Chapter 6
Claire was preparing for bed the following night when she mustered the courage to confront Raphael about his promise to the females.
She’d meant to introduce the subject during dinner, but the meal had been so pleasant, so relaxed that the words refused to come.
But Heather was in serious trouble, and Claire was the only one in a position to help her.
Victor had stepped into the bathroom to take a shower, so the timing would never be better.
She undressed quickly and pulled on the oversized tee she used for a nightshirt.
Raphael tugged off his boots and unbuttoned his shirt before Claire finally pushed the words past her lips.
“One of the females would very much like to return to the feline village.”
“Who?” Raphael looked up from his task, his expression curious. “I asked everyone multiple times, and they indicated that they were willing to stay.”
“That’s the problem,” she argued. “You posed the question to the entire group. This person was embarrassed and chose not to speak up. She has always been introverted, but she’s extremely shy now. She doesn’t want to single herself out in any way.”
His eyes narrowed as he pushed to his feet. “Who are you talking about? I’ve spoken with all the females at one time or another and none of them seemed that shy.”
Shit. Claire scrambled for a better excuse. Heather was terrified that the truth would come out, so she’d begged Claire not to identify her by name. “I’d rather not say.” Before he could argue, she digressed. “Will you take her back or not?”
“Of course I’ll take her back. As I said the night you arrived, no one is a prisoner. Now tell me who she is and why this is an issue now?”
“I told you. She is just too shy to—”
“This is your only warning.” His tone deepened and snapped with authority. “Do not lie to me again.”
She lowered her gaze and frantically searched for a way out of this trap.
She could not, would not, give up Heather.
But she wasn’t sure she could pacify Raphael without explaining at least part of the truth.
“Something happened to change her mind. That’s all you need to know.
” She spoke respectfully, yet firmly, praying that he’d accept the evasion and move on.
“Was someone in this village cruel to her? If she was abused in any way I will—”
“She just wants to return.” Claire’s temper flared. Why did Raphael have to turn everything into a battle of wills? Yes, he was co-leader of the village, but Heather had a right to privacy. “Why are you being so difficult? You promised to take her back. We’re just asking you to keep your promise.”
“Tell me who upset her,” he shot back. “If one of my males is misbehaving, I need to know about it.”
She threw up her hands and shook her head. “It was nothing like that. She just likes the feline village better. Is that so hard to believe?”
He studied her for a long, tense moment.
She thought he was going to give in, then his gaze narrowed, and his chin lifted.
She knew that look. He was about to refuse.
Panic caused her to blurt, “She has been dream sharing with a group of cats. They convinced her to return so they can court her properly.”
“Goddamn it, Claire.” Anger ignited in his eyes and his long fingers closed around her upper arm. “What happens when you lie to me?”
“Stop badgering me about things that don’t matter and I won’t be forced to lie to you.” She’d been on her best behavior for nearly two weeks. She was tired of giving in, tired of bowing to their authority. The specifics of Heather’s situation were none of his goddamn business.
“Explain what happened right now or I will discipline you,” he warned, expression inflexible.
“I told you what you need to know,” she snapped, chin raised, eyes flashing. “I have no intention of saying any more.”
“Have it your way.” His fingers tightened and he pulled her toward the bed.
“Let go of me!” she yelled, yanking against his hold.
He sat down then bent her across his legs.
She kicked and twisted, rearing as he yanked her nightshirt off over her head.
“Right now you’ve earned a good hard spanking.
” He smacked each ass cheek to emphasize his claim.
“Keep this up and it will get much, much worse.” His hand connected with her bottom over and over.
Each slap created a burning sting. “Who wants to return and why are they determined to go?”
Claire clenched her fists and tried not to struggle; tensing just made each impact hurt more. Her other ‘lessons’ had been for her benefit. This was unfair.
He focused on one side and then the other.
The heat and discomfort compounded faster that way.
Soon her behind throbbed dreadfully, and her skin blazed with pulsing fire.
And predictably, the discomfort and humiliation stimulated other sensations.
She might be angry and resentful of this lesson, but her body craved her mate.
