Sweeter than Wine

CHAPTER 15

When Christina and Sebastian rose the following evening, the house was quiet. Most of the werefolk had gone home, though a small contingent of Hastings' agents had set up a surveillance schedule to prowl the grounds of the estate. Sebastian made arrangements to hire Hastings' firm, though protection was only a side business for the busy private investigator. Still, the man had to earn a living for himself and his people and Sebastian had plenty of money to pay them with. Plus, Hastings' people were well trained in security, and had their natural were talents to call on. They'd also seen firsthand the threatening evil of the Venifucus, and knew Sebastian and Christina on a personal level. They were friends now. Comrades in arms. Sebastian trusted them to look after him and his lady, as well as the estate. It was a good deal all the way around.

Cameron was keeping tabs on Steel, but the mortal had been thanked and allowed to go on his way. The reports he would've handed in to his superiors at the Altor Custodis were now in Sebastian's safe. They'd be burned in the presence of Marc and Ian, as soon as the Master returned. Ian was keeping an eye on the former Altor Custodis agent and Christina's doctor friend as well-during the evenings, of course.

Sebastian had been in touch with Marc, but it sounded like he was enjoying his excursion in the countryside with his new wife. They hadn't had much of a honeymoon, so this little sojourn was apparently filling the gap. Marc didn't sound like he was in any hurry to return home, but then, the danger had passed…for now.

Cameron was waiting in the living room with a grim look on his face when Christina and Sebastian came up from their chamber. Sebastian took mental stock of the house and grounds. Usually he could pinpoint every creature in his domain. Right now, there were two were patrollers on the perimeter, Cam here in the living room, and Matt was still upstairs in one of the guest rooms. Everything seemed all right, but Cam's expression was troubled.

«What's wrong?»

Cam sighed. «The young cougar bit off more than he bargained for, I'm afraid.»

Christina moved into the room. «What do you mean? Is Matt okay?»

«He's upstairs, resting. He's been in bed all day. I checked on him earlier, but there's little I can do for this kind of malady.» Cameron shook his head, his eyes grave.

«What's wrong with him?» Christina was upset. Sebastian could feel her worry through their bond.

«It was the blood, wasn't it?» Sebastian asked, fearing the answer.

The fey warrior nodded.

Sebastian touched Christina's shoulder. «Remember how I went after Mario? With my hands. Not my fangs.» She nodded. «When someone is that evil, right down to their core, even their blood is tainted. It's like poison to one of us.»

«But Matt bit him. Oh, no! Is it as bad for were as it would be for us?»

«Not quite that deadly,» Cam drew her attention, «but still poisonous. It's something he'll have to work out of his system, but it could leave him impaired.»

«He looked so tired last night, but I thought it was just from the stress. I should've known something was up. He's usually so full of life and energy.» Christina turned back to Sebastian. «Isn't there anything we can do?»

The silence stretched.

«There is one thing.» Cam spoke in a low, serious voice. «Evil can only be overcome with goodness, purity of heart, valor, and…love. You care for him. He's bonded with you, for Lady's sake. You, Christina, could help purge the poison from his blood, both with your vampiric gifts and the love you hold in your heart for him. I know it's not the same as the bond you share with Sebastian, but what you both feel for Matthew is good and true. Most importantly, it could heal him. If you're willing.»

Christina looked confused as she turned to Sebastian. He opened his mind to her completely, sharing images of their first joining, when Matt had given her his blood, so she might grow strong enough to face her fears. Matt's blood had given her the agility to dodge Mario's attacks. He'd later helped her learn how to use the cat's grace and treated her with respect, and yes, a kind of love.

He shared their minds in a small way. He was a part of them, though not in the same way Sebastian and Christina were joined. Still, he was there, in their minds and hearts, not to be denied or left to suffer.

«We can help him,» Sebastian said. «If you're willing.» In their minds he showed her images of the three of them together. He knew when the spark ignited in her blood. They'd been good together. Healing Matt in such a way would be no hardship at all.

When it came down to it, Sebastian wouldn't share his One with anyone-except Matt. He'd been more than a brother to them, seeing both of them through danger and standing strong by their sides. He'd even been poisoned to save them. They could do no less than help him now. And if the road to health was paved with pleasure, then they'd just have to put up with it.

