Heart's Protector
Author: Erzabet Bishop
Date: 2016-05-02 04:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Menage; Shapeshifters; Romance
Description: Two hot gargoyles are determined to protect her. Can she find the strength inside to love them both? Medina Argos is a woman on the run from her present and her past. One of three sisters in an international art theft ring, she flees when a routine art heist goes too far. But this curvy girl is about to learn that some hearts beat to a different drum and the road to love is sometimes the less traveled one, even for a woman with secrets. Thomas Sauveterre is a renowned art restoration specialist. Nothing is more important to him than his daughter, Gabrielle. When he takes on the largest project
Publisher: Naughty Nights Press LLC

Heart’s Protector Erzabet Bishop

Two gargoyles and a woman who needs them…

Medina Argos is a woman on the run from her present and her past. One of three sisters in an international art theft ring, she flees when a routine art heist goes too far. But this curvy girl is about to learn that some hearts beat to a different drum and the road to love is sometimes the less traveled one, even for a woman with secrets.

Thomas Sauveterre is a renowned art restoration specialist.

Nothing is more important to him than his daughter, Gabrielle. When he takes on the largest project of his career, he also gains a security officer in the bargain. But love can be hiding in the most surprising places if he can only open his heart to find it.

Grayson Maberry is a man on the brink. Charged with protecting property and guarding the family he’s currently assigned, he is torn by duty and a love that may never be.

But a true guardian will wait forever and this gargoyle may have just met his match. Twice.

eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement of the copyright of this work.

HEART’S PROTECTOR

Dubious Series

Copyright © 2016 ERZABET BISHOP

ISBN: 978-1-943576-80-7

All Romance eBooks, LLC Palm Harbor, Florida 34684
www.allromanceebooks.com

This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or business establishments, events, or locales is coincidental.

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever with out written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

First All Romance eBooks publication: April 2016

Dedication

To my husband. Even on the hard days, baby. It works.

And to Taddy, my own little gargoyle baby. One of these days you are going to fall off that bed hunting for cookies.

But I’ll catch you. Every time.

And to Lawan, ninja editor. You rock.

Heart’s Protector Prologue

“Gabrielle, get down.” The child was going to give him a heart attack. She climbed up the stone railing along the patio, the angry sea crashing beneath them in a torrent of waves. Thomas could shift at a moment’s notice and dive after her, but he’d prefer not to leave anything up to chance. If anything happened to Gabby, he would absolutely lose his mind. The little minx thought she could fly, but her young gargoyle wings remained fragile and the winds outside were picking up with the storm.

The first pelts of rain started to fall and he grew concerned she would catch a cold. Little girls with colds were not fun. At all. And with the monumental art restoration job in front of him from the Westmore pack Alpha, Carrick, he wouldn’t be able to devote all the time it would require if she was ill. Gabby was his first priority, even at the cost of what was left of his career. But if he could, he didn’t want to take a chance with the few strands of his reputation that lay twisting in the wind.

Thomas Sauveterre shifted his glare to his soon to be ex-wife, the burning resentment in his gut almost more than he could bear. His fingers turned to talons and he had to will them back into their human form. She tried to ruin him in every way possible and, blinded by her vivacious nature, he’d been the fool. His stone beast regarded her with contempt, recoiling whenever she came near.

We need a mate. A true one. Not this imposture.

How little he understood when he brought her into his 5

Erzabet Bishop world, only to have it crumble around him like the ruins he loved to fly through as a young man. His gargoyle heritage was a rich one. His family one of prestige, but his blind infatuation placed a wedge between them he wasn’t sure would ever be displaced. Candice wanted him when he took her to parties and showed her off, but when the lights dimmed and the reality of being a mother and wife to an art restoration expert, she found his dual nature not to her liking at all. Pity she hadn’t informed him of that tidbit until after they were married and had their first child.

All evening at dinner she’d plied herself with liquor, not stopping even to help Gabby with her meal. Divorce papers be damned, she could at least pretend she cared, even for the thirty minutes it would have taken to get through at least part of the first course.

But no.

An icy look here, an innuendo there. All he had to do was look in the direction of his new security officer, Grayson, and she would start up. The man had only been at their home a few months at the insistence of Carrick, the Westmore pack leader, when he took on some of the more valuable pieces in his art collection to restore. He’d fought the idea at first but art theft and the black market were a clear and present danger he couldn’t afford to ignore. His career as a preservationist and art historian were already in the shambles thanks to Candice and he wasn’t about to tempt fate twice.

There had been rumblings from some of the old guard in the wolf pack. The previous Alpha had done terrible things, kidnapping women and girls to keep his wolves in line, even resorting to genetic experimentation to try and build a super breed of hybrid wolf. He knew when Carrick 6

Heart’s Protector rediscovered his mate, Sage, that she had been one of the victims of one of the hybrids, and Carrick warned him to be careful. There was no telling who was still out there with a grudge, and taking the restoration job could put his family at risk. The thought of anyone coming here to his family home was ludicrous, but never the less, he was happy to have Grayson here to keep things safe, both for him and for Gabby.

It hadn’t taken long for Thomas to feel the pull of his attraction to the younger man despite his refusal to act on his baser impulses. He would not do to Candice what she had done to him. Not while they were still technically man and wife. But the moment she signed the papers all bets were off. He longed to taste Grayson’s full lips and feel his body against him locked in passion. To find another gargoyle shifter who shared his world, that was a prize worth keeping and he was done throwing his life away on a woman who would rather fuck delivery men and take pleasure at debasing herself at every turn just to cause him pain. And she had. In spades.

Thomas sighed and thought back to the first time he saw Grayson. His long hair tied back in a queue, sexy stubble on his chin as he tried in vain to coax a willful young gargoyle out of a tree.

“Come on, little lady. Your daddy is going to be mighty worried if you don’t come down from there.”

“But I like it here.” Her innocent eyes shifted from Grayson on the ground to train on him as he swooped down from the sky.

“Daddy!” She raised her arms to him and he scooped her up in his arms. “I found a new friend.”

“Did you now?” He let himself glide to the ground, 7

Erzabet Bishop careful to land softly with the precious cargo in his arms.

Then he turned to the man who would be his future and smiled. “Thomas Sauveterre.”

“Grayson Maberry at your service.” The other man lowered his head, his full lips curving into a smile. He raised his head and met Thomas’s gaze. “I think Carrick has designs on putting us together.”

His breath caught in his throat at the images that invoked and he had to shift his weight against a sudden tightness in his jeans.

Thomas grinned, a flush creeping up the back of his neck. “That would be just like him to set things up before consulting either of us.”

“Daddy! Meet Grayson. He has wings just like we do.” His normally shy daughter ran to the other man and hurled herself into his arms.

Grayson laughed and collected her into his embrace, planting a kiss on her little cherub cheek. “You’re a little stinker, you know that?” He set her down. “Now get back to the house. I think Sage made some of her chocolate cupcakes and you won’t want to miss those.”

“Goody!” Gabby scuttled off toward the main house with a giggle, leaving both men in the dust.

“Well, you seem to have made an impression.”

Grayson met his eyes, a chuckle slipping from his lips.

“I hope so. It seems like I’m following Carrick’s gallery collection to your place while you do the restoration.”

“Not a bad idea.” His eyes raked over the competent security officer. He’d never had one before when he’d restored paintings, but with the art heists that had been in the news of late he agreed with the Alpha’s caution.

“Well…we’d best get back so Carrick can fill us in. I need 8

Heart’s Protector to get back home soon.”

His wife Candice had been acting even more erratic than normal and he didn’t trust her by herself. After all the affairs and provocation, he was considering a very painful truth. He was going to have to divorce his wife. It was not a thought that came lightly. His family believed in longevity and a mate was for life. Family was everything.

She’s not your mate.

He grimaced, thinking of what she might be up to while he was away. Thomas’s gaze spanned out across the fields, noting the birds flying up to escape the progress of his daughter. He turned his eyes back toward Grayson.

“Thank you for not frightening her.”

“Oh, I don’t think much would faze that girl of yours.”

“True enough. Come on, let’s catch up. I don’t want her diving in for another bout of ice cream after she demolishes the cupcakes. She’ll ruin her dinner and I’ll never get her to sleep.”

“We’d better hurry then. She’s fast.” Grayson winked and started off in the direction Gabby had gone.

Thomas paused and watched the man go and couldn’t help but admire his powerful well-muscled body as he moved with easy grace.

“Don’t I know it,” Thomas muttered, starting off after them. “Wait till she starts flying.”

So many months ago. The scene felt like yesterday, but here they were, together at his home, Gabby still as precocious as ever and Grayson ever watchful.

The sound of shoes slipping against wet stone brought him back to the present. It was a good memory.

“But, Daddy, the view up here is so exciting.” His six-year-old daughter Gabrielle raised her dimpled cheeks to 9

Erzabet Bishop him and smiled, not alarmed in the slightest by the close proximity of the edge or the cold rain splashing down on her. She hung on and looked wistfully at the cliffs below.

“Do you think we can go out tomorrow?”

“If you’re good and do all your homework.” He reached around her waist and tugged her down, and set her on her feet. “Now, what did Mommy tell you to work on after dinner?”

“Nothing…” The imp dragged her feet and gave her mother a resentful glare.

“She’s right. I didn’t see the point.” Candice wobbled on her heels, sloshing part of her Manhattan onto the carpet. “Not that she would listen to me anyway.” She moved toward the French doors and for a moment, Thomas was afraid she would do something to harm Gabby.

“Candice. Not now.” Thomas seethed. “I think you’ve had enough. Put the drink down.”

Shooting a hardened alcohol lacquered gaze in his direction, she tottered away.

That afternoon, he handed her the divorce papers, done with the endless games and insidious contempt she continued to hurl his way. What his younger self had seen in her…God. So much wasted time. But he couldn’t afford to be bitter. There was Gabby to consider and the sooner Candice left, the better. If he had his way, she’d be packing right now. If she could put her drink down long enough.

“Are you going to fight me for Gabby?” He had to ask, even as the question tasted sour in his mouth. Her eyes were weepy then as fast as a winter gale, froze up once more. “Why don’t you and your lover take her? She loves you better anyway. I hate this place and I hate you.”

“Mommy…” Gabrielle, who must have been 10

Heart’s Protector eavesdropping, rushed into the room with tears in her eyes.

“Don’t…”

Her mother’s scornful gaze slid over her. “Or what?

It’s the truth.”

Gabrielle took steps back away from Candice.

Responding to the hurt of his daughter’s young heart, he went to Gabby, ushering her back to the other room as he whispered to her that he would come tuck her in soon.

Once the little one was out of the room, he turned on Candice. “Watch what you say to Gabby. For your information, no it isn’t. I think you need to go to bed. We’ll talk about the divorce in the morning when you’ve sobered up.” “Oh yes,” she hissed, hurling the drink against the fireplace. The glass exploded, little pieces of jagged hate flying outward in a spray. “We’ll talk about it all right.

You and your bodyguard just can’t wait to get me out of the picture. Well it’s going to cost you and cost you big. I think the world should know who you really are, Thomas Sauveterre.”

What a fucking laugh. His family had been in art restoration since the first cathedrals had been built in Europe. A clan of guardians and protectors of beauty, his gargoyle heritage and his love of art went hand in hand.

Thomas clenched his jaw and searched for the right words.

They were a bad match from the beginning but he’d stuck it out for Gabby. His kink and her vanilla weren’t a match, but he held himself back. What else could he do? Destroy his marriage because his wife didn’t want to get tied up and get spanked? Thinking about it like that had just made him feel foolish.

He’d known she hadn’t been happy when they moved 11

Erzabet Bishop out to the coast, but there was little else that could be done.

He’d been so wrapped up in his work he hadn’t seen the writing on the wall until it was too late.

She’d managed to sleep her way through most of his colleagues at the university. Once he’d discovered her indiscretions he’d had no choice but to take his talents elsewhere. His reputation was in tatters and he couldn’t bear to look into the eyes of the male members of staff and wonder who had been fucking his wife. No. If he was honest, it would be the other way around. It was more like who hadn’t been fucking her.

His innate talent at restoration would have to save him.

If he focused on Gabby and his work, he could manage the rest. From original works to restored masterpieces, his hands kept busy and he tried not to think too much about the man who entertained more than a passing fancy in his daydreams. In high demand—by everyone except his wife, he didn’t have much time out of his studio to fight with her and he was tired of living a lie. She hated him from taking away her playground. It was pure and simple. Out here on the western coastline, all the company she had were seagulls.

The door opened and Grayson came in, followed by Mrs. Talbot. Shit. He hadn’t wanted anyone else to hear their latest row.

“Sir, I’ll tuck Gabrielle into bed.” An older woman in a smart dress and sling back shoes, Mrs. Talbot was hired on when it had become apparent that his wife’s drinking had gotten out of control. Three years later, she’d become a fundamental part of the household. He wouldn’t eat if it weren’t for her. Or have clothes that didn’t stand up and walk on their own. He thanked his lucky stars every day 12

Heart’s Protector when the Westmore Alpha recommended her. She’d lost someone when Carrick had taken over as Alpha and needed a change of scene. She held the place together and had stepped in when Gabby needed her the most.

“Do you want me to carry her?” Grayson lifted his eyes to Thomas and a little warmth seeped in. Thomas had only been with him as security detail for a few months, but in that time, he’d become an integral part of his life. He helped with Gabby’s education and he’d seen him more than once trying to teach his mischievous daughter to fly.

“I can walk by myself, Mr. Grayson.” Gabby entered from the side room, lifted her cherub face to his with a wobbly smile. “Don’t worry.”

Damn it. This had to stop.

“Go with Mrs. Talbot and Grayson, honey. I need to talk to your mom.”

“No.” Candice sauntered toward the balcony, her face a mask of bitterness. Her eyes grazed over Grayson and Mrs. Talbot. “I want you to stay. What I have to say is for you all.”

“Mrs. Sauveterre, can you please step away from the doors?” Grayson edged forward, his brows drawn up in concern. He reached out to touch her and she slapped his hands away.

“Not you.” Candice drew her lips drew back in a hiss and she shook her head vehemently. “No. You don’t get to move into my house and tell me where I should stand. I don’t think so.” She marched through the open French doors and out onto the balcony.

“Stop this,” Thomas demanded, trying to latch on to her arm. She breezed past him and whirled around to face him. “Go inside and pack your things. This ends tonight—

13

Erzabet Bishop with you leaving.” A flicker of anxiety slid through him.

What was she going to do?

“As if you think this will be tidied up so easily.”

Candice gave an ugly laugh and clambered up onto the balcony railing. She pulled off her shoes and maneuvered her body to face him. “Don’t bother trying to save me either, flyboy. I’m not interested.” She pitched her shoes at him, and they fell at his feet, discarded like the remnants of their life together.

“Mrs. Sauveterre…” Grayson stepped forward.

“Please. Your daughter.”

“Take her inside, Gray.” Thomas narrowed his eyes.

“Get down now, Candice. I command you to listen.”

“You command me? I’m not into that, remember? I’m not your submissive and I sure as fuck am not going to play at whatever kinky shit you’re into these days. Go tell it to someone who cares, Thomas. I’m done.”

“Climb down from there before you hurt yourself. You have a future. Far away from here. Get your things and get out.”

“A future? Is that what you call it?” Her voice was a whisper, a tiny smile tilting up the corners of her mouth.

“Mmmm. Okay.” Without another word, she leaned backwards and hurled herself off the balcony.

Thomas stood dumbstruck, his heart in his throat. He moved in slow motion as Grayson burst past him, shifting into his gargoyle form, hurtling down to the rocks below.

His wings were ink black and in moments he lost sight of him in the gathering dark.

“Mommy!” Gabby darted toward the balcony and tried to scramble over the edge. “No! Momm y!”

“Gabrielle!” Agony tore through Thomas as he 14

Heart’s Protector grabbed onto Gabrielle for dear life. “No baby. No.”

“You have to save her!” Hot tears dampened the front of his shirt as she sobbed against him. “Please.”

“Mrs. Talbot?” His gaze located the housekeeper.

“Please take her to bed.”

“Yes, Sir.” The older woman gathered his daughter into her arms as she continued to sob. “Come, child. This isn’t something you need to see.”

“But…Mommy…”

“No, my girl. There’s nothing to be done for it. Let’s get you to bed and we’ll talk about it in the morning, shall we?” Mrs. Talbot wrapped her arms around her shoulders and guided her from the room, shutting the door behind them. As the door clicked, Thomas burst into action, shifting into his gargoyle form. He dove over the edge, silently cursing whatever demons possessed the woman to do such a thing in a way that would hurt the most. Gabby.

