My Feline Protector (Middlemarch Shifters Book 6) (24 page)

When he gentled the kiss, they were both breathing hard. He withdrew from her body and smiled at her, his gaze going to the spot where he’d bitten her. He tapped her new mark, and she jumped at the spike of heat. Her nipples puckered, and a purr issued from Gerard.

“I’d heard the spot was sensitive.” He fingered the spot again. “I love seeing my mark on you.”

“Will it always be there?”

“Yes. It will only fade if I die.”

She gripped his ears and forced him to look at her. “You’re not going to do that, are you?”

“Not in the near future.”

“Good.” She frowned. “I didn’t think I could leave a mark on you. There is a small raised area.”

“I hoped that would be the case,” he said and satisfaction rippled in him. “All the human-feline pairings who live in Middlemarch or came from here bear marks. Both parties.”

“What does it mean?”

“That we’re true mates,” Gerard said. “We’re perfect together and meant to be.”

A heady sense of satisfaction filled her as she watched him, saw his enjoyment of the moment. “I love the sound of that.”

“We’ll get married as soon as we can book our holiday.”

“Perfect.”

“Happy ever after, English,” he said, his grin wide and toothy. “Happy ever after.”

Yes, she thought. Middlemarch was a good community, and she was happy, so happy here. With Gerard at her side, life couldn’t get any sweeter.

Bonus Chapter

Mitchell Farm, Middlemarch, New Zealand

Feline Shapeshifter Council Meeting.

Present:
Saber Mitchell, Sid Blackburn, Kenneth Nesbitt, Agnes Paisley, Valerie McClintock, Benjamin Urquart

“There is a certain part of the community who are against mixed marriages and their rumblings are becoming louder.” Valerie removed her glasses and refused to look at Saber, instead wiping them with a lenses cloth. “I’ve had several feline families contact me to express their concern at the rising number of humans trusted with our secret.”

Rage roared through Saber. His mate was a human, and she supported the feline community with everything she possessed. “My mate is a human. Gerard’s mate is a human, and the way I hear it, Henry’s mate was also a human.”

“Henry is a werewolf,” Agnes retorted, her prune expression of disapproval anchored in heavy wrinkles. “That is another concern with members. Henry Anderson’s application to bring his stepfather into the community has raised several objections. They’re saying, quite rightly, that Henry was in jail for a serious crime and—”

“The man was jailed by our incompetent cops,” Kenneth said, his face florid with indignation. “You should stand up for the werewolf. Why are they concerned when Henry has done nothing wrong? They should worry more about our two lazy cops who do a crap job for our town.”

“Tell me the rumors of a replacement are true,” Ben said.

Saber confined his thoughts to himself. The less he said, the better, although his feline stalked his mind, and his claws protruded, pricking his clenched palms. If he discovered who was causing trouble, he might take matters into his own hands. He’d married Emily—a human. Gerard had mated with London, and Marsh had a human mate. Who the devil was singling them out?

Sid picked up his mug of tea, took a sip and set it down with a click. “The lad has a right to be angry. Emily is an excellent addition to our town, as are the other human mates who have integrated into our group. What is going on, Valerie? Why have people started complaining? The humans bring new genes to our feline bloodlines. The resulting children are feline. Why are the felines anti-human?”

Ben reached for a piece of shortbread and crunched on the crisp cookie. He swallowed, his brow scrunched in a frown. “The rumors I’ve been hearing are that people aren’t enjoying the changes we’ve introduced. They prefer the old ways—our community remaining isolated.”

Saber snorted. “We can’t live like that any longer. We have to move with the times. Many of the families have commented favorably of their children returning to take part in the events we’ve organized. We have new businesses starting in Middlemarch. The market gives locals a way to make money from their arts and crafts.”

“Lad.” Sid patted Saber’s hand. “No one is getting at you.”

“They’re not? What is going on then?” It sure as hell felt as if he stood in the spotlight.

