Sugar Creek 1: Tessa's Chosen (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read online

  He sipped and licked her lips until Tessa gasped in surprise. Taking advantage, Lucien deepened the kiss by thrusting his tongue into her mouth and groaned with arousal at the first sweet taste of his mate. Lucien didn’t relent from the kiss until Tessa responded by tentatively placing her tongue against Lucien’s and melted into him.

  He was staking a claim in front of the man he suspected had hurt his mate, and was also trying to goad him into doing something stupid. If the guy got angry enough and assaulted him or his brothers he could have his ass arrested. His groan of need must have brought her back to the present and she placed her palms against his chest to push him away.

  Lucien allowed Tessa to break the kiss, but would not allow her to move away from him. He could still smell her fear beneath her desire and wanted her to feel cherished and protected. The more he touched her the more she relaxed. When she placed her hands against his chest to put some space between them, he took her hands, turned them palm up, and placed a kiss in the center of each palm. He needed to feel that he was protecting her and didn’t want to relinquish his hold on her. His wolf was pushing at him to mate her and even though he pushed his animal back down, he felt more in control when he was touching her. He gently lifted her by the waist and pulled her onto his lap, snuggling her head against his chest and holding her warm soft, body against his. She sighed with contentment, relaxing against him totally. The stench of her fear left and in its place he could only smell her desire. She sighed again and he felt her lips kiss him lightly on the neck. He wanted to smile with contentment and satisfaction but he wouldn’t let the asshole see how he felt.

  He gave the other man a hard glare. “Tessa does not want to talk to you or even see you, so I suggest you leave now. Go back where you came from and do not come back. If I catch you anywhere near her again you will not like the consequences.”

  The asshole glared at Tessa and Lucien was glad she had her head tucked beneath his chin and her cheek resting against his chest. She wouldn’t have to see that angry look from the fucker. His eyes flicked to Lucien’s and he let the fucker see his determination to protect Tessa. The prick couldn’t hold his gaze for long and he quickly lowered his eyes to the table.

  Good, so now you are beginning to get wary, my friend. Let’s hope you will not be back.

  A rumble of fury escaped him when his wolf heard what the prick said before he walked out the door.

  “This isn’t over, bitch.”

  Tessa squirmed on his lap and Lucien loosened his hold on her, but when she continued to wriggle his cock began to throb and he growled with desire. Her little backside was pressing against his hard cock and he was having a hell of a time controlling his wolf and his desire. She must have felt his erection poking into her hip and ass, because all of a sudden she stopped moving.

  “If you keep squirming like that, little bird, I will have you naked before we get home,” Lucien said in a low husky voice.

  “What do you mean? I’m not going home with you. I am leaving for my vacation.” Tessa lifted her head and glared at him.

  “He was the one that did this to you isn’t he?” Lucien stroked her face beneath the bruise on her skin, not wanting to cause her any more pain.

  “Yes.”

  “Do you honestly think you’ll be safe from him if we let you leave alone?”

  “I…I…” Tessa bit her lip and looked fearfully at the door before meeting his eyes again.

  “We can protect you, Tessa. Please come to our home where you’ll be safe.”

  “I don’t know you.”

  “You’re right, you don’t, but do you honestly think any one of us would hurt you?”

  Tessa frowned as she once more nibbled on her bottom lip. He wanted to pull that lip into his mouth and soothe it with his tongue, but he held back. Even though he’d already kissed her in a show of possession for the asshole, he didn’t want to push his luck again. He and his brothers needed to gain more of her trust first. Hopefully once they had that they could begin to court her.

  “No.”

  Luc heard Gabe and Rafe sigh with relief and it was only by sheer will that he held in his own sigh.

  “There are other people who live at our house. It won’t be just the four of us.”

  Gabe reached out and took Tessa’s hand in one of his. “We would never hurt you, honey. Please come home with us so we can protect you?”

  “If I decide I want to leave later, you won’t stop me?”

  “No,” Luc answered, and hoped to God that she would decide to stay.

