Mate Run, page 16
“When the clan arrives, you can ask some of the other mothers their opinion of the school. If it helps, I can put you in contact with the administrator,” Thad said, leaving the decision up to me.
Sam laid a hand on my thigh, gaining my attention. It was entirely too close to the part of me that longed for him to fill me. “You didn’t answer my question about the job or about helping me today.”
I took another bite of food and then sipped my coffee, giving myself time to think.
He stroked my thigh with his thumb, and I fought not to show how much his touch affected me. The gleam in his eyes said he knew. Thad watched closely, also awaiting my response.
Did they think I’d say no? The whole point of my being here was to integrate myself into infected society. If things didn’t work here, I had nowhere else to go.
I set down the coffee cup. “I’ll help set up for the clan’s visit and play physician’s assistant to your doctor while they’re here. Anything else?” I shrugged a shoulder. “Let’s just see how this plays out and go from there.”
“That works for me,” Thad said. “Sam?”
Sam gave my thigh a squeeze and removed his hand. “It’s a start. I’ll take it.”
“Jock, go get dressed, buddy. We’ve got stuff to do,” Thad said.
“We go to the lake?” Jock asked.
“Maybe. First, we’ll go to the store. If you behave, we’ll walk down to the lake and let Cujo run,” Thad said.
The dog looked up when he heard his name. He’d finished his food and lay stretched out on the floor on the living room rug.
I made to rise. “I didn’t lay out Jock’s clothes. Let me–”
“He can do it,” Thad said.
I paused on the edge of my seat. “Oh, but–”
Again, he cut me off. “Jock’s a big boy. You have his clothes organized in the drawer. All he has to do is reach in and grab an outfit. No matching required. If he needs help, he’ll ask. Won’t you, Jock?”
Jock, who’d stood silently, waiting to see which way the conversation would go, nodded his head. “I a big boy. I can dress myself,” he said proudly.
“I’m a big boy,” I corrected automatically.
“Momma, you not a boy. You’re a girl,” Jock said, giggling.
I didn’t bother correcting him. One look told me Jock was in a playful mood and had deliberately misunderstood my meaning. Sighing, I said, “Go get dressed so you can go with Thad.”
“Okay.” Jock ran into his bedroom, excited to be doing something other than schoolwork.
Thad cleared the countertop and stacked the dishes in the dishwasher while I finished my breakfast. Sam sat sipping his coffee, staring at me. Fortunately, I hadn’t placed a lot of food on my plate or his intense regard would have made me nervous. Even so, I felt a sense of relief when I ate the last bite and set down my fork.
As I took my last sip of coffee, I asked Sam, “When do you want to start?”
“The sooner, the better,” Sam said.
I glanced down at my outfit. “Are we going outside? Do I need to wear something warmer or bring my coat?”
A cold front had come through and outside definitely required more than the lightweight sweat suit I wore.
Sam’s gaze drifted slowly over my body. When his gaze met mine again, the heat in them had rekindled. “You look good.”
That didn’t really answer my question, but I decided not to push. “All right. Give me a minute, and I’ll be ready to go.”
I slide off the stool. As my feet hit the floor, my hips bumped the chair, almost knocking it over.
Sam leaned over and caught it, his arms almost embracing me. “Careful.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled and skittered sideways, avoiding his touch.
I walked into the bedroom and closed the door behind me, conscious of Sam’s gaze like a physical caress. I’d barely taken two steps away from the door when it opened again. Thad entered the bedroom and closed the door. The expression on his face said he wanted something.
“Come here,” he said softly.
I stepped forward. He wrapped an arm around my waist and tugged me closer. “I didn’t get a chance to greet you properly this morning.”
Thad lowered his mouth to mine, and the kiss he planted on me left me breathless. When it ended, I leaned against him, waiting for my knees to strengthen. “Good morning to you, too,” I said breathily when I could speak. Then I laughed softly. “I was so mortified when I realized Jock was in the room with us.”
Thad massaged my nape with one large hand. “Tonight, we’ll lock the door. Thank you for inviting Sam to eat with us. He spends too much time alone. While you’re together today, if the need to fuck becomes too intense, don’t fight it. You’ll both be the better for it.”
I shoved out of his hold and frowned at him. “I don’t understand you. We consummated our marriage last night. How can you be so blasé about this?”