She had taken the one pure thing in their lives and tainted it by her selfish act. He couldn’t help but hate her for it.

Thomas raced against the wind but the powerful storm knocked him back against the cliff side smashing, his face into the rocks. He snarled, diving back against the force of the gale and down into the darkness below. He landed next to Grayson cradling a raging Candice in his arms.

“Let go of me!” She kicked, railing at him like a harridan.

“Why did you do this?” Thomas pursed his lips, thankful she was still alive, his heart beating wild in his chest.

“Because I loathe you.”

The feeling was mutual but she was the mother of his child. He met Grayson’s eyes over her head and nodded.

15

Erzabet Bishop

“I’ll take her.”

“Don’t touch me.” Candice pulled away from Thomas, leveling a look of pure venom in his direction. She turned to Grayson. “Get me out of here.”

“I think that can be arranged.” He held out his arms and she shuddered, stepping inside of them.

Love and hate battled inside of him, forging a grief so raw it cut him open like a gaping wound. Such a waste.

They could have been happy, but she destroyed it all. He thought she could learn to love him, but all she wanted was the prestige of his family name, not the man, nor the stone beast within. Waves crashed over them, and soon he couldn’t tell whether the salty wetness on his face were tears or the pounding waves.

He was such a fool to ever think otherwise.

Thomas nodded. “This is over. Tonight. Take your things and leave. I never want to see you again.”

“You couldn’t pay me enough to stay.”

Her eyes flashed in the darkness and he couldn’t stand to look at her another moment. “Just go. You will be provided for, never fear.” Thomas turned from her, his wings buffeting him from the stinging waves.

He heard Grayson rise into the air, his great wings taking Candice out of harm’s way and let out the breath he had been holding. It was over. So why then did he feel like his heart was breaking?

16

Heart’s Protector Chapter One

“Oh my God. Will you just shut up?” Medina Argos growled under her breath as the snakes beneath her skin hissed and whispered. It was the same word, over and over again and she was about to lose her damned mind.

Pretties…

Yes. Pretties. She needed to find a new pretty or her sisters were going to have her head on a spit—and that was before breakfast. She massaged her temples and willed the pounding in her head to freaking stop. The print of the newspaper spread across the table swam like ants in front of her eyes. She lowered her lids, blocking out the bright daylight streaming in through the blinds. Her snakes loved the light but she on the other hand wished it would cloud up and rain like hell. Then at least the migraine would stop.

Just another thing for them to disagree about.

The gallery exhibits laid out in the entertainment section tugged at her consciousness but nothing really rang true. Maybe it was the headache.

Pretties…

“Ugh.” She reached for her coffee and took a large gulp. The full moon was right around the corner and her snakes were at it hard today. Their voices were a snarl of murmurs that were ever so slowly driving her insane. And they really needed another thing to focus on. Like maybe where she could go to find a good brownie. Or some chocolate chip pancakes. But all they wanted to whisper 17

Erzabet Bishop about was the one thing she couldn’t get them to agree on—their next mark.

“Would you hurry up, already?” She mumbled, poking her stylus into her hair. They hadn’t popped out for a visit yet today, but if this headache kept up, goddess only knew.

Temperamental at best, her girls were moody man-hating bitches most days and that was saying something.

So she talked to her hair. Most shifters she knew had the same dual natured problems she did, only they weren’t stuck having snakes for hair and an ass that turned into a giant snake rear end. Well, to be fair, her legs sort of turned into the back end of a giant snake, but it was all semantics.

On most people’s scale of sexy, snakes weren’t high up on the list. Hell, they probably weren’t even on the list, but when you’re smote by a goddess, it isn’t like you have much say in the matter.

Other people she’d come across in her travels had at least been wolf shifters or even cats. She, on the other hand, was afflicted with a mythological curse that left her hissing at the moon instead of howling at it. One of the snakes wiggled in her hair and she absentmindedly poked at it with her stylus.

“Not yet. Go back to sleep.”

There went the coolness thing again.

The snakes hissed at her in censure and she sighed.

She reached for her cup of coffee and took another sip. The hot black liquid slid over her tongue, cinnamon and earthy.

The morning had come too soon. Nightmares woke her in the middle of the night, shaking and sweating, just like clockwork. Her throat closed up like it did when the bastard in her nightmare closed his hand around her neck, cutting off her air, his eyes narrowed into slits filled with 18

Heart’s Protector rage filled spite.

Favored by the goddess…You’ll be crawling by the time I’m done with you.

And she had been.

The white hot panic set in, as memories and remembered pain flooded her mind. Her breath hitched and she gripped the edges of the chair, her muscles straining with the effort to keep herself in the now. She was safe. It was over and had been for centuries, but what would her day be if it didn’t start off with her talking to herself and having a nice juicy panic attack?

Where were her sisters? She wanted to find something to eat and maybe that would jar the girls into some productivity. They were here for a purpose and if she didn’t find a new mark Stef would be less than pleased.

The hotel room in Brussels, Texas was nice enough, but she was getting weary of their ceaseless travel. One more day here and they would head someplace new. All that remained was for her to find where that would be. If her migraine would ever stop. Another stab lanced through her brain and her stomach twisted, the coffee she drank sloshing unpleasantly. It was almost a hung over feeling and the fog that slid through her made it difficult to maneuver through. But she had to. Her sisters were depending on her. She reached for her tablet computer and pressed the on button. If nothing in the papers called to her than it was time to push her energy out further.

Her snakes shifted beneath her skin but said nothing.

Damned finicky bitches. When she wanted them to talk, they didn’t have a thing to say. Figured.

“Well, did you find anything yet?” Stef waltzed in, her long golden hair flowing in relaxed curls down her back, 19

Erzabet Bishop the casual jeans and sandals balanced by a sparkling top that did nothing for the shooting pains in Medina’s head.

“No,” she replied miserably, letting her head fall in her hands. Goddess, why did she feel so damned terrible?

“Well you better hurry.”

Her sister Eleanor’s voice pinged at Medina and she inwardly groaned. “I know.” She raised her head and winced as the light stabbed at her eyes. “What happened last night? I remember dinner but right after that, it’s a blank.”

And it was. They’d gone out to one of the nicer restaurants near the hotel and she’d planned to head back and let her sisters do their thing. Medina was the spotter.

They did the heist. No matter if it was a job they were hired for, or a piece that called to Medina through her crystal ball of a tablet computer with the snake sisters under her skin leading the way. It was all the same. Their services were always in demand and chances were, a black market buyer would snap up whatever they managed to snag with their hypnotic good looks and superhuman charm.

Her sisters had the knack. Goddesses in their own right, the original two Gorgon sisters, Stheno and Euryale, got the immortal genes. Medina didn’t. She got endless reincarnation and a shit ton of nightmares involving snakes and a really angry goddess. And that was the happy side.

If she let herself think too much about the reason she was here, she’d dream even more and find herself holed up with another of her panic attacks. Rape was rape. Getting blamed by a goddess for some asshole forcing himself on her…well that was downright fucked up and lucky her, she got to relive it, life after life. It was no wonder she suffered 20

Heart’s Protector from anxiety and migraines.

Medina twirled a finger in her long black hair and sighed. Her sisters hated being called by their Greek names, only answering to Stef or Eleanor. Medina couldn’t blame them really, but at least they didn’t have the endless cycle of rebirth and a name that made people cringe just mentioning it.

Medusa. You said the name and everyone thought they were an expert. Except they didn’t know the half of it.

Perseus didn’t really kill her. He just propelled her into the next life. Multiply that by how ever many hundreds of years ago that was and you have a lot of memories and dreams all swirling around in her head competing with the snakes for air time.

She hadn’t wanted to do it at first, but it seemed like there might be something to that name changing business.

Medina would be a nice change this time around. If not, she might as well have a shirt printed up.

Got snakes?

Or

Wicked PMS. Will permanently fuck you up and turn your ass to stone.

Her snakes hissed their displeasure at her thoughts and she smiled. If she wasn’t laughing about it, well. Meh.

Medina snorted and took another drink of coffee.

Caffeine and a steady stream of Excedrin and she should at least be functional by noon. She hoped, at any rate. If she was lucky, she could get some word count in and maybe get a leg up on the saucy romance novel she was trying to get written before the summer was over. With one published under her sexy pen name, Roxanne St. George, she’d been able to make a tidy enough stream of royalties 21

Erzabet Bishop that she didn’t need her sisters’ ill-gotten gains. Well, they were hers too, she supposed, but she’d never robbed a person in her life and wasn’t going to start. An introvert of the highest order, she was happiest when she was on her laptop, typing away.

Her favorite were her fictitious men with ripped abs, the ability to speak softly and give the women in her books the cruel, but edgy touch they craved. It was ironic, really.

The one man she’d ever gotten close to had been a guard at the temple and after what had happened, the only romance she ever wanted was the safe kind behind the pages of a book. It was just easier that way. No one got hurt. Or turned to stone. Or anything else. It was lonely, but at least no one died. And she had her sisters.

Maybe when they stopped moving around she would get a cat.

Still, sometimes her dreams reflected the novels she was working on. Sexy men who wouldn’t be afraid of her.

And they changed. Almost to the nightmare images of bodies turned to stone—but with one difference. These men weren’t dead. They desired her. Loved her. And she would wake with a phantom kiss on her lips, reaching for the pillow only to find it was only a figment of her overactive imagination.

She’d gotten to where she wouldn’t go out on most full moon nights. They were the worst, but last night Stef and Eleanor had begged. Against her better judgement she’d relented and gone to dinner. That was the last thing she could remember.

“What happened? You went back to the hotel, didn’t you?” Stef narrowed her eyes. “Are you having trouble again? Do we have to worry?”

22

Heart’s Protector

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Eleanor slid her eyes from Stef to Medina. “You must have gone back to bed. Stef and I did the job and when we came back to the room you were asleep.” She sat down at the small table, the polka dot dress and sling back red shoes a clear indication they were going out on the town. Her dark hair was swept up in a sophisticated updo, the roguish shade of red lipstick the perfect match to her dress.

“It’s okay. I must have had too much wine with dinner and just came home and tumbled into bed.” At least that was where she’d woken up. But the nightmares still lingered longer than most. They’d been through this round before. Her fragile state had landed her in bed for three weeks while the doctors tried to figure out what to do with her mood swings and night terrors.

Nothing helped. Only quiet solitude and isolation from the world at large seemed to bring her back to herself.

“Maybe it was a mistake to make you come with us this time.” Stef conceded, her brows drawn into a frown.

“We got the item the buyer requested. We could just leave you at the hotel today.”

Medina started to protest, but the words died on her lips. Stef could be right.

“I agree. Let’s leave her home tonight. We have one more stop to make for something that’s just come up. You stay here at the hotel and relax and we’ll take care of everything. By morning we can be on our way home back to Olympia and no one will be the wiser. Unless, of course, you and the girls find us a new candidate.” Eleanor gave her a tight smile and got up. “I’m going down to breakfast.

You want to come, Stef?”

Her sister nodded. “Sure. You want anything, 23

Erzabet Bishop Medina?”

She started to say pancakes, but shut her mouth as soon as the word popped in her head. She would wait till they left and go out on her own. Maybe walking around the local area would do her good. The warmth would make her girls happy and then maybe they’d be more inclined to cooperate with the selection process.

A scene from her earlier nightmare flashed through her mind and she shuddered, moving her hand to her throat.

No. No food right now.

Medina shook her head, curling her fingers around the coffee cup, thankful that someone had made the pot before she’d gotten to the kitchen. Normally the call for food would be manna for her soul, but the flashback evaporated the desire to eat. “No. I think I’ll go back and rest for a bit.

Maybe that will help me clear my head.”

“Good.” Stef snagged her purse off the small table by the door and waved at Eleanor. “Let’s go, Eleanor.”

“Coming.” Eleanor scooped up her purse and a selection of burner phones with the batteries popped out.

Each one had a corresponding set of numbers. She scanned the pieces, scooped two matching ones and popped them into her handbag. “You rest now. We’ll see you later.”

They left without a second glance and Medina let out a relieved breath. She picked up her tablet and her cup of coffee. The further she got toward the bottom of the cup, the bitterer it became. Making a face, she rose from the chair. Making her way through the sitting area, she ambled down the short hallway and into her bedroom. Her sisters shared a room, but she always got one to herself. That was the way she liked it. It was bad enough there were little pesky voices in her head murmuring all the time. She 24

Heart’s Protector didn’t need for her sisters to be aware of it too. Hell, they’d probably lock her up just to be rid of her once and for all.

Except they need you.

Us.

The snakes had a point. There wasn’t a day that went by that Stef and Eleanor didn’t remind her they were immortal and less prone to the ups and downs that made up the human condition. Or was it shifter condition? She had never figured that one out exactly as it pertained to her. It wasn’t like she changed all the time, but when she was angry, her scalp started to itch and the little snaky mumblings got loud enough to notice. And the whole tail thing? That had only happened once in grade school in gym class. Legs were better, thank you very much.

Medina tried to stay calm. They wanted to help her, but from time to time the differences between them felt insurmountable. Like their size for example. Sometimes she wanted to hold both of them down and stuff Twinkies down their throats so they could understand how it felt to be a full-figured girl in a world built for model thin women. She didn’t mind her extra curves, but what she couldn’t stand was being invisible whenever they went out places. Even at home in Olympia, all eyes were on Stef and Eleanor. They also didn’t have to take prescription meds to keep panic attacks at bay. It was a condition. She got it, but she hated how Stef and Eleanor looked at her when they watched her taking her pills. Like it was some kind of bad thing. She suffered from post-traumatic stress. At least she was doing something about it. They tried to help, making sure she got her prescriptions and things like that, but sometimes they didn’t have a clue.

It sucked. She had to relive her past over and over 25

Erzabet Bishop again and with each life there was a special brand of torment made just for her. In this one it was the migraines, panic attacks and nightmares. It should have helped that she balanced her supposed frailties with her knack for finding exquisite antiquities, art and writing grade ‘A’

smut, but more often than not, it was her talents that brought her more grief than comfort.

If she couldn’t see the treasures, then maybe her sisters would find normal lives. Well, as normal as it got when you were immortal and had nothing but time on your hands. Olympia, Texas was full of old gods and goddesses learning new tricks. Maybe one day she would be able to go back. Just a bit more retirement money in the bank accounts and they would be set. This job should net them several million and really, how much could a person really spend if they were eking out a regular life?

Not that she had much experience in that either. But it was a dream, albeit a laughable one for her. What man would want a woman plagued with voices, panic attacks and headaches who could turn him to stone if she hit one of her really bad moods? There had never been a line of suitors, no matter what city they landed in. Her sisters, both glamour girls to the highest degree, were in their element around the opposite sex. Stef was a kitchen witch and could conjure up things that could curl a person’s toes while Eleanor had a knack for fashion design. The women had talents and she hoped they would be able to go back to Olympia and take root. But not if they stayed in this rut.

Goddess, but her head hurt. Perhaps her so called talent was fading. She could only hope. Just like with writing, if she got to a stumbling block, she could lay her head down for a bit and come back up for air with an idea 26

Heart’s Protector brewing in her mind. Maybe the same could be true for her sight. She climbed into bed, setting the cup on the nightstand. She slid beneath the covers and slipped down into darkness, sleep quickly enveloping her in its embrace.

The nightmares came fast, dragging her under. Images of both the recent and distant past danced like ghosts behind her eyelids. She pushed against them but they persisted. The heavy weight of a familiar looking man on top of her, pulling and yanking at her dress and the final sound of tearing as her cries echoed though the temple.

The angry wrath-filled scream of the goddess and her body twisting into an unrecognizable horror, bringing her once world-renowned loveliness to a horrible mockery of feminine beauty.

Why couldn’t she dream of her stone guardians? Her heart’s protectors? She wanted to be surrounded by their love, not caught in this never ending nightmare. It was over. Done. The curse never would be, but gods, she wanted some happiness even if it was only an illusion.

“Is she sleeping?” Stef’s voice traveled through her torment.

Her sister had never been in the dream before? Why was she here now? Pushing past the scene she’d relived a thousand times, she strained to hear the voices.

“Did you give her enough?”

“I don’t know, she seems to be resting.” Stef again.

“We should have given her three. I’m not convinced two is cutting it anymore.”