  “Okay. Thank you.”

  Lucien’s tension eased even more now that Tessa had relented to coming home with them. He took hold of her chin and held her gaze to his. “Thank you, Tessa. You won’t regret your decision.”

  Luc lifted her from his lap and placed her on the seat next to him. Gabe moved out of the booth and Tessa followed. Lucien quickly gained his feet and when he came up to her side he clasped one of her hands while Gabe took the other and Rafe led the way out of the inn. He couldn’t help looking down at her as they walked. She was so small compared to them. The top of her head didn’t even reach up to his shoulders and, although for a woman she was of average height, man did she have some curves. She wasn’t one of those model-slim women he would be scared to touch in case he hurt her. Tessa Michaels was voluptuous and had something to hold onto.

  He could just imagine grabbing hold of those delectable ass cheeks and keeping her still while he pounded into her from behind. Her eyes got to him every time he looked at her. They were a deep soulful brown with sadness and pain lurking in their depths. Luc had plans to change that look. By the time he and his brothers were finished with her that sadness would be replaced with happiness and he never wanted to see pain in her eyes again.

  “Which car is yours, Tessa?” Gabe asked, although the question wasn’t necessary since Luc could smell her scent on the vehicle, but he was glad that Gabe had asked the question.

  Tessa pointed to a late-model four-door sedan.

  “Why don’t you go with Luc and let me drive your car, honey? I’d hate for you to get lost.”

  Tessa released Luc’s hand and began to rummage around in her purse. After a few moments she held up her keys with a look of triumph, but when she smiled she winced and the pain lines around her lips got a little deeper. As much as Luc wanted to hunt down that fucker and rip his head off, his mate needed him more.

  She handed the keys over to Gabe and when her eyes glazed over and she began to sway on her feet, Luc was worried she was about to pass out. He wasn’t sure if her reaction was to the pain she was feeling or the pheromones he and his brothers were emitting. Maybe it was a combination of both. She couldn’t seem to take her eyes off of him or his brothers and her pupils were so dilated there was only a small ring of brown iris showing.

  Luc placed his hands on her waist to steady her. “Are you ready to go, little bird?”

  “Yes,” she replied breathily. “Why do you keep calling me that?”

  “Because you remind me of the little birds that reside in Spain I have heard so much about. You are so tiny compared to us.”

  Tessa snorted. “Yeah, right!”

  “It is true.” Luc guided her over to the truck. “Come, we will get you home and settled in. I’m sure you would like a bath or shower and then some sleep. Have you eaten anything, Tessa?”

  “No, but I’m not hungry.”

  “When we are at the house you will eat, Tessa. You need to keep up your strength.”

  “I’m fine. It’s not like I’m going to fade away overnight.”

  Rafe opened the passenger front door on the truck and Luc lifted Tessa up onto the seat.

  “Shit! Are you crazy? You could have put your back out.”

  “Do not ever speak about yourself that way again. You are a beautiful healthy woman and I love all of your curves.” Luc knew she didn’t believe him, but he would change her way of thinking soon enough.

  He
climbed into the truck after she moved to the middle of the seat, helped to secure her safety belt and then got in beside her. Rafe hurried around to the driver’s seat and after buckling up started the car.

  “Are you sure the other people will be okay with you bringing me home?”

  “Yes, Tessa. They will all be very happy to meet you.”

  Tessa snorted but didn’t say anything more.

  Luc couldn’t wait any longer. He needed to taste her again and he needed to do it now. His wolf was pushing to claim her right here in the truck and although he couldn’t, wouldn’t, do that, he could appease his beast by kissing her.

  “Look at me, Tessa.”

  She shivered and tried to keep staring out the front windshield, but finally she turned her head and faced him.

  “I need to kiss you, baby.” Luc cupped her face between his hands being careful not to touch her bruise and slowly lowered his head, giving her time to pull away if she wanted to, but she never did try and continued to meet his gaze.

