

# Left My Heart in Sin Ciy© 2016 by Trinity Blacio

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

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Digital ISBN 978-1-62601-276-9

First Edition April 2016

The airport was crowded, and Jess Garthing could hear crying babies and snippets from private conversations all around her. The smell of fresh coffee from the little coffee shop across from Jess's gate in Vegas smelled divine. Jess couldn't believe she was standing in the middle of McCarran Airport.

One whole week away from the hell Jess had made of her life. Oh, she knew it wasn't all her fault, but then again it didn't matter, it was still a failure in her book. But she would hold out till her son graduated from high school next year. Her son would have both parents living together just as they had for their daughter, even if it meant she was hollow inside.

Jess glanced at her watch, smiling. She had just enough time to grab her suitcases and head to the shuttle to the hotel. It had been a year since she'd seen her best friend and couldn't wait to spend the week with her. Already she had purchased tickets to one show, but her week would be busy with the convention in full swing starting tomorrow, Tuesday.

She shook her head and made her way to baggage claim to retrieve her two suitcases. But before Jess left for the shuttle she would make sure to pick up a sub to eat once she got to her room. Keeping to her budget was important since Jess didn't have a lot of money to blow.

But that wouldn't stop her from taking in the sights and enjoying anything they could find that was free. Plus, Jess needed to scoop out the area. Was it a place to buy her condo next year? Or was Florida the place to go? This was her chance to see the city she had picked, near her dear friend and also a writer, Mara.

Her phone went buzz in her backpack and Jess smiled, knowing it was either one of her kids, editor, or friend. She dug into her pack, as she moved through all the people, loving her freedom. Her stomach wasn't in knots anymore, the tension in her shoulders was gone and Jess felt as if a pressure had lifted. Yes, she needed this time away. It would also give her children time to grow up. She would not be there doing everything for them for the rest of their lives and that they had to get off their asses and start doing for themselves.

With her phone in hand, Jess looked down at the text and smiled. Lori was in the room editing and asked her to text her when she got in. Jess texted her friend, telling her she'd be there in a few and started to look for her suitcases. Her new adventure was just starting and she couldn't wait.

At the age of 43, Jess knew her chance of finding the man of her dreams like the one that had been entering her nights lately was only a fantasy. But she'd never give up on wishing for that one man who could make her heart race, palms sweat, and could command her body with just his voice.

She looked down at her less than flat stomach and flinched. "Nope, not going to happen." Tears almost filled her eyes, but Jess refused to allow them. She might be round in certain spots, but Jess did have a nice set of boobs. Unfortunately, the rest of the package wasn't much and she had the age thing going against her too. With a sigh, Jess watched for her bags.

* * *

Maverick Wetsal watched from the stage as his crew worked on their latest number. At the age of 65, he still looked to be in his 30's which was normal for his kind. He smiled. Maverick was the local alpha of their pack of cat shifters.

Sure, Vegas wasn't much of a place for his kind, especially if they wanted to run, but the desert was a different story, having just come back from there this morning. Plus, with his job, he couldn't ask for more. After being married the human way for ten years, and having three kids, Maverick vowed he would never do it again. Oh, he loved his children and all three of them had already gone through their transition, their first shift, without his bitch of an ex, knowing about it.

He had a penthouse here at the hotel and a place in the desert that he never took a woman to. Only his children knew about the house, not even their mother knew about it. He'd purchased it after their nasty divorce.

This would be interesting from what he heard. There was a convention of Romance writers at the hotel and his men couldn't wait to roam and see what it all entailed. He had already warned his men to be on their best behavior, but even Maverick couldn't control a male cat when they had locked onto a female needing some loving.

What he didn't like was the contest they had between them and he had made it known that if he ever heard them say anything to hurt a lady, he'd personally beat the hell out of them, putting them out of commission for a week or two till they healed back at the common house or what some might call the pack house.

"Hey, you going to work or stand there day dreaming?" Cadoc yelled from the stage.

Slowly, he turned his head to glare at Cadoc, who threw up his hands. "Sorry," he stepped back as Maverick stepped out onto the stage to start his one performance. One that he does with all 12 of his men, human and pack. Even if the human males didn't know about their existence and the others made sure they didn't.

The music started and he moved with the music, but he didn't miss the chance to smack Cadoc upside the head when he passed the cat, growling at him. At once Cadoc lowered his gaze, showing his submission, and Maverick smiled moving on.

One thing was for sure, if there was a woman out there for him, he didn't think she'd be able to take what he would demand of her, total submission. He would never hide his needs again from anyone, and if they couldn't handle it, then they were not for him.

* * *

Jess laughed at her friend Viola, taking a sip of her whiskey and coke. Her first day had been perfect. She had picked up her boxes, unpacked her dresses, and did a tour of the hotel so she would know where everything was.

Tonight, she was sitting in the hotel's one bar named for the famous Chippendales that was just ending with their show tonight. Jess and her friends had forgone the show and decided to hang at the bar watching it on the TV with some of their fans.

"You never did say if you'd take one of them to your bed?" Viola asked and nudged her with her shoulder as a few of the strippers started to come into the room.

She glanced at them and then at her friend. "One, not if they needed to go to my room, no. Two, if they were smart to go along with the gorgeous body. And three," she took a sip of her drink. "Let's just say they have to be...alpha enough that I'd want to go with them, if you know what I mean," Jess said, looking over to see one of the guys with thick blond hair staring at their table.

"Alpha enough?" her friend asked.

Jess shrugged, reaching over to take a French fry. "Let's just say I've had two men in my life for the past 33 years that I thought were more and they weren't. I don't need another baby in my life." She popped the fry in her mouth. "But come on really, do you even believe one of them would even look at me? They're just starting their lives and mine, well...I'm done having kids and compared to them..." Jess nodded to the beautiful women in front of them. "Someone like me does not have a chance, and you know it."

"Hey, now don't even go there," Sara one of said called beauties said across from them. She reached over and grabbed her hand. "We all are beautiful in our own way and you are stunning."

Jess felt her face heat and she laughed. "You're full of it," she laughed. "But thank you. Now which book do you want?"

Sara laughed. "I want you to finish the next in that cat series, but what I would really like is the next book in your first series." Sara held up her hand. "I know, I know you're waiting for the rights back, but it sucks."

"You're not telling me anything I don't know. I'd love to finish it and start the spin-off series I have for it, but I refuse to give my old publisher any more money. I'm hoping they'll give them back." Jess looked up to see three of the dancers standing at the side of their table and one of them was the man with the wild long blond hair.

"Ladies, may we join you? The next round of drinks is on us." The man raised his hand to the male waiter who came over and started taking orders. Jess switched to her night cap drink, Irish whisky liquor over ice, knowing it was getting close to time she headed upstairs to her room. Tomorrow would be a big day for her, but the man with the wild hair pulled up a chair next to her, his arm sliding around her chair.

"My name is Cadoc. You didn't go to the show did you?" he asked and she shook her head.

"No, we thought we'd let all the young ones enjoy your show. My name is Jess, this is Viola. Thank you for the drink." She raised her glass to the other man, who sat next to Viola.

"So where are all you ladies from? Oh, by the way my name is Ilar and that is Hamilton. You guys are here for the convention?" Ilar asked.

Sara nodded. "Viola and Jess are authors. There are over 300 authors here this week." Sara kept looking at Hamilton, the man next to her. He had brown shoulder-length hair, a tattoo of a cat on his arm, and the most amazing green eyes.

"So you are a writer? What kind of stories do you write?" Cadoc asked, leaning towards her.

She smiled and tilted her head staring at the young man. "Paranormal, shifter, vampires, ménage. Hot stuff." Jess watched as a slow smile formed on his lips.

"Have you ever had a threesome?" he asked.

Jess laughed. "Now that is for me to know, young one." She smiled.

"Young one? You can't be that old?" he asked, his gaze running down her body but stopping at her breasts on the way up. "Thirty-eight?" he asked.

Jess laughed, she couldn't help it. "Either you're really clueless or you're just looking to get some." She leaned over and whispered into his ear. "I'm 43, old enough to be your mamma."

Before she even pulled back, Jess felt his fingers brushing over the top of her breasts. She looked into his eyes. "Honey, age matters not to me. You are the one I would like to spend the rest of the night with."

Never having a man come on so strong, Jess sat back and really looked at him. "Really? So, I'm the flavor of the night?" She leaned over really close to him. "Now tell me the truth. Why are you really here? Did you lose a bet? Do you have a point system to see who gets to screw the oldest or fattest woman? There has to be..." his gaze flicked over to his friend Hamilton.

"I should have known." She sat back and took the drink from the waitress, sipping it as she studied the man next to her. "So how many points am I worth?" she asked, but before Jess could get an answer, another man stepped up behind her and literally growled.

"What were you told? Get out of here, Cadoc. I'll deal with you later. Hamilton, I expected more from you and Ilar." The man turned his eyes on her and Jess thought her stomach had just been trampled by a stampede of elephants.

His hair was a mix of brown, red and blond, and she swore his eyes were a golden color. She turned in her seat to stare up at him. He smiled down at her. "I apologize to you especially, pretty lady, and I'm sorry if his actions hurt you."

"Now hold it just a minute. I haven't done a damn thing to her," Cadoc said, when suddenly his chair fell backwards with a bang.

She shook her head, looking at her friend. "I'm going up to my room. I'll talk to you guys later. I sure don't need this crap."

She grabbed her drink and bag, turning to the man in question. "He really didn't hurt anything, but..." Jess turned her head to look at Cadoc. "If you want a piece of ass, may I make a suggestion? Take the game out of it. Ladies like to have fun too and if you heard some of their conversions, you boys would be a beet red. Good night, and thanks for the drink." Jess moved away from the table quickly. Her hands were sweaty and shaky.

Never had she reacted to a man like this man. Too bad he was so out of her league and too young. Jess knew that even a one-night stand with that man would destroy her heart, but that didn't really matter because it wouldn't happen.

Jess rushed to the elevator and reached to push the button when someone took her hand. She looked up into the man's face as he held her hand and lifted it up to his mouth, placing a kiss on the inside of her wrist.

"Please don't run off, because of what happened. My name is Maverick Wetsal and I am manager for the dance team. Not all of my men play these games, especially me." He never broke eye contact from her and kept her hand in his. "I haven't eaten tonight. I was wondering if you would join me? I would love the company away from all the noise."

"Is there really a quiet place in Vegas?" she asked. "Oh, sorry. My name is Jess Garthing and you really should find someone who is right for you. I'm married, Maverick, and I'm old." She shook her head and tried to step back, but he didn't allow it, reaching out and wrapping his arm around her waist, trapping her.

"I'm just asking for you to join me while I eat super, some friendly conversation. I'm not asking you to my bed, yet." He leaned over to whisper in her ear. "Plus, I don't ask, I take. Haven't you heard that what happens in Vegas stays here?" he nipped her ear.

She sucked in her breath and glanced down at the floor. "You really want me to go with you?" Jess asked, not really sure what to do. No man had ever paid her attention the way Maverick was.

"I wouldn't have asked you, if I didn't. There is a small diner I know that has the best steaks. You don't have to be up early do you?" he asked, and reached over, pushing the button for the elevator.

"No, my first appointment is at 11:00, but..." She looked to her right to see Lori and Viola coming towards her.

"Are you okay?" Lori asked. She looked pissed, giving Maverick her full attention. "Is he one of the dancers who insulted you?"

She moaned. "No Lori, he's their manager and had nothing to do with it. Maverick Wetsal meet my editor and friend, Lori. Next to her is another friend, Viola Gramm."

"Ladies," Maverick nodded his head. "I can promise you I will personally deal with those three later. I had no idea what they were up to and I would never do anything like that. I just asked your friend to join me as I go and grab something to eat. I would love to get to know her better." He turned his gaze on her, his hand was wrapped around her waist now and he still didn't let go.

Lori gave her "the look" and she sighed. "Yes, he knows about the ass and I haven't really decided to go, but..." Jess nodded her head, knowing she was going go chance it. "Lori, I'll text you later. Don't wait up." She handed Lori her drink. "Guess I don't need my night cap yet," Jess said and turned to Maverick. "Don't make me regret this. Let's go."

"Never," he said, as the elevator opened and he stepped inside with her at his side. She turned and looked back at Viola and Lori who were grinning like fools.

Viola pumped her fist into the air. "You go, girl," she said as the doors closed.

"I'm so going to kill her," she moaned.

* * *

Maverick was furious. He was on the verge of sending Cadoc back to his home in Texas if he kept this up. He glanced down at the woman standing next to him. He still didn't know why he had invited her out to eat with him. She was nothing like the women he'd usually spend the night with, but for some reason he wanted to get to know the blushing lady in his arms.

"So who is the ass?" he asked as the elevator door opened and they moved out to the lobby of the hotel. He nodded to the man behind the desk, knowing they would bring his car around to the front of the hotel.

"Do you really want me to go into that here?" she asked.

"Honey, as I told you before, I wouldn't ask if I didn't want to know." He glanced down at her and she shrugged.

"Okay, long story short, he's my husband." Jess turned her head to the right looking down the road as they stepped outside. "I've been married to him now for over 20 years, with him for about 22, but our marriage changed about ten years ago." She snorted and peeked up at him. "I'm more a mom than a wife. I take care of the bills, fix anything that goes wrong at the house, take care of our kids, shovel the snow, everything."

"Boy the sex must be great," he muttered as they pulled his car up. Maverick stepped forward, but Jess stayed where she was, shaking her head.

"No," Jess whispered. "Nothing, and I mean nothing, for nine years." She looked down at the ground. "Maybe I should just go back to my room. I don't think this is a good idea." Jess glanced back over her shoulder and he could see the shine in her eyes.

"You promised me a dinner partner," he squeezed her arm and waited.

Slowly, Jess turned and stared up at him nodding. "Dinner."

She followed him to the car, not saying anything. Depression seemed to settle over her as the door was closed and he started up the car.

"Why do you stay with him?" he asked, needing to know everything.

Jess looked up at him and smiled. "I promised myself I'd stay until my youngest graduates from high school. Then I'm out of there," she said and looked out the window. "He graduates next year and I can't wait. I'm hoping to buy a condo, but haven't decided where yet. I have a friend who lives here in Henderson who would like me to live here. Then I have a few friends that want me in Tampa. The thought of a condo on the water sounds nice, but I haven't seen the area in Henderson yet. My friend is supposed to come pick me up on Thursday and show me around, so we'll see."

"Would your family come with you?" he asked.

"My son most likely not, my daughter, I don't know. She might stay with my mom. I'm working on getting her set up on disability right now. I don't even think she'll be able to hold a job. She's had it rough and has handicap issues. Husband, no. Most likely I see him and my son getting a place since they both like to smoke their funny stuff. I just want a condo, no house." She leaned her head back and sighed. "I don't want to have to mow the grass, shovel snow, worry about a basement flooding, all those things that come with owning one. I just want a condo with a pool, gym, and three bedrooms—one for an office, and a guest room and no carpet." She smiled and looked over at him. "Would love a big tub too. One I can sit back and soak in."

He smiled. "I can relate to part about the tub. After working out and dancing, it does feel good to soak." Maverick pulled into his favorite place to eat, a diner out of the way and quiet. "Well this is it, small and quiet, but has the best food."

"Looks good," she reached for the door, but he reached over and patted her hand. "I'll get the door." Maverick said. As he opened his door, scanned the area as he got out. He knew it was safe since he'd been coming here for a few years, but Maverick always kept up his guard.

His car was one of his babies, so Maverick always parked under a light. A 1968 Ford Charger in mint condition. He ran his finger over the door handle before opening the door for the woman that waited for him.

"Come Jess," Maverick said, holding out his hand to her. She turned, slipping one leg out, her black dress riding up her leg and showing part of her thigh. Jess did have a nice pair of legs on her. He knew she didn't find herself attractive, but the longer he was with her, Maverick began to notice just how stunning she was.

Her curves where thick and she wouldn't break while someone fucked her hard. A growl slipped out as she stood. The thought of someone touching her didn't sit well with the cat inside him.

"You okay?" she asked.

"Sorry, something in my throat," He wrapped his arm around her and walked up to the diner after locking the doors.

"So tell me about yourself? Married?" She asked, as he showed her to the table up the stairs that they could stare out at the strip. "Wow, breath taking," she said scooting into the booth.

Maverick hesitated, trying to decide whether to sit beside her or across from her. He chose to sit across from her. He wanted to see her reaction to his questions and he had quite a few of them before anything was going to progress further tonight.