“But I don’t know these new drugs. They aren’t the same and they for sure aren’t working like the old ones.

Too much could kill her. She’s not like us.”

27

Erzabet Bishop

“I think it’s just fine.” Stef clucked her tongue.

“You’re trying to make a problem where there isn’t one.”

“No, I’m not.” Eleanor protested. “She’s been having more headaches lately and I’m getting worried.” A cool hand pressed against her forehead.

“Over what? She’s always had headaches this time around.” Stef sighed. “You want to talk truth here? She’s nothing but a headache, but we need her. If Medina doesn’t pinpoint some of the gallery openings with weaknesses in their systems all we can do is guess. Before she could do two or three in one day. Now…eh. Maybe one every week if we’re lucky. Too much of that shit and we’re going to get caught.”

“But I get my phone calls. We don’t need her, really.”

Eleanor’s voice was plaintive.

“Yes, we do. The bank balance isn’t going to grow itself. You like our little house? Well, working at a diner in Olympia isn’t going to pay the mortgage, sweetie. But she needs to sleep some more. Maybe the vibes are rusty, or whatever messages those creepy snakes give her.”

“Do you not want to bring her tonight? Is that what you’re saying?” Eleanor countered, her voice gaining a sharp lilt. “Because we can go in there like we did in Boise and get our backsides almost arrested. Your kitchen charms aren’t going to do anything but get some guard attached to your brownies. No. She’s our defense.”

“She’s a weak link. Let her get up and find the next target. Then we can get on with it. We’ll drug her with sleeping pills like we always do and she’ll make anyone who stands in our way a permanent resident of the museum.”

“Okay then. She’ll be out for a while. See if it works.

28

Heart’s Protector Like I said, these new migraine pills are different in the way they mix with the sleeping pills. She stopped responding to the last ones.”

“You gave them to her in the coffee, right?”

“I did. But I think you’re making a mistake.”

The voices drifted off and Medina woke with a start at the distant sound of a door closing and a lock sliding shut.

Had she left her door open? She could have sworn she closed it when she lay down, hadn’t she? And the door closing…why did Stef and Eleanor come back? Her snakes were agitated, and their movement underneath her skin kept her from falling back asleep immediately.

The bedroom was empty, but next to her bed were the bottles of her new migraine medicine and the sleeping pills. She reached out and picked up the bottles, eying them with contempt.

Could what she heard be the truth?

She dumped out one of the bottles into her hand and counted. Twelve. She had ten this morning when she woke up. When the hell did they give them to her?

And why?

No. She knew the answer to both questions. Her lips trembled and the prickle of tears stabbed at her eyes.

The coffee. Eleanor had just admitted it.

“Why?”

The snakes shifted and murmured and she could feel their sympathy. What the hell were they trying to do to her? Her snakes whispered, prodding her to get up and move. Medina struggled as the pull of sleep surrounded her, trying to tug her down yet again. Her mind slipped to another occurrence, this time very recent in her almost memory. It was almost hidden, but something made her 29

Erzabet Bishop think of it and the snakes in her head hissed in displeasure.

“Medina, up.” A voice called to her, lilting and pure.

The music was there too. She could hear it, quiet and drifting, but oh so beautiful. It lured her forward and she went. “Yes…”

The music came from her blood. A haunting tune slid through her and she rose, searching for the item that called to her. She followed the music only she could hear down the steps of her hotel and up to the doors of the art museum. No lock could hold her, no boundary strong enough against her yearning. Her legs became a great serpent’s tail and her hair alive with the writhing bodies of snakes. Their tiny tongues tasted the air, guiding her closer and closer to what she desired.

Through the glass her fingers slipped, the power of an ancient goddess burning like acid in her veins. She grasped the bracelet and the music stopped, moving deeper inside of her until it reached her inner depths. This was the beauty that was taken from her. And it was hers again. With every piece of art she held in her hands, a little bit more of the brokenness in her soul was mended.

“Who are you?” A voice stole into her reverie and she turned to gaze on the interloper, her tail twitching in the low light. She didn’t have to keep the tail. Now would be a good time to be rid of it, but with it she was unstoppable.

Her serpents whispered in her ear and she smiled.

A lone man stood before her, trembling in her glory.

“Get him.” Stef stepped forward, her mouth taking on an unpleasant twist. She took the bracelet from Medina and edged slowly away. A loud hissing from the snakes and her sister retreated, her eyes blazing in sudden anger.

30

Heart’s Protector Stealer of art and music, they hissed.

But no. There was someone else here more worthy of their wrath and he stood trying to keep her from leaving with her prize. A buzzing, hissing cacophony of sound trilled in her ears and she smiled.

“What the fuck are you?” The museum guard’s voice rose in a panic. “Oh. Oh God!” He tried to run, but he was too late. He backed up, trying unsuccessfully to get away, but Medina’s serpent’s tail was faster.

“No. No.” His voice faded off as his face froze, half in fear and half in wonderment. Their eyes met and his body revealed its true form to her. An image only fit for stone.

Such should be the fate of all men. Pretty to look at, but changed to unfeeling stone where their actions could no longer hurt. A statue to join the many before him that had tried to stand against her. Let the goddess’s curse have its way. No man to love her. No man to look upon her true form and live. So be it. Medina slid toward him and placed a kiss on his cold lips.

“Goodbye, lover…” and then she was gone, slithering out into the night, the two vapid creatures she knew to be her sisters trudging along beside her.

“Hurry. We have to get her back to the hotel. If someone sees her…”

“Good thing we always book a room in the back.” Stef marched on in front of her and the dream faded.

Medina came back to herself, still in the room with the realization that something very wrong had happened. She glanced down at her legs. Everything looked normal. Her hand shot up to feel her hair. Nothing. No snakes. Just a clip keeping the black strands off her neck and out of her face. Reaching for her tablet computer, she typed in 31

Erzabet Bishop bracelet and statue in the search field hoping against hope that nothing would come up.

But it did.

Strange Museum Heist Follows Others. Guard Turned to Stone.

“No…”

Betrayal rose hot and cold along Medina’s skin. Panic spiked through her and she struggled not to vomit. Her snakes whispered in hurried voices, telling her of her sisters’ treachery and she tamped them down, struggling to concentrate. How long would her sisters be gone? How long had she been asleep? She glanced at her watch and groaned. It was nearing one o’clock in the afternoon.

What should she do? Stay and confront them? No.

She couldn’t do that. They had been drugging her and making her into a zombie to do their bidding. Not just that.

They’d been using her misfortune to change people to stone so they could get the money from the stolen art. Art that she found for them.

How could she have been so gullible?

They were her sisters. But that didn’t make it right.

Tears stung her eyes and her snakes fidgeted, quiet for once. She had to get out. There had to be somewhere she could belong. Some place quiet where no one would know her and she could just get a job and be happy. Away from her sisters and the curse that had made a criminal out of her. Medina held the tablet in her hands, let her lashes fall closed and began to type. When she opened her eyes the answer swam in front of her. Now she just had to have the courage to get there.

32

Heart’s Protector Chapter Two

Grayson surveyed the front walk with trepidation.

Thomas had gone and done it and hired a woman to come and tutor Gabby. Without having him check on who she was, damn it all. Security was his job, and not just hanging out on rooftops dodging pigeons poop. Gods, but if he were his, he’d paddle him senseless for putting the family at risk without thought for the consequences.

Foolish man.

His palm itched, but with regret he had to put things into perspective. Thomas wasn’t his. Not yet. He may want it with all of his might, but until the man had gotten over his divorce and looked on him as something other than a hired security consultant/guard, there was little he could do. He stretched down off his perch at the topmost part of the house and flexed his wings back, grateful for the overcast day. Just enough of a breeze to make him comfortable in his gargoyle form but not too much.

Grayson glided down to the yard, nodding at the housekeeper as she played with Gabby in between her other duties. She tossed a ball toward the patch of woods nearby and the girl shot after it like a rocket. He stared off in the distance after her, lifting his nose to the sky.

Scenting nothing amiss, he made his way around to the door, his talons sinking into the soft grass.

“Hello, Mr. Grayson. A bit of mischief on the horizon today?”

33

Erzabet Bishop He smiled and a sharp laugh left his lips. “No, ma’am.

But I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as I hear of anything.” She always knew the right thing to say and he loved that about her.

The older woman smiled, her grandmotherly face sliding into an easy smile. “You do that, dear.”

Grayson had to admit the girl needed someone to help her grow into an educated young woman, especially with her father keeping her at home. It would have been nice to be able to assure Carrick and Thomas that the family would be safe first and foremost and the collection being restored was free from threat. Walking inside, he went straight to his bedroom to shift and pull on some clothes.

He went in search of his client trying to find the words to ask him what the hell he was thinking without coming right out and saying it.

He turned to glance at Thomas calmly reading his magazine and wanted to strangle the man. In the year since his wife had left, he’d withdrawn further into himself and nothing Grayson or Gabby did shook him out of his shell.

The promise for better had kept him here just as sure as the shackles Thomas had placed around his heart. Not that he was aware he’d done it, of course. But he had just the same. Out of respect for Thomas he’d kept his distance, but it was getting harder and harder to do.

Harder.

Shit.

That was not the word he should be using right now.

And damned if he didn’t try to ignore it. From the second he met the man, the stone beneath his skin quickened in lust. Thomas was his mate, as much as his wife Katie had been. But he was also something more. An 34

Heart’s Protector equal. God, but he wanted to sink inside of him and never let him go. Those lips, the well-trimmed beard along his powerful jaw and God, his muscular abs. And if he got out of the shower one more time without a towel while Grayson was outside he was going to go quietly and utterly mad. He knew Thomas wanted him. That much had been clear, even when they first met. But with the trauma of his divorce he couldn’t bring himself to push anything. How did you compete with a shadow? Especially when the shadow was a woman who hated him? No matter that she was still alive. Sometimes it seemed as if she’d never left.

Grayson tried to keep doing his job and stop thinking about the way Thomas’s lips pursed when he was thinking about an issue with a project or the animated way he spoke about his work at dinner. Grayson’s life consisted primarily of watching. On odd shifts, he’d find himself rooted to the side of the building, especially when he knew Thomas would be in the studio working or in his private chambers.

Last week he’d almost gotten himself caught. Gargoyles protected and they observed. Unlike Thomas, he didn’t get the artistic genes, but what he could do was keep his chosen family safe. So he did. Carrick would kill him if something happened to the collection, but this was more than that. Thomas and Gabby had his heart, the former whether he wanted it or not.

Once in a while he felt Thomas’s eyes on him when he thought Grayson was otherwise occupied. He had his attention. That was a start. But he also knew grief had its own way of working through a person’s system. Even if it was for a woman who wasn’t worth the effort. She couldn’t wait to get away from him fast enough. And to try and take 35

Erzabet Bishop her own life in front of her child? Monstrous. He would have killed to save his family and she was ready to throw it all away. Some things he would never understand.

So he waited.

He patrolled the grounds mercilessly, inspecting as deliveries of paintings and supplies came and went. He checked and rechecked security measures and cameras he’d had installed around the old gothic style manor, never leaving anything to chance. He helped Mrs. Talbot with Gabby’s schoolwork and taught her how to use her fledgling wings.

“Pull up, Gabby!” Grayson caught her as she fell, a crestfallen expression on her face. She’d been working at it for hours, not quite mastering the dive and land move without falling. He couldn’t stand to watch, so he grabbed her before she tumbled headlong into the grass for the tenth time that morning.

“I’ll never get it. Momma was right. I am stupid.” She jumped down to the ground and bolted toward stone wall at the edge of the yard overlooking the same cliffs that had almost been her mother’s demise the year before.

“I don’t want to hear you say that ever again.”

Grayson rounded on her, grabbing her by the shoulders and giving her a shake. “You are a clever girl. You can’t help it. You’ve got your father’s genes. Hell, you can outmaneuver me when you’re bounding around the kitchen hunting for cookies and let me tell you, honey. That takes skill.”

The seven-year-old nodded, her solemn eyes watching his face for any sign of lying. God if he could reach Candice wherever she was and throttle that woman for what she did to Gabby he would. Some people didn’t 36

Heart’s Protector deserve to be parents and she was one.

“He’s right, you know.” Thomas appeared in the doorway from the kitchen. “You do have my genes and that means you’re going to be too smart for the both of us one day.”

“Daddy!” Gabby’s face lit up like the sun had come out. “I missed you!” She ran to him, her wings flaring out and she took flight midway.

“Umph!” Thomas caught her and he grinned, the first smile Grayson had seen on his face since before the incident. “My God. What is he teaching you?”

“To be the fastest gargoyle ever!” Gabby crowed and bounded from his arms, beaming in the sudden attention.

“Daddy, you need to shave. Your face is really scratchy.”

He lifted a hand and rubbed along his jaw. “True enough and you might just be, sweetheart. Why don’t you go inside and find Mrs. Talbot? I think I heard her mention something about making cupcakes.”

“Cupcakes!” Gabby squealed and took off through the kitchen doorway, the glass storm door slamming behind her. “She loves it when you come down.” Grayson took in Thomas’s unshaven face and longed to press his own cheek against him just to feel the roughness against his skin. His jeans grew tight and he had to angle himself against the wall so Thomas wouldn’t see.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so uninvolved. It…it seemed easier.” The other man looked out to the ocean, his attention far away.

“I know.” And he did. There were reasons why he wasn’t with his own family on the east coast. Too many memories and too much loss. His wife and child died from 37

Erzabet Bishop a fire in a building he’d sworn to protect. He’d been knocked unconscious by falling rubble, only to wake and discover his life was over. His daughter would have been Gabby’s age, had she lived.

Thomas turned to him. “You do, don’t you? I can see it in your eyes.”

The lump in his throat grew and he simply nodded, afraid to speak. There wasn’t a day that went by when he didn’t hear their laughter on the wind or catch a glimpse of something that reminded him of a memory of their life together.

“What Candice said, before she left…” Thomas took a breath and pressed his lips together. “I…”

Here it comes.

“You don’t have to say it.” Grayson tried to move away, but Thomas stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

Thomas shook his head, his eyes boring holes into Grayson’s. “I do. She saw what I was struggling with internally myself. That I wanted more than…” Thomas raised his hand and touched his cheek, a soft expression coming over his face. “I knew it from the first moment I saw you, but I couldn’t act on it. Not then.”

“And now?”

“Now, I have to figure things out. There have to be some changes.”

Grayson’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He looked down at Thomas’s fingers gripping his shirt and felt the last vestiges of resistance start to crumble. “Maybe we should take this conversation indoors.”

A fleck of a smile turned up the corner of Thomas’s lips. “I think perhaps you’re right.”

38

Heart’s Protector They had a lot to discuss and it wasn’t just about Gabby. He needed to know where he stood. Once and for all. They went around the long way to the front door, entering quietly. Up the stairs and past Thomas’s art room, the scent of oil paints and chemicals tickling his nose.

Following Thomas down the hall, they reached his den.

The sweet sound of Gabby’s laughter could be heard in the kitchen. Holding open the door, Thomas waited for Grayson to pass and shut it behind him. The lock clicked and Grayson hardened once more.

“I know you think it’s foolish for me to bring in someone to tutor Gabby, but it’s either do that or send her to a boarding school.” Thomas went to the bar and poured himself a scotch. He looked over his shoulder at Grayson.

“Would you like one?”

“No. Why would you even consider that?”

Thomas stood watching the ocean through the windows and took a sip of his drink. “I can’t be all of what she needs. Neither can you or Mrs. Talbot. You have your own work.” He turned to Grayson, the conflict visible in the strained lines his face. “Do you think I want to send her away? Is that it?”

“I don’t know. Do you?” Anger spiked and Grayson heard his voice deepen. “That girl needs you. She didn’t have her mother, even when she was here. If you ship her off, she’ll think you’ve abandoned her too.”

Thomas gave a low growl and set his drink down on the table with a crack. “What I want is a family, but what I have is a fragmented shell of what used to be a life.” His voice broke and he turned back to the window. “And you…she was right. I was almost ready to…”

39

Erzabet Bishop

“To what?”

“Are you going to make me say it?” He responded in a raw whisper.

Grayson stalked toward Thomas and swung him around to face him. “You’re damned right I am. I’ve, all of us, waited on tenterhooks for you to get past your loss. She left you and I’m sorry. More sorry than you can ever know. At least we were able to save her life. She didn’t die and you need to stop acting as if you did.”

Thomas blinked at him with wide eyes. “I…”

Grayson gave him a tender smile. “You’re here. Now.