  She felt so small, feminine and soft beneath his hand. He kissed her softly, slowly easing her into his touch. She moaned and then her lips parted and Luc began to deepen the kiss. He licked along the seam of her mouth and when she moaned and sighed he swept his tongue inside. She groaned and opened up to him more. Her hands gripped the front of his shirt and then they opened up and began to caress over his chest. The kiss changed from soft and loving to carnal, hot, and wild in an instant. He slid his tongue into the depths of her mouth, exploring every nook and cranny, then curled his tongue around hers and drew it into his mouth. Her little mewl was like music to his ears and he knew if he didn’t slow things down and stop very soon he wouldn’t be able to. So that’s what he did, until he was sipping lightly at her lips, and finally he removed his mouth from hers.

  Tessa leaned her head against his shoulder and gave a soft sigh as her eyes slid closed. Luc wrapped and arm around her shoulders and pulled her tighter into the side of his body. He could see how tired and drained she was and hoped that she drifted off to sleep. Their mate was going to need all her energy to deal with them.

  “You’re crazy,” she slurred just before sleep claimed her.

  “You have no idea how much,” Lucien responded in a soft voice, but he finished the rest of the statement in his head. Crazy for you. He kissed the top of her head and smiled when she snuggled up to him with a soft sigh. She may not trust them in her mind yet, but her body certainly did.

  His heart stuttered with excitement and he vowed then and there to do everything within his power to let her know just how much he cared for her.

  Chapter Three

  Tessa returned to consciousness slowly. Snuggling her head into the pillow and soft warm bed, she slowly stretched out her body. Blinking a couple of times, she squeezed her eyes shut again and then reopened again. She couldn’t remember where she was or how she got there. Flinging the blue comforter back she gasped as she realized she was wearing a man’s large T-shirt and her underwear. Glancing toward the sunlight streaming through the large bay window, all Tessa could see was forest. She could not remember where she was or who had changed her clothes.

  Then it came back to her. She’d met the Woolf brothers at the Shifter Inn the night before and after an encounter involving Darren they had offered to bring her home and protect her. She must have fallen asleep on the drive to their house because she couldn’t remember much after getting into the truck.

  Don’t lie to yourself, girl, you know Luc’s kiss nearly blew your head off.

  With a sigh she pushed her thoughts aside, turned away from the window, and headed to one of the doors attached to the room she was in. Discovering an en-suite bathroom large enough to hold a party in, Tess decided to make use of the amenities. After showering and redressing in the large T-shirt, the only clothes available to her at the moment, she explored under the vanity looking for a toothbrush. Finding one still in its packaging, Tessa used it, then finger combed her long brunette tresses to gain some semblance of control over the wayward locks.

  She wondered where her clothes were. Gabe had driven her car back to their place and she’d thought he’d have brought her luggage up to the room. After another quick search she headed out to find her wayward clothes. Tessa hurried down the long hallway and then stopped at the top of the stairs and breathed deeply. Her stomach growled, reminding her it had been nearly twenty four hours since she’d last eaten. She descended the stairs and followed her nose. When she heard male voices off to the right of the staircase she headed in that direction.

  Tessa entered a combined kitchen dining room and came to a complete stop. In the kitchen at the stove Gabe and Rafe were cooking what smelled like bacon, eggs, and sausages. To the left of the stove Luc was pouring coffee into cups from the coffee maker. But what made her hesitate in the doorway was the delectable sight of three naked backs. The Woolf brothers only had on jeans and no shirts. She stood entranced and watched the way their muscles rippled beneath their olive-toned skin.

  Tessa must have made a noise or Luc had seen her from the corner of his eye, because he turned to face her and smiled.

  “Morning, little bird. Did you sleep well?”

  Tessa cleared her throat before she began to answer. The last thing she needed was to squeak when she spoke. “Yes, thank you.”

  “Hey, honey.” Gabe looked over his shoulder and winked at her.

  “Hi.” Tessa stood in the doorway uncertainly and shifted from foot to foot nervously.

  Gabe gently propelled Tessa forward around the island bench toward the table and chairs in the dining room. It was then Tessa noticed there were four other men in the room.