"So you were married before?" Jess asked watching him.

* * *

The man was all alpha, just the way he moved and spoke. Jess didn't know what the hell she was doing here, but she couldn't help but be drawn to him in a primal way. Just the way his gaze traveled over her body, had her blood boiling, needing.

"How did you know I was married?" he asked, his gaze meeting hers, and holding it.

"It's not that hard to tell when a man has been burned and you have all the signs. Do you have children?"

"Three, all in college now. I was married for ten years and gave up too much. Never again." He turned to the waitress. "Mary, I'll have the steak, rare, baked potato, and whatever vegetable you have that is fresh." He glanced over at her.

"What would you like?" he asked.

"Don't you think she should have a menu? Really Maverick, how would she know what we have here?" The woman handed her a menu and rolled her eyes. "Sorry about that. He the kind of guy that seems to think everyone should bow to him."

"Mary," Maverick snarled and the waitress laughed.

"Isn't he cute when he growls?" The waitress leaned down. "Wait till he gets you..."

"Enough!" the man yelled and slammed his fist down on the table, scaring the living crap out of her.

She closed the menu and handed it back to the waitress. "Well, that solves that. Thank you Mary for the menu and being so kind, but I don't think I'll be ordering anything. But if you could call me a cab, I'd appreciate it."

"No, please." Maverick reached over and squeezed her arm. "Forgive me. I just don't like gossip. If you want to know about me, I'll tell you, just ask, but what you don't realize is that Mary here is a little jealous." He turned to look at the waitress. "I suggest you send someone else to wait on us since it's obvious you can't handle it. Good night Mary."

The woman bowed her head. "I'm sorry, sir. I'll have Beth come over and take your order." The redhead turned and almost ran away.

"I told her it wouldn't work, that I wasn't interested in anything permanent, but Mary assured me she could handle it." He shook his head. "Again, I'm sorry."

Jess leaned forward. "I don't stand for bullies and I sure won't tolerate violence. I don't care how fucking good you are in bed. I'm too old and too tired to put up with that shit." Jess looked back at where Mary had gone. "Seems to me I'm a little bit out of your usual choice of ladies? I mean Mary is so not me."

Maverick leaned back and took a deep breath, staring at her. "You're right. She is different, and I wasn't being a bully. She called me alpha and Mary knows she stepped over the line. You don't know me, and for her to even start bragging or saying anything, is wrong. Not only have you gotten a bad impression of me now, but a less than flattering one, and for that I am sorry."

Jess took a deep breath and studied the man. "Our new waitress comes," she said. "I'm not leaving yet."

The man across from her ordered and glanced to her. "Please, this is on me," he said.

"I'll take a bowl of your clam chowder and an order of your stuffed mushrooms, with a diet soda, whatever you have please." Jess handed the menu to the new waitress and took a drink of the water she had brought with her.

"You are not one of those who diet all the time, are you?" he asked.

She snorted. "Yeah, I diet for a day till I see something that I like." She smiled. "But I do try and keep the carbs at bay, but have a hard time doing it, especially since I love bread. A good soup will usually fill me up, but I do like my meat when it's time. But it's late and won't sit right on me, and might keep me up."

He smiled. "And what if I'd planned to keep you up with me tonight?" he asked.

Damn, once more the man used his voice on her, making her body a quivering mess. She squirmed in her seat under his gaze.

* * *

Maverick hid the grin as the new waitress brought their food. It seemed Jess was still interested in him, but Maverick was still furious with Mary. How, dare she try and scare away a female he was interested in. She knew better, especially since she was a member of his pack.

"Are you asking?" she asked, taking a spoonful of her soup and moaning.

"No, but I won't force you either. I was planning on taking you to my penthouse at the hotel after we're done here," he informed her, loving the little sounds she made while she ate.

The spoon stopped halfway to her mouth and her gaze met his. She stared at him for a second before lowering her gaze. Jess was very much a submissive and he couldn't wait to find out how far he could go with her tonight.

"Don't you think you should text your friends and tell them you won't be back tonight?" he asked.

She picked up a mushroom and took a bite, closing her eyes while eating. "So good." Her eyes opened. "I haven't decided yet," Jess said, and popped the rest of the thing in her mouth before digging through her bag for her phone.

"Excuse me for a minute, Maverick," she pushed a button and put the phone to her ear. "What do you want, Hunter?" she said. "Well, if he's drunk go to your friend's house for the night. You don't need to put up with that...What? Who's there with him?" she closed her eyes. "I did tell him to find someone and he always did have a thing for her. Just go to your friend's and don't say anything. You don't need to start anything when I'm not there. Is Rose at Grandma's?" she asked, sitting back and staring at her food.

"So Mom and Rose know your aunt is there? Please, just tell them to go back to Grandma's and not to say anything. I can't do anything and I really don't' care anymore. Listen I have to go. I'm having dinner with a friend right now. We'll sort it out when I get home." She nodded her head.

"Love you too, baby. See you on Monday." Jess shut the phone off and put it on the table.

"You okay?" Maverick asked.

"Sure, just honkey dory. I mean I always did tell him to find someone, but who would have guessed my little sister would step up to bat?" She snorted. "Now, I only hope my book proposals turn out here at the convention."

She took a drink of her diet pop. "Is this going to change anything?" Jess asked.

"Why would it change anything?" he leaned forward, running a finger down her cheek. "If you stay, I'm not promising anything. Do you understand?"

"Of course, I didn't think anything otherwise. Plus, I'm only here for a few more days. We each have our own lives." Jess said and sighed, looking at her phone that was ringing. "Excuse me. That's my mother." Jess got up and moved to the large bay window, staring out at the strip in the distance.

She didn't think he could hear, but he heard everything Jess said.

"No mom I'm not going to say a word to Linda. Mom, stop please. There is no sense in you getting all upset. If she wants to screw around with David she has my blessing. At least I know it wasn't his heart attack, like he claimed, for not wanting sex. Just wish I would have known sooner. I wouldn't have waited. Guess I'm the sucker who really wanted to believe in happy ever after. What a joke." Jess glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him.

"Listen mom, I'm out to dinner with a friend. I refuse to allow this to upset me when I planned for this week for the past year. Just don't say anything to her. Let them do their thing. I know, Mom. Tell Rose I love her and I'll see you guys when I come home." Jess hung the phone up and sighed before turning toward their table again.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

"Nope, but there is nothing I can do about it now and I refuse to ruin my week because of two assholes. They have messed with my life for the last time. Now, is about me and no one else. So, as to your question, I'd love to stay with you tonight." Jess leaned over and smiled. "Let's see what you have, Mr. Wetsal, if you are still up to it." She challenged.

"Text your roommate, but know this as soon as you send that text...The rest of the night you are mine. You follow my orders, understood? Yes, Sir would be appropriate..." Maverick said.

"You're a Dom, aren't you?" she asked.

"No, I'm your Master." He answered and watched as her eyes got big.

"Yes, Sir," Jess took her phone texting her roommate. She looked up at him as he stood.

"Move over," he ordered and at once she did as he said.

* * *

Jess scooted over in the booth. She had just agreed to give herself to a man she barely knew. Was it because of what had happened at home? Jess peeked up at the man in question and the question answered itself...no.

She had a feeling tonight would be everything Jess had ever dreamed of, she just hoped her heart didn't get lost here in Vegas.

Maverick pulled all his food over to him and turned to her, studying her. "I want you to pick a safe word. Any time you are afraid or uncomfortable, I want you to ask questions. But the safe word is the only thing that will stop me, understand."

"Yes Sir." She smiled. "Dream is my safe word."

"It fits you," Maverick said, grabbing a handful of her hair and pulling her head back. He stared down at her for just a second before his mouth covered hers in a hot, demanding kiss. Not just any kiss, but one with lots and lots of tongue. He was devouring her and all Jess could do was hang on.

"You taste amazing and I don't even like clam chowder. Eat Jess, because you are going to need every ounce of strength when I get you back to my place." He nipped her bottom lip, before he released her and started to eat again.

Jess reached up and touched her lips. Were they swollen like so many of her friends described in their books? She turned her head away from him, reaching for her drink. Right now Jess didn't know if she could hold the spoon without shaking the soup all over herself.

She tried to remember the last time someone had actually kissed her like Maverick had, but nothing, no one. Jess reached and grabbed one of her mushrooms.

"What's wrong?" Maverick asked, giving her a sideways glance.

"Nothing," she said and regretted it as he turned his golden eyes totally on her. "Jess, I need honesty here or nothing is going to happen tonight. Now, one more time. What is wrong?" he asked.

"I have a feeling I'm a little out my element here." She took a bite of her mushroom.

"Explain?" he asked, going back to eating his steak, but Jess could tell he was still waiting.

"I might write all the hot stuff, but I have no experience, Maverick. Oh, I've always wanted to venture into a club, but never had the guts to do it. Plus, with my life, it was just too much. Hell, some nights I would have killed just to be held."

He turned his head, his gaze on hers. "When is the last time you had sex?"

She snorted. "The last time for anything was Valentine's Day over nine years ago. I put on a teddy, the whole bit. Gave him a blow job and he rolled over and went to bed. Said he couldn't do anything. So, I thought you should know what you are getting into."

"Did you use toys?" he asked and her face heated.

"Yes, some, but after a while it just felt empty. You know that saying, you can be surrounded by lot of people, but be totally alone?" she asked and he nodded.

"Well, I've had that feeling for a long time. So these conventions are a lifeline for me. I get to actually see and talk to friends. I consider some of them more than friends like my friend Mara. She's the one that lives here. She and her husband will be picking me up tomorrow after my pitch session and I can't wait. I swear she's me, but a younger version." Jess looked up at him. "But she found the one she's supposed to be with."

"Mara Dones? She's your friend?" Maverick asked.

"Yep, you have heard of her?" she asked and risked taking a sip of her soup now that the shaking had calmed.

"I know her husband well." A slow smile formed on his lips. "It seems we are to have dinner together tomorrow night."

"Really? That little stinker." She glanced over at him. "Do you want me to call her and tell her to forget it? I don't want to put you on the spot."

"Nope. I have no problem having dinner with you again," he said, putting a bite of his raw steak into his mouth.

He laughed. "I take it you don't like your meat pink?"

She shivered. "Nope, maybe a little pink, but not when it's still talking. Have you had a slave full time?" Jess asked.

Maverick reached down and popped the last piece of steak into his mouth. "No and I don't know if I'd want a full time slave." He looked down at her. "My wife was very prim and proper. The very idea of submitting to me was against everything she believed in. Ten years is a long time to hide what is ingrained in me and I won't do it again. But if I did every bring anyone full time into my life, she would have to learn that 80% of the time I will be demanding. If she can give me all that, then she would want for nothing, because I'd give her the world if she asked for it."

"I'm sure you'll find the right woman, Maverick. You are an amazing man and I know there are hundreds out there that would kill just to have a night with you." Jess leaned over and took the last spoonful of her soup.

"Does that include you?" he asked, leaning over and burying his face into her neck, licking and sucking on her skin.

"Of course, but with me I'm wondering why you'd even be interested when there are so many others that are...well, younger."

He placed his hand on her thigh and slid it up under her dress, squeezing as he progressed.

"You are very lucky you didn't say prettier. I happen to think you are stunning. You're smart, and you don't mince words." He nipped her neck and lifted his head, looking at her. "I don't want a bimbo. If I wanted one of those, I would have picked one a long time ago. No, I want someone that will challenge me, but give me the respect I deserve. What do you want in a man, little fawn?" he asked

"Little Fawn?" she said.

"You remind me of a little fawn when you learn something new. Your eyes get big, but you are soaking up the information." He leaned over and nipped her bottom lip. "Answer the question."

* * *

She tasted sweet, her skin was soft and her scent even had his cat purring. When she turned her head to the side to think, it was the cutest thing. Even being older, this woman had an aura of some one very young and innocent.

"The type of man I would want," she said, as she rested her head back and looked up at him. "He'd have to be smart, someone who could debate with me on issues. Even if we disagreed, he'd allow my beliefs. The man would welcome my career and my children without any restrictions and that means the conventions. Hell, I'd love for my man to come to the conventions with me. To actually want to show me off, like he was proud of me. He'd have to want to travel, because I want to see the world, England, Scotland, Ireland just to name a few places. The man I want is someone that is sure of himself, someone I don't have to keep reassuring all the time. One that makes up his own mind and takes what he wants, especially in the bedroom." She sighed.

"I'm tired of men who ask, "You want to have sex?" I want to be held, touched. Like if I'm doing the dishes, someone to come up behind me, running his hands up my body...Well you get it. I want one who will stick up for me or my kids, protect us."

He frowned. "Your husband hasn't done this?"

"No. His brother has called me every name in the book, he harassed my son when he was small. My children are terrified of this man, but my husband would just laugh and ignore it. I want someone that has already had their family and does not want to start another one." She shrugged. "It's not a lot to ask, but enough that I'm afraid I won't find him. I have a feeling I'm going to be one of those old ladies with lots of cats around her."

Maverick couldn't help but smile. "You're a cat person?" he asked.

"I have two right now. One is about 20 and the other about 15. I think I'll always have a cat, but the next one I get will be a Moon cat. Those things are amazing."

"Excuse me, Sir. Can I get you two anything else?" the waitress asked, coming up to their table.

"Why don't we take some dessert back with us? What do you like?" he asked.

"Anything that isn't chocolate. I get migraines from that, even though I love it. Carrot cake is my favorite though."

"Two pieces of your carrot cake to go please, and the check," Maverick told the waitress as his phone started to go off. "Excuse me," he frowned, pulling out his phone and not recognizing the number.

"Maverick here," he said into the phone, but leaned down to the crook of her neck, taking a deep breath again.

"I wanted to warn you that Derek is back in town," the voice said and the line went dead.

At once he glanced around him. If Derek was back, he had brought others with him and it wouldn't be good. "Come, we need to leave." He slid out of the booth and threw some money onto the table, helping her up.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just got some news that is confusing and I need to check with a few friends about, but nothing to worry about." He placed a kiss on the top of her head and took the bag from the waitress. "Money is on the table, thank you." Maverick started to walk away when Jess stopped, going through her purse.

"Wait I have to pay for my bill," she said taking out a $20.

"Nope, I asked you out for dinner." Maverick tucked her money back into her bag and moved them through the diner till they were outside. He scanned the area, seeing nothing unusual. There were no strange scents for the area, but that didn't mean a lot, since a lot of people passed through the area.

As soon as they were in the car, Maverick dialed Bran's number, his second in command. He answered on the second ring. "What's wrong? You never call when you're with a woman." Bran said, knowing him too well.

"I've just been informed that Derek is in town. Check it out and get back to me," Maverick ordered.

"Even tonight?" Bran asked, all business.

"Yes, I'll know it's you. And find out who called, and warned us," he said, glancing to Jess next to him. She looked up at him, a question in her eyes.

He disconnected the phone and stuffed it in his pocket. "He was a trouble maker at the hotel, so I want to make sure with the convention going on, he doesn't start something."

"You don't have to tell me, Maverick, but please don't lie to me either. I've had enough of that in my life." She looked out the window.

"It wasn't a lie?" Maverick growled. "There is more, but I rather not get into that." He reached over and cupped her chin, bringing her attention back on him. "I promise I won't lie to you."

Jess seemed to stare at him for a few seconds. "We'll see, but it really doesn't matter. I'm not going to be here long. I go home on Monday and then you won't have to worry about me. Hell, even after tonight. You'll go your way and I'll go mine."

"Don't forget our dinner tomorrow night. Mara must think there could be something between us, if she set this up." He leaned down and licked her lips. "Maybe she's right." Maverick covered her mouth before she could say a word, not liking her way of thinking and that itself was freighting to him. Three hours with this little woman and something was happening.

* * *

Jess looked down as Maverick released her and turned to start his car. She had seen the expression on his face when she had mentioned about only being here a week. Maybe Jess was reading something that wasn't there or wishing that was there.

She rested her head against the window and watched the traffic go by as he drove back towards the hotel. Jess had to slow down. So some man had given her a kiss that actually made her panties wet and her heartbeat speed up. Hell, even his touch seemed to make her forget everything around her.

One thing was for sure, there was a mess at home to clean up and Jess didn't even know where to start. Well a job was needed now. And then there was the fact she had to get her son through the last year of school.

"Hey none of whatever you are doing?" Maverick said, giving her a sideways glance.

"What?" she frowned.