And so is Gabby. She needs you to be too.”

Thomas swallowed, his lips parting. “And you? Will you be here?”

“I never fucking left.” Grayson made a low noise in his throat and tugged Thomas forward into his embrace.

His lips grazed Thomas’s first in question and when he felt the other man soften almost unperceptively, he ground his lips against him, tasting the ghost of the scotch on his lips.

“You’re my mate, damn it. I’ll wait for you forever if I have to. But if you keep doing that thing you do in the shower, I may just lose my mind.”

A smile played across Thomas’s lips.

“No more waiting. I’m tired of trying to make sense of the past. I want a future. With you. With Gabby.”

Thomas’s thick erection pressed against him and Grayson groaned, the confines of his jeans way too fucking tight.

This is what he’d been waiting for since he first laid eyes on the man back at Carrick’s estate. The fine curve of his ass. The way his eyes twinkled when he was making a joke. But he couldn’t give him what he wanted. Not until Thomas was free of whatever bonds held him fast. Now it 40

Heart’s Protector looked like they were finally loosening and he almost wanted to weep for joy.

Thomas’s hands ran along his back and slid down his ass. Grayson pulled back, a wry smile on his lips. “Before you ask, I’m not exactly vanilla.” Thomas’s eyes glowed with the hint of his gargoyle.

“Dominant?”

“Switch.”

Grayson’s cock got even harder. Christmas morning had nothing on this. This was his fucking birthday. “Good.

Then I want you to strip. Now.”

****

“As you wish.” Thomas looked into Grayson’s eyes and for the first time in a long while felt like someone saw him for what and who he was. Not just a father or an art restorer, but a man with needs of his own. He’d waited too long to start living again. He loved this man with his enduring gray eyes. His patience with Gabby had been only the first chink in his armor. The rest had been a gentle wearing away of his walls until there was no way to keep him out anymore. This. This was his family. Perhaps not entirely what he intended, but a mate nonetheless. Because that is who stood in front of him now. His mate. The rock in the midst of his internal chaos, Grayson had been here to tether him to what mattered. He just wished he would have read the signs sooner.

His stone beast raged in his chest and he wanted to reach out and take what was his. Too many nights pretending he hadn’t noticed the lonely figure perched near his window and many more after where he’d stroked 41

Erzabet Bishop himself to completion, thinking of his mate sitting just outside.

He wanted his marriage to work and it devastated him that he couldn’t make Candice love him. He’d done everything for her and still she tried her best to destroy him, using his love as a weapon. His self-loathing knew no bounds. Especially when she threw herself off the balcony, ready to face death than to find a future together with him and their daughter.

Was he that unlovable?

He’d thought so until he read the unspoken words in Grayson’s eyes. Over and over he’d stated his devotion through actions more than empty words and promises. His attentiveness with Gabby was as near to devotion as if she were his own daughter.

A kind word from him on a day when Thomas’s soul felt the blackest. A simple glass of iced tea when he was pouring over a project, or his favorite meal prepared just when he was done for the day or a blanket laid out on his bed on a chilly evening. He’d assumed Mrs. Talbot had been behind some of it but Grayson’s scent lingered and he came to know the truth. It was Grayson. The thought of the man filled him with warmth…and something else.

Desire.

He wanted the man.

No. Grayson was more than just an object of lust.

Thomas wanted to explore every part of his body and bury his face in the long sweeping strands of his hair. To hear him cry out in passion and know his family was becoming whole once more.

Mate.

Grayson was their mate.

42

Heart’s Protector His stone beast grumbled in agreement, staid and solid beneath his human exterior. Patient and ever observant he sensed his satisfaction at finally acknowledging what he had known all along.

So much wasted time.

His gargoyle knew it before he did, but for propriety’s sake, he’d withheld his desires, thinking it for the best.

Claws scraping down the insides of his fragile human flesh, he shivered. His stone beast wanted this and so did he. No more waiting. He wanted to claim and be claimed, and to mark this man as his own.

With trembling hands Thomas divested himself of his shoes and clothes until he stood before Grayson, naked. He should be the dominant here, but not today. Today he wanted to feel. To have Grayson take charge and make him bend to his will. To give him all of what he was and never stop. And those lips. God. He wanted more. Reaching out, he slid his fingers into Grayson’s hair and pressed his lips against him for another kiss. The warm, spicy cinnamon scent of his hair made him groan.

“You aren’t undressing?”

“Yes.” The other man’s lips formed a lazy half smile.

“But you’re going to do it for me.” He raised his chin and waited, his eyes snapping with fire.

Thomas reached down to loosen Grayson’s belt, the bulge between his legs beckoning him closer. With shaking fingers, he unzipped the jeans and Grayson’s cock sprang free. “She’ll be here anytime.” He didn’t want to be distracted by thoughts of anything else but the man in front of him but reality was about to descend, whether he wanted 43

Erzabet Bishop it or not. “We have to hurry.”

“I don’t care. I’ve waited long enough and I’m going to fuck you till you scream my name.”

Thomas closed his eyes, his breath hitching.

“Take me in your mouth.” Grayson’s breathing was erratic. “I’m not going to be gentle.”

Thomas’s fingers curled around his shaft. Thomas met his eyes, warmth curling through his body. “I don’t want you to be.”

“Good.”

His girth was wide and for a moment his knees grew weak at the thought of tasting him. Thomas knelt down in front of Grayson, the tip of him poised in front of his mouth. The salty sweetness flooded his senses as Grayson tilted his hips and slipped inside.

The musky male scent of him infiltrated Thomas’s senses. Grayson wound his fingers in Thomas hair and gripped him tight, the motion of his hips going faster and faster. The tip of his cock slammed against the back of his throat and he had to blink back tears as he fought the gag reflex struggling to take over.

Willing himself to breathe through his nose, he took every stroke as Grayson fucked his face. Over and over, Grayson plunged his thick cock into his mouth. Hips moving forward, he held on to his jeans and with a yank, pulled them down to run his hands along his muscular buttocks. Thomas caught him mid stroke, gripping his ass and swallowing as Grayson bucked, hot seed spilling down his throat.

He groaned, shuddering against him and Grayson pulled away.

“God. That was…”

44

Heart’s Protector

“Incredible.” Thomas reached for Grayson’s tee shirt and eased it over his head, freeing his muscular chest and ripped stomach to his gaze. He helped him out of his jeans, until Grayson too stood naked, his eyes aglow with lust.

“But I want more. To mark you with my teeth so everyone knows you’re mine.”

Thomas drew him up and crushed him to him, pressing a kiss to his lips.

“My turn.” Grayson reached between their bodies and wrapped his hand around Thomas’s cock. His own already hard, he guided his shaft against him, stroking their lengths together. He forced him back on the window ledge and knelt between his legs, enveloping Thomas’s cock in his mouth.

Red hot need surged through Thomas’s veins as he tried to be still as Grayson took what he so freely offered.

He played with his sac, fingers stroking and kneading him into sheer ecstasy. His body cried out for completion and he groaned, bucking against the sweet suction of Grayson’s throat as he deliberately swallowed over and over again. It didn’t take long to reach his zenith. Grayson reached beneath him and pressed a single finger to his back entrance he came undone, shooting his release down the back of his throat.

His teeth distended and he started to reach for him but the way his lover shifted against his body stopped him.

“What is it?”

Grayson moved, his eyes trained on something outside. With a glint in his eye, he stood and offered Thomas a hand. “I think our new governess is here and we just gave her the best show of her life.”

45

Erzabet Bishop Chapter Three

Medina regarded the forlorn house at the cliff side and wondered if she was in the right place. A storm-weathered gothic style house, it reminded her of old cathedrals she had seen in Europe. They would be expecting her, but she wanted to make this moment last just a little bit longer before they realized she had arrived. She felt at peace being here on her own accord, her sisters far behind her. She hadn’t expected the tablet to bring her here, but it had never showed her anything wrong before. Medina stood here gazing up at the house, she knew it was right. The snake sisters hummed beneath her skin and she smiled.

The phone in her pocket buzzed for the millionth time that day and she fought the urge to hurl it onto the sidewalk and stomp it to death. Her sisters could just stew. For all that they put her through it was time they got a little of their own medicine. Let them wonder. She ignored the buzz and glanced up at the house once more in all its broody looking glory.

Thomas Sauveterre was a name that rang some kind of bell for her, but in her haste she didn’t bother to do much in the way of research. All she wanted was a job isolated enough to take her away from her sisters’ influence and grant her a new start. What worked once in guiding her toward great works of art now served to guide her toward her future.

The gardens surrounding the house were immaculately kept. Green lawns and sculptured shrubbery lent an almost 46

Heart’s Protector fairytale appearance to the estate. The sound of the ocean and the tang of the salt air reminded her of Gothic novels she loved to read when she was younger. Something with a little intrigue and a bite of danger to thrill the senses.

Hmph. Well, she would have to settle for a pile of math books and a chalkboard. A little girl needed a tutor and she needed a job while she finished her new novel. Her sisters would just have to take care of things back in Olympia. For once, this would be about her.

She started up the long walk and, as she got closer, caught movement in the upstairs window. She hadn’t intended on looking, but when she caught sight of the naked backside of the first man and the fully erect cock of the second as they embraced, a rush of heat slid over her cheeks. She took a step back, but there was nowhere to really hide.

So she watched with shock as one man took the other in his mouth and brought him to climax right there in full view. Then they changed places and oh my…It was a mating, pure and simple. She’d heard Thomas Sauveterre was from a prestigious gargoyle family and her research as she traveled only confirmed it. He was also one of the world’s foremost art restorers. That part she hadn’t realized when she’d taken the job and some part of her wondered just what the hell she was walking into. If he was gay, that was even better. He wouldn’t bother her and she sure wouldn’t be bothering him.

Except for the small fact that right now she was ready to climb onto the enormous cock in the window and hang on for dear life. With both of them.

Shit.

Where did that come from?

47

Erzabet Bishop No man had ever made her feel like that. Not even her romance heroes or Mr. Rabbit, her battery operated boyfriend. Her panties were on fire and the snakes inside her head buzzed with a funky little beat she could only call pure lust.

Holy. Mother. Wow.

They were hunks right from the pages of her novels and so very…oh…she couldn’t even think of the words.

Men were men and she mostly avoided them, but the two male specimens in the window? Holy shit. All muscles, the one with his back against the glass had an ass she wouldn’t mind exploring. The other one had a rugged and vital quality with his long hair and steely eyes. They locked eyes for a moment and she caught him in what must have been a moment of rapture.

He saw her.

Oh, goddess.

Her nipples tightened and her pussy clenched around nothing and she was suddenly very sad she’d abandoned her vibrator at the hotel. But she’d left in such a hurry, she didn’t even think about it. She also wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.

The front door opened and an older woman in a plain gray dress and apron stepped out onto the front walk.

“Hello, I’m Mrs. Talbot. Are you Medina?”

Heat infused her face and she struggled to form a complete sentence. “I am. I was… just admiring your home.”

The woman beamed. “It is lovely, isn’t it? It has been in Mr. Thomas’s family for a very long time.”

“Has it?” There was something peaceful here, despite the display of pornographic hotness in the upstairs window 48

Heart’s Protector and she found herself less nervous the longer she stood there. The sound of the ocean called to her from the cliffs beyond and she decided it had to be the sea.

“Here. Let me help you with your bag.” The woman picked up the small piece of luggage and frowned. “Is this all you brought with you, dear?”

She hadn’t had time to pack everything. Just the essentials and she was gone, all of it left behind. “I don’t need much.” Medina took a step forward, and sucked in a deep breath. “And thank you.”

“Not a worry at all. We’re glad to have you. If you do need anything, just tell me straight away.”

A young girl bounded out of the house and grinned up at her. Her chestnut curls were drawn up in pigtails and the pink and white striped top and jeans she wore was covered in bits of flour and chocolate frosting.

“Hello there.” She knelt down, meeting the child’s gaze. “And who might you be?”

All energy and inquisitiveness, she ran to Mrs. Talbot and tucked her face into her ample bosom.

“This is Gabby. Gabby, you say hello to your new tutor.”

Big eyes looked up from Mrs. Talbot’s apron and up into the older woman’s face. “Really?”

“Yes. Really. She’s going to play games with you and teach you to read some of the big books in your Daddy’s library.” Mrs. Talbot winked, pushing her toward Medina.

Medina grinned. “Well Gabby, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Hi.” The girl smiled shyly and ran back inside, the door slamming behind her.

“You’ll have to excuse her. We so rarely have newcomers.” The woman glanced at the cliffs, a pensive 49

Erzabet Bishop expression on her grandmotherly face.

“It’s no trouble. I think she’ll get used to me eventually.”

“She will. Now…where are my manners? Let’s get you inside and set up in your room. Mr. Thomas and Grayson will want to meet you as soon as you get settled I’m sure.” Mrs. Talbot led her inside.

The house was immense. Medina knew that going in, but inside the grand structure her serpents sang with their love of art and antiquities.

“Oh my.”

Mrs. Talbot turned her head to smile. “Yes. It is quite the house.”

And it was. They walked through the front foyer and Media caught sight of many museum quality paintings adorning the walls. Well-built furniture she’d seen in the poshest homes online graced the rooms in a classic but not ostentatious style.

The scent of baking cupcakes drifted through the air and her stomach growled. She hadn’t eaten since a quick stop at a fast food place earlier in the day.

“Are you hungry?” Mrs. Talbot led her up a flight of carpeted stairs, moving down the hall at a brisk pace.

“A bit.” She flushed, aware the woman had heard her stomach growling.

She stopped at a door and opened it, motioning for Medina to enter. “Here you go. If you like I can fix you a quick snack before dinner.”

“That would be really nice. Thank you.”

“Good.” Mrs. Talbot laid her suitcase on the bed. “I’ll be back in a flash. Why don’t you get unpacked and I’ll tell Mr. Sauveterre you’re here.”

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Heart’s Protector

“Thank you.” She watched the woman leave and shut the door behind her. Gauzy curtains diffused the pale afternoon sunlight. The room was beautiful. Cherry wood Queen Anne style furniture occupied most of the space. A poster bed held court in the middle of the room, the dresser and chest of drawers located nearby. A door to a closet sat open with more than enough room for her meager wardrobe. The call of the ocean outside drew her to the window and she found herself looking down at a small balcony and yard below, with a steep drop to the jagged rocks where she would have expected to see a beach. The ocean crashed relentlessly against the stalwart formations and the repetitive sound let some of the stress from the last few weeks go. Maybe she could rest for a few minutes.

She sat down on the bed, exhaustion overwhelming her. Never in any of her lifetimes had she left her sisters.

But this time she’d done it and not even looked back. She sighed, curling into herself and let the noise of the waves outside lull her to a dreamless sleep.

****

Grayson stared at the name on his computer screen and wanted to swallow his tongue. The woman outside looked familiar. He couldn’t place her at the time but when he took her image off the camera and put it through his facial recognition system, it predictably flagged her.

Medina Argos. One of three sisters responsible for innumerable art heists all over Europe and the United States. She was also reported as being missing. Whether that was a part of some insidious plan to rob them he didn’t know, but he wasn’t about to let anything happen under 51

Erzabet Bishop this roof.

He pushed up from the desk in his room and marched down the hall to the den. His mind drifted to the tantalizing moments spent here earlier in the day and heated up once more when he remembered the look in the woman’s eyes when she’d turned her face up to the window and saw him with Thomas.

Fuck. Why hadn’t he told him who was coming so he could have checked her out? It was his damned job after all. Carrick put him here to keep his collection secure and now they had a renegade art thief sleeping in the bedroom down the hall. He heard her soft snores and grit his teeth in frustration. Her pert little nose and shapely form made his dick hard. Hell, he was supposed to be protecting Thomas from her, not thinking about how luscious she looked right after he and his mate had just had their first bout of lovemaking.

He was sliding down the slope to the fifth circle of hell and damned if he didn’t know what to do about it. He’d just found his mate and here he was lusting after some woman who should be behind bars.

Grayson found Thomas in the studio, brush in hand.

His glasses perched on the edge of his nose, expression intent on the painting in front of him. Under normal circumstances he would have left the room, leaving Thomas undisturbed. Not this time.

“You should have said something.”

“What?” Thomas met his glare with one of his own.

“She was the first to apply and I needed someone here now. Especially with the trip coming up to take some of these pieces back to Carrick.”

“Part of my job is screening potential employees. You 52

Heart’s Protector just let the fox into the henhouse.”