Sebastian sighed and Christina grinned.

She reached up and kissed him. «I love you, Sebastian.»

Matt was aware when the door to the guest room opened, but he couldn't find the energy to do much more than crack open his eyes. He was unsurprised to find Sebastian towering over him, with Christy at his side.

«What are you still doing in bed, friend?» the vamp asked.

Matt shrugged. «I just need some rest. Shouldn't you guys be sleeping? What time is it?»

«Cam said you slept all day, Matt.» Christy sat on the side of the bed, her beautiful eyes full of concern. «It's after dark.»

«You're kidding.»

«I'm afraid not.» One of her soft hands pushed his hair away from his brow. Her touch was magic. «Matt, you're sick and I think we can cure you.»

Matt's mind whirled in a foggy mist. Christy's touch acted on his senses, her tantalizing scent reaching out to fire his blood. He remembered how sweet she'd been to fuck and how much he liked her-even loved her, in a very special way. But he hadn't been invited back to her bed since that astonishing three-way when his mind had been touched ever-so-slightly by the joining of theirs.

«Sweetheart, you're with Sebastian now. I know you two are joined.»

«Yes,» Sebastian answered, drawing his gaze, «we are. And we will be for all eternity. But we're also connected-slightly-to you. We care for you, Matt. We don't want to see you suffer for having helped us.»

«And you think…this…will help?»

Sebastian nodded. «That's what Cameron said, and I trust him to know more about magical matters than any other being I know.»

«The old busybody.» Matt cursed. «Don't listen to him. I'll be fine with a good night's sleep.»

«Matt, you've slept more than thirteen hours already.» Christy sounded worried. She was such a sweet woman. He envied Sebastian for having her in his life. «Let me help you.»

«You don't have to do this.»

«We want to.» Sebastian's eyes flared and Matt couldn't tell if it was with ire or passion. In his weakened state, he couldn't work up the energy to fear either. «Don't we, Christina?»

She moved closer, stroking his cheek. «We do.» One of her hands rested over his heart. «Matt, you gave me your strength when I most needed it. You saved my life. Let me give a little of that back.»

«Let you?» Matt had to laugh. «I'd be a fool to say no, but I'd happily be the fool if it meant coming between you two in any way.»

«Only in the best possible way, brother.»

Matt was caught by both the unmistakable heat in Sebastian's gaze and the words he used. Sebastian had never called him brother before. Such words had significance among both were and bloodletters. They weren't used lightly.

«Are you sure about this?»

«Kiss him, Christina. Show him how sure we both are.»

Christy leaned forward and brushed her lips over Matt's. He remembered her delicious flavor and felt the immediate spark of her energy seeping into his body. When her tongue tangled with his, he felt stronger. He also felt the bond between them flare to life-the bond that linked all three of them.

Sebastian hung back and watched from beside the bed, much as he'd done that first night. But Matt could sense the other man's passion building, just as he had on those other occasions when he'd been with Christy. Only this time, the passion wasn't one of unrequited yearning, but rather that of the flourishing love between Christy and Sebastian. It was a powerful thing. A sacred thing. A beautiful thing to witness and even more special to share in, if only for this moment.

Christy claimed all of Matt's attention, settling over him, her breasts brushing against his chest, her thighs straddling him. They were both clothed, but the small barrier of fabric only heightened the sensations.

With each kiss, Matt felt himself rising out of the fog that had enveloped his mind. Still, the whole encounter had a dreamlike quality, like something he wished for but knew he could no longer have. Yet, here he was. Even more importantly, here she was, in his arms, kissing him with real affection.

«Christy,» Matt whispered as she pulled back and tugged her stretchy top over her head. Her breasts were bare beneath, a beacon to his hungry gaze. «You're beautiful, sweetheart. So beautiful.»

She smiled and moved away, standing at the bedside. Matt was confused as he saw two hands come around her waist from behind. Then he remembered. Sebastian.