A harsh sob tore from her throat and she began to struggle again. “Stop,” she pleaded. Then louder, “Stop! I only lied because you wouldn’t let it go.”
His hand came to rest on her burning ass, and he gave each cheek a firm squeeze. “You lied to avoid the truth, which indicates that the truth is damning.” He pulled her up and placed her beside him.
She gasped and rocked forward, taking as much of her weight off her tender bottom as possible.
Cupping her chin, Raphael angled her face until she looked into his eyes. “Is the female in danger?”
His penetrating stare made her feel exposed and vulnerable, so she closed her eyes and nodded.
“Look at me.”
She shook her head and wiggled, trying to find a position that hurt a little less.
“Is it just one female or is the male a danger to all of them?”
“It’s just one.” Hope flickered through Claire. Could she offer him just enough honesty to satisfy his curiosity, or would he keep asking questions until she had no choice but to lie again?
“Will returning Heather to the feline village defuse the danger for everyone?”
Her eyes flew open, and she fought back a gasp. “How did you know it was Heather?”
“It was an educated guess.” Raphael stroked the side of her face with his knuckles, his expression still grim. “Tell me who upset her.”
Claire shook her head. She would gladly endure a sore bottom to protect her friend. “It’s not important.”
Victor walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his lean hips. “It sounds like you started without me.”
“Our mate had a momentary relapse into dishonesty, but she’s better now,” Raphael told him.
“That’s too bad,” Victor said, his voice low and slightly menacing. “I was hoping to assist with her lesson. She’d been so well behaved lately. I’ve missed punishing her.”
Claire sucked in a nervous breath. Raphael’s punishments were always straightforward, usually a firm hand spanking. Victor, on the other hand, could be incredibly cruel. He used a confusing mixture of pleasure and pain to communicate his expectations and demonstrate his control over her.
“Well, she is refusing to divulge important information,” Raphael pointed out with a sexy smile. “That too is a punishable offense.”
Claire shot to her feet and moved away from the bed. “I don’t want to play these games tonight. You already spanked me. That’s enough.”
Victor chuckled, but there was no humor in the sound. “Haven’t you learned by now, mate? You are not in control once the lesson begins.”
“I learned my lesson,” she objected, heart beginning to pound. “Raphael spanked me, so I told him the truth.”
“You told me part of the truth,” he clarified, “and I did not give you permission to use my name.”
She gritted her teeth. She’d foolishly allowed herself to think that her punishment was over. “Yes, Sir.”
“What did you have in mind?” Raphael asked Victor.
The amusement in Raphael’s tone made Claire want to scream.
This wasn’t funny, and she wasn’t in the mood for their games.
Each time they fucked her they could sense her thoughts and emotions a little clearer.
She would be able to sense them too as soon as she allowed a mind link, but she’d refused each time they asked.
“I’ll sleep in the spare bedroom,” she decided and turned toward the door.
Victor caught her around the waist and dragged her toward the bed. “We’re not even close to finished with you, mate.” He tossed her onto the mattress and urged her over onto her belly. “Her ass is pink, but I think we can do better.”
Working together, the males easily positioned her on the bed.
Claire struggled, twisting and yanking against their hands.
None of her efforts did any good. Her arms were soon secured above her head, and her legs were spread wide and restrained to something at the foot of the bed.
A rounded cushion was slipped beneath her hips, lifting her ass and giving them better access to her pussy.
She was helpless, her body arranged for the pleasure of her mates.
“Lovely,” Raphael murmured. “We don’t restrain her often enough. This is so fucking hot.”
“I agree,” Victor said. “But her skin needs more color. I want her so desperate for my cock that she won’t care where I thrust it.”
His meaning was obvious, and Claire tensed. They had teased her bottom, training the tight opening, but neither of them had entered her yet. She knew it was unavoidable, but she’d rather not be bound and helpless while it happened. “I don’t want to be tied down if you’re going to do that.”
Victor rested a knee on the bed and leaned over her, whispering into her ear. “You’re not in control right now. You’re ours, and we will do as we like with your lovely body.”