"Little Fawn, I can see the worry in your expression." He pulled his car up to the front of the hotel and turned to her. "No worries tonight. You're going to turn yourself over to me."

"No worries," she said as her door was opened.

"Wait for me," Maverick said and got out of the car, coming around to her side and holding out his hand for her

She placed her hand in his and smiled. "You are a true gentlemen, dear Sir," she teased and he growled.

"Always. My mom made sure of it or I'd have the back of her hand on my head. Don't even get me started on my father. He'd tar and feather me if I didn't treat any woman the right way." With his arm around her, they stepped into the hotel lobby and, of course, all eyes turned.

"You always get looks like this?" she asked and he snorted.

"Afraid it comes with the job, but who is to say they aren't for you? You are a writer and this is a convention for authors, isn't it?" he asked escorting her to some private elevators she had never used.

"Sorry, but I'm not that popular. Oh, I have my fan base, but I haven't hit the top ten, yet. Maybe one day." Jess said, smiling up at him as they stepped into the elevator and he swiped a special key.

"Now tell me," Maverick turned to her and backed her up against the wall, trapping her with his body. "Will you be writing about your experience tonight?"

She stiffened and looked up at him. "You aren't with me because you want that, are you? This isn't about publicity, is it?" Jess couldn't help the hurt sound in her voice, but she should have known it was too good to be true.

Maverick gripped her hips and lifted her as if she weighed nothing, till she was eye level with him. "Little Fawn, if I wanted publicity I could get it anytime." He held her gaze for a few seconds. "So much hurt, I wish we had more time. I would love to replace what I see. But for now know I would never expect anything. This is between you and me, no one else. Put your arms around me, Jess," he ordered and she obeyed without a thought, sliding her arms up around his neck.

"You're going to give yourself a hernia holding me up," she whispered into his ear, placing a kiss on the base of his neck.

His hands slid down and up under her dress, cupping her ass cheeks. "Honey, you weigh nothing, and do not let me hear you say another negative thing about this body. I happen to like what I see and feel." He growled when the elevator swung open and two men stepped in, but he never released her, as he glanced over his shoulder.

"You have a reason to interrupt me?" he asked, right before he turned his head and stared down at her breasts. "Beautiful."

His warm breath against her skin sent a tingle through her as Maverick placed a kiss on each breast not caring that they had company in the elevator.

"Maverick?" she tried to push away, but he growled again, his heated gaze meeting hers.

"Do not move. They work for me and know better than to say a word." Once more he turned his gaze to them. "Well?"

One man glanced at her, then at him. "He's here in town, and from we've found out, he has a few followers that stayed here. We're tracking them down now to see if we can find anything out. Cadoc is missing and is not answering his phone either." Maverick lowered her down to the ground, but slid his arm back around her, hugging her tight as he turned to the two men.

"Find him. I want to know where he went. Bran, if you need me, only you are allowed upstairs tonight, understand?" Maverick said and moved them to the door as the elevator stopped. Once more Maverick slid his key into the scanner and the door opened to a private suite. Lights automatically came on, lighting their way into the apartment.

"An hour," Maverick said before the door closed, leaving them alone again. "Strip and set your clothes there on the couch." He dropped his keys and card on the little table by the elevator doors.

Jess looked up at Maverick, a little bit afraid. It had been over nine years since any man had really seen her without clothes. Would he turn away once seeing the real her? The rolls, scars, and stretch marks did not make a pretty body.

"Stop, right there." Maverick turned grasping her chin, staring at her. "I see," he pulled her into the living room. "Stay right there, do not move." He said going into another room. He was only gone a few seconds before he came out with a full-length mirror.

She stepped back and shook her head. "No, I don't even look into them at home unless I'm dressed," Jess said and took another step back, ready to leave, but Maverick was quick, moving behind her and just hugging her.

"Hush, I've got you." He whispered into her ear. "No matter what scars you have, or how many love rolls you have, I'll only see beauty before me. Let me show you what I see?" he asked.

* * *

Jess had been totally confident until they had stepped into his apartment. She was shaking her arms, afraid of her own reflection, which only made him furious. For a woman to actually be afraid of what she looked like was a result of years of doubt and someone hurting her.

Her eyes were big and glittered with unshed tears, but Maverick would not give on this. She would see what he saw. Slowly, as not to scare her, he placed a kiss on her shoulder, lowering the zipper of her dress. "Your skin is so soft and you smell of wild flowers from the desert." He said and lowered her dress to the floor. "Step out and hand me the dress."

She stepped out and bent to grab her dress, and that is when Maverick noticed the tattoo on her lower back. "Beautiful," he said and traced her tattoo with his finger as she threw her dress on the couch. Jess glanced over her shoulder.

"Nope, we're not done, we haven't even begun." She rolled her eyes as Jess was looking away. "Wrong mistake," he said and smacked her butt twice hard. "I won't be disrespected, Jess." He frowned at her in the mirror. "I'm not a child and I'm trying to be patient here, but if this is a game to you, get your dress on and leave." Maverick stepped back, releasing her.

There was no smile on his face, but he watched the play of her emotions run across her face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean any disrespect," she glanced over her shoulder. "I really am."

"Stop," he pointed to the floor and waited.

Tears filled her eyes and she shook her head. "I'm sorry, I can't do that." Jess smiled, but it was a sad one. "I..."

"Then get dressed and leave. I told you I demand respect." He turned his back and moved to the elevator, furious. Here he thought she was the one. He heard the zipper of her dress as he pushed the button for the elevator.

She stepped up to the door not even bothering to look at him, her shoes in her hands, and her hair now pulled down, free from the bun that had been on her head. "Thank you for dinner. I'll inform Mara I won't be able to come tomorrow. Maybe another night she and I can visit." The door opened and she stepped into the elevator, looking at him. "It's better this way. My aches and pains couldn't have kept up with you anyway. You need someone young and pretty. Have a good night, Maverick," she said, the door closing, leaving him standing there.

"What ache and pains?" he growled wanting the door to open, realizing at once that he had made the biggest mistake of his life. "Fuck!" He took out his phone as he waited for the elevator again, five minutes later. "I need a room number for a guest. A Jess..." Maverick stopped, he didn't even know here last name.

"Her friend's name is Viola Gramm I need her room number please." He stepped into the elevator.

"I'm sorry sir, but we can't give out that kind of information." The clerk said and hung the phone up on him.

"You little fucking asshole," Maverick said, as he punched the button on the ground floor, but the elevator stopped on level six as his best friend stepped into the box with him.

"What happened?" Bran asked.

"I fucked up. Why are you here? Is there trouble?" Maverick asked, having a very bad feeling.

Bran leaned over and pushed the third level button. "We have a woman down. Are you going to handle this?"

"What am I handling?" Maverick asked as the elevator opened hallway full of people around what seemed to be a woman on the floor. Her scent hit him first, before he noticed her barefoot and Bran pushed through. When he stepped up to her, the cat roared inside him.

"Take her up to your suite now," Bran said and started telling others to go back to their rooms, that everything would all right.

Maverick lifted Jess up into his arms, carefully. She moaned, her body shook, as her eyes fluttered open. "No," she tried to move, but couldn't even lift her hand.

He turned and stepped back into the elevator as Bran opened it up, but they weren't alone. Her friends Viola and the other woman stepped in with them. "What do you think you're doing? She needs to go to the hospital? I thought she was staying with you? What happened?" The one woman snapped, but both glared at him.

"I can't answer you right now. I have to get this poison out of her. You are more than welcome to come with us, but don't say a word." Maverick said and Bran swiped his card as the door closed the five of them in the box.

"You're a paramedic?" the other woman asked as the elevator finally opened to his suite.

"Bran, keep the ladies company, while I take care of Jess." Maverick ignored their questions and quickly moved to his suite. He knew what she had been poisoned with and how to heal her. He would not lose her even if it meant Maverick must do something that wasn't supposed to be done, but there was no choice.

Quickly, he stripped his clothes and her clothes. "I'm sorry, Little Fawn, but I promise I'll make this up to you," he said, right before he shifted to the leopard.

He didn't wait and bit down on her breast right above her heart, tearing the skin, leaving his mark, knowing the bacteria on his fangs would destroy any poison in her blood. But it could also start the change, depending on her DNA.

She screamed and tried to get away from him, but he carefully partially covered her body with his, knowing he had to bite her at least two more times to make sure the bacteria entered her blood.

On the last bite, Jess passed out just as the bedroom door slammed open and her friends rushed in. "Damn it, move back now," Bran growled and pushed the women out, but turned to look at him. "You better know what you are doing?" he snapped.

Maverick snarled, but continued to clean the blood from Jess's body before he shifted and got dressed. He grabbed his dress shirt from the ground and carefully dressed her before covering her up. She would sleep for a few hours while her body worked at destroying the poison.

"You can beat this, Little Fawn, you're stronger than you think," he said placing a kiss on the top of her head.

"You really do care for her?" Viola said behind her.

"How did you get in here again?" Maverick looked around, but didn't see her other friend.

"Lori is back in her room and knows nothing, but your friend couldn't erase my mind. A little protection in there. So you're a shifter? Cool, but now tell me what happened." Viola sat down on the bed next to Jess. "I take it you guys own the hotel? Is she going to be okay?"

He sighed, as Bran walked into the room. "I don't know. The poison that was given to her was meant to kill her. It's not effective on us, but on humans, it's deadly. Right now her body is trying to destroy the poison. Our teeth contain some bacteria that will break down the poison, at least that's the theory. Yes, the pack owns the hotel."

"I've heard our doctors talking about this the last time Derek was in town, but they didn't know if it would work. You took a risk of not only her dying, but changing," Bran said.

"I couldn't allow her to die, she's something to me, I just haven't figured out what. Put out the word about what has happened. I want Derek caught now and Bran..." Maverick glanced over at his best friend. "Close down the diner until we find out who did this. We don't need other humans dying."

"She could really die?" Viola whispered, squeezing her friend's hand. "Listen up, lady. Don't you dare give up. I'm going to go cover your ass, but I better see you down stairs tomorrow. Remember you have that pitch tomorrow and Mara is going to have a fit if you don't wake up." She stood and moved to leave, but turned to stare at him. "I'm trusting you with my friend. Don't screw up. I'll make sure everyone thinks she's okay, that she just had a fainting spell or something like that." Viola glanced down at Jess again. "Call me when she wakes."

The woman moved out of the room and Bran followed her, making sure she followed through with what had to be done. Already some of his friends were talking with the guests making sure they said that Jess was just sick.

"I don't know if you can hear me, Little Fawn, but I'm sorry. I was wrong to send you away. I promise if you give me another chance, you won't regret it." He pulled the sheet down and opened the shirt giving her body the air to heal from the wounds he had given her.

He reached up and traced the one place where Jess would carry his mark. His cat had taken advantage of the situation and marked her as his, but was she really his woman? Maverick shook his head and stood, moving out to the living room, knowing Bran was waiting for him.

* * *

Jess heard Maverick, but couldn't move or open her eyes. Something was very wrong and he was trying to save her. Why she didn't know, but the pain was worse than having her kids. Did she want to forgive him? Was it even worth it? After all, she was only there at the hotel for another four days and Jess didn't even know if she was coming back afterward either.

She didn't know what time it was, but the pain was tolerable now. Could Jess move and open her eyes? All was quiet around her, Jess blinked. it was dark, but she could see fine which was really weird. She also wasn't in her room, but in his room and the bed was massive.

Now, could she move without throwing up or passing out? Jess needed a damn shower, she knew that. Fingers first, moved fine, toes moved, Jess lifted up her arm and nothing hurt. The big test, Jess slowly pushed herself up. There was some tenderness in her stomach, but she felt 100% better than before. She glanced down at where Maverick had bitten her.

Most of the wounds were gone, which really surprised the crap out of her. Had he changed her? Damn this was so out of one of her books and it was happening to her. She looked up and Maverick stood at the foot of the bed.

"You saved me, thank you," she said and pulled the shirt closed under his stare. "I was poisoned?" Jess asked.

"You heard us talking? And yes, you were poisoned." He moved to the side of the bed and sat down next to her. "You scared the living crap out of me, Little Fawn." Maverick reached up and brushed her hair back.

"Yes, I heard everything, just couldn't move or do anything. So there really are shifters? Am I one now?" Jess asked looking down. "Is that why I see better in the dark?"

"I don't know. Only certain people, who have some kind of marker on their DNA, can be changed. As for shifters, there are all sorts of them. There are many different species here on Earth. You'd be surprised." He reached up and took her hand into his, bringing it to his lips and kissing each finger.

"I owe you an apology. I jumped to the wrong conclusion earlier. Please forgive me. I was a fool," he said, staring at her, waiting.

She shrugged. "It's okay, it happens. I should go to my room. I need to take a shower and rest before my pitch in the morning. What time is it?" Jess asked.

"It's about 1:00. I'd like you to stay here so I can keep an eye on you, to make sure everything is okay. Viola brought clothes for you and I have a shower. Plus, we don't know if you can stand up yet by yourself. Are you hurting anywhere?"

He seemed sincere, but Jess was still nervous around Maverick. He was starting to mean something to her and it was only supposed to be one hot night. Something she would always remember and cherish, not something that could destroy her. "My stomach is a little tender. Did I get sick?" she frowned.

Maverick stood and pulled the covers back. "Yes, you were sick a few times," he leaned down and scooped her up into his arms.

"What are you doing? You can't lift me. Put me down before you get hurt."

Jess tried to move and he growled. "If you weren't still recovering, I'd spank you." He lowered his head till his nose was inches from hers. "I'm carrying you to the bathroom. You are not heavy for me. Your curves, love handles, are part of you and if anyone can't accept them, tell them to fuck off. If I'm around, I'll tell them for you." Maverick looked down at the marks on her breast, since the shirt she was wearing was now open again, and licked them.

Jess didn't know what to say as he turned and headed into the bathroom. He placed her onto the counter, before turning on the shower. As soon as that was done, Maverick turned to her and sighed. "You're still nervous about being around me?" he said.

"It's not about being around you," she said, shrugging off the shirt. She slid off the counter, holding on just in case, but he was there holding onto her hips. "Do you have an extra toothbrush?" she asked.

"Top drawer on the right, and if it's not about me, why are you backing away?" he asked. H watched in the mirror as Jess opened the toothbrush and started to brush her teeth.

With the nasty taste in her mouth gone, Jess slowly turned to face Maverick. "Because I'm scared, Maverick. I've only been here in Vegas for three days and I'm already wishing I didn't have to go back when I do. I have responsibilities at home. Two of them. I have a mess to clean up and I don't even know how I'm going to do it." She looked down as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"I can't lean on you too much, because it will tear me up when I have to leave." She looked up at him. "I'd love to give you everything, not have to worry about what tomorrow will bring, but I can't. Until I make sure my children are safe and taken care of, I'll always hold back." She reached up and ran her finger down his cheek. "I could so get lost in your care and I'm already giving you part of me that no one has had for a long time. Plus, if I remember correctly, even you stated this wasn't supposed to be serious, just one night. No promises."

For a minute Maverick said nothing, but a grin suddenly appeared on his face. "You are changing, your body. I can actually smell the difference in you now. So it seems you will be part of my life longer than this week. At first, that is all I wanted." He started to strip out of his clothes, never taking his gaze off of her. When Maverick was naked, he stepped closer again, reaching up to cup her breasts. "But now I'm not sure what I want. We will explore this that is between us?" he asked leaning down and sucking a nipple into his mouth.

"Damn," she groaned, reaching up and grabbing onto his shoulders. The sensation was amazing, his suction was so strong, Jess knew he was leaving another mark on her body. "Are you going to put marks all over me?" Jess teased.

"Yes," he told her, lifting her up and carrying her into the shower.

* * *

Maverick put her feet down once they were in the shower. Oh, he was going to mark every part of her body, and show her what it was to be loved properly. "Turn around. Allow me to wash your hair first." She had short shoulder length hair, the three colors in her hair only enhanced her face. He couldn't keep his hands off of her. She was like catnip to him and Maverick didn't understand why.

He grabbed the bottle of shampoo behind him and flinched, noticing his claws were trying to come out. The cat inside him wanted to claim, mark and make sure she didn't get away. Even part of his human side wanted the same thing, but it was too fast and it would scare her off.

No, he needed to take time to draw her in, show Jess she needed him as it seemed he needed her by his side. Pulling back the cat, Maverick took his time giving Jess a scalp massage as he washed her hair. By the time he was done, she was making cute little sounds.