The vampire wasn't pulling her away. On the contrary, he unbuttoned and unzipped his lady's jeans, and pushed them down her long legs along with her lacy underwear. Sebastian's hands guided her toward Matt again and she undressed him as if he were a child. Matt didn't mind one bit. He still felt weak, but he enjoyed the feel of her delicate fingers running over his skin, undoing his buttons, unzipping him. All the while he watched her sway, the gentle bouncing of her breasts enchanted him. He reached out to hold her when he was finally as naked as she, touching her smooth skin and caressing her nipples with eager hands.

«Kiss him, Christy,» Sebastian coached from the bedside. «Let him sip from your mouth. Any fluid from our kind-except blood-will strengthen a were's natural healing.»

Christy wondered what vampire blood would do to a werecougar, but left the question for another time. Things were getting too hot and heavy between her and Matt to let logic interfere. Just knowing Sebastian was there, watching, approving, coaching…it made this act of love all that much sexier.

Making love to Matt was no hardship, though in truth, all she needed in her life was Sebastian-now and forever. But Matt was a special case. He'd been there at the beginning of their relationship and she knew they both hoped he'd be around for a long time to come.

Christy had felt deep, numbing fear when Cameron said Matt might never be the same after biting the evil mage. If there was anything-anything-she could to do help him, she'd do it. Giving him pleasure while he pleasured her in return was little enough to ask, except that she knew it was hard on Sebastian.

She'd felt a little twang of fear until she'd searched his mind. He'd helped her come to terms with her own mixed emotions on the topic. They were joined so fully at times, they shared thoughts, emotions, and even opinions. They both loved Matt for the special friend he was. They didn't want to see him impaired when they might be able to help him.

And so here they were.

Christy opened up her mind enough to know that Sebastian was more than enjoying watching Matt lick her nipples. She shared the feel of it with Sebastian in the shared playground of their minds and knew he was growing more aroused by the second. She'd have to get as much of her essence into Matt as quickly as possible because Sebastian wasn't going to wait long to claim her. Nor could she wait for the possession she'd come to crave.

Christy reached down to stroke Matt's aroused cock, wanting him to enjoy every moment of his «medicine». She kissed him, enjoying the control he let her have for the first time over their kisses. She wasn't used to taking the lead in lovemaking. If Matt had been his usual self, he'd probably be too much of an Alpha to let her call the shots for long, but she was enjoying this short interlude immensely.

She turned on the bed to straddle his face while taking his thick cock between her lips. A moment later she felt that long were tongue of his lapping at her clit and swirling its way up her passage. Her body was on fire with the sensation. Werefolk-at least cougars, judging by Matt-had talented tongues.

«Is he drinking your honey, Christina? Lapping at your cream like a good little cat?» Sebastian's eyes locked with hers from a few feet away. He'd pulled a chair over to the side of the bed, sitting, watching with a perfect view of all the action. «Does it feel good?»

She moaned and let him feel through their link a fraction of the need Matt was firing in her blood. Matt groaned too.

Sebastian was startled enough to send out a quick mental probe. Matt's link with them was stronger than ever. It seemed to grow with proximity and they couldn't get any closer than they were now. Well, not unless they were both inside Christina at the same time.

Which could be arranged.

Sebastian thought through the wicked possibilities. They'd done it once before, of course, but only once, and that episode had been overshadowed by the monumental occasion of their joining. Sebastian had always been adventurous sexually and he was glad to find his mate was open for new experiences as well. He could read how excited she was at the ideas running through their shared mind. Excited, but still a tad shy, to be sure. Just the way he liked her.

They could spend centuries together exploring all the different ways he wanted to take her, the ways he wanted her to take him, and all the possibilities in between. They would have a glorious life together, but none of that would be possible, of course, if the Venifucus had their way. Matt was a vital part of keeping them all alive. Every supernatural life was precious, but Matt's even more so for the goodness he'd already proven was in his heart, and the valor he'd shown in battle. He was a selfless man, with a pure soul. And apparently, a very talented tongue.

Christina writhed over him, her body undulating in sinuous moves that made Sebastian's cock stand at attention. Matt was also hard and benefiting from the wet warmth of her mouth. How Sebastian envied the young were at that moment, but the beauty of it was, he knew he'd be feeling her mouth again soon-and that he could do so any night for the rest of their long lives together. He could spare the werecougar who'd saved their lives this moment in time.