“Some felines think you’re too young to be on the council, and that you’re leading us in the wrong direction,” Ben said.

“No one wanted to take Uncle Herbert’s spot on the council,” Saber said, working to keep his voice even. “I’d be happy to relinquish my spot if someone else wants to volunteer.”

“No,” Valerie said.

“No.” Agnes was more emphatic.

“I agree with the ladies,” Kenneth said. “You do a stellar job. We needed you—someone younger on the council to be creative.”

“Then why is there a problem?” Saber demanded.

“Human—I mean, feline nature,” Sid said. “How about this? Next time we hold a general feline meeting, we’ll ask for ideas of how to move forward. Fund-raising solutions, ideas to improve our community, get everyone to air their concerns. For those who make sensible suggestions, ones that might help our town, we’ll give them a temporary seat on the council while we implement their ideas. That way, those who are interested or who complain regarding the way we’re doing things now, will have a chance to take action. What do you think? Will that work?”

“You always get people who complain but they aren’t willing to help either,” Agnes said. “Pass the shortbread please.”

Saber passed her the plate. “That’s sneaky. We’re making concessions but expect those complaining to help.”

“Huh!” Kenneth wiped the perspiration off his forehead. “I bet our complainers won’t want to put their money where their mouths are.”

“We’ll see,” Sid said, his faded green eyes twinkling.

“What are we going to work on for our next event?” Valerie asked. “I admit I was skeptical about our plans at first, but I’m liking the civic spirit that is growing in the town.”

“We will organize another zombie run for the spring since we promised those who weren’t able to finish discounted entry,” Agnes said. “Everyone who participated said how much they enjoyed the race. I suppose we could hold another dance.”

“Emily mentioned something this morning,” Saber said. He wondered if he should bother with the suggestion, given the petty mindedness of some.

“Out with it, lad,” Sid commanded. “Emily has offered excellent suggestions so far.”

“Emily likes to read. She reads romances and mysteries on her e-reader.” Not one of the council made a snide comment, so Saber continued. “One series she likes is set in an imaginary town where they advertise Halloween for the entire year. Emily suggested we take this idea and make it our own. Make a haunted house for the week before Halloween. People will pay to be scared. She suggested that everyone dress up in costumes and we give a prize for the best one. We can arrange trick or treating for the younger children and have a separate costume prize for them too.”

“Excellent idea,” Agnes said, nodded hard enough to make her stiff curls bob.

“Emily suggested we use the old house on the Dewhurst property. It’s a large house with lots of different rooms. We can patch the rain damage and the walls damaged by vandals. It should be easy enough,” Saber said.

“I think that is a marvelous idea,” Valerie said. “We can use sound effects and go all out, perhaps using our special feline qualities to scare humans. I vote yes.”

Sid nodded approval, and Saber relaxed. Once Sid was behind an idea, the rest of the council agreed.

“I like the other plan too,” Sid said. “Let’s put this idea to a feline meeting and ask them to come up with additional ideas.”

“Anyone over thirty is eligible to suggest an idea and sit on the council temporarily,” Valerie said.

“No.” Saber glanced around the circle of familiar faces. “Anyone who can shift may put forward their ideas and get a temporary seat. That’s fairer and will involve everyone.”

“Outrageous,” Agnes snapped. “Young felines have no good sense. May I remind you it was the problems with our youngsters that sent us on this path to start with?”

“No, if we do this, it needs to be fair for everyone, no matter their age,” Saber insisted.

“Lad is right,” Ben said. “Everyone should have equal opportunity.”

Sid tapped a pen on his note pad. “The human mates should have the same opportunity.”

“I agree,” Saber said. “Emily and Caroline have already contributed to our successful functions.”

“I second that,” Kenneth said, surprising Saber since he usually sided with Agnes and Valerie.

“Are we agreed?” Sid glanced at Agnes then Valerie. Both women nodded. “We’re decided then. The next general meeting is after the upcoming rodeo. Let’s keep this under our hats until the meeting. A show of hands.”