Now, with the sponge in his hand, Maverick proceeded to scrub, massage, and clean her back, legs, and cute butt, which he, of course, left a few marks on her butt cheeks after she was clean.

"Maverick," she whispered as he turned her to face him so he could work on the front.

"Hush, just feel and relax. This is how you should be treated every day, Little Fawn," he told her as he lifted her right breast, soaping it up, squeezing and playing with her nipple before turning and doing it all over again to the other one.

With his hand, he held the showerhead and he rinsed each breast, moving down to her belly, but not before he also marked the other breast since Maverick didn't want her to be lopsided. His teeth sank in, just breaking the skin a little.

"What? Maverick what are you doing?" she groaned.

"Doing what I said I would. Now hold still." He soaped up his hand because he was not going to use the sponge on her. He wanted his hands on her soft pussy lips, cleaning them. "Spread your legs wider and hold onto my shoulders," he ordered.

She did so without question or remark, making his heart soar. Jess was a true submissive and needed to be guided. He separated her pussy lips, staring at the little nub there that was swollen and needy. If she was his, he'd have it pierced, a gold ring, his like the matching collar he'd put around her neck.

He shook his head, not knowing where that had come from. Maverick had promised never to settle down again, but here he was thinking about collaring her. He leaned in and licked and sucked her now clean clit, needing a taste of her.

Five minutes later, and three screaming orgasms from her, Maverick knew he would always need her taste on his lips. He stood and stared down at her as he held her up, her legs shaking. "Now you are clean."

Her gaze focused and she smiled. "Really, really clean. Do I get to clean you?" she asked and he shook his head.

"No, I took a shower earlier, maybe another night." He reached around her and turned off the water, before grabbing the big towel from the rack outside the shower. Wrapping her up in the towel, Maverick lifted her up and headed towards the bedroom.

He lowered her in front of the bed and proceeded to dry her off, then himself, before grabbing the hairbrush off the table. He sat down on the bed, leaning back against the headboard, pulling her up onto the bed and in front of him.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Going to brush your hair and then we're going to sleep. I'm going to hold you all night. Plus, you have an appointment in the morning and need the rest, but be warned, Little Fawn. Next time I won't be so easy-going." He started working out the knots in her hair. "Now, tell me about your children."

Maverick listened to Jess talk about her children with such love and heartache he wanted to personally go home with her to tear her husband apart and knock her son's head in.

"By any chance is your daughter like you?" he asked and scooted down on the bed, covering them both with the sheet. She was on her back, looking up at him, when she smiled.

"Very much in some ways, but in other ways, she scares the living crap out of me. In my time, we could trust people, now you can't. She's the type of person who would trust anyone along the side of the road. My son's friends have always watched over my daughter even though she is older."

"I think you need someone to look after you, so others don't take advantage of you as they have been. Am I right?" he asked and tucked her closer to his body, burying his head into the crook of her neck, just taking a deep breath.

Jess turned on her side, away from him, but scooted back into his body, pulling his arm around her and holding on. "No," she whispered. "It would destroy me if I got used to it and then were left flat. I'm too old to go through that kind of pain. I've made that mistake twice. Night, Maverick, and thank you again for saving me."

He kissed her shoulder and hugged her tight. Maverick had heard the hurt in her voice and he didn't like it at all. He closed his eyes, trying to sort out his own wayward thoughts.

On one hand he too was nervous about being committed to someone, but Maverick knew there was something more going on between them. It was more of a mating than anything else, which was really scary since a mating was for life.

* * *

Jess heard his little snores and smiled. It was time to get moving, today she had a big day ahead of her, an important one. Not to mention she needed some alone time. Her life was changing and Jess was not sure how this was going to affect her life.

Sure, she'd love to be here with this man, but really what did Jess know about him? Other than he was gorgeous, a stripper, and an actual shifter. Yea, she had a lot of thinking to do.

Careful not to wake him, Jess slid out of his grasp and out of the bed. She couldn't believe how different, almost young, she felt as she grabbed the clothes that Viola had left for her. It was wonderful and scary.

She stepped into the living room and carefully closed the door so that Maverick wouldn't hear her leaving. There was enough time to do her swimming, so she needed to go to her room and get her suit on.

After getting dressed and finding the elevator key, Jess carried her belongings into the elevator and pushed her floor number. A good swim this morning would help clear up her head, she hopped. But it didn't really matter, she loved the water and swimming and had promised herself to make sure to use the pool at least once a day.

Careful not to wake up her roommates, Jess slid into the room and stopped. Viola sat in the chair sipping some coffee with Lori. "So how are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, but don't have much time. Can we talk later?" Jess asked not really wanting to get into it with Viola.

"So did you get some?" Lori asked.

Jess laughed and shook her head. "We fooled around a little, but we were both tired. He held me all night, which really felt weird though." Jess looked down. "He's a good man, too bad it's just a fling." She grabbed he suit and moved into the bathroom.

"Do you really believe it's a fling?" Viola asked, now at the door. Her friend was well aware of what was going on.

"I have no idea, but we all know I leave here in four days. I have no choice. I have a family to take care of and tie up some loose ends. I can't think of anything beyond that right now. Plus, you know I don't have the money to move here yet. Hell, I don't even know if I'm moving here. You know Tampa is nice too, plus it has water. Now, move. I want to swim." She waved her hand and Viola laughed, stepping back.

"Be warned, he's going to stalk your ass. If those marks I see are from him, he's marked his claim already." Viola moved back into the room. "I think I'm going to go swimming too."

Jess rolled her eyes and shut the door. "Whatever," she said. Like he'd actually track me down. Five minutes later both Viola and she were jumping into the warm water.

"God, this feels amazing," she said, coming up out of the water.

"Do you realize how many damn marks are on your body? Jeez woman, everyone was staring at us. Some even backed away, almost afraid of you." Viola gave her a look.

"How much do you know about what he is?" Jess leaned over and whispered.

"About his people, not much. Did I know that they're different?" She looked around. "Yep, and many of them have excellent hearing, so be careful here. You know you are not the same anymore?"

"Yes, and it's scary and nice in some ways." Jess looked at her friend. "Are you different?"

"When we have time and are away from all of this, I'll tell you, but right now you have company coming." She nodded behind her.

Jess didn't even have to turn, because she knew Maverick was standing at the edge of the pool as she turned her body. "Well, I'd hoped he would have slept."

He snorted and used his finger as to come to him. "I told you," Viola laughed in her ear and pushed her forward

"Bitch," she glared back at her friend, who only laughed harder.

"Jess," Maverick called her name. His voice sent a chill down her spine.

"Could you at least look less demanding, jeez," she mumbled and moved towards him as he sat down, his feet now in the water.

Maverick pulled her in between his legs. "You left without saying goodbye." He reached up and grabbed on her hair, tugging her head back, to stare down at her.

"I wanted to let you sleep, plus you knew I have things to do today. We'll see each other at Mara's later."

"But what if I wanted to go with you? See what this convention is all about." He leaned down and nipped he lip. "I didn't get my kiss this morning." Maverick covered her mouth. His kiss was not gentle, it was one of those punishing kisses she had written about, but never experienced, and loved it.

The way he took control, his tongue slid into her mouth, dueling with hers. She didn't know how long they were together when she heard someone.

"You are drawing attention," his friend said as Maverick drew back, holding her gaze.

"Go swim. I'll wait for you," he said and turned to the man that had spoken.

She shook her head and dunked under the water, spinning and pushing away from the wall of the pool. Jess came up to see Viola next to her, swimming.

"I told you so," she said making her want to kick Viola.

"Shut up and let me finish this," Jess grumbled. She did laps, not even bothering to count, when strong arms reached down and pulled her out of the water when she reached the one end.

"What the hell?" she glared at Maverick. "Why did you do that?"

"Your appointment is in 20 minutes," Maverick said.

"Really, it's been that long? Well thanks," she tried to move back, but he kept his arm around her, reaching down and grabbing her towel and wrap. "You really want to tag alone with me today?" Jess asked, moving back towards the hotel.

"Yes, I wouldn't have said so if I didn't mean it. I've cleared my schedule for the day to spend it with you." Maverick nodded to two men who stepped into the hotel before them.

"You have guards?" she asked going to the front elevators, but Maverick pulls her towards the back private ones.

He leaned over and whispered. "We have guards until Derek is found. He's already had someone try and poison you, it's not going to happen again." The door opened and all four of them stepped into the private box.

Jess looked at the two men and shook her head. "If they're going to be following along, be warned they might get grabbed, pinched and propositioned a few times." Jess nodded to the blond man who had his hair braided.

"Oh yea, this is going to be fun watching." She looked up at Maverick to see him frowning.

"Why?" he asked as they stepped out onto her floor after their guards did.

"Um, hello. Romance conference, and they're hunks," she said, earning a smack on her ass. "What was that for?" she glared at him and rubbed her butt.

"Because, you don't need to be checking their asses out." He growled and she laughed.

"I don't know why you're getting all upset. Of course I'm going to look. I'm only human and not having anything for a long time, well yea..." Before she could reach for her door, Maverick pushed her up against the wall, his body trapping her.

"You have me while you are here." His hands skimmed down her arms to her ass cheeks. He squeezed them and lifted her up, where he licked her lips.

"Aren't you getting a little possessive here? I mean you just met me yesterday, plus you know I'm not going to be here long. I have to go home, Maverick." She ran her hand up his arm. The man was built, but not like that of a weight lifter, more like a boxer.

Jess knew he was dangerous, just by the way he carried himself. She did love the way he stared at her as if he could eat her up.

The door opened up and Lori peeked out at them. "Well, um you're going to be late. Hi," she said noticing the two other men. "Three men?" Lori turned her gaze on her and she laughed.

"I don't think I'm that adventurous," Jess said and turned her gaze on the two in question. "Although...

Maverick growled, making Lori jump. "There will not be any other men!"

Jess shook her head and patted his chest as she squirmed out of his arms. "Go, I have to get ready. This is important. I can't be late. I need this contract, Maverick."

* * *

Maverick watched the woman step into the room and close the door. He turned and growled at Bran and Stan. "Don't even say it. Go change and we'll meet back here." All three of them moved towards the elevator.

Stan took off in another direction while Bran got into the elevator with him. "She's your mate, isn't she?" Bran asked.

"Yes, the thought of her leaving has the cat screaming. Then there is the fact she hasn't shifted yet and her first time is going to be tough for her, not to mention we don't know when it's going to happen."

Bran glanced at him. "Are we going to follow the old ways? You know you are very lucky to find your true mate. Many of our people have settled with humans afraid they'd never find their chosen one, wanting and needing children."

"You don't have to tell me," Maverick said as Bran stepped off the elevator at his floor. "You'll be my second?" he asked, and Bran smiled.

"I would have been pissed if you asked someone else. You have a winner there, and I'd be proud to be her second mate. But I have a feeling getting her to stay here is the bigger issue than both of us loving her," Bran said, as he spun, moving to his room. "Meet you back here in 30 minutes." He yelled.

But what he wasn't expecting was his ex-wife standing inside his penthouse. "How did you get in here? Never mind what do you want?" he asked.

"There is no need to bite my head off. I thought you'd like to know Jake is back and it does not look like he's going to finish school. He won't tell me what's wrong, so I'm hoping you can help. I'm really worried about him." she asked.

"Fine, I'll stop by later this evening." He started to say, but she was already shaking her head.

"No, you need to come now. He was packing his stuff. All of it, when I came here. Said something about needing to get away, please," she asked.

"Let me change and I'll go," Maverick grabbed his cell phone and called Bran, making sure he'd escort his woman around today. The thought of her running around Vegas alone did not sit well with him at all, but she would understand since Jess had children too.

* * *

Jess was furious and hurt. She had never been so embarrassed. She headed to the next table, not wanting Bran to see her tears. Her guards were waiting outside the door for her to finish her appointment.

Eight other editors were in the same room, doing interviews. Only a few looked up, but it was if they knew what the bitch had done. But when she got to the end, Jess forgot Lori was waiting for her. She came to her. "What happened?" she asked.

"Is my writing really that bad?" Jess asked her.

"No, what the hell? Wait right here," Lori said. She was about to confront the woman Jess had talked to, but Jess just wanted to get away from everyone for a few seconds, and that included losing her guards. She needed to think.

"Listen, I just need some time to think away from everyone. I'm going to slip out the back and do a tour or something. Oh, I won't be back till later. I'm meeting Mara at her house for dinner. I'll call you." Jess hugged Lori and made her way out of the meeting room. She made her way to the front of the hotel and caught the next tour bus to the strip right before it was going to leave.

The sights passed by while Jess rode the bus, but she didn't see much until she stepped off the bus and stared up at New York, New York hotel. It seemed Lori was thinking of her after all.

Not one to ignore a sign, Jess headed into the grand place and smiled. A little gambling and maybe some shopping was just what she needed, but as she moved further into the hotel, Jess could have sworn others were watching her.

She shook her head and made her way through the rows of slot machines looking for the penny games, the only ones for her. Finding one that she liked, Jess sat down and pulled out her member's playing card to insert it.

Jess had $20 to play with today, which was her limit. Just as she was getting comfortable, two tall gentlemen and a lady came over. "Hello, my name is Victor Mells, my partner is Walter Plaster. You're new around here. Is Maverick with you?" Both gentlemen looked around.

"Why would Maverick be with me?" she frowned. "My name is Jess Garthing and I'm an author with the convention in town. Is there a problem with being here?" she asked.

"No, not at all. We're just surprised is all. Would you care for anything to eat or drink while you are here? Please order whatever you like, it's on the house," Victor said, nodding to the waitress. "Have a good day." Both men moved away.

"That was weird." She mumbled.

"Not really, after all you carry Maverick's mark. Always thought he'd end up with well someone more..."

"Enough!" Bran growled, coming out of nowhere and glaring at the waitress.

"What's wrong?" Victor rushed over to them and she shook her head, turning to the machine. She sure didn't need this crap and wasn't even going to deal with it. Jess pushed the button and sat there stunned when the lights started to flash. She had won.

Jess watched as her winnings was flashed across her machine. Over $2000. It would be enough to pay some bills when she got home at least. She pulled out the card and got up, ignoring the men behind her.

Her mother had always told her to cash out her winnings, and put in other money to continue to gamble. That way, the winnings were put away so you didn't spend them. But she would keep a few hundred out to do some shopping and get her kids some things.

"Wait," Bran ran up to her, wrapping his arm around her waist, and stopping her. "Jess, you can't go running around without one of us around. Why did you take off? Did something happen?" Bran asked.

"That is none of your business? Why do you ask?" she asked.

Bran sighed. "Sweetie, you are important to Maverick." He reached up and ran his finger over one of Mavericks marks on her neck. "If something were to happen to you, he'd literally kill." Bran flinched and stepped back.

Maverick stood there, glaring at her.

"I thought you were with your son?" she said.

"I was, but I made him come with me so we could talk and I could keep an eye on a wondering woman who does not know how to stay safe." He growled and yanked her to his side. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

She counted to ten, but nope, Jess was still pissed. She stomped down on Maverick's foot. "One, you don't own me. Two, it's not been a good morning, so do not push me Maverick. Now back off. I needed some time to think. Go spend your time with your son. I have some more gambling to do, then I'm shopping before I meet Mara."

Maverick snarled. "What about the convention? Don't you have to be in some of the meetings?" he asked.

Jess turned and approached to the ticket redemption machine, but obviously not in time for Maverick and Bran to see the hurt in her expression. Both men moved next to her, following her. "Who hurt you?" Maverick asked.

"It's not what you think. It just seems certain people think my writing is a joke. It just kind of hurt to be turned down, that's all." She stepped up to the machine and inserted her ticket.

After putting the money away in her purse, she turned and stared up at Maverick. "I'll face the convention tomorrow. Right now I just need some down time, to think what my next move is, where I'm going to work so I can save enough to move next year."

Maverick looked as though he was about to say something, but Jess spun around and pointed at him. "Don't. We just met yesterday. I have two children I have to take care of and I will not leave them. I promised my son he can graduate where he is and that I'd be there for him. As for the husband, he's gone, and as soon as I get the money, I'll file for divorce. But do not say anything right now." Jess sighed and looked down at the ground. "I have to do this, Maverick. I can't and won't be dependent on anyone." She spun around and started to search for the next gaming machine.

* * *

"Wow, she's freaking amazing. Is that really your mate?" his son, Jake, asked as they watched Jess circulate around the gaming floor, searching for what, he didn't know.