Christina met Sebastian's gaze as she went down on Matt. He'd never seen anything sexier. She was the most sultry, tempting, yet innocent seductress he'd ever had the good fortune to meet. Without even trying, she had him harder than a flagpole.

«Suck him, love. Make him come.» Sebastian couldn't help the order that spilled from his lips. Christina might think she was in charge of this little show, but he knew how she liked to be dominated sexually. Her pupils flared with excitement at his words, proving he was right.

She redoubled her efforts and Sebastian could smell the increased excitement in the air. Matt needed her honey. It was one of the few ways she could pass some of their healing to him without putting him in even greater danger.

And they both needed to get off. The energies were still murky from Matt, but getting stronger. Vampires fed off the sexual energies of their prey. Sebastian could gauge a mortal's level of health from the pulsing of their energy in a situation like this. He'd had centuries to perfect his observations and a quick glance told him Matt was still suffering the effects of the tainted blood.

It was a testament to Matt's strength that he hadn't been in even worse condition. Such evil blood could have killed a vampire-or turned him into a demon-in short order, had he been foolish enough to drink from Mario. Matt was caught in a haze while his energy was sapped by the contagion, but with each lick of Christina's tasty cream, he grew stronger.

He needed to come-repeatedly-for the taint to leave him altogether. And so did Christina. For Matt. And for them all.

«Make him come now, baby. Now,» Sebastian ordered.

Christina applied her lips and tongue, hollowing her cheeks as she scraped her nails lightly up Matt's thigh. The werecougar groaned and tensed, his hips lifting as he came in rapturous spurts inside her greedy mouth.

She would gain from this joining as well. Not as much as she had from those first, most important encounters but still a significant, if temporary, boost to her abilities.

Matt's energies seemed to clear substantially as he quieted down, still licking at her pussy with lazy strokes. Sebastian crooked his finger and she climbed off the werecougar and walked over to him.

«Now me, baby.» He cupped her neck, leaning forward to graze his fangs over her pulse, nipping lightly before drawing back. «I want to feel those lips on me.»

Christy knew Sebastian wouldn't be able to wait long. Truth to tell, neither could she. Matt had fired her senses to a fever pitch, but he still wasn't quite himself. She could feel his energies, and though she wasn't quite as good at interpreting the signs as Sebastian, she knew from her mate's thoughts that Matt was indeed getting better, but wasn't quite all the way back yet.

But thoughts of anything else were pushed away as she bent over the love of her life, taking him deep in her mouth, the way she'd learned he liked. She worked him, sliding wetly over him, teasing him, tantalizing him. She heard motion in the room but dismissed it, so intent was she on her task.

Sebastian's hands tangled in her hair, guiding her motions, softly petting. She knew she was driving him wild and she liked the sensation.

She gasped though, when a long, hot tongue insinuated itself into her pussy from behind. Matt, of course. Dimly she registered the movement she'd sensed had been Matt getting off the bed and kneeling behind her. His mouth feasted on her pussy as she sucked Sebastian, a chain of pleasure affecting all three of them.

She knew Matt gained from tasting her and kissing her. Not only did her healing abilities pass over to him, but the sensual magic that was common to all vampires made Matt feel things most other men would never experience. The «vampire mojo» as he called it, guaranteed every interaction with one of their kind could be as pleasurable as the vampire in question wished it to be. In this case, there was no question, Christy wanted Matt to feel as good as possible, so she let loose with the sensual magic she otherwise kept restrained.

She knew she succeeded when Matt purred. Cat that he was, the purr shook his whole body, resonating from deep within, and translated to the lips kissing her so intimately.

Christy went off like a rocket, coming hard against Matt's suctioning mouth. Sebastian, his thoughts tangled with hers, came with her, spurting into her mouth as she drank him down.

It was one of the most amazing completions they'd ever shared. Thanks to their furry friend and his innate catness. That purr was something she'd never quite forget.

Sebastian bent over her, his limbs still trembling from the incredible climax. His eyes danced with laughter as he looked down the length of his woman's curvy back to see the werecougar still lapping at her folds with feline content. Sebastian caught her eye and winked. «Nice, kitty.» Christina's laughter was musical and uplifting. «You have no idea.»