“What are you talking about?” He set his paintbrush on the palette. “She’s educated and trying to find a new place in life.”

“She’s a thief.” He thrust the printout of the paper at him and crossed his arms, waiting for a response. “She and her sisters have been carving a swath of carnage through Europe and the United States. What I don’t understand is the bit about the guard turned to stone but you can bet I’ll be asking her about it.”

Thomas’s lips thinned and anger simmered behind his eyes. “Send for her. I think we need to have a talk.”

53

Erzabet Bishop Chapter Four

A knock at the door woke her. Medina blinked her eyes, disoriented. Where was she? Her snakes were silent as she slid from the bed, still in the jeans and tee shirt she’d arrived in. The sound of the waves outside gave her an undefinable feeling of rightness.

“Coming…” She opened the door, expecting to find the comforting presence of Mrs. Talbot, only to find herself face to face with one of the men from the window. Mr.

Orgasm to be exact. Well, either of them could have been for as long as she stood watching them. This one had long hair, lips made for kissing and a body built for sin. Heat flared between her legs and she had to stifle a moan.

What the hell was wrong with her?

“Urm. Hi?” Warmth infused her face and she struggled not to look at him until she could come to terms with the orgasm…or man in question. If he noticed her discomfort, he didn’t react, only looking at her with barely concealed distain.

“I’m Grayson, Thomas Sauveterre’s security officer, and I want you to tell me what in hell you think you’re doing here.”

“Excuse me?” The rage she expected to feel just wasn’t there. Instead she felt passion stir through her body and the folds of her sex slicken. Her eyes shot upward to meet his and she found his head cocked as if he were trying to puzzle something out.

Grayson pushed his way inside of her room and closed 54

Heart’s Protector the door. “You’ll tell me now what your game is. Are you planning a heist, Ms. Argos? Will your sisters be joining us?” Oh no.

She swallowed hard, lifted her chin and boldly met his gaze with one of her own. “No…I came for the job. I would never…” But she had done so before and she saw the truth of what he knew shimmering in his eyes.

“Come with me.” He grabbed her by the wrist and she fought him, gouging at him with her nails. “Mr. Sauveterre and I want to have a few words. Especially with a woman who likes to watch a man while he’s having a private moment with his mate.”

Mate.

His touch sent tremors down her arm and liquid fire surging through her veins. The kind of feeling that was purely elemental. Like a force of nature she tilted forward and she sighed. She wanted to sheath him inside of her body. To meld with him and let him take her as he would.

Any way he wanted.

Mate.

Why did that word want to roll around on her tongue and stay awhile? Then the reality of what was happening jolted through her.

Wait. Mate? Were they shifters? Was that it? She didn’t sense anything wolf like about them. No growling or fur sprouting from weird places. She thought they were human, but if they weren’t…oh dear. What had she gotten herself into?

The only connection she’d ever heard of that worked this fast was a mating call. Had she landed herself in the middle of one? Was that why she felt like she wanted to 55

Erzabet Bishop mount the nearest doorknob and have at it?

God.

Then her nipples tightened and her emotions whirled and skidded.

Panic set in, and the snakes below her skin started to move. “Let me go! I didn’t mean to see you, but you were…well…in the window. If you want it kept confidential I can do that.”

“Like I’d believe anything you have to say.”

But the male froze, his nostrils flaring.

She stared wordlessly at him, her heart pounding with the reactions firing through her body. No man had ever incited anything in her but contempt, but this man gave her urges that defied logic. She didn’t believe in insta-love so what was it then that made her want to reach up and touch the granite hardness of his jaw and ease the suspicion from his eyes.

“You…” He blinked in wonder and tugged her to him, his mouth covering hers hungrily. He ravished her, urging her lips apart with his tongue and she couldn’t help but feel the rigid evidence of his arousal against her stomach. His lips were cool to the touch, every inch of him rife with intoxicating maleness. He was unlike anything she’d ever known and she fell down deep, never wanting to come up for air.

“Oh…” Her snakes sang beneath her skin and the heat building between her legs demanded attention.

Grayson broke the kiss and she swooned in his arms, her mind reliving the velvet warmth of his kiss and the fresh earthy scent of his hair. Her hand slid down, cupping him in her palm. So hard. So fuckable. For the first time in this life, she found herself wanting to touch and be touched 56

Heart’s Protector and it frightened the hell out of her.

She pulled back, her lips swollen from his kisses, her mind reeling. She couldn’t. If she lost control for even a moment then everything was lost. She saw in her dream what happened when the girls came out to play and she never, ever wanted that to happen again.

A knock at the door behind her sounded and it opened, revealing the second man from the window. He fixed them both with a dark expression, filling the doorway with his presence. “Grayson, what is the meaning of this? I wanted you to bring her so we could have a rational discussion, not attack a woman in her room.”

“I’m sorry, Thomas, but I had to ask her what her intentions were.” Even to her, his voice sounded strange.

God. Was it hot in here?

Her senses were overwhelmed and all she could think of was there was a perfectly good bed going to waste.

No!

God. What kind of shifters were they to affect her so?

Maybe she was losing her mind. If this was how she reacted to strange men, a nice sedative might just be the ticket. She’d take one right after dinner. Listen to the ocean. Go to sleep and not dream. Just sleep. The waves had done that for the first time in as long as she could remember and it was…nice.

Thomas Sauveterre was speaking to her but all that went through her mind was the fullness of his lips and the uber hot expression on his lightly bearded face when he was angry like he was. Maybe he could spank her. She’d been a bit naughty, helping her sisters to rob the museums.

She could do with a good paddling if he was the one administering.

57

Erzabet Bishop Stop it!

“As I was saying, we need to give the lady her space.

Let’s take this into the den where we can talk about things a bit further.”

Finally, some sense. “Thank you.” Nervously, she ran her hand through her hair. The heat slid beneath her skin, fogging her thoughts. Grayson backed off, but she could feel his eyes on her like a caress.

“Both of you, follow me to the den, now.” His eyes snapped with a fierce green light and she found herself hypnotized by their luminescence.

“You first.”

Medina clamped her lips together and marched forward, her eyes locked on the svelte movement of the man in front of her. Graceful like a cat, he carried himself with a commanding but guarded air. Thomas opened a door down the hall pausing just inside to let them pass before locking it behind him.

“You locked the door.”

“I did.” He fixed her with an unyielding glance.

“Explain to me now what this is about before it goes any further.”

The accusation in his gaze pained her but she held up her chin and stared him down. “I don’t have to tell you anything. I came here for a job to be a tutor to your daughter. If you find that I’m unqualified I’ll leave.”

“Before or after you get a good look at my home and my work? Is that it?” Thomas’s eyes flashed again behind his glasses, the wholesome good looks a mask to what lay beneath.

“I didn’t…” Medina turned away.

“Look at me.” His voice brooked no argument and 58

Heart’s Protector Medina complied.

“I’m leaving. You can just say I was never here. I didn’t touch anything. All I did was fall asleep in your guest room for a couple of hours.” A wild flash of grief ripped through her. This had been her chance and even that was ruined now. Damn her sisters and their insistence on

“one more score.” Let them try it now without her and her girls and see how far they got into a museum.

Her gaze passed from one man to the other and she longed to have just one moment of bliss before she went.

Surely she could keep her wits about her long enough?

She swallowed, her eyes captured by Grayson’s heated gaze. Nervously, she moistened her dry lips.

“Thomas. I think we may have a complication.”

Grayson watched her with troubled eyes, then sought out the other male. “What happened between us today was the start of something, but…did you sense anything else just now?”

“I don’t think so.” Thomas removed his glasses, setting them on a side table. “What do you mean?” He drew his lips in thoughtfully.

“Look at her. I went to her door and the second we were in close quarters I knew.” Grayson approached and held out his hand. Medina went to him, her skin electric fire when she touched him. “I think she’s our third. Our mate.”

Why did she just run to him? She wasn’t a dog needing his approval. But as her eyes met his and she found the recognition there, something sparked between them that couldn’t be denied. And what did he mean by a third?

“I don’t understand.” She fought to tear her eyes away 59

Erzabet Bishop from Grayson long enough to search out Thomas. “Did you just say I was your mate?”

Thomas gazed at them with a troubled expression.

“If you don’t believe me, touch her.”

“Are you a siren? Here to lure men to their deaths with your beauty?” He slowly edged his way toward them and took her hand in his.

A siren?

How could anyone confuse her with a siren?

“No,” she gave a breathless sigh. “I’m not a siren.”

She started to laugh but he tugged her into his embrace for a searing kiss. His rigid arousal betrayed his attraction and she moaned, trying in vain to push against him, but the arms around her were as immovable as stone.

“God. You feel it too.” Grayson gazed at them both in wonder. “I thought I was losing my mind.”

Thomas nodded, confusion in his eyes. “You and I are so new. I thought that it might be…but it is, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Can you smell her arousal?”

“I can.” His eyes narrowed on Medina. “Are they on their way?”

“Who?”

“Your sisters? Are you here as a plant?”

What? The? Hell?

“No, they’re not. I answered your ad so I could get away from them.” She didn’t want to have to explain and it wasn’t any of their business. She pushed against him but he held her arms at the shoulders.

“Tell us.”

“I don’t owe you anything. Look, I don’t expect you to believe me. I can’t even believe what it is they’ve done.”

Thomas released her and she faced them both. “I came here 60

Heart’s Protector for a new start. It’s true what you said. I just want to leave it behind me.”

Thomas gazed at her, his face a mask, eyes glittering.

“Fine. Then you won’t mind a change in your job description then.” His smile was without humor and she took a step back.

She tried to focus on what he was saying, but all she wanted to do was feel them against her and feel their teeth on her throat and their hands on her body.

“What are you talking about?”

“I…we… don’t need a tutor. We need a wife.”

The blood left Medina’s face. “I don’t understand.”

Medina looked from Thomas to Grayson, disbelief rolling through her in waves. “The position I came here to fill was to help your daughter. Nothing more.”

Her rational brain fought against what he was saying, but her body was fast overtaking her will to refuse. Her snakes danced beneath her skin and her belly gave a nice little flip.

They wanted her?

No…not if they knew.

“The rules of the game have just changed.” Thomas moved forward, a determined glint in his eyes. “I believe we were sorely misled in the initial arrangement. You have only two choices as I see it. Please, Grayson, correct me if you think I’m wrong here.”

The other man’s eyebrow arched upward. “Go on.”

“Your options are these. You remain here with us as our wife or I’ll have Grayson contact the proper authorities.”

Medina blanched, her stomach twisted in protest.

“You wouldn’t.”

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Erzabet Bishop

“My stone beast feels you belong here, Ms. Argos. I have cause to support my mate feels the same way.”

“I do.” Grayson stepped forward, a wry smile on his face. “You were excited when you saw us this afternoon, weren’t you?”

“I…” Heat infused her cheeks and her body reacted.

She nodded, her eyes lowered to the floor.

“I thought so. Your arousal gives you away.”

“No…” She backed away, disbelief sliding through her. This couldn’t be happening. “You can’t just do this.

I’m leaving. Now.”

“Try it and see what happens. I didn’t say we would call the human authorities. We follow pack justice and what you’d have to face would be a much uglier fate than mere humans could ever offer you.” Grayson growled, his form changing right in front of her to that of a great stone beast with wings that could easily span the room.

Stone.

He wasn’t human. Her eyes shot from one to the other.

From the chiseled muscular lines of the stone god before her or the intense man at his side. Was he the same, this Thomas? Could he be of stone too?

What was already stone couldn’t be effected by her curse could it?

She couldn’t dare to hope.

Medina backed away toward the glass, desire and fear at war within her. These men were different, she felt it in her bones. They meant what they said. About the authorities and about the heat that pulsed between her thighs. She was afraid of what would happen if she said yes, but exhilarated at the same time. Could they really want her?

62

Heart’s Protector No. Not if they knew what and who she was. The thought left her with an inexplicable feeling of emptiness.

“I need to protect my daughter and I’m going to make sure I do just that. If you stay here you will be our mate in no uncertain terms. If not, the authorities will be contacted within the hour.”

“I can’t.” Her voice broke and tears slid down her cheeks. In this life she’d never touched a man. Not after the nightmares inflicted their pain and horror on her. It was as if with every dream, she relived the event of her past life over and over again. She’d never wanted anyone. Not in centuries. Life after life lived alone until she looked into Grayson and Thomas’s eyes and found a glimmer of hope.

She wrapped her arms around herself and sank down onto the floor. “You don’t understand.” And now that she finally wanted to, the goddess’s curse was even more bluntly thrown in her face. If she took a chance and gave in to her desires, she may very well end up being the new owner of two very studly looking statues and that she couldn’t do. Not when she found herself looking into two pairs of eyes that burned with the same desire that flooded her veins.

“You may want to rethink that. You’re wanted on at least three continents. You and your sisters. What I don’t understand is the whole Gorgon thing and what the hell you did to the last museum guard to turn him to stone. Are you a witch? Is that it?”

“No.” Her response was barely audible, but both men seemed to hear her. “I’m not a witch. I can’t be arrested.

People would die.” She swallowed and shook her head, eyes pleading. “Please. Don’t make me do this. I can be gone in the morning. You’ll never hear from me again.”

63

Erzabet Bishop The last words felt like ash on her tongue but she meant them. Every word. Anything to protect the world from the vile curse that tainted her.

Thomas knelt down in front of her and captured her lips with his. “You’re not going anywhere.”

64

Heart’s Protector Chapter Five

Thomas cringed at the tone he took with his little mate, but she needed to see reason. He glanced at Grayson and he felt an agreement pass between them. This was what they had both been searching for but neither had known or even understood. The last piece of the puzzle. It was just mind numbing that everything was falling into place so quickly. He didn’t know what sort of shifter she was, but he thought he caught the hint of serpents.

“You’ll go back to your room and think things over.

But know this. We won’t hesitate to call the authorities should you decide to leave in the night. Carrick’s wolves are known for their tenaciousness and so, for that matter, am I.” Grayson held out his hand and Medina took it, her eyes downcast. Her lip trembled at his touch and for a moment Thomas actually believed she was afraid.

Good.

He’d hate to see her led off in cuffs should her sisters make an appearance. But then again, the idea of her in cuffs, bent over the back of his couch while he claimed her just about tested the limits of his endurance.

“Dinner will be in an hour. We expect you to dress and talk with Gabby as if you were here under normal circumstances. I don’t honestly know how a three person mating works, but I can tell you this, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

“Then give me a month to take it all in. Please.” Her chin was set and he could read the stubborn stance of her 65

Erzabet Bishop shoulders. He would allow her this one thing, but no more.

Not when all he wanted was to taste the sweet nectar of her lips once more and bury his aching cock in her sweet pussy.

He couldn’t take it anymore. This was a mating and he would lay claim on her. Now. Then she could have all the time she wanted.

“You’ll have your month but not before we claim you.” He met Grayson’s eyes and his mate nodded. They hadn’t had time to finish what they started and he hungered to feel him against his skin.

“No.” She pulled free of Grayson’s grip on her and backed toward the door. “You promised. One month.”

“I didn’t say we wouldn’t take what is ours.” Thomas stalked forward, the curvy female’s arousal rallying his beast to a frenzy beneath his skin.

She sucked in a breath, emotions playing across her face. Her lips parted in desire but she shook her head.

****

They were watching her, their nostrils flared, desire darkening their eyes. Her pulse pounded in her veins and her pussy slickened. Did they mean to mate her? Now?

Oh goddess. What if something went wrong? She tried to fiddle with the lock but hands were on her, stopping her before she ever even got started.

“Oh, no. Not so fast.” Thomas caught her wrist and tugged her forward, the force of the movement sending her tumbling into his arms. He edged her toward the couch, spinning her around so she fell on her stomach, her ass in the air.

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“So hot.” Thomas moved behind her, his erection pressing at her entrance through her jeans. Only the thin fabric of their clothes kept him from entering her body and easing the torture they were putting her through.

“Please…”she whimpered. She couldn’t weaken but the lust streaming through her was a siren song impossible to resist. The harsh handling of her body should have pushed her into panic mode, but in these men’s capable hands all she wanted to do was spread her legs and take them inside her.

“Look at me, Medina.” She raised her head to find Grayson in front of her on the other side of the couch, his hands wrapped around his cock. His skin lifelike, but gray as stone, he was beautiful. His hair swept down the sides of his face but as she watched his transformation was complete. Full gargoyle, Thomas watched her, his eyes filled with unearthly fire.

