His Purrfect Mate Read online

  “I hope so,” she replied with a chuckle. “Not much room left.” She snapped her fingers. “I’ll be right back.”

  “What’d we forget?” he questioned when she returned.

  “I needed more rounds.” Aida waved the box of bullets at him. Opening her door, she put two fingers in her mouth and released a piercing whistle. Ruger and Kamau came running and jumped up into the seat. “Get in the back, boys.” Once they had, she looked at her handsome traveling companion. “Let’s get going then.”

  Driving along, Aida couldn’t help sneaking glances at the man with her. Dark, brooding, undeniably sexy. Yet she sensed gentleness in him. He cared about children and had volunteered to help her. He had a deeply hidden sense of humor and even more sex appeal. And still, there was this wildness about him she didn’t understand.

  “Something on your mind, Aida?” he asked in a low, intimate voice.

  His tone brought to mind many, many erotic thoughts. Not to mention part of her dream. Shifting on the seat, she looked directly at him. “No, why?”

  “You keep looking at me. Thought maybe you had a question.” He stared candidly at her when he spoke.

  Fighting her embarrassment at being so obvious, Aida shrugged. “Nope. No question.”

  A husky chuckle left him. “Well, I have one.”

  Tucking some wayward bits of hair behind her ear, she smiled. “My life’s an open book. Ask away.” Well, most of it is.

  “Why are you out here, doing what you do?”

  “Besides the fact I like helping people?”

  “Yes. Besides that. Why do you live here alone?”

  “I was born in that house. When I graduated college, my parents gave it to me. I’m not a huge fan of the United States so it was easy for me to move back here.” Aida scratched her cheek, hiding her reaction to thoughts best left in the past. “I love it here.”

  “I can see that,” he said with a nod.

  She put her eyes back on the road after a brief glance at him and focused as best she could on the road only.

  “Are we taking a different way?” he asked.

  “Different? Oh no…well, yes but only because there’s another village up here that I’m stopping at.” She paused. “Don’t worry; I’ll have you back on time.”

  “I’m not in a rush.”

  Cutting her gaze toward him, Aida focused on the golden hue of his skin. He had such strong hands and the leg they rested on rippled with power. She swallowed back her moan of appreciation.

  “It won’t be long before we’re at the first village.” She gestured to the glove box. “I don’t know if you’d like music or not, but my iPod’s in there. There’s a bunch of music styles on it.”

  He leaned forward, pressed a button, and the cab was filled with Van Halen. Aida smiled and pressed down on the accelerator. They made it safely to the village by early evening. Standing with a friend, Aida watched Dane as he secured the tarp covering the remaining items. Almost like he felt her watching him, Dane lifted his head and stared at her. Those tawny-gold-green eyes captured her and held her hostage.

  With hugs and farewells, they headed out again.

  “Now to the other one?” he asked over the music.

  “There’s a small town coming up. I need to fill up, and then grab some things for dinner. Then we press on.”

  The town came into view shortly, and she pulled into the only petrol station. Shutting off the vehicle, she jumped out and rolled her shoulders and neck.

  “Hey, Aida!” an older man hollered.

  “Sam,” she said with affection. “Great to see you.” Heading around for the tank, Aida pulled up short at the sight of Dane standing there.

  “I got this,” he said.

  “Okay. Do you want anything specific?”

  Heat flared in his eyes before he tamped it down. “Whatever works for me.”

  She went inside the small store and grabbed another jug of water for the dogs, along with some for her and Dane. Looking over the food, she sighed, “I wonder what he likes.”

  “Ask him, solnyshko moyo, he’ll tell you exactly what he likes.” The voice wrapped around her and unleashed tendrils of want within her.

  Licking her lips, she continued to face forward. “I don’t know, he seems very private.” Okay, so I’d really like to know what he’s calling me.

  “Are you sure you’re not just scared to find out what he truly wants?”

  Everything within her gravitated toward the man behind her. Closing her eyes from the wave of desire that continued to pour over her, she fought the shudder. “Don’t believe so,” she said, turning so they faced one another. His eyes swirled with primal lust and possessiveness. “Are you scared?”