She stepped forward, petting Matt's head to hold him in place, otherwise, out of it as he was, he would have followed her anywhere. She kissed Sebastian before turning to Matt and giving him the same salute on his glistening lips.

«Take him in your hand,» Sebastian instructed, watching as Christina followed his order without demur. «Walk him backwards to the bed. He needs to sit.» Again, she did as he asked and Matt followed where she led. He was coming back to them in slow stages. Sebastian kept tabs on the werecat's progress, testing his energies with short forays of his own every few minutes. Matt's essence was still shrouded in a miasma that weighed him down, but it was starting to dissipate the more he was exposed to the love and light that came from their joining.

In this one special instance, the vampires were feeding the needy werecougar with their energies almost as much as the sexual energy between all of three of them fed the bloodletters. It was an odd occurrence, to be sure, but these were strange circumstances and even stranger times.

Christina guided Matt to sit on the bed. Sebastian watched them as she tugged on Matt's cock with gentle fingers that knew just the right pressure. She kissed him with genuine affection but Sebastian knew her heart as well as his own. She loved Matt in a very special way-much like the kinship Sebastian felt with the big werecat-but nothing could rival or ever threaten the soul-deep bond they shared. Sebastian was secure in the knowledge that while a small part of her heart would always have Matt in it, the main portion of her love would always be Sebastian's.

Christina trailed nibbling kisses down Matt's chest as he leaned back. When she bent lower to take his aroused cock in her mouth again, Sebastian couldn't resist either the view or the temptation. He went to his lover, claiming her pussy from behind.

He pushed into her with a slow, deliberate motion, testing her readiness, though he could feel the excitement in the part of their minds they shared. Fully seated, he waited just a breath to pick up the rhythm she was using on Matt. Synching their movements, he took over the work of driving them all toward climax.

If they could all come together this time, it might create enough sensual energy to pull Matt out of the fog completely. Sebastian kept a close eye on the werecat and Christina, as he drove into her, forcing her to swallow and release Matt's cock in the rhythm Sebastian set.

He sped up as he felt their climaxes approaching. After three centuries as a vampire, Sebastian was expert at gauging the sexual peak of his prey. Though his days of seeking sexual energy from anyone other than his mate were at an end, he still had the expertise to guide this little tableau and he used it to their best advantage.

Sebastian pushed into her with short digs, designed to rub her in just the right way while she sucked Matt's cock, her clever hands fondling his balls. Sebastian felt them all racing toward the edge and with a few crisp motions, he sent them all flying straight over the cliff, soaring with each other for long moments, then coasting downward together to make a soft landing on the Earth far below.

Sebastian pulled out and collapsed back in the chair. Christina went with him, to settle in his lap, curling into him in her languor. Matt lay back on the bed, his legs dangling off the side, his lungs laboring as he tried to catch his breath. Sebastian watched his friend through heavily lidded eyes. The energy in the room was thick, pure and filled with goodness. If anything could overcome the evil taint in Matt's body, this was the thing-the one thing in the universe that evil couldn't defeat-love.

Christina succumbed to sleep and nuzzled into Sebastian's chest while he sat watch, waiting to see if this last effort had wrought any significant change in Matt's condition. The air in the room was thick with the swirling energies they'd created between them so it was hard to read Matt as closely as he wished, but when the werecougar recovered from his climax, Sebastian would have his answer. He hoped it was the right answer. He desperately wanted Matt to be his old self again. The idea that he might suffer permanent damage from the encounter with Mario hurt Sebastian. He loved Matt like a brother and didn't like the idea of him being hurt by coming to his and Christina's rescue.

Matt blinked a few times before sitting up. His gaze met Sebastian's and the vampire was glad to note the glazed look was gone. Matt seemed more clear-headed than he'd seen him since the battle.

«Are you back with us, brother?» Sebastian deliberately used the term of kinship that meant so much more among their peoples.

Matt ran a weary hand through his shaggy hair and sighed. «I think so. Dammit, Sebastian, I feel like I've been walking in a dream. How long has it been?»

«Almost twenty-four hours since you saved our lives and got poisoned for your troubles. I should thank you again, by the way, since I don't think you've really been with us since Mario's blood got into your system.»

