Protect and Serve Shifting Forces Read Online Free PDF

“No, not really.” I shake myself back into the present. “Where’s Aurora?”
    “She’s trying to find something else in your kitchen for dinner. You kind of left whatever you were cooking on the stove. We have the windows open to air the smoke out.”
    Sure enough, the charred smell of chili wafted through the clearing. Damn, I’m really losing it . “Sorry about that. She’s kind of distracting. Then with my family…”
    “Yeah, I know. We’ll both have to deal with the human prejudice issue sooner or later. But Aurora’s waiting inside.” His nostrils flare, lips pulling tight in a feral grin. “You know we’re going to have to claim her soon, right?”
    With a short nod, I face the cabin, watching as he goes in and closes the door.
    She’s marked, but we have to complete the mating by claiming her sexually. For her safety, it should be sooner rather than later. Her pheromones are broadcasting all over the place because of the marking. Unfortunately, they affect any paranormal male within sniffing distance -- but without the caring concern of a mate, she’s in danger. Until she’s claimed, she’s fair game.
    Not to mention the longer we go without claiming her, the more the need drives us, compelling us to complete the ritual. Violence usually doesn’t matter too much in a shifter shifter mating unless it goes too far -- shifters are unusually resilient and heal pretty quickly. But with a human, it could be fatal.
    “I guess we’d better convince her, then.” Wonderful. Talking to myself again .
    * * *
    “I won’t do it.” She stands in front of the sink, shaking her head. “There’s nothing you can do to convince me otherwise.”
    “Kender, you try and reason with her! She’s too damned stubborn!” Varick stomps out, slamming the door on his way.
    “So he talked to you?”
    Her sharp nod is followed by a piercing stare.
    “You’re not willing? Even knowing the risks?”
    “I am not cleaning up your mess. You burned it, you clean it! At least I soaked the pan.” She throws the wet scouring pad back into the sink, and it splashes as it hits the pot. “It’s not my fault he can’t stand the smell. You’d think being made of fire, he’d be used to scorched odors, but nooo, he’s sensitive !”
    “That’s what this is all about?” Laughter bursts from my chest, relief cascading through me.
    “He thinks I should clean up the mess because I’m the woman ! Seriously? What the hell does he think I am, a maid?”
    “Aurora, I’ll clean up the mess. You’re right, I was careless and it’s my job to fix it. Don’t be too hard on Varick. Phoenixes are pretty traditional when it comes to male/female roles -- and they can be pretty hot-tempered. But he cares for you. We both do.” I nudge her over, grabbing the pot and scrubber.
    “How can either of you care for me? It’s not like we know each other.”
    “Can you honestly say you don’t feel anything for us, honey? Other than sexually, which you can’t fool me about.” I inhale deeply, the spicy sweetness of her arousal still lingering about her.
    She flushes under my gaze before glaring proudly. “It’s not fair, you know. You -- shifters -- you can tell when I want you, but I don’t have the same luxury.”
    “Don’t you? Can you really stand there and not know how much I want you? How much I need you?” I turn away from the sink, my erection pulsing against my pants. Her eyes widen as she stares, swallowing as her breathing quickens. “Aurora?”
    She shakes her head, desire shining in her beautiful eyes.
    I pull her closer, feel the trembling in her hand as I link my fingers with hers. Sweet breath fans over my chest as she visibly fights with the need pulsing through her. I feel the same, but I promised her I would give her time. God help me, let me be able to keep my promise.
    Her hand rests on my chest, tentatively exploring the muscles. I stand still, letting her feel her way. The other hand joins her first,