"Yes. Bran I want to know what happened this morning? Find her friend and editor. She'll know. Also find an attorney near her home in Ohio, the best, and make sure they know the situation, but tell them not to contact her. I'll slide her their name later, but I want that divorce now." Maverick watched as Jess finally took a seat at a machine.

"Done, I'll be back. Oh, expect Victor and Walter to find you after they deal with the waitress that offended Jess."

"What?" Maverick snarled and glanced at his friend.

"I got there just as I heard her tell Jess that she wasn't your kind and expected you to find someone more..." Bran growled.

"Great, now I have that to work against." Maverick moved towards Jess, as he watched the man next to her lean over and whisper something to her. She laughed and shook her head, turning to find him.

"I don't think he would allow that, but thank you. You made this old lady feel good about herself," she told the man who had the good sense to collect his things and move seeing Maverick coming towards her.

"Take his seat," he told his son and lifted Jess up, taking her seat and placing her on his lap.

She shook her head. "You're a pain in the ass," she muttered and glanced at his son.

"Jess Garthing this is my son, Jake." Maverick introduced them his gaze on Victor and Walter as they made their way towards them.

Jess leaned over and held out her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. You look like your father. You have his eyes. So, have you worked out your troubles?" she asked.

His son took her hand, smiling. "Dad and mom had a fit because I was going to join the service. Everything is fine and it's great to meet you."

"Really, what branch and why did you leave college? Girl?" she asked and frowned when the two men finally made it over to them.

"Maverick, it's a pleasure to see you here, it's been a while." Victor said holding out his hand.

"It has been a while. We'll have to get together soon. I want to thank you for watching out for Jess here," he said and pulled her back against her.

"Can we be any more possessive, jeez?" she rolled her eyes and shook her head.

His son leaned over. "I'm afraid he's like that with everyone he thinks belongs to him."

Jess smiled and leaned over. "Well I have news for him, I'm not his yet. Just because he put some mark on me does not mean anything."

"Jess," Maverick snarled

"Don't Jess me. I haven't decided anything. I don't know why you are being like this. Just because someone poisoned me is no reason to get all attached. You know nothing about me. Hell, I could be allergic to kitties," she said, smiling.

Jake laughed so hard, as did Victor and Walter. "She has a tongue on her, just as my Faith does. Yes, you have met your match. Ms. Jess, may I offer an apology for what happened earlier with the waitress." Victor bowed to her.

Jess waved her hand at him. "Please, I'm sure there will be others who want this stud kitty. I know I'm not the perfect woman, so don't sweat it."

"Well, it just isn't done here in our hotel. So your money is no good here. Ask, and it is yours. Maverick, I hope this little mishap won't affect our talks?"

"No, we are good, and thank you, both of you." Maverick said as Bran came around the corner, nodding to the men.

"Good, I'll let you enjoy your day." Victor and Walter walked away as sirens went off and the top light flashed.

"Yes!" Jess jumped up and turned her smile on him. "I think I love this hotel," she said and turned back to watch her win calculate.

Maverick peeked around her to see how much she had won and smiled. For a nickel machine Jess had won over $4000, which was a decent haul.

"That's the second jackpot she's won in over an hour. Your woman is on a roll," Bran said.

"She is and Jess is ours. I mean what I said, Bran. Otherwise I wouldn't have left her in your care. Even my cat recognizes you." He leaned forward and wrapped his arm around Jess. "Where are you going, Little Fawn?" he asked, pulling her back to him.

"I have to cash this in. I need to find a bank though. I don't want to carry this much cash around. Do you know where there is one?" she asked and he laughed.

He stood. "Just give the cashier the ticket. These hotels do a lot of business and they can deposit money back on a bank card." Maverick said and escorted the beauty in his arms.

"And don't think I didn't hear what you said. You need to stop planning things when I haven't agreed to anything yet." She looked up at him. "I'll give you that I feel safe in your arms, but it's important to me to stand on my own two feet, Maverick. If my writing isn't going anywhere..." she smiled and approached the cashier.

"I take it writing is what she loves to do?" his son said. "You could see the sadness in her eyes." Jake glanced over at him.

"Yes, and we're going to make sure she gets her dream. Jess has already given up too much from what I've found out already." Maverick frowned as Jess took newly loaded bank card at the same time she answered her phone.

"What's wrong, Rose?" he heard her say as she walked off towards the front of the casino. "Stay there with Grandma until the ambulance comes. I'll see if I can get a flight back as soon as I can. I'll call you in the next hour and let you know what I can do. Love you Rose and let Mom know I love her too."

Jess moved up to the desk. "Can I get a telephone book please?" she asked.

"Little Fawn, what's wrong?" Maverick asked, turning her around to face him. Tears were in her eyes.

"Rose can't wake Mom. She says she's breathing, but won't wake up. It seems my sister and Mom got into it last night." Jess looked down at the ground. "I told Mom not to confront Linda I knew it would tear her up. My dad had an affair on my Mom. She does not do well with that kind of thing. I need to be there now." She reached up and cupped his cheek. "The only thing I regret is not getting that night with you."

"Oh, you're going to get that night. Bran, get the jet ready. Jake, you coming with us to Ohio?" Maverick asked, moving their party out the door as a limo pulled up for them.

"Limo?" she asked. "What are you doing?" Jess asked as she slid into the car looking around. "It's not going to be pretty. You can't go home with me, Maverick. I need to do this."

Maverick lifted her up and pulled her onto his lap. "No, we will do this together." He sighed. "You're my mate, Jess. I didn't expect this or want this, but I do now. The thought of not having you in my life scares the shit out of me and has my cat fighting to get out. Is it going to be easy, no? But I know we can do this if we do it together." He hugged her tight. "If that means we must live in Vegas for a year for your son to graduate, we'll do it. We'll just take flights back and forth on weekends and holidays. Look at me, Jess."

She looked up at him and he wiped the tears that had spilled down. "It's rare to find our mates, especially with our species so low in numbers. A number of our people marry humans so they can at least have children. Now, don't get me wrong. I did have feelings for Jake's mother, but there was something missing. Maybe she knew that, I don't know." He reached over and squeezed his son's leg.

"When our species finds their true mate, and you are my true mate, it is customary to ask another male to join them in their family. Our lives can be dangerous and to protect our women, two men are better than one. Plus, women cats are highly sexual animals. They need to be touched and loved often."

"Wait," she sat up and stared at him. "We're not even sure if I'm like you?"

"You are changing, Jess. The signs are all there. Already your eyes are changing, you are sensitive to my touch. You need it don't you?" he asked. "I will have honesty here."

She sighed and nodded. "Yes, and I haven't figured it out. Wait! Two!" she squeaked and a slow smile formed. "Do you know what I write? Well, what I used to write." Jess frowned and looked towards the window.

"You will write. That is what you love to do. That money will be yours, but Jess, you will allow us to take care of you. It's what we need to do. Look at me," Maverick said.

Slowly, Jess looked up at him. "I promise, no, we promise, your children will be treated as ours and you will want for nothing. Give us this chance."

"Us," she looked over at Bran, who leaned over, inches from her.

"Yes, us," Bran growled and placed a kiss on her lips.

* * *

Jess sat on Maverick's lap. The four of them were on their way to the airport. Her suitcases were now in Maverick's suite, he had informed her as soon as they made sure that her mother was well. They would go back to Vegas so she could finish the convention. And they would even bring her kids with them. He assured her that there was plenty of room for them and plenty of things for them to do.

"Maverick, you and Bran have to promise me something." She turned and looked up at him, then at Bran.

"We'll see. Now what are you worried about?" Bran asked.

"You can't kill my husband, no matter what the dickhead says. He is my kid's father. In some ways, he's a lot like my daughter. That's why it was so hard to step away from him. It was like living with another child, but I can' t take care of him anymore. I just can't."

"We won't kill your husband, but I'm not promising I won't hit the ass," Bran grumbled and started to work on his tablet again.

"There is another boy that I take care of. I hate to leave him alone. His parents are there, but they think more of themselves then their son. I've paid for his school clothes, always made sure I had enough food to feed him because they never did and I pay for his phone. Damn, this is going to be hard." She frowned and tried to scoot off Maverick's lap, but he held on tight.

"Hold still. Why is this going to be hard?" Maverick asked.

Jess sighed. "It's hard to explain. I've always kept my house open for my kid's friends. My children bring home the kids that need the help the most. I've told a number of them that if their parents every kick them out, they could come to me. A lot of my son's friends ¬ their parents ¬ well they are worthless assholes, druggies or just out for themselves. Then there are my daughter's friends who have been bullied, or learning disabled. With them, you have to guide them with gentle hands. They tell the truth no matter what. It's like they don't know how to sugar coat things and people get offended with that."

Maverick slid his fingers through her hair and tugged her head back. "You, my Little Fawn, are an amazing lady. Your heart is too big and I have a feeling you are just like your daughter. But do not worry, we'll figure something out."

"Maverick, what about my Mom? She needs help to..." Jess tried to pull away from him but he held on to her. "Mom was going to move in with us in October. She can't afford to live by herself anymore. It's another reason I wanted to really get my books moving. I wanted to pay for her rent so she didn't feel so confined. She loves living in her little place. Now I don't know what to do." She shook her head. "This isn't going to work. It's too much to ask of you and Bran. Let me up."

"Stop," Maverick growled. "We knew this was going to be difficult, but we can get through this. Just quit pulling away."

"I'll try, but you might not like what you find out." Jess said.

"It goes both ways, Jess. There are bound to be things about us that will set you off. Not to mention our families," Maverick said, as he released her hair, hugging her. "Wait till you meet our parents and yes, both sets of our parents are alive. They live in Vegas. Bran and I grew up together. We've always been best friends and knew that if one of us found our mate, the other one would be his partner."

She groaned. "Damn, I never thought of that. Nope, don't think this is going to work. I already have the in-laws from hell, especially his brother." She shook just thinking of Ran.

"Do we need to worry about this man?" Maverick leaned back and stared down at her.

"I have no clue. His brother is a nut job. One minute he can be nice, the next he wants you and is touching you, or he could call you every name in the book. Just watch your back when they get together."

"Not to worry, he won't touch you again," Maverick growled.

In a matter of an hour, Jess was staring out window of the private jet. She was so out of her league with these two men that Jess didn't know what the hell to do. Just the thought of showing up with both of them at her side was making her nervous.

Her mother was in the hospital and her daughter Rose was with her. Her son had walked up to the hospital to wait. Both of them knew she was flying in, but would they accept the change in their lives?

With the cool glass window against her forehead, Jess closed her eyes. So much was going through her head that it was just too much. Maverick's strong arms lifted her and wrapped her up in his warmth. "Shh, Little Fawn, we're here. You are not alone anymore," Maverick said, rubbing her back, while Bran sat next to them, lifting her legs up into his lap.

"We are not going to allow anything to happen to your family," Bran told her. They sat there just holding her for a good hour, before she got up and stretched.

"I have to change," she headed towards the bathroom.

"Don't shut us out, Little Fawn," Maverick said behind her.

She looked over her shoulder before entering the bathroom. "I'll try, but be warned, you might not like what you see when we get there." Jess stepped into the massive bathroom and snorted. "Yep, so out of my league."

"No we're not and that is five. I warned you Jess," Maverick said, coming into the bathroom. "Lean over the counter now."

"What?" she said, but he didn't repeat himself, waiting.

"Fine." Jess grabbed onto the counter, bending, but what she didn't expect was for him to take her pants and underwear off to spank her. "Maverick?"

"Not a word." Five hard, painful smacks hit her butt cheeks. Tears ran down her face and she refused to turn around, but Maverick wasn't about to allow her that. He turned her around and pulled her into his arms, hugging her. "You are part of us and we are not better than you because we have a few comforts. Plus, these comforts are now yours too." Maverick squeezed her sore butt and placed a kiss on the top of her head. "Get dressed. We land in 25 minutes," he told her and headed towards the bathroom door.

"And there will be more of that if you continue with that train of thought." Maverick glanced back at her. "You are ingrained in my heart now, Little Fawn. There is no separation for us." With that he moved out of the bathroom and shut the door behind him.

* * *

They had rented a SUV at the airport to get them around. He wanted to be back in Vegas by tomorrow, but it would all depend on how her mother was.

Maverick stood beside Jess as they walked down the hospital corridor to her mother's room.

Jess stopped and tensed up when they turned around the corner. "Linda, please tell me you didn't go in there and upset her."

"No. Who are they?" the woman asked as she looked at Jess and her two men and stepped forward.

"Actually it's none of your business, but this is Maverick and Bran. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll check in with mom." Jess' body language was stiff and Maverick could tell that seeing her sister wasn't an easy thing as she attempted to move past her sister when Linda reached out.

"I'm sorry this happened," Linda said.

"I'm not. I've been telling him to find someone else, I just wish it had been someone besides you. I don't know how long you two have been at it, but he's yours now. I'm filling for divorce as soon as I can. Have a good life, Linda." Jess pushed open the hospital door and the woman in the bed smiled up at her.

"Well it's good to see you up and awake. Are you okay?" Jess asked moving to the bed and placing a kiss on her mom's cheek.

"I'm fine, just had a bad reaction to something. Who are the gentlemen behind you?" her mom asked.

"A lot of things are going to change and I don't know where to begin so I'll let them tell you. Mom, Rose, Hunter, I'd like to introduce you to Maverick Westal and Bran Goodman. The gentlemen behind Maverick is his son Jake."

"How did you get here so quickly and what kind of changes?" her son asked, staying across the room. He was tall and standoffish already.

"Maverick." She smiled up at him and he grumbled.

"Of course, but your sister is listening at the door. Do you want her to hear everything?" he asked

Jess glanced toward the door. "Do others know about you?" she asked. "Because I wouldn't trust her to keep her mouth shut. If they do, then go for it. Let her flip out." Jess smiled when her sister pushed open the door. "Don't even start. You have no say in anything here." Jess snapped at her sister.

"Officials know about us, and a few humans. We are shifters, leopards to be exact, but there are other kinds of shifters in our city. Anyway, your daughter was caught in the middle of something and in order for her to survive, I had no choice. She is now like us. Well, she will be like us as soon as her body finishes the change. She is also our mate."

"Why weren't we called?" Her mother said. "If my daughter is sick or hurt, I expect to be notified. Is that understood?" her mom gave Maverick a look that almost made him step back. Jess laughed next to him.

Maverick reached around and pinched her ass. "Behave," he told her.

"So you've been fooling around too? So it wasn't just Dad?" Hunter asked.

Maverick's turned his gaze on the boy. "Do not even take that attitude with your mother. You will respect her, do you understand me? Your father might not have been in your life, but rest-assured we will be from here on. Also, do not even think you will be smoking that crap around us. If you want to kill your brain cells, you will do it when you are old enough to be out on your own."

Maverick turned his gaze on her sister. "As for you, we'll see how you handle this news, before we trust you with anything else."

Bran looked down at her daughter and winked at her. "We know everything is going to change, but we're going to be there for you and your brother. As a matter of fact, we were hoping you two would come back with us for the rest of your Mom's convention. It would give us time to get to know you. Plus, we would like you to get used to our home since we'll be staying there on weekends, holidays and in the summer time. Hunter, your mom told us she promised you to that you would graduate here and we'll keep a home here too so you can finish school."

"We're going to Vegas?" Hunter asked. "I have work." He frowned. "But I could ask them for the week off. Do you think Dylan can come with us?" he asked, actually moving away from the wall.

"Actually, if it's okay with your Mom, you could work with us since we will be going back and forth. It would pay more, and whatever you put in the bank, I'll add the same amount. As long as the money is saved for school or a car." Maverick told the boy, seeing his eyes light up. Yes, her son needed a strong hand, someone to work with him.

"Also, Dylan's parents must speak with us before we agree, and our rules go for him too." Maverick informed Hunter. Turning to Jess, he asked, "Is this the boy you were talking about?"

"Yep, he's part of the family," Jess said, hugging her daughter, but she looked towards the door behind them when the hospital door opened.

Maverick knew it was her husband as soon Jess stiffened, and stepped in front of her daughter. "Remember what I said," Jess said, looking at Maverick and then Bran, before turning her attention to him. "Why aren't you at work? Here to see my sister?"

"I didn't know you were here? Who are they?" David nodded to Maverick and Bran.

Bran stepped in front of her. "Stay," he told her.

