hand across her mouth.

  They continued to shake, the final changes taking place. One by one they lifted their heads, opening their snouts and revealing their sharp canines. Larken stood in front of the others, issuing a full-fledged roar.

  A warmth unlike anything she’d ever known flowed down her skin. They were the most magnificent creatures she’d ever seen—completely white fur, speckled golden eyes, long flowing manes. Their massive bodies stood still, rulers of their kind. Her Pride. Larken’s eyes connected with hers and he blinked once.

  This is what you wanted, my lioness.

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  And you’re not afraid.

  “Never. You are my mate, my king.”

  Every move calculated, she eased from the water, standing between them. As she placed her hand on Larken’s head, the current rush engulfed her body and this time, she was the one who threw her head back and roared.

  * * *

  You are my queen, the love of my life.

  The dazzling thought whirled into Scarlet’s mind as she opened her eyes, blinking several times. Sun cascaded through the blinds, showering over her. Shifting, the sheets sliced across her naked ass and she couldn’t stop the single moan, the spanking the night before remembered. Very slowly she rolled over until she faced Larken, their lips only inches apart. The rise and fall of his chest were even, short breaths coming from his pursed lips.

  My love is sleeping peacefully. She curled her legs and reached out, using her pinky to slide a strand of hair from his eyes. He was almost beautiful when he slept, long eyelashes framing high cheekbones, an aristocratic nose and full lips. The scent of him this morning was strong, laced with a heavy dose of musk, the remnants of his shift as well as their heated sex. She’d heard him pacing the floor downstairs in the middle of the night, finally coming to bed around three. The man had the burden of the Pride on his shoulders.

  Not wanting to wake him, she slipped from under the covers, wishing Trevor and Bristol would have stayed the night. They were on duty until the wee hours of the morning, making certain the village was protected. Everything was like a fairytale.

  Or a nightmare.

  She peered out the window, smiling as she noticed the dock. The memory would be one of the best, the time spent so blissful. A flash caught her eyes, as if the sun caught a piece of metal. Lifting the blind higher, she tried to keep from blinking as she scanned the perimeter. There was nothing she could see, but her senses were heightened, more so than even yesterday. The cold shiver was the same as the night before.

  They were being watched, which meant someone from the village was paying close attention to what they were doing. She thought about waking Larken but in truth, she had no way of knowing if she was right. He was under so much pressure than anything could set him off. Besides, today was important. She was to learn about the blood bonding, the ceremony a day and a half away. Swallowing, she eased back against the wall, taking several deep breaths. You can do this. You will learn.

  What if she couldn’t? What if she was a complete failure? Rolling her eyes, she slunk toward the bathroom, closing the door before turning on the light. She stood in front of the mirror, opening her fingers as she pressed the tips against the glass. Could she make the change? She was edgy and slightly nauseous, her muscles aching. A visit to Tina would be needed later. This was crazy. A lion. She was going to turn into a creature of the forest, a beast capable of tearing a man to shreds. Oh, God. Oh, fucking God.

  Overcome by emotion, she slapped the glass, trying to hold back any sounds, but the anguish was severe, almost pushing her over the edge. She questioned her very sanity, reeling from the incredible events, the stories and the realization she would never be the same. Her moves stilted, she turned on the shower, allowing the sound to mask her weeping. She had to be strong, to give her people the queen they needed. No. She couldn’t do this. There was no fucking chance in hell. Help me. I can’t. Please…

  Tears continued to fall, trickling down her cheeks and she stumbled into the shower, closing the curtain and moving to the corner. The water washed over her in a stream, as if washing away her sins, stripping her of the beast living just below the surface. “No…” The word echoed in her ears, driving her mind to that very precipice of insanity. She cowered in the corner, her body convulsing. Help me, God, for I have sinned. I’m a beast, a monster. I will devour humans, ripping them from limb to limb.

  A rush of air hit Scarlet’s backside and she winced, fighting desperately to wipe away her tears. “No, I…”

  “Shhh.” Larken moved behind her, cradling her in his arms. “Did you honestly think you could hide from me?”

  “I just… Larken, I…” Her words were jumbled as she struggled at first, trying desperately to claw out of his hold.

  His grip was firm, binding as he squeezed her arms. “Listen to me. You aren’t a beast. You’re an incredible woman, beautiful in every regard. You are the love of my life, the very woman I’ve dreamt of for so many years.”

  “No! I’m ugly and horrible, capable of murder.” Her breathing ragged, she concentrated on the sound of her beating heart, thumping against her chest walls. She wanted to run away, scream and cry, fight what she knew was the inevitable.

  “That’s where you’re wrong, my amazing woman. You won’t be forced to turn other than once. The hunger will fade. I promise you.” He turned her to face him, holding her cheeks, his thumbs caressing her skin. “Listen to me. Hear my voice. Everything is going to be all right, baby. I’ll be right by your side.”

  “What if things go horribly wrong? What if people die?”

  He opened his mouth then smiled, pressing his lips against her forehead. “You need to trust me. Please.”

  “I do. I don’t know what I am any longer.”

  “You’re the woman standing in front of me, gorgeous and loving, giving to a fault. You are my beautiful baby.”

  Hearing his words, so full of love and adoration sent tingles shooting into her pussy. “I love you, Larken. I think I always have.”

  He crushed her mouth, grunting as he towered over her, pressing his body into hers.

  The way he held her, so protective, so possessive created a web of safety as well as love all around her. Within seconds, the despondency faded, leaving her with innate desire. She belonged to this man, this incredible and handsome man who’d promised to love and honor her, respect and discipline her as needed.