  Dane’s eyes closed briefly, and when they opened, Aida saw such raw passion in them she almost stepped back. But that wasn’t all. There, lingering amongst the molten heat, was unbelievable wildness. These were the eyes of a predator.

  Her knees shook. She felt pinned. Cornered. Like prey. And it turned her on. Her breasts ached beneath her t-shirt for his touch. She could feel her belly clench with need. Her pussy grew slick in preparation for him. Want. Lust. And more. Aida swallowed as Dane stepped even closer, his hard thighs touching hers.

  “Scared isn’t the word I’d use, Aida.” His breath teased her senses and heightened her desire for him.

  She bit back her whimper and said, “What word would you use?”

  Dane’s gaze drifted to her lips and back, no less tumultuous. “I don’t think you’re ready to find out, solnyshko moyo.” His statement was delivered on a low thread of danger and silken promise.

  Lord, I want him to kiss me. “If you say so.”

  He leaned in and murmured in her ear. Words she couldn’t understand, but the sexual tone she understood clearly. When he stepped back, Aida had to lock her knees to keep still. Even though there was more space between them, the sparks were just as intense.

  No man should have such raw sex appeal. And she’d never encountered one with as much either. She watched him turn and walk away, her gaze honed in on the way his ass looked in his jeans.

  “I want nothing more than to feel his hands on me as well as lips and a few other body parts,” she mumbled under her breath.

  Dane spun around, flames pouring from his eyes, and he raked his gaze over her. His stare made her wonder if he hadn’t heard her comment. Moisture pooled between her legs, and she craved release. One more slow, leisurely trip of her body with his eyes, and Dane disappeared from her line of sight.

  “Jeez. Between those looks and my dream, I’m in serious trouble.” Aida licked her lips and moved to the front. Dane stood there, leaning against the counter, rolling a toothpick between his lips. She allowed her eyes to travel up and down his body, focusing on the definite ridge in his jeans.

  Did I mention I was in trouble?

  Focusing on Sam only made things a tiny bit easier. “How much do I owe you, Sam?” When he told her, she reached in her pocket and pulled out the correct amount of rand to pay him. With a smile, Aida took her receipt and walked out toward her vehicle only to find Dane already there, having taken the items. He leaned over the side and filled the cooler. Aida stopped beside him, rubbing both dogs on the head as she passed them.

  “Everything set?”

  Closing the cooler, he looked at her. “Sure is, I also topped off the extra containers.”

  “Fabulous. Ready? There’s a place a bit out of town where I usually stop to grab a bite to eat. It’s a little more than half way to the village.”

  “Let’s go.”

  The music, although quieter, served as the only noise in the vehicle. Still, Aida didn’t feel uncomfortable. Well, not for the reason of no talking. A smiled filled her face when she saw her normal spot. The dogs recognized it, too, for they began to whine. Stopping, she released her boys and shook her head as she watched them run.

  Rolling her neck, she groaned when her muscles loosened up. With a sigh, she
turned and found Dane staring at her again. The setting sun only made him appear even sexier. I could drown in his eyes. Dropping her gaze, she opened the cooler and pulled out sandwiches and water.

  “Let’s eat,” she said, waving him over to the tailgate she’d lowered.

  “Want me to drive?” he asked, sitting and opening his water.

  There’s a loaded question. Aida fixed food for her dogs and set it down before whistling for them. “Tempting offer, but I’m fine.”

  Dane popped a chip into his mouth and ate it; all the while, he continued to watch her. “You’ve been driving all day. Let me take some of it. Or were you planning on sleeping here tonight?”

  Her toes curled in her shoes, and her body pulsed. “I’ve slept here before.”

  “Okay, so we sleep.”

  It was said in a way she honestly didn’t think offered up any room for argument. She nearly whimpered at the thought of spending the night out here with him. “Okay.”

  “I’ll build a fire after we eat.”