Maverick stepped forward. "This is what is going to happen. Jess is filing for divorce. You have a month to find a place. The house is her mother's and she needs it to live. Of course the children will be with Jess. You are free," Maverick informed David.

The man stood there for a second, then looked around him. "I would like to speak with my wife alone. Jess." David said and spun around, heading out to the hall.

"Move out of the way. This needs to be done." Jess pushed through both men.

"If he touches you, our promise is null and void," Maverick said before she stepped out into the hall.

"So what does it mean to be mated?" her mom asked behind them.

Maverick glanced at Bran, who shook his head. "Nope, this is you."

He turned and smiled at Jess' mom. "It's actually more than a human wedding. The animal inside us recognizes the other as its life partner. There are no divorces. We can do nothing other than to make your daughter happy. Sure, there will be problems, but we won't give up on her." Maverick looked towards the door. "It's time for her to be pampered. I want to let her write and not have to worry about bills, and what have you."

"So it's the two of you?" her mother laughed. "Have you read my daughter's stories?"

"No, but I plan on reading each one," Maverick said and moved to the door. He could hear that Jess was nervous and scared. "Excuse me for a minute." He stood at the door and listened to Jess.

"Do you really believe you have anything to say about what I do? It does not matter what I do. Our marriage has been over for years and I've been telling you to find someone else, so now you have. You move on and I'll move on. Hell, you can even have the car. I hope you'll finally be happy. Oh, I'm taking the kids back with me to Vegas. Also Mom is going to stay at the house while we are there so she can take care of the cats. Find a place to live." He heard her step back, but another voice made her stop. Maverick could feel the fear coming off of her.

He opened the door as the other man said. "Your free now. How about..." he stopped looking up at him.

"She's not free and never will be." Maverick growled. The man was not sane. Even from the tone in his voice, Maverick knew this one could be dangerous. "We will be going to the house now so the kids can pack some bags. But I was thinking, why don't we bring your mother with us? She can see the other home we'll be staying at and get some rest."

Maverick looked down at Jess. "I also want to see what needs to be done with this house. Bran is looking for a place for us around here too. Why don't you go see if your Mom will go with us." he pushed her inside the room.

"Maverick?" Jess questioned him, but he was already closing the door to the room, turning his attention on the two men.

"I will only repeat this once. You even think of giving Jess any trouble I will make your life a living hell. Now, I suggest you make yourself scarce while we get the children packed up." He looked at her sister. "Watch yourself around that one over there. I know it would hurt your sister if you were to get hurt." Maverick headed back into the room

"You'll take good care of my sister?" Linda asked.

"She'll never want for anything and her children will have a home," he said before stepping into the room.

** *

"So when do you get out of here?" Jess asked her Mom. "Maverick would like you to come back to Vegas with us. We could all make it a mini-vacation."

"Anytime, but tell me, are you okay? I mean they are very..."

Her Mom glanced at Bran, who was sitting on the other bed working on his tablet, but he looked up at her and smiled. "We're both very dominant men and Maverick is the alpha of our pack. I can tell you this, your daughter will have everything she wants and your grandchildren will be taken care of." Bran glanced over at the corner.

Rose was talking with Jake, and the way he was hovering over her made Jess a little nervous. She looked at Bran. "What's going on?"

"It seems Maverick isn't the only one who has found his mate," Bran whispered into her ear as he wrapped his arm around her. "So your mother will be coming back with us. I have contacted my sister. She's going to open up the house so everything will be ready for us. The penthouse at the hotel does not have enough rooms, but since you'll be at the convention, I'll also have my suite being cleaned so your mother and children can stay there."

"Jess, I can't afford to go to Vegas. The plane ticket alone would be too much," her Mom said.

"Well then it's good that we have a private jet, yes?" Maverick said, coming into the room.

"A private jet? Really?" her son asked, moving closer and she couldn't help but laugh.

"Now you think that's neat? Not the fact they can shift to a cat?" Jess frowned. "You don't mind small cats, do you?" she asked Bran and Maverick.

"You have pets?" Maverick asked.

"Yep, two cats. Smokey and Missy. What are we going to do with them?" she asked.

"Sweetie, we're cats. We'll bring them with us. You have a cat carrier, right?" he asked and she shook her head.

"Nope, got lost on our move to the house. Plus, I don't think Smokey will go. He's scared of men and loud noises," she said as the door opened and a nurse came into the room.

"So, who's taking you home?" the nurse asked.

"We are. Is she going to be okay to travel?" Jess asked.

"I don't see why not. We just want someone to keep an eye on her tonight to make sure she doesn't have another reaction. She has a prescription for eppy pens. Make sure she keeps one with her all the time." The nurse asked her mother to sign the release papers. "You can get dressed and we'll be back with the wheelchair."

"I'm going to head home. Dylan is talking to his folks now. Do you know when we'll be back?" Hunter asked.

"Well, I have a reading on Sunday night, so I wasn't planning on coming back till Monday. So I guess it will be Monday. You'll miss one day of school, but you have the doctor's note, so I'm not really worried about it. Hunter be careful, Ran was outside with your father."

"I think we should all go together. I don't think anyone should be around that man. Something is seriously wrong with him." Maverick said, opening the door for all of them to move out of the room so her Mom could get dressed.

Linda was there waiting. "Is she going to be okay?"

"Yes, she had a bad allergic reaction to something. We've asked her to come back to Vegas with us. We can keep an eye on her that way." Jess looked at her sister. "What are you going to do? Are you leaving your husband to be with David?" she asked.

"No, it was a mistake and he knows it. You should know he's been moving out while you were gone. Him and his brother got a place. I'll watch the cats. I made a mistake," she said.

Jess stepped up to her sister and hugged her. "I love you Linda and you're very lucky our marriage was already over. Don't hurt me again, because I won't forgive you next time. Thank you for taking care of the cats." Jess looked back at the room. "Why don't you take Mom home and help her pack. We'll swing by and pick her up when we are finished at the house about..." she looked over at Maverick.

"Bran has a house lined up for us to see, so we should be there in about two hours." Maverick stood behind her and placed a kiss on her head. "Thank you for watching her pets. We welcome you into our family, but don't hurt your sister again. Family needs to stick together."

The door to the hospital room opened and her Mom stepped out. "I'm ready to get out of here."

"Betsy is going to take you home. We'll be over to pick you up in about two hours. I guess Bran and Maverick want to look at some houses after the kids pack up their bags. I don't like the idea of the asshole in our house while we're gone though." Jess sighed.

"Bran, find someone to replace the locks on the house. If her soon-to-be-ex needs to get into the house he can contact her sister. Only you will have the key, but I suggest you do not go there alone. Take someone with you, because it is only a matter of time before that other man snaps." Maverick ordered.

"Maverick, Mom's house has the old doors and we don't want those ruined," Jess said and her Mom nodded her head. "Plus, anyone can get into the back door." She waved her hand and moved towards the elevator. "We'll figure it out later. Come on Linda, Hunter, we have work to do if we want to get back in time for dinner. I want to hit the seafood buffet at the hotel. Amazing food and yes, Hunter, they also have other food there. Two hours Mom," she said, and stepped into the elevator, taking out her phone and pushing Lori's number in.

"Hey, I'm coming back tonight, please tell me you didn't do anything to that editor?" Jess moaned, listening to Lori tell her that Kathryn had confronted the woman. "Damn it Lori, I wish she wouldn't have done that. Now I'm going to look like a damn wimp running to my friends." She went to bang her head against the elevator wall, but Bran placed his hand behind her head.

"Don't." One word and the look he gave her sent a shiver down her spine. Where Maverick was a force to behold by himself, Bran was seemed to be the silent and deadly type person.

"I'll talk to you when I get there. Yeah, I'll meet you at the wine bar around 8:00."

She shut her phone off and looked up see Maverick staring at her. "What? Just because I'm not saying anything about this mating thing I'm not going to stop what I have to. I have two kids to support now and I have to find an attorney. Also, make sure you both bring some nice clothes so when we go out you're not in jeans with holes." She eyed her son, who rolled his eyes.

"What did Dylan say?" she asked, ignoring Maverick's look.

* * *

Maverick glanced over at Bran, who shook his head. Seemed their woman had once more gained her confidence, but what was cuter, was the fact Jess seemed to think that she could push them away and that was not going to happen.

Bran pulled into the driveway of the old house and Maverick cringed. This place was a nightmare to protect. Already he could see things that would need changing if any of their family was going to stay.

"Isn't it pretty. I love the front porch. It's one of the biggest things Mom and I love about this place. Does your place have a porch?" she asked.

"We have a back deck and a pool, but no front porch," Maverick told her, stepping up next to her. "You really like having a porch?" he asked.

"We wanted to get a swing for the porch, but never had the time or extra money to get one. But yea, sitting on the porch just doing nothing, watching everything around you. It's like a zen place." She patted his arm and followed the children into the house.

"What the fuck! I'll freaking kill him." Jess growled. "Did you know he did this Hunter?" Jess yelled at her son as he and Bran ran into the house.

"No, I swear this was not like this last night. Why would he do this?" Hunter shook his head. "Everything is destroyed. This has to be Ran. Dad wouldn't do this, Mom."

Jess stepped to the side and growled, then turned to go up the stairs. Maverick could actually see part of her cat coming through and right now was not a good time for her to shit. "Hunter, you and your sister stay here. Whatever you hear do not move." He glanced at her son as he headed up the stairs, but turned a quick look at the boy, who nodded.

"Lock..." The scream of a cat made both of her kids jumping. "Jake, lock down the house, now!" Maverick ran up the rest of the stairs with Bran right behind him. In the master room, a beautiful light leopard was pacing the room and growling.

The room was trashed. What appeared to be her clothes were slashed into rags, had been pissed on and it looked like bleach had been thrown on them. He was furious and would take care of those responsible for the destruction of his woman's things, but right now the biggest problem was the cat in front of them. She wanted to hunt and destroy those who had done this, but that couldn't happen.

"Little Fawn, I know you can hear me. You need to settle down. You know you can't go out there, the humans around here don't know about us. You'd be hunted. Think of your children. They're scared and need their mom right now." Maverick knelt down as Bran did waiting.

There were two windows the cat could break through easily, and the way the cat kept looking at the windows, he knew she was thinking it. "No," he growled, bringing his cat close to the surface. "You will listen to me."

Jess snarled, but inched towards them. "I know, baby, and I promise they'll be taken care of. Things can be replaced, but you can't" Maverick reached out and ran his hand over her fur. "You are beautiful. I just wish this would have happened at our house where we could have gone out for a run."

"She's stunning. I've never seen one so light. Her fur is almost white and the spots aren't black, they're almost a red color." Bran looked at him. "You know she won't blend in much. We'll have to make sure we have plenty of guards out watching when she does go out to run," Bran said, and then jumped back, glaring at Jess. "You did not just bite me," he snarled.

"Time to change back, Jess. Now!" Maverick ordered putting a little bit of his alpha gifts into the change, knowing it would be hard for her to make the shift, but also giving her no choice."

It took only a few seconds for her change, sweat glittered off her skin and her hair was damp as she glared up at Bran. "I'm not different," she snapped and stood.

Jess slowly scanned around the room, tears rolled down her cheeks as she took in the mess around her. "Everything," she whispered and moved out of the bedroom into the bathroom, shutting the door.

The water turned on as he looked at Bran. "We need to talk to the kids." Both of them headed down the stairs and noticed that Jake and Hunter had turned the couch right side up and Rose sat on it. She was curled up on it with a blanket wrapped around her.

"My sister does not do change well and they destroyed a lot of her things," Hunter said. "He's not our Dad anymore." Hunter said with tears in his eyes, but he held them at bay running his hands up and down his sister's arm.

Maverick glanced at his son and noticed for the first time his own son was close to changing. "Jake?"

"She's hurt. Her own dad hurt her." His son had never shown such anger at anything. "Mine," he heard him whisper.

A knock at the door made him jump off the stairs and answer the door before her son could get to it. "Can I help you?"

"That's Dylan and his dad," Hunter said, moving next to him.

"My dad wanted to meet with them before he approved, and my mom will be calling here to talk with your mom. What happened?" Dylan asked, looking behind them.

"It seems my dad and his uncle decided to destroy everything," Hunter said and turned when Rose started to cry.

He heard a bang upstairs and he turned to Bran, who ran upstairs. "I'm sorry about this mess we just walked into. But rest assured, your son will be safe in our home. Hunter and Dylan will both have rules to follow and if they don't, they'll deal with me." Maverick turned and as he heard Bran's cussing upstairs.

"Where is his mom?" the man asked.

"I'm right here," Jess said coming around the corner. "Sorry about the way I look, but it seems all my clothes were destroyed. But you know I consider Dylan my son, and I'll kick his ass and Hunter's if they mess up."

The man nodded. "Fine, you can go. You'll be back Monday?"

"Yes, don't know when Monday but, yes." Jess went to her daughter, sitting on the couch. Jess only wore Bran's shirt, as she wrapped her arms around Rose. "I'll get you new games, baby, and when we're at the airport, we'll grab all the magazines you like. That should keep you busy for a while. Now, I know your father didn't touch your room, so why don't you go up there and put a few bags together."

"What if he comes back? Will he destroy the rest of our stuff?" she asked.

"No," Maverick knelt before her daughter. "Right now Bran is calling in some favors. There are a few of our kind around here. They will watch the house while we are gone. When we come back, we'll have a new place where we can set you up, but if it makes you feel any better, pack whatever you want. Jake will help you pack. Is that okay?"

"Yes," she stood and moved up the stairs, but before Jake could move, Jess grabbed onto his arm. "I know that look, and if my daughter means something to you, tread lightly. One, she isn't found of sex, Jake. She's afraid of it after being hurt. I think she's still a virgin, but still, she's special, but don't tell her that. All her life she was bullied because of her differences. So never tell her she's just different." Jess growled the last part and glared at Bran.

"I promise I'll take care of her." Jake stood, but Jess wasn't done.

"She has a boyfriend." Jess held up his hand. "He's a lot like her, Jake. No they haven't had sex, but he's taken care of her the best he knows how. You'll have to step lightly and allow her to change her mine, because if you force her, you'll lose her. She's very stubborn." Jess snorted. "More so than me."

Maverick glanced over at Hunter. "Go pack, bring whatever is important to you and remember I can smell anything."

"Hunter there are bags under the sink in the kitchen," Jess got up and moved into the dining room, but stopped, staring at all the glass. "I really hate that bastard." She growled and reached down, grabbing a pair of slippers, and shaking them, making sure no glass was in them.

"You're not the only one," her son mumbled, following her into the kitchen which at least didn't look like it had been touched.

"Yes!" Jess pulled some clothes out of the dryer. "I have undies, pants, but still no shirt. Guess I'll have to keep your shirt," she grumbled.

Maverick glanced at Bran who sighed and moved to her. "I apologized. I really meant it as you were something special, Jess. It's rare for one of our kind to have the coloration like you do. Maybe that is why you are mated to Maverick and me. It's going to take a special woman to deal with both of us." He reached up and cupped her cheek.

She rubbed her cheek against his hand. "It's a sore spot with us, Bran. With me, I'd just get mad, but Rose..." Jess shook her head and glanced at him. "Your son has his work cut out for him. She's been hurt badly and as you have seen that she does not take well with this big change. Its good Mom is coming. Rose will need her in Vegas, especially when I have to things to do."

Jess leaned over and placed a kiss on Bran's cheek. "Forgiven. Excuse me while I put some clothes on. Well, at least I have some at the hotel," she mumbled.

"We'll go shopping this week." Maverick looked around and frowned, stopping his movement abruptly.

"What's wrong?" Bran asked, scanning around.

"Where are her pets?" Maverick asked, as Jess came back into the room. She looked at him.

"Oh, my God. Find them, Maverick, before the kids do." Jess whispered.

Both Bran and Maverick searched, but didn't find her pets and that was not a good sign. Even outside Jess had called to her cats but nothing. Their bags were packed, and the kids didn't say anything, each of them were on the verge of tears.

Jess had placed cat food on the porch and locked up the house with the new keys. Bran's call had three men out searching for those that had destroyed the house. Each one would be taken care of. Even though David hadn't participated, he had been there, and he'd pay, but not with his life this time."

Bran drove to the house showing. The new house was located about six streets up and was twice the size of the house they had just left. The basement was finished, as was the attic with plenty of room and it even had a porch for Jess. But he could tell she and the children were not really there.