Matt shook his head. «I spit it out. He tasted foul. I remember spitting as much as I could and then dragging my tongue along the side of the building for good measure. Even that tasted better than filthy Mario.»

«Still, some of his taint got into you. Cameron was worried enough to send us to you when we rose this evening.»

Matt nodded toward Christina, sleeping on Sebastian's lap. «You truly didn't have to do this, but I can never thank you enough. Looking at it clearly now, I don't think my natural ability to heal would've saved me from this poison. It kept getting worse instead of better. That's never happened to me before.»

«It's that way with evil. Once it takes hold, it grows roots and spreads. But we stopped it in time. It seems well and truly gone.»

«Thank the Lady for that.» Matt's eyes were as serious as Sebastian had ever seen them. «And thank you, Sebastian. For saving me. And for…» He gestured toward Christina again, his eyes going soft as he gazed at her. «For both of you being willing to share this…» He seemed to be at a loss for words as he waved one hand in the air, indicating the room, the bed, and them. «With me.»

Sebastian smiled, knowing their friendship would continue as it had, and be even stronger for sharing both danger and caring. «How much do you remember?»

«Pretty much all of it, but it has a hazy, dreamlike quality.»

Sebastian couldn't resist teasing his friend. «She made you purr in human form.»

«You're shitting me. I thought that part must have been wishful thinking.»

«I'm afraid not.» Sebastian smiled at Matt's stunned expression.

«You know how rare that is, don't you?»

«I've heard things, but I wasn't entirely sure.»

«Let's put it this way. My sire passed on only one piece of advice to me and my brothers where females were concerned. He said if any of us ever found a female who could make us purr, we should marry the girl before she could get away.»

Sebastian's arms tightened around Christina as she snuggled into his chest. «Sorry, Matt. This one's mine.»

«I know. That's the hell of it. Damn. It's gotta be that vampire mojo you all have. The only other time in my life I ever came close to purring was with Althea Williams. Remember her?»

«Do I ever. She was quite a woman. And quite a bit younger than me. Rumor has it she's barely a century. I didn't know you'd bedded her. How in the world did that come about?»

Matt sighed. «It's a long story.»

«And I'd love to hear it,» Christina chimed in, her eyes still closed, «but I'll thank you not to be talking, or even thinking, of other women after what we just did to save your miserable hide. Ungrateful cat.»

«Oh, sweetheart,» Matt said with some guilt, falling to his knees at her side, «you know I didn't mean-«

«She's teasing you, brother.» Sebastian squeezed her ribs, tickling a giggle out of her as she opened her eyes. «My woman has a mischievous streak, I'm afraid.»

Matt sat back on his haunches and sighed. «Damn, girl, you had me scared there for a minute. But I hope you know how grateful I truly am for what you did for me. I really like your kind of medicine.»

She leaned forward and placed her hands on his shoulders, drawing him close for a quick kiss. «I'm glad you're okay.» There were tears in her voice as she whispered of her happiness.

«Me too.» Matt brushed a strand of hair back behind her ear as she sat back. «Thank you both for caring enough to save me.»

«Just returning the favor, my friend.» Sebastian cuddled Christina close as Matt went back to the bed. They were all tired after the excesses of the previous hours, but it was a good kind of tired.

Sebastian scooted Christina off his lap and they both stood. She gathered their clothing and donned her top while handing Sebastian his pants. In short order they were both presentable.

«There's plenty of food in the kitchen,» Sebastian said on his way toward the door. «Hastings' people restocked earlier today, I heard.»

Matt's stomach rumbled at the mention of food and they all laughed. Christina glanced back and blew a kiss toward the werecougar before heading out the door. Sebastian lingered with his hand on the knob.

«You're part of us, Matt,» he said, finding it hard to express the thoughts in his mind, the feelings in his heart. «What you did…when you took down Mario…that's something I will never forget. Ever.»

Matt didn't speak, but as their eyes met, Sebastian knew the other man understood. Theirs was a bond deeper than mere friendship. For as long as any of them lived, the bond forged in danger and tempered by fire would stand strong between them.