Her snakes shivered and preened. He was stone.

Delicious stone. They wanted to wrap themselves around him and lick along his flesh to see if it indeed felt as hard as it looked.

Her mouth went dry and she didn’t protest as she was lifted from the back of the couch and her own jeans unfastened and tugged down her ankles. Her soaked panties joined them seconds later in a pile on the floor. He slid his hands around to her breasts and pinched them through the lace of her bra. She moaned, and wiggled against him, eager for his touch and hating him at the same time. “You’re a bastard,” she hissed, wriggling against his hardness. Why was he still wearing clothes and she was naked?

67

Erzabet Bishop Thomas jerked the shirt over her head and threw it with the other clothes and had her bra off in a quick snap of the wrist. “I know. What I really want to do is spank that round white ass but that will have to wait till later. Now, bend over the couch.”

The authority in Thomas’s voice sent ripples through her and she obeyed. Her eyes rested on Grayson as he freed his cock from its confines and began to stroke its length.

“You want this inside of you, don’t you, girl?” He watched her with heat in his gaze as his member grew longer and thicker with each thrust against his palm.

She did. The fact that he was something other than human had her senses in a whirl.

“I…” She started to speak but her words halted in a squeak as Thomas moved behind her, his thick cockhead teasing the entrance to her pussy.

“You’re wet for me already. Such a good girl.” He gripped her by her hair and jerked her head back, her breasts bouncing with the movement.

Nipples taut with excitement, she cried out as he released her hair and gripped her hips, entering her with one soul rending thrust.

Medina cried out as her body struggled to accommodate him, stretched beyond anything she’d ever felt before. So full, so…oh goddess. There was no way to know where she ended and he began. Panting, she kept her eyes on Grayson, the intimate moment more intense than anything she’d ever experienced in her life.

“Tell me what you want.” Thomas pulled out, leaving her empty, her pussy clenching around nothing at all. He slid his hands along her sides, his fingers mapping out her skin as if he could read her secrets just by touching her.

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“I want…” She blushed and turned her eyes away from Grayson.

“Tell him. Tell me.” Grayson growled, his eyes glowing with savage fire.

“Fuck me.” It was a whisper, but when Thomas grabbed her hair and pulled her head back to bear her neck, she moaned. “Fuck me!”

He released her hair and slammed into her body, filling her more deeply than the first time, all the way to the hilt. His balls slapped at her as he took her, grinding his hips with each brutal thrust.

Thomas reached beneath her and found her clit, teasing her toward completion. He pounded inside of her, a piston of animal lust that made her body sing. She was grateful for the couch beneath her as his movement sent her soaring and her knees went weak.

Sparks shot off behind her eyes and she felt the snakes dance underneath her skin. No. Oh goddess, not now. She shut her eyes as the first tremor of her passion spasmed through her, opening them to reveal Grayson as his cock erupted in his hand.

She hadn’t…wait. He was stone. There was no danger with him. Relief flooded through her at the same time as Thomas plunged deep with his thick, hard cock.

Thomas jerked inside of her, reaching once more for her clit. “Come now, little mate.” His voice was strained, like he was holding back until she found her bliss.

She didn’t want to wait. Not anymore.

With a cry, she succumbed to the pleasures he inflicted on her body, letting the whirlwind of sensations from inside her and along her skin melding into one perfect moment of earth shattering happiness.

69

Erzabet Bishop Thomas stroked her and she cried out, her pussy spasming as she came all over his cock. With a roar, he shuddered against her, hot seed splashing the inside of her womb. He wrapped his arms around her, burying his teeth into the skin of her neck.

The pain blended with the reverberations sliding through her body and she ground herself against him, trying to get as close to him as she could, his cool flesh soothing against the heat thrumming through her.

She was claimed. By one of them, at least. Sagging against the couch, she let out a gasp as he moved within her once again, sliding free, his arms reaching around to gather her close.

“Well, then.” He placed a kiss along the back of her neck. “I think we should all retire to our rooms to clean up and join Gabby and Mrs. Talbot downstairs for dinner.”

Grayson looked on her body with hunger in his eyes.

“I second that.” He moved forward around the couch and ran his fingers down the side of her face. “Now go get changed before I finish what he started.”

She nodded, too stunned to speak. Her body burned to feel him but she knew he was right.

Thomas gathered her clothes and handed them to her.

“Go. We’ll see you downstairs in the dining room.”

“Okay.”

“You’ll have your month, little mate. But then we finish this.” Grayson watched her walk toward the door.

Medina shut it behind her and scurried down the hall to the safety of her room, her body still reverberating from the power of their joining. She had her month and she hoped to the goddess it would be long enough. Her flesh burned and her pussy throbbed but still she ached to be 70

Heart’s Protector with them again.

Please. Please let me get through the next moon and not hurt anyone.

She hurried inside and shut the door behind her, suddenly ravenous. She would be a part of this family for as long as they let her and hoped to the goddess the curse wouldn’t taint what little happiness she managed to find.

She went down to dinner not sure what to expect.

Grayson and Thomas’s eyes followed her through every bite and damned if she didn’t feel like she was on display.

How could she stay here and how could she leave? Her sisters. It was possible that they could find her, she’d tried not to leave any traces of where she was going, but they were tied together by more than mere blood. They shared history and a long one at that. They were immortal. They knew her. She may change lives but her personality didn’t change that much. She had bits and pieces of her old self enough to know the things she’d done before.

They helped her when she wrote her books, but also in a lot of ways kept her from living. She had a chance and she wanted to take it. These men wanted her to be their mate. But she wasn’t shifter. She changed sometimes with the moon, but it would be another month before she wouldn’t be able to hide behind her human face any longer.

She would stay with them, she decided. For one month and then they would see.

The days moved quickly and soon a routine was established. Medina studiously avoided the men, trying to 71

Erzabet Bishop focus her energies on Gabby instead. Anything else would have pushed her too far into her head and that was the one place she didn’t want to go. The panic attacks had been left behind and she settled into a schedule of classroom style learning mixed with some outdoor fun so Gabby could still play and keep alert.

She grew closer to Gabby, her heart opening up to the child. Learning what made her happy, what scared her and made her angry. It all fused together and she fell a little more in love every day. In conversations she’d overheard, she understood Gabby’s mother had left her, effectively divorcing herself from the entire family, Gabby included. It made her heart sad, but she vowed to give the girl all that much more attention. Each day her love for the child grew until she couldn’t imagine not having her in her life.

Thomas and Grayson would leave her small gifts. A book here. A trinket of this or that. She would catch them watching her and in those moments her heart began to melt. She felt secure here. Loved. But was she safe from the darkness inside of her?

She found herself staring at the closed door to their bedroom, her hand reaching for the door knob, knowing in her heart that if she took that selfish chance, it could very well be the end of the fragile balance they had established.

One afternoon, they were working on the new pile of workbooks that had just arrived in the mail and Gabby happened to glance at the calendar. One more day until the full moon. Her snakes had been suspiciously quiet since she cut off all alone time with the men and she figured they were freezing her out. But how could she agree to be any more than what she was until she could be sure she wasn’t a danger to the very life she was brought here to nurture?

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“You look at this here. And then you do this.” Medina counted the pictures of fruit on the page and pointed to how one would make a fraction. They sat at Gabby’s desk, her room a lavender swirl of unicorns and pink princesses.

“I don’t understand.” Gabby scrunched up her face, eyes intent on the math problem in the workbook on the table. “It’s easy, you just kind of follow these steps and it’ll come to you. It just takes practice.”

“I don’t know. I don’t think I like it.”

Medina laughed. “It’s math. Some of it, well…I don’t see the reasoning. But it sure does help when you need to bake a cake or figure out how much money you have in the bank for new lipstick.”

Gabby grinned. “Okay.”

Grayson appeared in the doorway to Gabby’s room.

“How are we doing today, girls?”

“Oh, fine.” Gabby wiggled her pencil in the air and played with the flower eraser on the end.

“What are you learning?”

“Well, we’re working on a little bit of math and then I thought we could walk down over by the cliffs so Gabby could show me some of the rock formations.”

Grayson had a hesitant look in his eyes. “Be careful.

The winds are strong.”

“I can protect her. I have wings.” Gabby protested, sending Grayson a proud look.

“You do, don’t you?” Medina smiled, warmed by Gabby’s strength. She would be no shrinking violet in this house full of men. How she was going to love getting to know her, but then her heart twisted as she considered the full moon looming so close. What would the men think of 73

Erzabet Bishop a woman who could turn anyone around her to stone when she had a bad day? Her girls didn’t make for lasting relationships and she couldn’t ask them to put Gabby at risk. Not for her. They slid underneath Medina’s skin, edgy with the coming moon. She fought her attraction to both men daily, taking great pains to stay away until she could find a way to disappear without a trace. There was no other way. A flapping motion from Gabby drew her back into the conversation and she tried to bury her dark thoughts. “I do.

They’re getting bigger every day too. Did you want to see them?” The child grinned up at her, eyes twinkling, with an infectious grin.

“Maybe later.” She peered over at Grayson. “And I’d love to see you use your wings, too.” She’d seen Grayson watching her in his gargoyle form atop the house when she was outside with Gabby earlier in the week and had been fascinated despite herself. How could it be when he was a man of flesh and blood?

“Do you have wings?

She folded her hands on the table, hoping for something to happen so she didn’t have to go into what exactly she did have. “No, honey, I don’t.”

“Okay, neither does Mrs. Talbot, but I still like her too.” Medina laughed. “Well that’s good.”

“I’m glad you two are getting on.” Thomas lounged in the doorway observing them. “I think Mrs. Talbot has a special treat for you in the kitchen, sweetheart. Why don’t you go and see what she has for you?”

“She’s a great kid.”

Gabby stretched and hopped up from her chair. “Okay, Daddy. Medina, are you coming too?”

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“No thank you, sweetheart. You go ahead and I’ll join you in a moment, okay?”

The little girl skipped away.

“I’m glad that you’re here.” Grayson’s tone rumbled heavy, deep like stones tumbling down a hill, it stroked a cord inside her.

They were so much like the men in her dream. If only they were, it would be perfect. But she wasn’t a fool. There was still tomorrow night to get through and even though she knew Grayson was a stone warrior, that didn’t mean that she couldn’t still hurt someone when her cursed form took over.

His gaze was probing and she felt like a creature under a microscope. Her cheeks heated and she had to fight the urge to throw herself into his arms. A man of stone. Two of them if she guessed right. She’d yet to see Thomas in his gargoyle form but if Gabby was his daughter, he would have to be, right? Could it be possible to find happiness here? So far she had. But tomorrow would be the test.

“You didn’t leave me much choice did you?”

“No and I’m not sorry. You belong here. With us. I know it in my heart.” He turned and left the doorway, but she still felt the pull of his body. She wanted it to be true, terrified that it was at the same time. “Tomorrow night, Medina. We will have your answer.”

“I hope you’re right,” she turned toward the sea, letting the sound of the waves drown out the hissing of her girls. “Goddess, but I hope your right.”

****

“It’s hell waiting for her.” Grayson watched Thomas 75

Erzabet Bishop on the bed, his cock throbbing. He was already under the covers, but he could see the tent where his dick hid beneath the blankets.

He loved this room. It was all Thomas, with the dark woods and artful old furniture. Paintings dating back centuries hung from the walls and he looked on his lover with appreciation. “I love you.” He liked Thomas’s choice of colors. Fluid grays and muted browns, it was a masculine room, but not overwhelmingly so. The dark wood furniture and paintings that lined the walls spoke of the man he loved and each time he came in here, he saw a new facet of him.

“I love you too. And yes. It is.” Thomas rested against the headboard watching Grayson’s every move. “Why don’t you come to bed?” He patted the blankets and gave him a cocky smile.

Grayson couldn’t get the sight of him fucking Medina out of his head. He wanted to claim him and be claimed in the same way but they hadn’t had time. With his trip back to Carrick’s estate to make sure the paintings arrived safely and Thomas’s work on the new set of pieces, their private times together had been few and far between.

He wandered to the dresser and fingered a wooden hairbrush, ridges carved into the base and handle. “I still owe you a swat for bringing in our resident art thief without a security check.”

Thomas flushed, a spark of indiscernible emotion peeking from inside his eyes. “Mmmm. You do. That was a foolhardy thing. I admit it.”

Grayson picked up the hairbrush. “You can’t compromise your safety. Yours or Gabby’s. Not to mention anything about Carrick’s precious art.” He moved 76

Heart’s Protector toward the bed and beckoned Thomas forward with his finger. His beast slid underneath his skin, eager to mark the flesh of his beloved.

Thomas raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching. “What are you going to do?”

“What I should have done that very night.” He held up the brush and gave a good swing through the air. “I’m going to paddle your sweet ass and make it pink.”

His mate slid from beneath the covers, his erect cock bobbing in front of him as he made his way toward Grayson. “Promises, promises.” Thomas’s voice was husky.

“Put your hands on the bed and give me that ass.”

Thomas braced himself against the bed, his eyes smoldering as he looked over his shoulder.

“Face forward and brace yourself, boy.” Grayson was hard. He gripped the brush in his hand and swung, the back of it smacking down hard against the muscular round globe of Thomas’s glorious backside.

Thwack!

“Omfph!”

“Yes. I want to hear every moan that comes out of your mouth.” He raised his hand again, bringing the brush down on the other cheek. Giving him no time to respond, Grayson dropped the brush and used his hand, smacking Thomas hard where the first blow landed. How he loved to use his hand when administering discipline. It had been so long. He and his wife had enjoyed the balance it gave their relationship. It remained to be seen how Thomas and Medina would embrace it.

“You have to remember to keep yourself safe.”

Smack!

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“Anything else will not be tolerated.”

Pop!

His hand moved from one butt cheek to the next until a nice rosy glow began to appear and Thomas squirmed, a soft whimper slipping past his lips.

“Are you ready to say you’re sorry?”

Thomas nodded, his arms still holding up his body.

His ass had a fine pink shine to it and as Grayson ran his hand along the tender flesh, he shivered under his touch.

“Good. Now open your legs.” Grayson pulled a packet of lube from his pocket, quickly divesting himself of his jeans and shirt. He wanted this man and now he meant to have him. He was his for the rest of their days and he couldn’t wait to begin exploring him inch by inch.

His cock sprang free and he ambled toward the bed, his toes sinking into the lush carpeting. He slid in behind Thomas and rubbed his cock over his ass, sliding it between Grayson’s well-muscled thighs.

“Gods, but I have to be inside you.”

Thomas sucked in a ragged breath and squeezed his legs together, the pressure almost sending Grayson over the edge.

He hissed and began to move, the friction of Thomas’s thighs a heady thing. Reaching around the front of Thomas’s body, he grasped his cock and wrapped his hand around it. “I’m going to fuck you and make you come all over my hand.”

“Do it,” Thomas groaned. “God, I’m going to go mad if you don’t fill me. Now.”

Grayson let go of his member and opened the packet of lube with shaking hands. He squirted some on his cock, spreading the liquid on the blunt tip of him, and then 78

Heart’s Protector moved to drizzle some down the well-formed crack of Thomas’s ass.

Thomas gasped, arching his back, giving Grayson greater access to what he sought. He slid a finger down to his puckered hole and liberally applied more lubricant, inserting his finger to test him.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes. God, yes.” Thomas cried out. “Take me. Don’t be gentle. Fuck me.”

Grayson took his cock and guided it to Thomas’s back entrance, the tip of his head resting against his opening.

“I love you.” He pushed, opening him wide as his cock slowly entered, filling him. The muscles fought him, but as Grayson kept going, soon they sheathed him tight.

He rested for a moment and his need took over.

Reaching around Thomas, he pressed a kiss to his back, taking the other man’s cock in his hand. Thomas instinctively arched toward him, a sound of appreciation sounding from his throat.

Thick and hard, Grayson groaned as he moved inside of him, the tightness of his back channel making him dangerously close to coming for the second time in so many minutes.

“Hold on.” His voice was gruff, his beast close to the surface. He wanted to take him to the highest point on the roof and shout his satisfaction to everyone for miles. He’d found his mate. No. Not just one, but two.

Joy filled his heart as he moved within Thomas, matching the strokes of his hand with the thrust of his hips.

Over and over he fucked him, until Thomas cried out, his seed splashing over the bedspread and Grayson’s hand.