  Oh baby, you’ve already built one. “Sounds like a plan.”

  All too soon, there was a fire and she’d laid down blankets for each of them. Aida looked at him and said, “Sorry, I don’t have more.”

  “I’ll be fine,” he assured her.

  “Good night, Dane.”

  “Good night, Aida,” he said softly.

  She laid down, her boys on the other side of her from the fire, and stared through the flickering light to the figure who lay on his back, his head where she could see it. The light seemed absorbed by the inky darkness of his hair. Aida was exhausted, and so, she closed her eyes and whispered, “Night, boys. Guard well.” With a sigh, she gave herself over to the lurking sandman, glad Dane had insisted on sleeping here.

  Dane. His body against mine would be so nice.

  Chapter Four

  Dane rolled over and stared at the woman sleeping by the embers of the fire. The light nearly nonexistent but he could see her easily. His fingers itched to sink into her hair while he devoured her mouth, slide into her wet, willing pussy, or have her on her knees before him as he thrust deep into her lush mouth between those enticing, succulent lips she had. His cock hardened, and he rumbled low in his throat.

  A large head rose and met his gaze steadfastly. Dane could see the scars. Ruger. His beast roared a challenge, but Dane ignored it. The man recognized the loyalty from her dog even if his beast resented any challenge given. Instead, he focused back on Aida’s face. She slept with her full lips slightly parted. He knew how soft her skin was. How supple. How intoxicating an aroma it had.

  Mine! He could feel the cat taking over, and he struggled for control. Just when he thought he did, the wind shifted and brought with it the scent of danger. Predators. Lust was shoved to the back, and he pushed soundlessly to his feet. The beast within him ready to fight and defend his mate.

  Ruger and Kamau were alert as well, and Dane smiled. “Keep her safe, boys.”

  He slipped away into the darkness, circling around the camp, making sure the hyenas coming realized what was there should they decided to come all the way in. Then, he headed back to the fire. Aida still slept, and Dane only saw Kamau. Movement grabbed his attention, and he watched Ruger come out of the dark from the other side of the fire pit. The dog stared at him and moved back to where he’d been laying. But he still watched and never lay back down until after Dane had done so first.

  Dane had barely closed his eyes it seemed when he woke to Aida whispering to her dogs. He rolled to the side and nearly groaned aloud. Aida stood by her truck without her shirt on. Lust rushed up over him. She faced away from him but it didn’t matter. Her skin was all the same rich brown color. Her pants hung low on her full hips. She had the body of a woman made to be loved. Curves to hold a man comfortably. His body ached it was so hard. A rumble of disappointment raced up when she slid a bra on over her shoulders followed quickly by a white tank top.

  He gritted his teeth against the pain his beast inflicted on him. Sweat popped out on his brow, and he fell back to the blanket.

  Claim her! it roared in fury.

  He shook with the exertion to keep both the creature and lurking darkness at bay. It was hard. Fighting them both. The beast was a part of him, and yet for now, he had to keep it caged. It was angry and didn’t understand why they could no longer run as one. No longer work together in the harmonious way they were destined to do so. The few times he had called upon it, Dane had to make sure never to turn himself over completely. His beast was angry, and its added rage wore on him.

  And he lost major ground in the battle at that moment. The darkness had learned when best to strike at him. When he struggled with his beast, it tended to sense more of an opening and took advantage. As it had just now.

  “Dane?” Aida’s gentle voice reached him through a fog. He didn’t look up. He couldn’t. Dane lay there as if outside, looking in. Footsteps approached and stopped beside him. “Hey, are you okay?”

  He shuddered when she touched his shoulder. A desperate battle raged within him. Dane dangled on the brink of the chasm which would inevitably end his life. For the second the darkness overtook him, he’d be hunted and eventually eliminated.

  “Dane,” Aida whispered, shaking him. “Open your eyes for me. Come on, man. Open your eyes and I’ll give you anything you want.” She brushed her hand along his cheek.