Sebastian left and Matt showered and dressed. He went first to the kitchen, where one of the werehawks had made a rare roast. Matt chowed down and soon felt much better. Except for the disturbing idea that Christy had made him purr.

Cameron came into the kitchen as Matt was digging into a bowl of gelatin for dessert. The fey turned a chair around and sat opposite him, staring at him until Matt was forced to look up.

«What? Do I have Jell-O on my nose?»

Cam barked out a laugh. «No, laddie, but Sebastian mentioned you might be troubled.»

«And you thought you'd stick your nose in? Cam, your advice is what led to this little…difficulty.»

«You're very focused on noses for some reason.» Cam fingered the tip of his own nose for a second before his eyes cleared of laughter. «But I'm glad to see you looking better, my lad. That taint was nasty stuff and I was at a loss as to how to lift it.»

«So you sent them to me. Dammit, Cam!» Matt shoved the dish and spoon aside.

«Now you can't tell me you regret it.» Cam's knowing expression demanded no less than the truth.

«Of course not,» Matt swore. «But the whole purring thing. Fuck! That wasn't supposed to happen. Not with Christy.»

Cam sat back and eyed him. «Lad, I've known more than a few of your kind in my times in this realm. I've run across this problem before and take it from me. This is not the problem you might think it is.»

Matt didn't believe him, though he wanted to. He sat back and watched the other man, waiting for him to elaborate.

«It's true, the purr is rare for you werecats. Sebastian told me what your father said and your old man was right-for the most part. The thing is, in recent centuries, were and bloodletter haven't interacted much, so you don't realize that your reaction to Christy's new power is fairly common. In fact, I'm surprised it didn't happen in your earlier encounters. My only guess is that she wasn't as comfortable in her power at first and you weren't as susceptible as when you were so weak from the poison.»

«So you think it was to be expected?»

Cam nodded. «More than that, I think you can rest easy. The purr will help you determine your true mate, but such things don't count when you're talking about mixing weres and vamps. Among other werecats or even with mortals, you might find a woman who can bring out the beast in you, even in human form. Such a woman would be potential mate material and I'll admit, it's rare, but it is possible.»

«I didn't think I'd ever want to find a true mate, Cam,» Matt admitted in a moment of candor. «Not until I witnessed the bond between Christy and Sebastian. But now I wonder if there's someone out there who could complete me the way they complete each other.»

Cam's eyes clouded while the silence stretched. He blinked and came back, smiling with his customary cunning. «I'll tell you this, laddie. There is someone out there who could make you as happy as our vampire friends, but you'll have to be smart enough to recognize her when you see her.» Cam stood and pushed the chair back under the table as he grinned. «She'll lead you a merry chase, but I think you'll do all right. You'll just have to expect the unexpected. Not everything is as it seems.»

Cameron left and Matt cursed even as he pulled the bowl of gelatin back in front of him. Muttering, he spooned up more of the dessert. «Damned fey always speak in riddles.» But the smile that curved the corners of his mouth belied the light feeling in his heart. For the first time since witnessing the joining between Christy and Sebastian, Matt had hope for his own love life.

He sat in silence for a while, mulling over Cameron's words, when the back door opened. Hastings walked in and slapped a folder stuffed with papers on the table as he hooked a chair and sat down on the opposite side of the table.

«Glad to see you up and around, Matt.»

«Thanks. Me too.» Matt swallowed a sip of coffee and sat back. «So where did everyone go? The place looks like it's emptying out.»

«My team is going on shifts. Sebastian's asked us to help with security here. We're also going to be working with Atticus at the winery. This mess has brought a lot of business my way, but I can't say I'm pleased by the necessity. Still, the work is good to have. Vamps pay well.» Hastings wore the smug grin of a business man that almost made Matt laugh. The raptor had killer instincts no matter what the playing field.

«Where's Steel?»

«He took off already, but we had a talk before he left. He's going to be investigating his handlers in the AC from here on out. Any jobs he takes for them will be strictly for show and as far as they're concerned, all of Kelly LaTour's friends are still mortal and he has no idea what happened to their boy Mario.» Hastings snagged a mug from the counter behind him and poured a cup of coffee for himself. «Steel is going to work with us to figure out what's going on over in the Altor Custodis and just how deep the Venifucus threat goes.»