"Bran, buy it. It will do for the year we are here. Make sure we close the sale quickly, so we can move in as soon as we can," Maverick said, as Jess got back into the car along with the children. "I think the sooner we get everyone on that plane, the better. Let's round up our soon-to-be mother-in-law and get a move on it."

Rearranging the bags, and seats ¬ thankful that the car had three rows of seats they were finally on their way back to the hotel. Jess' sister had a spare key to the house and promised no one would go in with the new key and that she'd check around for the cats each day.

Jake, Linda, and Bertie, Jess' Mom, sat in the very back, comforting Rose who was still upset. Dylan and Hunter were in the middle seat, while Jess was between Maverick and Bran. Her head rested on his shoulder as they drove towards to the airport. "So where do you want to go first?" he asked Jess. "The house or the hotel?"

She looked towards the back. "The hotel. I think doing the tourist thing will help us all right now. I'd cancel going to the party tonight, but I need to see how much damage has been done. But Mom will be okay with the kids. I think with the pool, weight room and all the different things to explore at the hotel, it will keep them busy."

"Maverick?" Rose called his name, and he turned.

"Yes," he turned and glanced at her.

"Do you know if the seafood bar has sushi?" she asked

Jess wrinkled her nose up and shook her head. "She has to take after Mom, because ewww."

Her Mom laughed. "My granddaughter has excellent taste." The boys groaned and shook their head.

"I'm sure they have it or it wouldn't be much of a seafood buffet. But if not, I will personally get you some. I know a few diners that specialize in it. Don't worry, they have a good steak there too." Maverick laughed.

"Can we do the Ferris wheel thing?" Hunter asked.

"No!" Jess snarled.

"Oh, come on, Mom. Just because you don't like heights," Hunter argued.

"I can take the boys on it since it does not bother me," Bran stated.

"Fine, but you will not rock the thing, and listen to Bran," Jess grumbled.

"You're really not fond of heights?" Maverick asked.

"No, I get disorientated easily. Never used to bother me. Maybe it's old age, who knows. Even going up and down in the elevator a lot will screw me up." Jess smiled up at him. "I guess we all have a lot to learn."

* * *

Jess took a deep breath and moved into the party room with Lori and Viola at her side. She had finally given Bran and Maverick the slip, needing to face this by herself. Jess was starting to have strong feelings for both men, but right now, she needed this time to herself.

It seemed about ten minutes after stepping into the room, Kathryn made her way to her. "I want to apologize for what happened earlier. Not every editor is that rude and crude. As a matter of fact, I'd like you to meet Santana, she works for St. Martin's. I've given her a copy of your synopsis that Lori had."

"What? Lori, I asked you not to do that." Jess shook her head. "I'm sorry Santana, I really don't want to put pressure on anyone. I want my work to speak for itself."

The woman snorted. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be. Tell me, do you really have the first book done?" she asked.

"The first book is done, edited, and ready to go. I've also started the next book too. I have some of the characters picked out for the other three stories that are left," Jess told the woman.

"Could you send me the first three chapters tonight? I'll read them and get right back to you by tomorrow. I promise. The story line alone has my curiosity. I can't promise anything yet, but I want a closer look." The woman handed her card. "Use that email, and thank you." She turned and left.

Jess couldn't help but stuff her card into her name badge not wanting to lose her email. A half an hour later, Jess had four more editor's cards who had asked to see the first three chapters. There was hope and that was all she had wanted.

Finding where Lori and Viola were sitting, Jess plopped down in the seat next to them. "Thank you Lori, and please tell your friend thanks too. I know she had a lot to do with some of those editors coming up to me. I just hope they like the story."

"Your story will find the right home. I have no doubt. Relax now and enjoy. The band will be starting up next, dancing and dessert. What a combination. Plus, look what I bought for tonight." Lori pulled out a bottle of wine and that's when Jess noticed the three glasses.

"So, tell me what's going on with the two hunks?" Lori asked. "How's your Mom and the kids?" she asked, handing her a glass of wine.

"Mom is doing great now. She and the kids are touring around the hotel, eating up a storm. As for the men, I have no idea where they are right now. Kind of ditched them. I needed to do this on my own tonight. It's important for me to make sure I support my kids. I never want to be totally dependent on anyone, well money-wise anyway. That's why these pitches were important this week. It was either writing or finding a job. Now I really need a nice contract now that everything I owned is pretty much ruined.

She took another drink of wine when both Viola and Lori glanced at her. "What the hell are you talking about?" Viola said.

"Oh, did I forget to mention the my soon-to-be-ex and his crazy brother destroyed everything of mine? I'm lucky I had two suitcases filled with clothes and my laptop with me. They did destroy my desktop, all my paper stuff, my clothes and such."

"So, you're getting a divorce, your crazy husband and his brother destroyed pretty much everything you own and you're sitting here like nothing happened?" Viola said, shaking her head

"What else was I supposed to do? Flip out in front of the kids? It's not going to help. It's bad enough that Maverick and Bran both want to replace everything we've lost. I mean there is something between us, but for them to do that, it's just too much. I need to be able to help out. I don't want to be a burden to them. I mean, come on, Maverick was a stripper. He could have any woman he wanted. And Bran..." She shivered. "Well that man is...I don't know what to say."

Viola was looking behind her, with a smile on her face, and so was Lori. "Let me guess. They're both behind me, right?" Jess tilted her head back, and cringed. "Okay, not happy with me right now." She sighed and glanced back at her friends. "Excuse me, ladies. I'll be back."

With Maverick's arm wrapped around her waist, and Bran leading the way, the two men that claimed to be her mate led her out of the room to the long hall to the lobby where a group of people seemed to look up as they approached.

"Mother, father I'd like to introduce you to Jess Garthing, our mate. Jess, these are our parents." Maverick did the introductions. But what she wasn't expecting was for both Bran's and Maverick's mother to both be standoffish to her.

"I know this is all new to you, but what you did earlier shouldn't be repeated. Our sons are giving you everything that you lost. You should show them some respect." Maverick's mom said, as they were preparing to leave.

"Really? Well excuse me, but I didn't ask them for a damn thing. If it's put them out too much, then by all means I'll step back out of their lives. I mean, it's not like I don't have enough to deal with. Have a good night. If you will excuse me, I need to get back with my friends and do some socializing so I can replace all that I have lost." Jess spun around before the men could say a word, but ran smack into her own mom, and she was not happy.

"Mom, don't' start." Jess tried to drag her mother away, but it wasn't happening. To make it worse, Maverick and Bran were now moving over to them.

"She had no right to say what she did. You've had a very bad week and didn't need this. It's their son's claiming you, not the other way."

"Mom, what the hell did you say now?" Maverick growled, and even his own father frowned as his wife.

"Can't I leave your side for a second? What did you do?"

But none of it mattered.

Finally, her mother turned and moved closer to her. "Mom, please let me handle this, okay? My life is a mess right now and I don't' need anymore. Where are the kids?" she asked.

Her mom laughed. "Jake brought up his game system for the boys and Maverick had a brand new DS bought for Rose. I just wanted to let you know that your sister found the cats and they are both locked in the house now. She also said that the cleaners came and everything has been taken care of. So at least you don't' have to go back to that mess."

"Great, I'll just need to get a new bed and couch. I can go online and order the stuff later tonight. I have to get back in there. So far I have four editors wanting my book. Well, the first three chapters at least." Jess kissed her Mom's cheek. "Go relax. I'll talk to you later."

Jess watched her mom move towards the elevator, but not before giving the group behind them a look. She shook her head and made her way towards the hallway that would take her to the pavilion. Jess slipped off her shoes for the long walk back to the party.

"You know you really shouldn't travel the hall by yourself," Bran said behind her.

She looked at Bran and noticed Maverick coming her way. "I can't do your parents tonight, Bran. I'm sorry about Mom, but this week has been a hard one on us." Jess looked down at her painted toes. "I want to relax with my friends and socialize for a little while, but if you two would like to come and see my world, I wouldn't mind."

"You wouldn't mind us coming with you?" Maverick asked.

"No, I needed the time earlier to face what happened by myself. Look, we have a lot of things to figure out if this mate thing is going to work. If I continue with this writing, I need to do it without interference. That's one of the reasons I got so mad at Lori. I want to say I did it, that I didn't depend on others, that I can stand on my own two feet."

Maverick looked down at her feet and she laughed. "Hey, that walk is long and the shoes, even though they have small heals, will be killing me tonight."

"Well, we can't have that," Maverick scooped her up into his arms and stepped into the long hallway.

"You know you don't have to do this," she said, resting her head on his chest. "What are we going to do, Maverick?" she asked.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

She sighed. "Maverick, you didn't want to be tied down. We've only known each other for two days now and already you two are so possessive of me I feel like I'm being taken over."

"Even when I was small, I had to control things around me. I can promise to listen and try to give you some room, but you have to also promise not to take off. All you had to do was tell us what you wanted. We would have walked you down here and given you the time you needed, but we need to know you are safe, Jess."

Maverick stopped and looked down at her. "Don't do it again. Yes, we have a lot to work out, but we can't do it if you don't talk to us. And as far as me being free, it was never in the cards. You were meant for us, Jess, and we're not letting go. Would you really want us to?" he asked.

"What?" Jess rubbed her chest and a small snarl came from inside her. "I don't think, this is the weirdest thing. It almost hurts the thought of you not being here, but in my head..."

"It's very uncomfortable. Long ago there were more shifters then humans and we knew when we found our mates, and accepted it. But with changes, it was harder for us to find our mates. We were taught that when we find her or him, to never throw away such a gift, and it is a gift." Maverick stopped before the door.

"How long do you want to stay here?" Maverick asked.

"Why? Do you have plans for me tonight?" she asked, teasing him.

"Little Fawn, every night we will have plans for you, but tonight we would like to make it a special night for all of us. It's the first night we'll be together as a mated trio." Maverick placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Is there a special thing that has to happen?" she asked as he lowered her feet to the floor.

"You mean like the marks I've already left all over you." Maverick smiled and held onto her while she put her shoes on.

"How about an hour, maybe a few dances?" she asked. "But be warned, I'll be stepping all over your feet, because it's been over 20 years since I've danced with anyone."

"Well then, there will be dancing before we leave." Bran kissed the side of her neck. "And I will be marking what is mine tonight."

Jess moaned. "More hickeys?" she laughed when he nipped her.

"You, Miss Sassy Pants, are in trouble tonight," Bran growled and opened the door, the music thumping through the sound of people's conversations.

She pulled on Maverick's shirt. He leaned down and Jess whispered in his ear. "Did my hearing change too?" she asked, and he nodded.

"Your hearing, eye sight and body. Already your body has started to change, men are noticing." Maverick's lip curled up and he snarled.

"Hmmm, interesting." Jess grinned and went to move away from him.

"Watch it, Little Fawn, I tie up little submissives and spank them."

"Am I your submissive?" she asked.

"You are our submissive, slave and mate, but always you will be our heart." He kissed her nose and swatted her butt.

* * *

Maverick scanned the room for the tenth time, not liking that they were so exposed. Derek was still out there. Even though he doubted that he had made it inside the hotel, he would feel better when this convention was over.

Jess laughed at something Viola said and glanced at him. "Listen, we're going to call it a night. I'll see you guys in the morning. Viola, are you going to meet me for laps?" she asked

"Are they going to let you?" Viola asked.

"She can join you at the pool. We have no problem with her doing what she came here to do. We just want her to be safe, especially with everything that has happened to her this week," Bran said, and stood. "How about one more dance before we go up?" he asked.

"You really want me to step all over your feet again?" Jess teased.

"Little Sass, you can step on my toes as much as you want as long as my arms are around you." Bran said.

"Jess, you have found two amazing men, but you two better not hurt her." Her friend said. "Don't forget to send those three chapters to the editors before you get too busy." Lori said, wiggling her eyebrows.

Maverick shook his head and watched as Bran and Jess made their way to the dance floor.

"So it's true, she's your mate?" Cadoc asked, taking Jess' seat next to him. "Are you going to still dance?"

He turned to look at Cadoc. "No, I'm not going to dance. It's time to step up to the plate. I've been thinking about my replacement." Cadoc shook his head.

"No, I'm not ready," Cadoc said.

"Now see that is where I think you are wrong. Cadoc, it's time to step up and shape up our young men. They all look up to you and I think you'll do fine."

Maverick turned and glanced at Cadoc. "What?"

"We were thinking. This convention is huge and it's mostly women. What if we follow it once a year? If you met your woman here, maybe some more of our men can find their mates?" Thankful that the music and noise was loud enough that her friends couldn't hear, Maverick said, "That isn't a bad idea. As a matter of fact, have the men mingle this week. I'll speak with Jess about this later tonight. We might be able to set something up. Good work, yes you will do good as the manager of the team."

Cadoc moaned and shook his head. "I'll try and do you proud." He stood and looked around, but Maverick frowned. "You know Jake is back right?"

"No, I didn't know that. Where is he? I'd like to see my best friend." Cadoc asked

"Right now, he's upstairs entertaining Jess' daughter and son. It seems her daughter is Jake's mate." Maverick watched Cadoc stiffen just as Jess and Bran came up.

"Did you and my son..." Maverick stood, but already knew the answer. He looked down at Jess, who was frowning.

"What's going on?" she asked. "Hello Cadoc, how are you doing?"

"Remember when I was trying to explain about our men always having a best friend, that we share our mates? Like Bran and I share you?" He reached up and brushed her hair back.

"Are you telling me Cadoc is mine?" she squeaked.

Bran growled. "No. I'm your's and Maverick's, but if I'm not mistaken, Cadoc is Jake's second?

Jess stood there for a few seconds, when she started to snarl. Bran wrapped his arms around her. "Stop now," Maverick said.

"But he has a damn rating system. Do you know what that will do to Rose if anyone tells her? This is bad." Jess said.

"Cadoc, walk with us out to the hallway so we can explain a few things. Bran, carry her out. We don't need her shifting in here. She's still not in control of her cat."

Maverick turned to her friends. "Ladies, we are calling it a night and will see you tomorrow. Now, remember do not walk the hallway alone, go in pairs at least. If you need someone, call the front desk. They will send someone for you."

Both women nodded and said their goodbyes. All the while Jess kept her eye on Cadoc. As soon as they stepped out into the hall, Cadoc turned to her. "I promise you that if she is our mate, your daughter will come first in my life. I screwed up and for that I'm sorry." Cadoc sighed. "Maybe that is why I was drawn to you, because of your daughter."

"That could be the case, but Jess' daughter is special Cadoc, and I warn you now. You will not only answer to our woman, but to us. She's..." Maverick looked to Jess.

Jess sighed. "My daughter is innocent and honest to a fault. She'll never be able to do the college scene. In some areas Rose is a genius. She can sit down and read a 300 page book in one night, but put any math in front of her, and she freezes. Or for that matter even English when she's doing papers. She has a bit of autism, but don't get her wrong, she'll rip your head off if you hurt her. There is also the fact that she already has a boyfriend. As I told Jake, allow her to break it off, do not threaten the boy. He's just like her and Rose is very protective of the few friends she has." Jess waved her hand at the room behind them. "She couldn't do this. Crowds terrify her."

"Jake is in Bran's old room. Remember, what I said." Maverick headed down the hall with Bran and Jess. Cadoc following.

"Don't forget to ask your woman?" Cadoc said, as they stepped into the elevator.

"Ask me what?" Jess asked.

"Cadoc had a good idea. Since this convention happens once a year and it usually has over a couple thousand women in attendance, we like to have the Chippendales or our men come to each event. If we could give the ladies a show and our men can mingle, maybe they would even find their mates?"

* * *

"That's not a bad idea, but you'd have to speak with Kathryn, she's the one in charge of the convention. You might also offer maybe some of your men to do some photo shoots with the women. It would get you closer to them, too." Jess was nervous, the way both men kept staring at her.

The elevator stopped and Cadoc got out, but not before he promised to take care of her daughter.

"I don't know if I really like the idea of that man near my daughter," Jess grumbled.

"They were meant to be just as we are." the elevator opened up to the penthouse and Maverick stepped out in front of them. He didn't stop, but went right to the bedroom, opening the doors.

Bran lowered her feet to the ground. "Strip, Little Sass. Then you can send out those chapters before you take a bath."

"Yes sir," Jess said. Both men turned and stared at her for a second.

"While we are in the bedroom, 'Master' will be used. 'Sir' will be fine on certain occasions, but not here. Now, do as you are told Little Fawn." Maverick started to strip out of his shirt. "You'll find your laptop over there on the desk with your backpack."