  He grunted and pulled himself up over the edge. Her touch on his head calmed the anger, rage, and despair. Slowly, he dragged his eyes open to find Aida looking down on him, concern overflowing in her golden flecked brown eyes.

  “Can you get up?”

  Talking seemed so difficult, and Dane opted for the silent affirmation. He nodded.

  “Okay, easy now. Come on.”

  Aida helped him up and to the passenger seat of her vehicle. He still shook as his body settled into the seat.

  “Look at me,” she ordered.

  Dane did.

  “Did anything bite you last night?”

  Bite me? He shook his head.

  “You sure?” He nodded. Aida disappeared and came back with some water. She held the bottle up to his mouth. “Little sips.”

  It took a bit before Dane had confidence in his control. Aida hovered around him but remained silent. Closing his eyes, Dane took a deep breath. When he opened them, she still stood there. He sat up to explain or try to, but she shook her head.

  “I don’t need an explanation. Think you can make it to the village? I’ll drive fast, but if you need to stop, tell me.”

  “Okay.”

  Within moments, she’d loaded up everything and her dogs and they were flying across the plains of South Africa. Dane closed his eyes.

  See how much pain you’re in. We can help. Accept us. We can make it all go away, the darkness offered.

  Dane ground his teeth and opened his eyes. Turning his head, he breathed easier when he laid his eyes upon Aida. She met his gaze and smiled a mixture of concern and gentleness. “Hanging in there?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Aida reached across the interior and took his hand in her smaller, feminine one. Calluses and strength were felt in her touch. He didn’t know what to do with the gesture and almost pulled away.

  Suddenly, warmth and love poured through him, battling back the voices of the darkness and soothing his beast. He closed his hand around hers. The pain slid away, and he tightened his grip when she made to pull back her hand. Thankfully, she didn’t argue. Dane slipped into a deep and much-needed slumber, a light within him keeping him safe.

  By the time they arrived at the village, he was fine. They chatted about neutral things. Although they no longer held hands, Dane was confident his guards were firmly back in place.

  Open your eyes and I’ll give you anything you want. Her words teased him.

  Everyone drew around once they had arrived and gotten out. Dane got pulled one way while Aida was taken in a different direction. He calmed down when
she winked and smiled at him. Dane didn’t see her again until later when she stood talking to Christopher while watching the kids play football.

  Dinner was hectic, and when he stood alone in his hut, he realized he’d not had a moment alone with Aida.

  “Knock, knock,” Aida’s voice floated toward him.

  He licked his lips tasting her scent on the air. “Come on in.”

  She walked in, hands before her and smiled, leaning on the wall. “Hey, sorry to intrude, but I just wanted to see how you were doing.”

  Dane prowled closer to her, enjoying the increase of her heart and breathing. “I’m fine, thanks.”

  “Glad to hear it.” She wrung her hands and shrugged. “Well, I should get going.”

  I don’t think so. Dane eliminated the distance between them and blocked her in with his body and placed his arms on either side of her head.

  “What are you doing?” she asked in a breathless tone.

  “Collecting.”

  A cute furrow formed between her brows. “Collecting what?”

  “You told me I could have anything I wanted if I opened my eyes. I did. Now, I’m collecting.”

  Her tongue snuck out to wet her lips, and the innocent action sent a spear a desire through him. He felt hard enough to split through his pants.

  “What do you want?” she questioned.

  “You.”

  Her soft whimper was like her warm hand stroking him, and he grew harder. “Me?”

  He nodded, lowering his head to nuzzle behind her ear. “You.” She smelled like light and purity, along with his new favorite scent, soft apple combined with vanilla and cinnamon.

  “I can’t. Not here.”

  “Why?” he rumbled.

  “People saw me come in here. I’m not that kind of girl.”

  He licked the skin and closed his eyes against the wave of feelings that rushed over him. Aida shook, and he did it again. “Where?” he asked.

  “I…I…don’t know,” she stuttered.

  Nipping her earlobe, Dane sucked it into his mouth before releasing it. “I’m coming with you when you leave.” He pressed against her, making sure she could feel his straining erection.