«Sounds dangerous.»

Hastings sat back, his eyes going cold. «It is, but Steel can handle himself. He's just the kind of man we need on the inside.»

«I'll drink to that.» Matt raised his coffee cup and Hastings joined in the toast. Steel had impressed quite a few of them with his skill and strength under fire, not to mention his deep and true remorse for what had happened to the people he'd investigated in the past. Matt knew the former Navy SEAL would work hard to make up for his mistakes, though he'd have to live with the guilt for a long time to come. Still, he was a worthy ally and Matt was glad Steel was playing on their team now.

At sunset that same day, Christy woke in Sebastian's arms.

«Good morrow, my love.» Sebastian stroked her hair as he gazed deep into her eyes.

«Have I told you yet today how much I love you?» She knew, looking up at him, that this was the man she would spend the rest of her life with, though the possible length of that life still boggled her mind. He'd changed her life so drastically, and all for the good. It was hard to think now about the person she'd been just a few weeks before. How could a man like this want such a weakling? The idea still made her pause.

«I knew you were special the moment I saw you at that wedding, Christina. You should be able to read that much in my memories. I have no doubt we were meant to be together.» He leaned in to nibble at her throat. «I cursed the fact that you were married and had plans to wait for you, no matter how long it took. Eventually, you would be mine. I had faith.»

Amazingly, she could feel the truth of his words. Just as she'd dreamed of him when the nights were long and lonely in her troubled home, he'd held hope that someday she'd be free and they would be together.

«I dreamed of you, Sebastian, so many nights.»

«I know.» A wicked light entered his eyes. «But I bet you never counted on some of the things I demanded of you. Can you ever forgive me for springing Matt on you so soon after your trauma? If there'd been any other way, I would've taken it, but that first meal was crucial.»

She smiled up at him. «I understand your reasons now, but I will admit, it was hard to take at first. I mean…» She felt heat rise to her cheeks as she remembered those first encounters. «I had all this new, sexual energy pushing me to do things I'd never done before, though I had fantasized about some of them. Some of the things we did though, I never thought of in my wildest dreams.» She laughed with embarrassment and a growing sensual thrill as Sebastian's fingers trailed over the sensitive skin of her abdomen.

«I knew Matt would treat you right and push your boundaries. I'm glad it worked out, though I was worried you might hate me. Or that you might prefer Matt to me. Of course, then there'd be one less werecougar in the world today.» His dry tone made her gasp with scandalized laughter.

«Sebastian!» She pushed at his arm, knowing he was only teasing about doing away with his friend, though she could feel the very real fears he'd harbored before they'd been joined. «Do you think Matt will be okay now?»

«He'd damn well better be. I don't like sharing.» He tightened his arms around her, snuggling her close.

«Don't you?» She blinked up at him, teasing him with the thoughts she could read in his mind. «That's not what you thought last night.»

«Well,» Sebastian cleared his throat, playing along, «perhaps I should rephrase that.» He moved quicker than lightning, laying her flat on the bed while he loomed over her.

His eyes were hot with desire, his body warm over hers. «You're mine, Christina.

Forevermore. You are my sun, moon and stars, my days and most importantly, my nights.

I'm a jealous man, my love, and I won't be so generous with anyone other than Matt.

And even then, not often. He needs to find his own mate, but until he does, we can't ignore the fact that he's joined to us.» He leaned closer. «To do so would be cruel, and even I will admit, the possibilities are…intriguing.»

The fire in his gaze made her squirm. «Sebastian, I don't think-«

«Good.» He leaned in to kiss her. «Don't think.» He kissed her again. «Let me worry about Matt and his role in our lives. Given time, I think it'll all work out, my love. You'll see. For now, I just want to claim my mate again. And again. And again. I want you to never forget that I'm the man you will walk into eternity with.»

«I could never forget that, Sebastian. I may be your days and nights, but you're my future. My forever. I love you, Sebastian.» She strained upward and kissed him, looping her hands around his neck to draw him down, over her. She put all her love into the kiss and the long, languorous loving that followed. They were One in mind, heart and body, as they would be forevermore.