The sound of his lover’s pleasure drove him over the 79

Erzabet Bishop edge and waves of ecstasy rolled through him. He shuddered against Thomas as his balls tightened and the hot rush of his release shot inside of his mate. He snarled, leaning forward and burying his teeth in Thomas’s shoulder, the taste of his blood mingling with the earthy scent of his flesh.

He pulled away and reached for some cloths and cleaned them both, setting everything to rights. Climbing into bed, he gathered Thomas into his embrace.

Thomas smiled, his eyes heavy, wincing only a little when he shifted on his sore bottom. “That was…”

“I know. Now sleep. Tomorrow will be a full day.”

Grayson’s body thrummed, but his mind was active.

Something stirred in the night and he had to remain vigilant.

“She’ll stay with us.” Thomas’s voice was sleepy and he turned his face into Grayson’s neck, letting his arm splay over Grayson’s chest as he fell asleep.

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Heart’s Protector Chapter Six

The noise woke her. Normally the sound of the waves would lull her to sleep but that wasn’t it. The dream was the same. Two men with glowing eyes, both made of stone beckoned her forward. The future was murky but she stepped into the arms of the men, her panic subsided and the nightmares ended.

It was a scratching sound, almost like an animal trying to get inside of the house. Then a scream and glass breaking. She peered outside her window hoping to see Grayson on security detail but the roof was clear. The phone on her nightstand buzzed again and she glanced at Stef’s face and the text that flashed across the screen.

I know you’re mad but something is coming for you.

Please be careful. We’re on our way.

How the spit did she do that? A month away from her and still she managed to figure out where she was and that she was in danger? Please. If it had testicles, she could freeze it at twenty paces.

Unless it was a gargoyle, like Grayson. God, she was tired of this crap. She just wanted to build a life, damn it all. Mates. A child of her own. And here they were interfering.

Crap.

But what if Stef was right?

With a growl, Medina grabbed the phone and starting stabbing out words with her fingers.

No! She typed. You’ve done enough.

81

Erzabet Bishop Tossing the phone back onto the nightstand, she gave a deep sigh and stretched.

She sat up, quickly throwing on a robe over her nightgown and eased out into the hallway. The pull of the moon made her restless, but the whispers inside of her spoke of something else.

Could she be onto something?

The pregnant silence made her pause. Nothing looked out of place so far. She cocked her head, searching for something, anything that shouldn’t be. Nothing.

No. She wasn’t going to fall for that crap. But she could walk the house just to make sure. Grayson was probably on the other side of the roof or something. With all the security he and Thomas had heaped on the place, it was a veritable fort.

At least she thought it was.

Gabby’s door was closed, so she eased down the hallway. A muffled cry caught her attention and she went into quick stealth mode, running down the hallway in her bare feet.

Broken glass littered the hallway and a trail of blood led her to the one room she hadn’t allowed herself to enter while she had been here. She didn’t trust herself not to hear the call of her muse and somehow lead her sisters to Thomas and Grayson’s door. Quiet sobbing raised the hair on her neck and then she saw him. Laid out on the floor was Grayson, his eyes closed, a wound on his forehead.

He was in gargoyle form, his wings draped over Thomas, who had also shifted and was trying to stand.

“Get away from my daughter,” he growled, eyes glowing luminous green in the half light. He was fierce to look at and Medina went weak in the knees. He was a 82

Heart’s Protector gargoyle. Muscled and powerful, he was a sight to behold.

He lunged at the beast, his talons raking a deep wound down his chest. The creature swung, his closed fist connecting with Thomas’s face, sending him to the floor.

He lay there, stunned and climbed to his feet, blood pouring from his stone face.

Thomas took a step forward. “Get out of my house!”

“I’ll kill you, guardian.”

“Not before I hang your pelt on my wall.” Thomas flexed his wings, a piercing cry sounding from his mouth that hurt Medina’s ears. At the sound Gabby cried out and crouched low and Grayson opened his eyes, his lips pressed together in anger.

“You dare.” Grayson rose on shaking legs, his powerful body broken from whatever abuse he’d suffered before Medina had come into the room. She kept silent as the two faced down the beast, horrified when blow after blow reduced them both to unconsciousness.

The restoration room was rife with shadows but in a flash of a moment, two things became clear. Gabby, Grayson and Thomas were in immediate danger and she had to stop this or the family she dreamt of would be over before it even started. She wasn’t sure if Grayson was still alive. Staring intently at him, she caught a faint and almost imperceptive movement of the rise and fall of his chest and she breathed a sigh of relief.

A hulking beast towered over a terrified Gabby as she cowered in a corner by a window. Her eyes darted from Grayson’s still form to her father and the window. Medina could see she was working things out. He moved toward Thomas and struck him, the soul killing sound of fists meeting flesh sounding through the room. Thomas 83

Erzabet Bishop slumped, the hybrid’s strength overwhelming him in his weakened state.

“You thought you could take it all. Now we’ll see.

Look at your father now, such a protector.” The creature spat out his contempt and upended a tray of paints and chemicals, the sharp scent of turpentine trailing through the air. Medina crept into the room but the beast didn’t see her. Gabby’s eyes quickly darted in her direction. She started to speak, but Medina motioned with her hands and shook her head putting a finger to her lips.

She mouthed the word “quiet” and put her finger to her lips once more. The silence alerted the creature something was wrong. He turned his head and observed Medina in the doorway.

“Who are you?”

She had to get closer. Peering into the dark, she could see the moon shining in through the window and as the rays reached her, the snakes beneath her skin began to move. “I’m only the nanny, who are you?” Pulse pounding, she struggled to remain calm.

A little white lie, just until she could get close enough for the moonlight to activate her curse. The full moon, once her enemy would now be the only thing standing in the way between the people she loved most in the world and the abomination that stood before her. “I have come for your master’s progeny. When he wakes I will take what is his. This is my revenge.”

He moved to Gabby, yanking the child to her feet. She cried out, tears sliding down her cheeks as she struggled against him.

You didn’t mess with kids. Ever.

84

Heart’s Protector Seething anger sizzled through Medina and her flesh itched to transform. “Leave her alone.” Ice and fire slid through Medina’s veins and her hands curled into fists, the nails biting into her palms. She strode forward, looking for anything that would throw the creature off balance.

Books.

There were piles of them. She grabbed the largest ones she could find and hurled one after another in his direction.

She didn’t care. Her serpents sang with a different song now. Blood and fire and the need to protect what was hers.

Her…what? Her captors? She could walk out right now and leave them to die. This could be her solution—if she wanted it to be.

No. They were her mates and this…this was her child now. Her responsibility. The stark realization hit her square in the face. This abomination was in the way of her future and he wasn’t going to live to take another breath.

Another noise caught her attention. The sound of a door opening and broken glass being moved.

Oh God. Were there more of them? Nausea twisted in her belly and she drew herself up taller. She would do whatever she had to do to protect this child. Like no one had ever done for her.

The monster imprisoned her in his claws, teasing her with one nasty looking talon.

“Put her down, asshole.”

She was going to kick his ever loving ass, even if it meant shoving a book so far up there the sun didn’t shine.

But she had to do it now. Before his reinforcements came.

If she died, it didn’t matter. But Gabby. She was…everything. And her mates. Thomas and Grayson.

She would be their protector too.

85

Erzabet Bishop She took a step forward. “I said let her go, you furry motherfucker.”

“Medina?” A female voice called from the stairs below, followed by a curse and more crunching of glass.

A wave of relief sluiced through her. No more creatures. But damn it all, why had they come? Tonight of all nights especially.

She clenched her teeth and her fangs pinched her lip, drawing blood.

Her girls hummed, watching the shifter in front of them, just waiting for the right moment to make their move.

How had her sisters found her?

Shit.

“Get out, Stef. Not now!”

“We’re coming up.” Eleanor called out. The sound of feet tromping up the stairs and movement in the hallway distracted her and the beast got closer, dragging Gabby with him.

“You think you’re going to stop me, bitch?” He laughed, an ugly sound reverberated thickly from his malformed face. “I’d like to see you try.”

He swung at her but a burst of power from behind her set him back a few paces. The creature roared and cradled its hurt claw, surprise sliding across its face.

“Stef?” Surprise widened her eyes. Her sister had never shown that side before.

“Huh. Gods, Medina. What kind of place did you run away to?” Stef snorted and shot another zot in the creature’s direction.

“Gabby!” The little girl ran to her, burying her face in Medina’s side. She smoothed her hair and gathered her 86

Heart’s Protector close. “Are you okay, honey?”

She nodded, sniffling. “Daddy. Grayson…”

“We’ll fix it, baby. Just you wait.” Then she turned to her sisters. “Damn it. What are you doing here?” Medina demanded. “I left, remember? Gone. No forwarding mail.”

“You took your phone.” Stef shrugged, stepping forward. In simple jeans and a black tee, she looked ready to take on anything.

Eleanor appeared beside her, the dark shirt and pants almost black in the dim lighting. “Why did you leave?”

“You know why,” Medina hissed. “Now get out. I’m busy.”

“I see you found the next mark.” Eleanor grinned, her eyes darting all over the room. “This place screams money.

Good job, kiddo.”

Medina lost it.

“Oh no. I did not call you. You called me. I came here to get the fuck away from you two, not to steal anyone’s anything. These people belong to me.”

“Really?” Stef arched an eyebrow and shot off another spell at the creature. “So they’ve seen you in full bitch mode?”

At her silence Eleanor gave her a saccharine smile.

“No, but I’m guessing they’re about to.”

Gabby sobbed, her hot tears soaking into her nightgown. “Make him stop, Medina. He hurt Daddy and Grayson.”

“Here. Take her.” She shoved the child at Eleanor with a stern look. “Don’t you dare move. If she’s harmed and I’m still standing I’ll kill you.”

“Ohhh. Threats from the snake girl.” Eleanor rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. “If he kills you, you’ll just 87

Erzabet Bishop come back as annoying as ever. Look out. He’s headed this way.”

Double shit.

One look at the still forms of her men and the sound of Gabby’s tears and she was lost, forever bound to whatever consequences were about to fall down upon her. She would protect the innocent or die trying. To hell with what her sisters thought. About anything.

The beast reached out with his claws to strike her but his large form was clumsy. Roaring his anger, he set his attention on her, cradling his hurt claw.

“How did you get behind the security?”

“Fools. We know their secrets. I think instead I’ll leave Thomas and Carrick a further warning. I’m going to rip out your throat and leave you to die, your blood and the paint mingling. Let him think about what he’s done.”

“Really?” Stef yawned. “We’ve heard this one before, haven’t, we Elle?”

“Yup. In Athens I think. Some snotty little cyclops goat herder or one of those stupid dryads. I can’t remember now. Boooring.”

“Will you guys shut up?” Medina groaned, exasperated. “And I don’t think so. Get. Out. Of. Our.

House.”

Her snakes hissed in agreement.

“I’ll start with his daughter. Then I’ll watch you die drowning in your own blood.” The monstrous creature’s face was illuminated by the moon, but it wasn’t enough for what she needed. In a quick movement born of desperation, she flicked on the light switch and threw the closest, heftiest book she could find, knocking the creature back a few steps. He looked like a wolf, like abomination from the 88

Heart’s Protector deepest pits of the underworld. She’d heard whispers around the world of genetic experiments with shifters but this…this was something far more terrifying. It was real and it was in her house.

Her house.

Yeah. And she was going to take it back.

“Goddess…what is that thing?” Eleanor made an ick sound and Medina heard her back up toward the hallway.

He roared, swinging out, catching the book and throwing it across the room, his rage a palpable thing.

“The hell you will. Gabby run!” She couldn’t let anything happen to her, even with Eleanor and Stef beside her. Gabby’s wings burst from her back and she shifted, her small form darting for the open window. The creature caught her in his grasp and she let out a strangled cry as she was thrown to the floor.

“No. ” Her form shifted and she let it flow. The moon called to her and she heard the music deep inside of her as it struggled to break free. Her legs slipped into the form of a serpent’s tail and her snake sisters emerged from her hair, hissing and biting at each other for the first chance at their prey. He roared and charged her, his weight throwing him off balance as he hit part of the collection he’d come for, knocking it to the ground.

Pretties…

The girls hissed, their anger in full boil as they caught sight of the child cowering on the floor.

Foul.

Kill him.

Medina heartily agreed. She hissed, baring her fangs at 89

Erzabet Bishop the creature, her nails, now talons, ready to slice him to ribbons if he dared touch Gabby or the two men that had found their way into her heart.

“Get away from them. They’re mine,” she hissed, surging forward.

Gabby blinked at Medina in awe and she turned her gaze away, frightened of what it would do to her. “Don’t look at me, sweetheart. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I think she might be fine, Medina.” Stef stepped forward, a spell on her lips, knocking him back a few paces. “Now, Medina! Do it now!”

The beast charged at the girl and Medina rose up, the snakes chittering and hissing as the curse took hold, the knowledge of what was happening to him alive in the creature’s eyes as he slowly turned to stone, never to harm anyone again. Her snakes stilled as the music slowed and the room righted itself.

“Medina?” Eleanor came forward, laying her hand on her arm. “It’s over, honey.”

“Did I hurt them? Goddess, I can’t look.” She turned away to see Gabby’s bright eyes looking into hers.

“Miss Medina. Oh wow. Those are so better than wings.” A light touch on her tail brought Medina back from the panic invading her mind. If she hurt them she couldn’t live with herself.

Gabby’s voice. Her eyes. She was okay. She drew the little girl into her arms and let the tears fall. “Oh, honey.

You’re okay.”

“I am. You protected me. And you turned him into a statue for the garden. Cool! ” She kissed Medina on the cheek and glanced up at the snakes parading around her head. She held out her small hand and wiggled a finger at 90

Heart’s Protector one of the snakes. “Can I touch one?”

“I don’t know if you want to do that, kid.” Stef warned. She shook her head and winced. “Really. Those suckers bite.”

The girls danced, hissing their approval. They wanted to be petted.

“Not her they don’t.” Medina lowered her head a little and Gabby reached out her hand. In her stone form, the snakes adored her, wrapping around her arm and tickling her with their tongues. They released her with little snake kisses content now to writhe and dance in their victory.

“Oh my.” Eleanor chuckled. “I’ve seen everything.”

“I like your pets, Medina.” Gabby grinned but her smile faltered as she looked toward her father and Grayson.

“Are they okay? He was so mean.”

Medina took a deep breath, afraid to see who else she may have petrified. Tears slid down her face as she glanced over to see Thomas and Grayson struggling to help each other up.

“You’re okay.” Her lips wobbled, and then she turned away, realizing her snakes still wriggled around her head.

And her tail. Oh God. “If anything were to have happened…”

“Medina.” Thomas’s voice sunk in first. He groaned, his body battered and bruised, even in his gargoyle form.

“Don’t look at me. I don’t want…”

Grayson’s hands. He turned her around, his gray eyes searching hers. “This was your secret?”

She nodded, her lips thinning into a line to keep them from quivering.

“I never thought I would ever…” Thomas limped forward. “You saved us.” He stood next to Gabby and laid 91

Erzabet Bishop his hand on the small of her back.

“My heart’s protector.” His eyes grew moist as he shifted back to his human form. He pressed a hiss to her cheek and pulled her into his embrace. Grayson slid his arms around them both while Gabby hugged her tail. “You saved our family. Never leave us.”

“Never.” She let herself be surrounded by the force of their love and smiled. Never was a very long time.

“I would never have believed it.” Stef blinked, her mouth open in shock. “You did it. You found a guy who actually…wow. And he’s not a hamster. Or a cat.”

“Shut up, Stef.” Medina rolled her eyes and gave a tearful laugh. “You’re just jealous cause I turned your new boyfriend here to stone.”

“As if…” Stef lifted her chin, a look of disgust on her face. “I’m out of here. If you need us, we’ll be back in Olympia. Oh…and the name is Rachel now.” Stef winked, turning on her heel and making for the hallway. “Turning new leaves and all that…”

“Um, Medina?” Gabby pointed at a sneaky Eleanor trying to get out the door with a painting in hand.

Grayson growled, stalking forward. “And just where do you think you’re going?”

Eleanor shrieked, dropping the painting and hauling ass as fast as she could down the stairs toward the front door. “Wow.” Medina blinked. “New leaves, huh? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her move quite that fast.” Her legs reformed and she sighed, relieved to be back on two feet again.

“Mmmm. Hmmm.” Thomas wrapped his arms around her and placed a kiss on her cheek. Her snakes snuggled up 92

Heart’s Protector to him and nibbled on his hair until he laughed. “That tickles.”