Jess took off her badge and placed it by the desk before doing as they asked, stripping out of her clothes. Maverick took her clothes from her and patted her butt. "Get to it."

She had to admit it was totally weird sitting at a desk and working, but Jess managed to send the first three chapters to all four editors. She shut the laptop off and turned to see Maverick and Bran both standing there watching her.

"Come here, Little Fawn, "Maverick said.

Jess rose and stood in front of them, glancing down at the floor. "Do you think..." she stopped talking and looked up.

"Do I think the arthritis is gone now that you are one of us? I believe so." He held out his hand. "Let's see, shall we?" Maverick said.

She placed her hand on his as Bran stepped next to her, placing his hands on her hips. "We've got you," Bran stated as Jess went down on one knee, then the next. So far there was no pain, as she leaned back, siting on her heals as she had seen in so many pictures.

"Very good, Little Sass. Place your hands palm up on your knees, spread those legs open a little more. So pretty and such a good girl," Bran said, placing a kiss on the top of her breast before standing and moving back to where he had been, next to Maverick.

Her hands were shaking, stomach was in knots and Jess swore she was dripping down her thighs.

"Can you smell her? She's ready for us already before we even touch her." Maverick moved around her. He didn't touch her until he knelt down in front her. "Do you know how beautiful you are right now?"

He slid his hand up her thigh. "Look at me, Little Fawn," he ordered, as two of his fingers slid up and down her wet pussy lips. "You're shaking, easy pet." Maverick said as he slid his fingers inside. "Just as I thought, our woman is tight." He slid his fingers out of her and Jess would have fallen forward if she hadn't grabbed onto his arm.

"Easy, Little Fawn, I've got you." Maverick wrapped one arm around her, steadying her while sucking on his wet fingers. "So sweet," he moaned and lifted her up as he stood.

"In the middle of the bed, lift your hands up and grab onto the bar there." Maverick said. He stood on one side of the bed, stroking his thick cock. On the other side Bran stood, both of them just watching for a few seconds, before climbing onto the bed and kneeling next to her, stroking their cocks again.

"Spread your legs so we can see your dampness." Bran growled. "And don't move."

Jess did as he ordered. Both men were growling, their eyes took on a glowing yellow color and she swore their cocks swelled in their hands. But what happened next had her confused as both men jacked off on her, spreading their seed on her stomach, breasts, and neck with their come dripping down to her pussy. She was covered, but that wasn't the strange part. Both men reached out and started to rub their seed as if it was lotion into her skin. Maverick even opened her legs, smearing their combined seed all over her pussy lips and clit.

Their touch was gentle but with a purpose. Maverick moved back, again. "Roll over." He ordered.

Once more, Maverick and Bran repeated the process, this time on her back, her ass and her neck to the point where part of her hair was damp.

"She's ready for us now." Strong hands lifted her hips up and separated her ass cheeks. "I need you to relax now, Little Sass. This will be tight and hurt a little, but soon you'll feel nothing but pleasure." Bran ran the tip of his cock up and down on her ass.

She took a deep breath and buried her face into the pillow. The head of his cock inched into her ass breaching the tight ring. Jess dug her hands into sheets under her, forgetting about the bar. She had always wanted someone to fuck her in the ass, and had even bought herself a butt plug, but she never had the courage to put it in.

Jess frowned, more of his seed seemed to spread into her ass as he slid forward. "Our seed has some kind of hormone in it that helps increase your sexual desire and prepare you for us," Maverick whispered. He carefully lifted her up, scooting under her. "You are doing so good, Little Fawn. Soon we will be flying together, joined in life forever, our dance will be felt among many," he whispered, biting at her ear and neck, giving her more marks to add to her collection. "Please," she whispered.

Burying her face into his neck, Maverick reached down and started to work his cock into her pussy. Bran's hands at her hips lifted her up a little to give Maverick the room to move, but Jess didn't let go of Maverick's neck, she was shaking so much.

They were both inside her, as they whispered to her, running their hands up and down her body. "Feel us. Do you feel the connection? Can you hear the pack inside here?" Maverick reached between them and placed his hand over her heart.

She jerked her head up and glared at him. "They are seeing what we are doing?" she squeaked and they both laughed

"No. Do you really believe we'd share your body with the pack? They just know that they now have an alpha female, that we are one now. The pack is whole once more." Maverick started to move as did Bran.

Bran would slide out, as Maverick pushed in. Both men were bigger in cock department, but then again, it had been so long since Jess had made love, she couldn't possibly judge.

One thing was for sure, Jess felt that she was home, protected between these two men. Maverick was the powerhouse who would guide their lives, while Bran would make sure everything worked out behind the scenes. Smart, but also deadly.

Teeth pierced her skin, right at the juncture between her neck and shoulder on both sides. "God!" she screamed, as her orgasm was hard and long. Maverick reached between them and pinched her nipples hard, while Bran found her clit, rubbing and squeezing it and giving her no choice.

She was sweaty, sticky, but Maverick was right, they were soaring together. Jess could feel Maverick and Bran beside her, almost as if their souls were surrounding hers, and they were flying up and beyond this physical world.

All three of you will change the way your people have been living. It's time for mates to be joined and children to run the land below. Love your woman and cherish her as she was meant to be, for her love will be the glue that holds you together. See the stars around you and know you were chosen.

Jess shivered and looked around her. She was alone on the bed, sticky and cold. Her arms seemed to shake at first, but Jess lifted up and knelt on the messy bed. Boy, did her men like messy loving, but now she wanted a hot, hot bath because she was very sore.

She smiled. "And I love it."

"What do you love, Little Fawn," Maverick came into the room and scooped her up. "Time for a nice hot bath."

"I'm sore. I can actually brag about being sore from sex." Jess's smile was so big her cheeks hurt.

Maverick threw his head back and laughed as Bran snorted, but he had a smile on his face. "After all that, you're happy about being sore?"

"I haven't been sore from sex since I was a teenager." Tears filled her eyes. "You've given me so much in one night and I'll never forget it. My day started out horrible, but ended perfect, thank you."

Maverick stepped into the warm water and sat down with her in his arms. He was amazing, so strong and drop dead gorgeous. She looked up into his gaze. "So tell me who was that speaking in my head? Was it last night? Is it day time now?" she asked.

"It's early morning. We knew you wanted to do your lap thing, but we wanted to speak with you. As for that voice, it was our ancient elder. It seems you are bringing change to our lives, hope. I think we need to speak with the person who runs this convention and see if we can work out an agreement. But do you know what else happened?" Maverick asked her.

"No, what else happened other than being me being all sticky? Are you going to do that to me every time we make love?" she asked

"No, but it will happen often. Sorry, but you will carry our scent. It's more of our animal needing to mark you to let others know to back away from you." Maverick ran his hand over her nipple and down to her lower belly.

Bran leaned over, running his hand up her leg to her belly too, covering Maverick's hand. "You carry our child inside you now," Bran said.

Jess shook her head, placing her hand over theirs. "I'm sorry there is no way. I have gone through the change. I can't have any more children. I'm too old."

Maverick nipped her shoulder. "We told you your body is changing. You carry our child inside you."

She looked at Maverick. "If this was possible, you know there is a risk of our child not being well. There is a chance of Down's Syndrome, and other deformities." Jess tried to get up.

"Stop, you're getting upset. We're saying this wrong." Bran scooted closer to them in the tub. "We were granted a gift. You are not human anymore, Little Sass. Things are different. Our child will be healthy."

Jess stopped struggling and looked up at Bran. "Are you sure?" she rested her back up against Maverick.

"I'm sure, but you don't sound happy about this?" Bran frowned and sat back against the tub.

"I've always wanted a big family, but I don't know if I can do this. I want to travel, see the world." Tears filled her eyes. "I want this child, but once more I'll have to give up everything." Jess got up and stepped out of the tub, moving to the shower just needing to alone to think.

The hot water eased the tension in her as Jess looked down at her belly. She was carrying their child, they were hers and she was theirs. But Jess was terrified; she didn't have the strength to do this by herself.

"You don't want our children?" Maverick growled, coming into the shower. Bran was right next to him.

Bran slugged him in the arm. "Back off, can't you see she scared?" he snapped, and turned to her. He gently pulled her into his arms. "What's wrong, Little Sass?"

"I just can't do it again. It was so hard to raise my children, I had to be everyone ¬ mom, dad. I know I sound like a bitch, but I want to travel, to see the world. I was looking forward to traveling, not having a child to hold me back. Now, once more, I am bound." She looked up at Bran. "You'll have the pack and all it entails. I'll be here with our child, alone again."

"You sound selfish, like a child, and to think she's supposed to be the one that holds the pack together. What a fucking laugh," Maverick growled.

She straightened and stepped into the water, washing her body, ignoring him and Bran. They stood there watching her, but Jess said nothing. Maverick had just pushed the wrong buttons.

With a warm towel wrapped around her, Jess moved into the bedroom to her suitcase, finding her swimsuit. She needed to think and some laps would help.

"You need to eat?" Bran said as she slid on her suit.

"I'll eat downstairs with my friends. Also if there is a doctor among your kind, would you make me appointment? I want to know what to expect, about travel and such. My calendar is on top of the laptop. If you could make it so I'm not missing any of the classes, I'd appreciate it. Also, the boys were hoping you would take them on that ride today." She stepped into the living room and stopped.

Maverick's mother and father were there. "I thought we were having breakfast together?" his mother asked, giving her a look she knew well.

"I'm sorry I was unaware of any breakfast plans, but I'm sure your son would love to have a meal with you." She moved two steps and was lifted up, and thrown over Maverick's shoulder.

"Go home, Mom. I never told you to come." Maverick growled and slammed the bedroom door as he set her down gently.

"Don't leave me," he said, almost looking lost.

"I'm not leaving Maverick. I just need some air, time alone." She looked down at her feet.

"No, you've been alone too long Jess." He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her and hugging her. "You will never be alone. Our child will not have one parent; he will have three. You want to travel, we'll travel. How about twice a year for now? You pick the places you want to go, and that does not include your writers conferences. These trips will be just us. We'll leave the baby with our parents while we spend a few days alone." Maverick kissed the top of her head. "Please forgive me. I should have kept my mouth shut until I could see what you were saying. Bran could see how scared you were, but I couldn't."

"I don't want to be a failure. I did so many things wrong with Rose and Hunter. I can't do this alone, Maverick. You don't know how much raising my two babies took out of me. I wanted to give up so many times, but couldn't. Please don't let me do this alone." She cried, burying her face into his chest, just letting go.

"Oh my sweet, Little Fawn," Maverick lifted her up and sat on the edge of the bed. "We'll both be there for you, I promise you, and I keep my promises."

Jess wiped the tears from her face and looked up at Maverick. "If you don't help, I'll leave. I won't stay in a relationship again because of a child. It hurts them to much too." She got up and placed a kiss on his cheek. "We'll work this out, but I need to go."

She got to the door. "I love you, Jess. You have given me hope when I had none. I feel whole having you at my side and in my arms." His words seemed to wrap around her.

Jess didn't say a word as she headed towards the elevator. Bran was waiting for her in it. "You have two guards, Sean and Ilar. We really do love you, Jess." Bran stepped out of the elevator and the door shut, leaving her there with the two guards.

* * *

"I lost her, didn't I?" Maverick said looking out his window.

"I don't think so, but she needs to know we meant what we said. I have a feeling she's never been romanced. Why don't you go spend some time with her and her friends? Be yourself Maverick, not the alpha."

Maverick turned and nodded. Ten minutes later he slid into the pool next to his woman. She looked up at him. "Is something wrong?" she asked.

"No, I just wanted to spend some time with you and your friends. Is that okay?" he asked.

"Really?"

"Yes, silly." He pulled her back and nodded to the group of the woman. "Start the introductions, Sweetie." Maverick laughed and relaxed, listening to the woman and giving them suggestions when asked.

Jess turned in his arms as her friends left and smiled up at him. "Thank you," she hugged him tight and placed a kiss on his chest.

"What are you thanking me for?" he asked, wrapping a towel around her as they moved towards the hotel.

"It felt like we were an actual couple. You did something with me." Jess stepped in front of him. "I was harsh upstairs about our baby. I want our child, Maverick, but if you leave me, I won't survive. I'm not that strong any more. Maybe in time, but so much was taken out of me." Maverick put his finger over her lips.

"We will not leave you. I have a feeling you will get sick of us being so close to you all the time. Now tell me what is next?" he said.

"Wait, don't you have business to do?" she asked.

"Honey, I can do my business anywhere as long as I'm with you." He said.

She jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck giving him a big hug. "Thank you, God, I love you. Hold me, Maverick and never let go."

"Never," he snarled, hugging her tight. He knew that it would take him and Bran time to reassure her over and over again. But Maverick had always been stubborn and Jess would not lose him or Bran. Their love would survive everything, even the mating of her daughter.

# Excerpt from

Her Stepbrother is a Leopard

Rose Garthing stared at the two men at her side. They were touring the strip, alone which also had her nervous, but she also felt safe between the two. She still couldn't believe her mom had two men and now it looked like Rose would too, if she could get over her fear of men.

She had witnessed the mental abuse her mother had suffered, and swore never to be in a relationship that was so negative. Plus, there was the fact that her last attempt at sex had ended up in a violent mess. No, she hadn't been raped, but she was damaged

But how could she explain to these men her fears and her disabilities. Jake stepped in front of her and placed a finger under her chin and applied a little pressure. "Look at me Rose," he said his voice was low and a soft command.

She raised her gaze to his and he smiled. "Stop worrying. We don't care about your differences, it just means we need to wrap you up in a bubble and protect you. We are very good at that, Sunshine." Jake leaned forward and whispered. "Plus, if we didn't, your mother would rip me apart, let alone my father."

Rose laughed. "Yep, she would. Mom is very protective, but don't you think it's a little weird you being my stepbrother and all? Oh, and don't think I didn't hear about your little game either Cadoc." She glanced over at the other man. "I'm never going to measure up to those women you have had."

"I wouldn't want you to even try. I was a fool as your new stepfather has told me, but I did learn one thing Rose. I don't want that life. We want a woman to hold, take care of and you are that woman."

"We'll see," Rose said and pointed to the window. "Do you think we can go see that?" she asked, pointing at the movie and then frowned. "Never mind, I know it's childish," she said, feeling like crying.

Both men wrapped their arms around her, hugging her. "Of course, we'll go see the movie with you. I haven't been to a funny movie in a long time. Tell me have you played games on the PlayStation 3?" Cadoc asked.

"Really, you like to play games?" she asked.

Jake laughed and pulled her towards the movie theater. "Honey, you are talking to two people who love to play games. Cadoc is even developing one as we speak."

"Really, can I help?" she asked, finally someone who she could talk to. There might be hope after all.

# About the Author

Trinity Blacio is the bestselling romance writer of such paranormal erotic romance series as _Masters of the Cats_ and _Running in Fear_ , as well as a number of dark fantasy, erotic romance, erotic horror and ménage titles. She is a PAN member of the Ohio chapter of Romance Writers of America and is the bestselling author of a paranormal stepbrothers series that has made her an All Romance eBooks and Siren bestselling author. She is the mother of two children and lives in Elyria, Ohio.

# Other Riverdale Avenue Books By Trinity Blacio

The Stepbrothers Series

 Her Stepbrothers' Demands

 Her Stepbrothers are Aliens

 Her Stepbrothers are Demons

 Her Stepbrothers are Blood Suckers

 Her Stepbrothers are Dragons

 Her Stepbrothers are Saber Tooth Tigers

 Book Five of The Masters of the Cats Series

 The Virgin Witch and the Vampire King

 The Virgin Witch and the Vampire King

 Book One: Wedding Bells Times Four

 The Virgin Witch and the Vampire King

 Book Two: Training a Wife

 Masters of the Cats: Collaring the Saber-Tooth, Book One

 Masters the Cats: Dee's Hard Limits, Book Two

 Masters of the Cats: Caging the Bengal Tiger, Book Three

 A Christmas Tail: Book Four of the Masters of the Cats Series

The Empress' Rapture

 Three in a Bed

 Surrender Your Independence

 Red Satin Lips: Book One of The Surrender Series

 Jeanne-Claude and Eugene's Magic Lamp

 Books One: I Dream of Jinns

 Hot for Winter: A Christmas Ménage

Embracing the Winds

Stoned Love

Her Three Men

 Possession of the Soul: Book One of The Fantasy is Alive Series

Secrets Unwrapped: Sugar Daddies