Saber lifted his hand, then Kenneth and Ben and finally Agnes and Valerie.

“Agreed,” Sid said with satisfaction. “That’s it, I think.” He glanced at his watch. “Perfect timing. I must be off. We have visitors for dinner.” He stood and the others rose to leave.

Saber followed them out and waved goodbye. They didn’t seem too bothered about the growing dissension in the community. He’d keep an ear out for rumbles, and if he heard anyone badmouthing Emily, there would be a ruckus, followed by his fist.

Thank you for purchasing and downloading
My Feline Protector
. If you enjoyed this read, please remember to take a second to leave a review. Let me know what your favorite parts were. The Middlemarch fun isn’t about to stop. Please turn the page to read an excerpt from
My Determined Suitor
, the next book in the Middlemarch Shifters series. Happy reading!

Shelley xx

Excerpt – My Determined Suitor

Middlemarch Shifters, book 7

Duncan grinned inside as Lana Sinclair darted away with a sexy flick of her tail. A challenge. Hot damn. He’d come to Middlemarch with an express purpose in mind. Lana.

He’d always wanted Lana.

Unfortunately, Jamie had caught and marked her first. He’d loved his cousin as much as he’d desired Lana so he’d stood aside, putting his passion into rodeo instead.

But now…now it was time to make his move.

Lana didn’t stand a chance. She might think this a game between friends, but he knew better. The sight of her pretty feline form sparked throbbing need. He quashed the lust spreading through his body, knowing an overt show of sexual desire would scare her away. No, he needed patience. Tender wooing. He’d only have one chance at Lana and knew if he misjudged he’d never have another.

He could not fuck this up.

Duncan raced after her, drawing her musky scent and the underlying vanilla spice deep into his lungs. The feline smirk she aimed over her shoulder brought a rumbling growl deep in his throat. He charged, intent on one thing. The thrill of the chase. She’d think he wanted to play.

This was playtime for adults. If he had his way, there’d be sex in the equation. Lots of sex.

He caught the flick of her tail before she darted behind a pile of gray, weather-beaten rocks and slowed. Given the wind direction, she wouldn’t notice him tracking her, and he could take her by surprise. The heat in his body increased, pooling in his loins and making his cock swell. Oh yeah. He wanted Lana, and if he fucked up this courtship, he’d never forgive himself.

Duncan stalked his prey, placing each paw with care, so he didn’t give her prior warning. Her scent intensified, and he knew he had her. Once in position, he sprang around the schist, bowling her over until they rolled and tangled in a blur of black fur. He seized the scruff of her neck with his teeth and growled, the sound becoming louder with underlying amusement at her fight for freedom.

Finally, she stilled and her submission almost killed him. All the blood left his head and sank to his cock. He swallowed at scenting the musk of arousal, knowing Lana would detect it too. And wonder. He didn’t want her wondering. No. He needed to court her, let her get used to them as a couple then strike. Wham! He’d reel her in before she knew what hit her and they’d be lovers. Partners. Mates.

The prickle of heat from her body and the faint shimmer of light told him she intended to shift back to human. His heart slammed against his ribs and he froze, unsure of how to proceed. Weird. His friends would’ve ribbed him if they’d witnessed his uncertainty. Yeah, he’d seen her naked before, yet this time seemed different. He’d kept his gaze above her neck, sticking to the social niceties of a group running together.

“Are you going to change?”

Unbidden, his eyes studied her, taking in the small details—her full breasts topped with pink nipples, the narrow waist flaring to curvy hips and lower to study her thighs and sex. Hell. His breath hissed out slowly. She shaved or waxed, leaving smooth skin. His tongue curled inside his mouth as he imagined it rasping across the creamy skin, delving into folds and plunging deep to taste her juices.

“Duncan?”

What the hell was she doing? Stunned, he watched her pluck at one nipple until it stiffened and darkened to a deep rose.