Commando Cowboys Entice Their Beauty [Wyoming Warriors 6] (7 page)

Jewel shifted and moved close to Elle. Elle reached out and rubbed her fur. “So soft, and you’re beautiful. Can you hear my voice?”

Jewel answered her telepathically.

“Ah, of course
.
You are a bit different than the usual cheetah. The colors in your hair are in your coat, and the spots are less noticeable. Do you run as fast? What are your other differences?”
Elle asked her telepathically.

The cheetah blinked, and her size went down to that of a kitten. Elle’s eyes were huge.

“Wow. That is a gift. You might be a big help in this fight against our enemies. No one would suspect a cute kitty of being anything else. Would you be willing to tell Mitch and Garth?”

“I think I’d better tell Aleron and Raoul first.”
Jewel shifted back to herself. “I’ve been so frightened of their reaction. Perhaps I might tell Aleron now with you here.”

“I agree. It will get easier to expose yourself once you see that people will accept you.”

“Everyone might not.”

“I trust in the goodness of our people. We are not the same as our ancestors. They were overwhelmed by the sudden changes in their lives and frightened. We have been residents on this lovely planet much longer.

“We are respectful of others’ differences. How could we not be, seeing how different we are from the regular earthlings? I’ll call Aleron and Pruet in if you don’t mind.”

“No, go ahead.” Jewel’s fear returned when Elle left the room.
Daddy, I wish you were here. I need to tell you what I’ve done. But if I can help get rid of our enemy, the reward will be worth the risk I’m taking.

Elle led her husband and Aleron into the room. Once they were seated she asked Jewel to tell them what she’d told her.

Jewel repeated her story. Pruet and Aleron looked stunned.

“A female shape-shifter? We thought the race had died out several centuries ago. Instead, they must have managed to hide themselves among the earthlings,” Aleron said.

“I would guess something happened that frightened them. The others must have scattered and hid to protect themselves from the same fate.” Elle looked across at Aleron and Pruet. “Jewel’s own mother didn’t tell her father at first. I suspect she only told him later because she feared she’d die at birth and leave her child without support. Her husband had to be told.”

“Will you shift for us?” Aleron asked.

“Yes.” Jewel shifted.

Aleron came to her side and knelt. He put his arms around her soft body. Her cheetah purred and rubbed her head against his. “Did you fear we’d not accept you, love? This only makes it better. We share our ability to shape-shift.” He spoke aloud, knowing she heard and understood him. All the shifters did but had to use telepathy to connect with other telepaths or other shifters when in their animal persona.

Jewel’s heart melted from the warmth of his words and the way their minds connected when he opened to her. There were no negative thoughts, only total acceptance.

Feeling more confident, she moved away from him slightly and blinked, changing into the kitten.

“Wow.” Aleron fell back on his butt. Elle and Pruet laughed. Jewel came close and rubbed herself against Aleron.

He picked her up in his hands and rubbed the fur behind her ears. She purred and cuddled into his grasp.

“You are beautiful in all shapes and forms,” Aleron said.

“She certainly is,” Elle agreed. “I’m envious of your ability to shift, Jewel. And how wonderful for you to be able to change from your cheetah to a kitten.

“Mitch and Garth will need to know about your abilities. I can see where you could be of real help in this fight with our enemies. No one would think it odd to see a kitten wandering around. You might hear valuable information.”

Jewel shifted back to herself. “I have thought of that myself.”

“Wait a minute,” Aleron said. “I don’t like the idea of Jewel putting herself in danger.”

“Aleron, if I can help, you know I have to. Too many lives are at stake.”

“We’ll talk privately at the cabin. Please excuse us.” He took hold of her arm.

Jewel yanked her arm out of his grip. “I don’t need your assistance, and we have nothing to talk about. I won’t change my mind.”

“He’s right, Jewel,” Elle said. “You should always talk things over with your partners.”

“He’s not my partner or husband. I’m free and clear to make up my own mind.”

“Like hell.” Aleron picked her up and stormed out of the room.

“Put me down, you crazy man.” Jewel heard the chuckle behind her.

“It’s going to be fun watching this courtship,” Elle said.

Elle waved as she closed the door behind them.

Aleron dumped her into the front seat of the truck. Then he quickly went around and got into the driver’s seat. It was a short drive to the cabin. He turned to her. “Do I have to carry you inside?”

“No.”

He lifted her out of the truck and then set her feet on the ground. She hurried to the front door, went in, and tried to shut him out, but he was too fast.

“I knew you’d try something. There’s nothing meek and mild about you, my love.”

“Go on and say whatever you want to.”

Aleron threw Jewel over his shoulder and carried her into her bedroom. He dumped her on the bed and followed her down, anchoring her body under his with his strong legs and arms. He cupped her face so she had to look right at him.

“Now I have your attention. Seeing you shape-shift was a shock, a good one. But thinking about your using that ability to put yourself in danger scares me more than anything.” He brushed his mouth across hers. “I know you feel you have to, but you don’t. Let the men try first to settle this fight. If it becomes necessary, then Raoul and I will reluctantly agree for you to participate.”

“And how many will die in the meantime? Perhaps something might happen to you or Raoul. I’d feel responsible for it all. Elle’s right. We don’t know the enemy. I might be able to find out who they are.” Jewel squirmed under Aleron. Her body heat had shot straight up when he kissed her, and she had difficulty ignoring his hard cock pulsing against her abdomen.

“Tell Mitch and the other leaders, and see what they say. If they agree with me for you to wait, then you will. OK?” He put his forehead against hers.

“I suppose so.”

He raised his head and stared into her eyes. “I want a promise you’ll go along with their decision.”