“It does, Daddy. But I like them.” Gabby grinned up at her. “They wiggle.”

“What the hell are we going to do with this?” Grayson stared up at the monstrous stone figure, a frown setting into his features.

“Pigeons.” Gabby pointed to the garden outside, a mischievous grin sliding over her face.

“What, honey?” Thomas drew his lips in thoughtfully.

The girl sighed, exasperated with her father. “They need a place to poop.”

“Oh.” Different kinds of tears slipped into Medina’s eyes now as her snakes slipped back underneath her skin.

This was home. Her family.

A sleepy Mrs. Talbot opened the door to her room.

“Gabby. What on earth are you doing out of bed?”

Thomas, Medina and Grayson looked at each other, neither one saying a word. Medina laughed. The old woman had slept through the whole thing.

“Helping Daddy. But I’m ready to go to sleep now.

Tomorrow I get to play with the pigeons.”

Medina snorted, swallowing another laugh. Goddess but she loved that girl.

“It’s nothing, Mrs. Talbot. She had a bad dream but it’s over now.” Thomas led everyone out of the room and shut the door behind them. It would all wait until tomorrow. Pigeon poop and all.

The sound of wings and loud voices below stopped Medina in her tracks.

“I guess the reinforcements are here.” Thomas shooed Gabby down the hall and headed for the stairs.

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“What? Did you think it would have just been me without backup?” Grayson raised an eyebrow, his lips twisting into what had probably been intended as a smile but instead came off more as a wince.

Medina rolled her eyes and trudged toward her room.

“I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Not if I see you first.”

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Heart’s Protector Chapter Seven

Grayson fidgeted, giving Thomas a frustrated stare.

“What’s keeping her so long?” He sat on the bed in Thomas’s room, torn between wanting to finish the mating he and Thomas had started, but held off completion waiting for Medina. A week had gone by since the home invasion and Thomas was back on the mend. His own wounds were more superficial. More concerned with implementing new security measures, he had taken the precaution of moving the rest of the art work back to Carrick’s estate. The trip had been inconvenient but necessary. Announcing to your boss that you mated with a client could be a touchy thing, and then there were the much needed repairs to the house.

“I’m happy for you, Gray. Get everything and get him back on these paintings. If my sister ever gets mated, I want these hanging in the gallery for the Gathering.”

Carrick chuckled and sent him packing. “I expect to see you guys for the next family function. Medina can meet Sage.”

“She’d like that.”

“We need to find out where the hybrid came from.

There may be more of them.”

“God I hope not.” Carrick looked out the window into the forests beyond Westmore House, “But we may need to call in some more help.”

Grayson nodded. There were plenty of gargoyles who needed to be guardians again. To serve and protect. It was 95

Erzabet Bishop what they did.

Now he just wanted to finish their mating. Too much all at once with workmen in the house, and with the moon’s pull they all felt it would be safer if Medina stayed out of harm’s way and that meant a week of sleeping in her own room, and that was not an agreeable solution for anyone. He was on edge and the urge to paddle the shit out of her for putting herself in danger was high on his list.

Besides the fact that he just wanted to watch her luscious bottom turn a lovely shade of pink.

“She had to tuck Gabby into bed.” Thomas padded to the door, silk pajamas low around his lean hips. He could tell the wound in his lover’s side was still giving him pain.

“Be patient.”

“Easy for you to say.”

“No.” Thomas gave him a wicked smile. “Not when I keep thinking about burying my cock inside her while I mark that smooth flesh of yours. It’s my turn, if you recall.”

Grayson’s cock got harder, if that was even possible.

God. Where was she?

Shit.

What if she changed her mind? They’d given her a month to consider everything carefully and now an extra week on top of it. He thought after everything that happened there would be no doubts, but waiting for her now, he had to admit he was terrified she had decided to leave.

Her sisters knew where she was. What if they’d convinced her to come home?

He wouldn’t call the authorities, despite what he’d said at the beginning, but if he caught her sisters anywhere 96

Heart’s Protector near here, he’d give them a paddling they’d never forget.

He didn’t know what had happened to Medina for her to run, but whatever it was left its mark.

“She is coming, right? She didn’t change her mind or anything?”

“I’m here.” Medina eased through the door, clean scrubbed and fresh from the shower. “Sorry!”

“You showered without us?” Grayson raised his eyebrow.

“I had to. Gabby got into Mrs. Talbot’s stash of chocolate frosting. I had it all over.”

“Hmmm. I think we should see if she missed a spot.”

Thomas grinned and gave her a light kiss, shutting the door behind her.

“How is she doing?” Grayson frowned. “Is she…”

Medina’s lips quirked up into a grin. “She keeps asking me when the snakes can come out and play. I can’t believe it.”

“You were beautiful.”

“And fierce. I loved it.” Grayson smiled.

“I was not.” Medina frowned, sitting down on the bed.

“The whole time I was scared to death I was going to turn you both to stone. Gabby too.”

“But you didn’t.”

“I know that now.” She frowned. “But I didn’t then.”

“Ummm. That could be my problem. You want to come take a look at this?” Thomas opened his robe to reveal his cock standing at rapt attention.

Medina blinked, a rosy blush covering her features. “I think she needs a proper spanking for putting herself in danger.” Grayson eyed her, relief settling through him. She was here.

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Erzabet Bishop

“What?”

“You heard me, young lady. Get over here right now.”

“He doesn’t bite. Much.” Thomas let his robe fall to the floor and leaned against the wall.

Grayson observed the emotions playing across her face and brought her close for a kiss. “You haven’t done this before, have you?”

“No.”

“Come here.” He brushed the hair from her cheek and pressed his lips to hers, letting her ease into the feeling of his rigid cock against her flesh.

“I want…” Her voice was husky and her skin had taken on a heated appearance.

“You’ll get your spanking like a good girl first, then we’ll talk about what you want, sweetheart.” Grayson stroked her hair and pressed a kiss against her forehead.

“You were so brave and you saved us all, but no more putting yourself in danger.”

“But…”

“No buts. Now hold on to the bed post. Thomas and I have some gifts we want to give you before we get started.”

“You got me a present?” Her eyes lit up and she nibbled on her lip. Her long dark hair was still damp from the shower and was starting to curl up around the edges.

She was gorgeous and his heart swelled with love as he realized the gift she had given them both with her trust.

She could have left but she didn’t.

“We did.” Thomas ambled over to the dresser and opened a drawer, removing a glossy black bag. He reached inside and pulled out a small silver box, handing it to Grayson.

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Heart’s Protector

“What is it?”

“Open it, honey.” Grayson gave her the box, smiling at her confusion as she held up the two dangling pieces of jewelry. They matched. Each one decorated with a silver snake with a blue sparkling stone attached to a small clamp.

Her nose wrinkled in confusion. “I don’t…”

“Let me.” Grayson took the jewelry from her fingers and held them up. “Nipple clamps. They sting, but the rush when you take them off…intoxicating.”

She looked at him with a dubious expression.

“Mmmm. Okay.”

“Just try them once. You’ll see.” Grayson gave her a wink. “Now why don’t you get out of that robe?”

She untied the belt and the robe fell open, her curves half hidden. Medina shrugged the terry cloth garment from her shoulders and laid it on the edge of the bed. “Better?”

It was. Lush and voluptuous, her wide hips and full breasts had him sucking in his breath with anticipation. Her nipples tightened in the chill of the room and he couldn’t wait to have their clamps adorning her body.

“It will sting, but give it a moment.” He pressed a kiss to her lips, and then applied one of the clamps to her left breast. She gasped, her lips opening in surprise, a lovely flush creeping across her face.

“Oh…”

“Mmmm hmmm.” Grayson opened the second clamp and attached it to the right one. The snakes glittered against her creamy flesh, their blue stones winking.

“Lovely.”

“It…oh….” Medina’s eyes closed and she swallowed.

“Now for the second gift.” Thomas brought out 99

Erzabet Bishop another small package and handed it to Grayson. This one was a small black velvet sleeve.

He tipped the bag and two items slid out into his palm.

One, a small egg shaped object and the other a tiny black box with a series of buttons. Grayson smiled, his gaze drawn to Thomas. “Good choice.”

“I know.” His mate grinned. “Now let’s put it to good use, shall we?”

“Come here, little one.” Grayson beckoned. “Put your hands on the bed and I want you to angle that glorious ass toward me.”

Medina complied, her dark raven hair falling down her back in luxurious waves. She bent forward, her heart shaped ass showcased just for him.

“Nice. Thomas, why don’t you get on the bed?”

Grayson watched his lover lay back, his cock jutting upward, beckoning them both to join him.

“Now, spread your legs a little, pet.”

She edged her feet apart and he could see the slick folds of her sex.

“Very nice. Now hold still.” He took the egg shaped vibe and slid it inside of her sweet, hot pussy. She groaned, pushing her sex against his hand.

“Now, now. Patience.” He took the remote and walked around the side of the bed, handing it to Thomas. “You know when to start it.”

“I love it when your plans come together.”

“Me too.”

“What are you two up to?” Medina arched an eyebrow, angling her head to watch him.

“A surprise.”

He meandered by the dresser and picked up a broad 100

Heart’s Protector faced oak paddle he’d had sent in especially for Medina.

Little hearts were cut out of the glossy wood and it made a whishing sound when he drew it down through the air.

“Okay, Thomas.” He approached the bed and he heard the small vibe start to buzz.

Medina began to fidget. “What the? Oh, God.” She threw her head back and went to slide her hand between her legs.

“No you don’t. Hands on the bed.” Grayson smacked her ass with his hand and swished the paddle through the air. She froze, her head turned slightly to the side, trying to see. “No peeking, young lady. Now brace yourself. Five swats.”

His inner gargoyle drew his claws down the insides of his thighs. He wanted her. Bad. But first he had to make sure she understood how things were going to be. Five was nothing but he didn’t want her first experience to be anything less than erotic. They would build on things in time. The first swat hit her unawares on the right side of her ass and she cried out, a yelp erupting from her lips.

Thwack!

“Ouch!”

“That was one. You have to keep yourself safe.” He raised the paddle once more and swung, the little hearts singing through the air as he connected with her left butt cheek.

Whap!

“It burns.”

“Good.” He lifted his hand and moved the paddle back 101

Erzabet Bishop and forth with a succession of smacks until the five were done and she stood quivering, with tears running down her face. The vibe was still at work and she moaned, the mixture of pain and pleasure taking over her senses. Her ass was just the right shade of pink, all things considered.

“You feel like you did the first time we were in a room together. Like you’re going to combust, don’t you?”

She gave him a dazed expression. “How did you know?”

“Because I feel the same way.” He led her to the bed.

“Can you take him in your mouth while I pleasure you?”

Medina nodded. “Oh yes.”

“Good. Now climb up there and get on all fours.”

****

She did as Grayson asked and eased herself over Thomas’s prone body. It took everything she had not to simply impale herself on his cock. Goddess, but she wanted to feel something that was good. Her pulse pounded and she had to push the panic from her mind.

These men loved her. They wanted her.

“You’re beautiful.”

“I’m curvy.”

“Like I said.” Thomas reached up and kissed the tips of her breasts as she settled on top of him.

Her nipples hardened like small rose colored bullets and as she lowered her face to the bobbing cock in front of her, there was no more fear in her heart. She didn’t hurt them and they would never hurt her. Not unless she wanted it and she had wanted that spanking.

The buzz of the tiny vibe still reverberated through her 102

Heart’s Protector body, intermingling with the heat from her well paddled ass. Well, five was a start. She’d read novels where they had done more.

“It hurt worse than I thought it would.”

“But it felt good too, didn’t it?” Grayson inquired, his hands sliding over her tender flesh. He took out the vibe and pressed a kiss on her ass, making her nipples pebble up all over again.

“I’m going to remove the clamps.” Grayson reached below her and removed the first one, the pins and needles of blood returning to her flesh making her gasp. He quickly disengaged the second one and she cried out, a flood of moisture settling between her legs.

God, she wanted to be fucked and now.

“Are you ready?” She looked to Thomas and he nodded.

“Please. You control it. How far I go. I don’t want to scare you.”

“You won’t.” She let the tip of him slide over her bottom lip. The salty sweet taste of him burst over her tongue and she eased his cock head between her lips. He was large and filled her mouth, the head jutting against the back of her throat as she moved.

Thomas groaned, his hips making little movements toward her.

“I’m going to taste you now, sweetheart.” Grayson moved behind her, his tongue sliding against her slippery folds.

She bucked as his finger slipped inside of her pussy, moving in and out.

“So wet for us already. Oh, my girl.” He slid another finger inside of her and they began to move as one.

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Erzabet Bishop

“I need to be inside you.”

Grayson’s voice grew deeper and she felt his fingers grow sharp against her skin. She lifted her eyes to find Thomas half shifted, his clawed hands digging into the bedsheets. She sucked him harder and swallowed, noticing how much more of a reaction she got when her muscles constricted around him.

The fingers that had been pumping into her pussy vanished. Something larger nudged her opening and with one thrust, Grayson gripped her hips and entered her, stretching her body to the fullest it had ever been. Stone hard and hers. All hers.

“Are you okay?”

She groaned.

Grayson began to move, pumping inside her, filling all of her empty places. His hand reached down and tweaked her erect nub, making her pussy clench around his cock.

He fucked her, over and over, his fingers solid on her hips. “Mine,” he growled. “Ours.”

Thomas moaned and shuddered against her, his release sliding down her throat at the same time Grayson roared, pumping her womb full of his hot seed. His fingers found her clit and she skated off the precipice, her body reveling in the electric flashes that skittered along her skin. Teeth sank into the flesh of her shoulder and she cried out, a second orgasm rocking her world.

Thomas pulled out from between her lips, his cock hard once more, Grayson moving alongside him. Her lovers stroked each other’s cocks, their eyes bright with the force of their love.

Mates.

104

Heart’s Protector Her heart’s protectors, both of them. Stone cold, but hotter than any man had a right to be, they waited for her to regain her senses and join them.

“Come here, little mate.” The called her in unison, patting the vacant space between them.

They had found each other and they fit together. All three of them. This was only the beginning…and she could hardly wait.

The End

105

About the Author

Erzabet Bishop is the award winning author of Sigil Fire, Written on Skin, Fetish Fair, Temptation Resorts interactive erotic romances, Holiday Cruise, Gingerbread Dreams, Pomegranate, Crave, A Red Dress for Christmas, Holidays in Hell, Lipstick, The Science of Lust, Club Beam, Sweet Seductions: The Erzabet Bishop Collection and multiple books in the Erotic Pagan Series. She is a contributing author to Club Rook, Taboo II, Hungry for More, A Christmas to Remember, Forbidden Fruit, Sci Spanks, Spank or Treat, Sweat, When the Clock Strikes Thirteen, Bossy, Cougars, Can’t Get Enough, Slave Girls, The Big Book of Submission, Anything She Wants, Bondage Bites, Coming Together: Girl on Girl, Coming Together: For the Holidays and more. She was a finalist for the GCLS awards in 2014 and 2015. She lives in Texas with her husband, furry children and can often be found lurking in local bookstores.

For more information on books by Erzabet, visit her website: http://erzabetwrites.wix.com/erzabetbishop

Also By This Author

ARe Books

Crave

Wicked For You

Etopia Press

Holidays in Hell

Spirit Board

Evernight Publishing

Black Magic Cafe

Lipstick

A Red Dress for Christmas The Science of Lust

Decadent Publishing Company Club Beam

Pomengranate

World Weaver Press

Demons Imps and Incubi

Coming Together

Coming Together: For the Holidays Coming Together: Girl on Girl Coming Together: Hungry For Love

Ladylit

Anything She Wants

Christmas Kisses

A Christmas to Remember

Cougars: Five Mature Tales of Lesbian Lust Sweat: Five Sporty Tales of Lesbian Lust Sweet Seductions

Ylva Publishing

Sigil Fire

Spread the Love: Seven Romantic and Erotic Lesbian Stories

When the Clock Strikes Thirteen Wicked Things: Lesbian Halloween Short Stories Written on Skin

WriteHit.com

Gratis: New Beginnings

Gratis: Transformation

Andrews UK Ltd.

Smut by the Sea, Volume 2

Storm Moon Press

Milk & Cookies & Handcuffs

Document Outline

- Dedication
- Prologue
- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- About the Author
- Also By This Author

Table of Contents

- Dedication
- Prologue
- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- About the Author
- Also By This Author