  Lucien stepped forward and pulled a chair out for Tessa and then he and Gabe sat to either side of her. Lucien introduced the other men at the table to Tessa. She was feeling a little embarrassed to be caught wearing only a large T-shirt but gave a mental shrug, because it was too late now. First thing after breakfast she was going to find out where her clothes were.

  “Tessa, these men are my Omegas, Damian and Luke Aerth,” he indicated on his left. “And next to Luke are Chase and Tony Avero.”

  Tessa looked at each man as they were introduced to her and murmured, “Pleased to meet you.” Each man bowed his head to Tessa in turn as they were introduced to her.

  What the hell is an Omega?

  “If for any reason Gabriel, Rafe or I are not around and you need something, just ask any one of these men and they will help you. They will also protect you with their lives if necessary,” Lucien said in a firm voice.

  “I keep telling you I can look after myself. Where are my clothes?” Tessa snapped, and she rose to her feet.

  Lucien moved so quickly, Tessa barely saw him. She let out a squeak of surprise as she was lifted from her feet and pulled onto a hard male lap to be confined by gentle but firm arms around her waist. Tessa squirmed on Lucien’s lap, trying to get him to release her until she felt a hardness begin to swell beneath her bottom. She stilled instantly so as not to compound his desire any further.

  Rafe set plates of sausage, bacon, eggs and toast in the center of the table, then sat down in the seat Tessa had vacated. The large men filled their plates with food and then Rafe filled one for Lucien and put it in front of her. Lucien parted his legs until Tessa was sitting on one of his firm masculine thighs, leaving his right arm free, so he could wield the fork. Scooping some eggs, he lifted it to Tessa’s mouth, waiting expectantly. Tessa opened her mouth to refute the necessity of being fed, but did not get to speak as Lucien shoved the fork into her mouth. Left with no choice but chew the food in her mouth, she did so and watched as Lucien ate as well.

  “I have some questions I would like some answers to,” Tess stated firmly, and glared at Lucien when he held another fork full of food to her mouth. Pressing her lips firmly together, refusing to eat another mouthful until she got a response, Tessa glared at Lucien.

  Sighing, Lucien placed the fork back onto
the plate and said, “We will answer all your questions after we have eaten, little bird. Gabriel, Rafe, you and I will adjourn to the family room after breakfast. Okay?”

  Picking up the fork Lucien put fresh food onto it and held it to Tessa’s lips until she opened her mouth. Tessa chewed the piece of sausage and then picked up a slice of toast to nibble on. She watched and listened as the men discussed several people they knew. Tessa leaned into Lucien’s chest as she ate her toast, glancing at all the men in the room. They were all huge masculine specimens of manhood, and all handsome. Not as handsome as Lucien, Rafe or Gabriel as far as Tess was concerned, but certainly wonderful eye candy.

  After everyone had finished breakfast, Lucien helped her to her feet and took her hand in his and led her across the front of the stairs to a room opposite the kitchen. He guided her to a sofa along the far wall and sat down, but again pulled her onto his lap. She wondered if all the men in this house were such touchy feely men. Rafe and Gabriel followed them into the room and settled beside her and Lucien on the sofa. Gabriel surprised her by leaning toward her and placing a quick kiss on her lips.

  “What do you want to know, sweetheart?”

  “What is an Omega? Where are we? Where are my clothes, purse and car?” Tessa’s last question brought tears of frustration to her eyes. For some reason she was feeling very vulnerable and emotional and she didn’t know how to deal with the way she was attracted to the three men. Nothing like that had ever happened to her before and she began to think she was turning into a slut. The way the brothers were looking at each other, Tessa could have sworn they were carrying on a conversation with each other. Shaking her head mentally, she pushed that stupid thought aside.

  “Well,” she said with abruptness, “are you going to answer me?”

  Rafe spoke first. “Your car is in our garage and your purse and clothes are in the cupboards in your room. We are about thirty minutes away from the inn we met you at last night and you are still in the state of Ohio.”