“Not in Talmet. When Italy changed from having a king to a president, the leader of Talmet, my great-something grandfather decided to change our government. Even though the leader goes by prime minister, the role is still handed down to the oldest son. Anyway, I’m not making excuses for my attitude. I am saying I miss Olivia. Since this movie has been shelved for the time being, once this is all over, I’m going to take a hiatus for a while. I’ve been going practically non-stop for almost twenty years. I think I’ll take Olivia on a long vacation.”
“I bet she would like that. Have you spoken to her today?”
“Yes, and she’s pissed. She has patients who rely on her, and being away from them isn’t making her happy.”
“Craig, our team is working overtime to find out who’s after you. The contract was closed, but they’re still keeping an eye on Cabretti. Since Daniel didn’t call you, who would he have reached out to from jail?”
“No idea. He doesn’t have any close friends that I’m aware of. I know it wasn’t our father because he would have then called me and chewed my ass out.”
Tabitha didn’t tell him there was a possibility that Daniel would join them if he proved to be innocent. She didn’t want to get his hopes up. It might be a couple of days before Zane could get out there anyway.
Craig finished his fruit and took the bowl to the dishwasher. “I think I’ll go run on the treadmill.”
Tabitha felt sorry for the man, even if he could be a jerk. No one deserved to have their life threatened if they were innocent. Major laughed, indicating he was still chatting with Marshall, so she took advantage of the free time and called her parents. When Tessa found out Tabitha was in New York, she wanted to come hang out at the safehouse. Since her parents were Gargoyles and knew how to keep a secret, Tabitha didn’t think Mason would mind, but she asked them to wait until the next morning so she could have some of her dad’s pancakes. No matter how many times Tabitha made them, they still weren’t as fluffy as his.
She rejoined Major in front of the fire, where they relaxed until the timer went off for the chicken. Major fixed some cheesy toast in the oven after Tabitha cooked the rice. Craig had gone to his room to shower after spending time in the gym, and when he made his way into the kitchen, he asked what they wanted to drink. Tabitha and Major both opted for a beer, and Craig got himself one as well. He ate the carb loaded chickeninstead of choosing something healthier. The actor was more talkative than usual, asking about their jobs and their families. Afterward, he helped clean up, then asked if he could join them instead of holing up in his room alone. They decided to play cards instead of watching a movie. Even though their shifter metabolism kept them from getting drunk, neither Tabitha nor Major drank any more that night. Craig, on the other hand, went from beer to whiskey. The more he drank, the looser his tongue, and the man was funny when he was tipsy. Tabitha enjoyed this Craig so much more than the one he’d been just a day before.
Craig finally called it a night around two a.m., leaving Tabitha alone with her mate. She’d be glad when she could claim him officially. Major stoked the fire and joined her on the sofa, where she snuggled into his side.
“Mom and Dad are coming by for breakfast.”
“What about Andy?”
“Since this is a safehouse and anything could happen, they’re dropping him off with Rafael and Kaya. Andy loves spending time with Wesley, even though he’s a baby.”
They chatted a little while before deciding it was time for bed. When they stopped by Tabitha’s doorway, she tugged Major into her room and closed the door, locking the knob.
“Why, Miss Stone, are you being unprofessional?”
“Yes, Mr. Lazlo. I am. I want your arms around me all night.”
Major tugged his shirt off, tossing it on the floor. Tabitha ran a finger over his tattoos. She had traced them all with her tongue. Knew each one intimately.
“Is that all you want?” he asked, his voice deeperthan usual.
“No. Get naked and I’ll show you what I want.” Tabitha dropped her clothes where she stood as Major did the same. She turned down the covers and pointed. Major lay on his back, stroking his erection slowly. Tabitha straddled his chest so they could pleasure each other at the same time. Major didn’t wait. He gripped her hips, pulling her down onto his face, and went to work on her clit. She took his gorgeous cock into her mouth, bobbing up and down. She couldn’t take him all the way, so she added her hand at the base, using both her grip and wet mouth to work him over. Major was good at getting her off with his tongue, so it wasn’t long before she was grinding against his face the way he liked until her orgasm had her insides quivering.
After he had his fill of her release, Major swatted her ass. “Turn around.” Tabitha didn’t mind giving Major a blowjob even though it wasn’t her favorite thing to do. She turned and straddled him, easing down on his hardness. He ran his hands up her legs, continuing up her stomach until he cupped both her breasts. Major rolled her nipples as she rode him. Tabitha placed her hands on his bent knees for leverage as she kept her eyes on his. Major was gorgeous all the time, but when they had sex, his eyes were intense as they flashed golden from his Lion. His beast rumbled in his chest, and Tabitha’s Goyle returned the call with a low growl, begging her to bite Major.
When his fangs elongated, she couldn’t stop hers from dropping too. “I want your bite, Tabby.” Major lowered his legs and did an ab curl, flipping her to her back in one swift move. “I don’t care if we get loud. I’ll voice Craig if he hears us. I want you to claim me as yourmate.”
Tabitha’s eyes prickled. She never imagined she’d find her mate so soon in life. Some Goyles waited hundreds of years before they found theirs. Some ran into theirs on a crowded street, not knowing who caused the nausea indicative of that one being made specifically for them. Major’s Lion purred, and his eyes flashed again. Tabitha’s Gargoyle sent a pulse of energy between them, and Tabitha almost came again. Major continued sliding in and out, grinding against her clit, circling his hips. Tabitha bared her neck to him, wanting him to claim her first. Major lowered his head, licking the spot where he would place his mark. His hips snapped faster, and she wrapped her long legs around his, inviting him deeper.
“I’m close,” Major husked.
“Do it.” Tabitha’s claws came out, scratching at Major’s back.
His Lion roared as Major came, spilling inside her, and his fangs struck. As soon as the sharp teeth pierced her skin, Tabitha’s orgasm exploded. She couldn’t hold her beast back from biting their mate. Her fangs sank into his shoulder, and her Gargoyle toxin entered his bloodstream, passing along her strength and longevity. Not that he needed more strength being a Gryphon, but he received it anyway. They released their fangs at the same time, licking the spots to close the wounds. Tabitha’s head flopped back onto the pillow, and Major followed her down, kissing her with more passion than ever. She had the sense of mind to listen for Craig, but all was quiet on his end of the house other than deep snoring.
“Zeus, that was unbelievable.” Major leaned on oneforearm and brushed a tendril of hair off her neck.
Tabitha smiled at her mate, pressing her palms to his bearded cheeks. “You’re stuck with me now.”
“I couldn’t be happier. Thank you, Tabby. I look forward to a long life with you.” Major kissed her shoulder where he marked her, and her Goyle rumbled.
“You’re most welcome.”
Major gasped. “That… You…” Then he tried it.“Can you hear me?”