“And will you and Raoul, if they agree with me?”

His eyes darkened and his jaw tightened. “Reluctantly,” he said.

“Then I promise.”

“You feel very good under me.” Aleron moved his hips against hers and leaned forward to nip at her lower lip. She breathed in his intoxicating scent with every breath and his body felt just as good against hers. Her insides felt all gooey and shivery. She opened her mouth, and his tongue leisurely explored the inside. He tasted of coffee and mint. Her tongue tangled with his.

All fight had gone out of her. She hadn’t liked his determination to try to stop her from helping, but she’d seen the worry in his beautiful dark blue eyes.

When his lips moved to the opening in her shirt, a shiver shook her body. Aleron pulled back and studied her expression.

“Are you afraid of me?”

“I’m not good at this. I didn’t like it before. It hurt.” She swallowed around the lump of fear in her throat.

“We’ll take our time. Touch me and I’ll touch you. If you want me to stop at any time, I will. We’ll get you past this fear, that the boy, because that’s what he was—well actually he was an asshole—caused.”

Jewel giggled. “He was.”

“Don’t let his crude behavior be what you judge all men by. I know it’s difficult. Did he arouse any of the feelings Raoul and I make you feel?”

“No, I think I was just thankful someone was interested in me. I wanted to be part of the group. In high school, I was shy and awkward.”

“It’s difficult to imagine someone as beautiful and graceful as you having a time when you were so insecure. Raoul and I will tell you every day how wonderful and lovely you are.” He bent his forehead against hers. “Shall we try to continue or stop for now?”

Tentatively, she ran her hands through his thick hair. The dark strands spilled across her hands like warm silk. Her fingers slipped along the outlines of his ears while he remained still. Touching him, smelling his scent, feeling his strong heart beating against her chest aroused every cell in her body. A lustful pulse beat along her nerve endings.

When he moved down and licked across the pulse pounding in her neck, she moaned. A yearning ache made her pussy clench in anticipation. She’d never experienced any of these feelings that other dreadful time. Then her body had stiffened and was dry. Now moisture seeped out of her pussy.

Aleron unbuttoned her blouse and pushed her bra up. Then he put his hands on her breasts. He nuzzled her in the valley between them and took a deep breath. “You are so soft, and you smell like violets.” He licked across her nipples, and a spike of desire shot straight to her belly.

“And you taste like the sweetest strawberries,” Aleron added. He raised his head and looked at her. “Your body is wonderfully responsive to my touch.”

“I never felt this way that other time,” she whispered.

“We’re just starting, darlin’. But we need to get these clothes off. Is that all right?”

Jewel nodded, although her breathing became more rapid. Aleron slipped her blouse and bra off. He waited a moment until she was more relaxed, and then he unsnapped her jeans and removed the rest of her clothes. He stood at the side of the bed to yank off his T-shirt, jeans, and boots, and then he pulled a condom out of his jeans pocket.

Jewel watched him intently. His large, well-muscled body and big cock were a bit intimidating.

“Remember I won’t hurt you, and I’ll stop anytime you say to. Ready?”

She nodded yes.

“Are you on birth control?”

“No.”

“We knew we were all right, but after Raoul and I met you we had our blood checked anyway. Our doctor is authorized to give you the report, so we don’t have to always use these.” He held up the condom. “You probably need to see our doctor about birth control. I imagine the pills for a shifter are a little different than the usual ones.”

“Just use the condoms for now,” Jewel said. She wasn’t ready to think about birth control, marriage, commitments. A few days ago she didn’t even expect to be taking this first step so soon, to let Aleron make love to her.

Jewel had been a loner so long. Could she change enough to include not just one but two men in her life? So much had happened so fast. But she was beginning to believe she might want to.

Aleron did as she asked and put the condom on. He straddled her body and cupped her breasts. Instantly, her body responded. Her nipples tightened and her breasts seemed to swell in his hands. He took his time kissing them and rubbing her peaked nipples between his fingers.

She closed her eyes and let the sweet bliss flow over her. Aleron moved to her stomach and kissed her skin on his way to her lower lips.

When he moved his nose across her mound and took a deep breath, anxiety jerked her out of the pleasant place she’d been floating in.

“What is it? You smell delicious.” Aleron looked at her taut body. “You were relaxed.”

“I’m not sure, but…”

“It’s all right. Just remember I won’t hurt you and I won’t tell anyone about our private life.”

“I know. I’m being silly.”

“No, my love, you aren’t. You have bad memories that need to be replaced by new good ones.”

His sexy smile melted her inside.

“Can I continue?” Aleron asked. She nodded. But he surprised her by moving to her feet. His hands massaged each foot, her toes, instep, the whole area. When he finished, he told her to turn over. She did but felt more vulnerable in that position.

“Relax, don’t tighten up on me.” His husky, warm voice ran through her veins like drinking hot cider on a cold night. He rubbed his hands across the back of her legs, he massaged her butt, and then he rubbed all along her back. She melted into the soft mattress, all her nerve endings attuned to him and his touch.

Gently, he turned her over. This time when his fingers separated her folds hiding her nub, her body stayed relaxed.

His tongue rubbed across her clit and then licked the moisture from her lower lips. When he got to her pussy opening, his tongue flicked inside. Her body sparked with a fiery desire.

Until this moment, she’d been receiving, not giving. She pulled at his shoulders, and he looked up.

“I want to touch you.”

He rolled, taking her with him. With him on his back, she straddled his body. “Your turn,” he said.

She started by kissing him and then nibbled at his hard jaw. She kissed along his neck and held her lips against the spot where his heart raced.

Moving down she rubbed her tongue across his nipples. He stirred. “Do you like me to touch you there?”