Thad closed the distance between us and placed his hands on my shoulders. “I’m not being blasé, simply realistic. Why fight the inevitable? Whether you fuck Sam or not, it doesn’t change us. I told you, you’re mine and I keep what belongs to me. The problem is the noninfected think in terms of monogamy. The infected don’t have that luxury. Why do you think we formed Mate Match? There’s not enough infected females to go around. We had to adapt. We’d rather share a woman than have her raped or kidnapped. In a perfect world, of course, I’d rather keep you to myself, but that’s not our world.”
I sighed heavily and looked over his shoulder at the door. I could almost see Sam sitting there waiting.
“Look,” Thad said, capturing my attention. “I’m not telling you to fuck Sam. I’m saying if you do give into the chemistry that simmers between you two whenever you’re in proximity to each other, don’t feel guilty. You may be fine fighting it, but honestly, I’m not sure how much longer Sam is going to last. The next time your monogamous sensibilities raise their head, keep that in mind.”
I stiffened. “Are you saying Sam will force the issue if I wait too long to decide?”
Thad rolled his eyes. “No. Sam isn’t the type to force a woman and if he tried, he knows I’d kill him.”
I rubbed my forehead in confusion. “Then what are you saying?”
He took a step back and stared me directly into my eyes so there would be no misunderstanding. “I’m saying it’s physically uncomfortable, downright painful, to be as aroused as Sam is and not have any relief. Jacking himself off will only make it worse. Sure, when the clan arrives he can seek out one of their women. They always make themselves available to us, but is that something you want him to do?”
Thad kissed my forehead, grabbed his jacket and wallet, and left the bedroom.
I stood frozen, shocked at the homicidal urge that had overcome me at the thought of either man with another woman.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Sam
I walked into the kitchen to refill my coffee cup and give them privacy. Still, I heard every word as though there was no wall between us. When Thad exited the bedroom, I sat at the bar, thinking over what I’d heard.
“Thank you,” I told him sincerely.
While he hadn’t lied, he’d definitely misled Cara. Infected men, depending on the animal characteristics they developed, could be more territorial than the noninfected. However, the severe lack of available women had led to forced behavior modification. We’d learned to tap into the protective side of our nature and put the safety and wellbeing of our women above our possessive alpha male tendencies.
Thad grunted his acknowledgement. “Jock, let’s go, buddy!”
The boy came running out of the bedroom. His shirt and pants didn’t match. He’d taken the top from one sweat suit and matched it with the bottoms of another. His socks were a different color all together. Neither Thad nor I said a word. Learning independence was more important than color coordination. Jock could figure the coordination thing out once he learned his colors.
They walked out the door, taking the dog with them. I continued to wait. My balls were still blue with need, but the knowledge that I’d be spending the day with my mate calmed its intensity.
The bedroom door opened again and out stepped Cara. “I’m ready.” Her tone was subdued and her manner somber. I didn’t like it one bit.
Setting my coffee cup on the countertop, I stood. Cara walked straight to the door and opened it. I quickened my steps and met her in the entryway. She didn’t even flinch when I placed my hand on her lower back. It was as if she hadn’t noticed. Her breath didn’t catch, her heartbeat didn’t spike, and her scent didn’t increase with arousal. One glance at her face showed she was deeply immersed in her thoughts.
No, I didn’t like this at all. The one advantage I’d always had was Cara’s awareness of me. Even when she was antagonistic, I knew her focus was completely on me. The man in me wanted to poke, annoy, and aggravate. Anything to be the center of her attention. The scientist said to wait, observe, and learn. My mission in seeking her out was to become better acquainted with Cara and let her become familiar with me. She wouldn’t relax her guard if I started deliberately provoking at her.
Counseling myself to use patience, I nevertheless used her distracted state to move closer to her as we walked toward the guest wing at the rear of the building. I slid my hand from the small of her back to her waist and pulled her into me so that our sides brushed with each step. I didn’t know whether to be happy or annoyed when she allowed it.
“How many families are you expecting?” Cara asked.
“About five,” I said, mentally calculating.
“How often do they come?” she asked.
“Some come once a quarter. Others, every six months. It depends on the treatments and if there are any complications.”
We stopped in front of the large supply room. I opened the door and rolled out the cart. With Cara’s assistance, I filled it with rolls of toilet paper, boxes of tissues, and toiletries. The majority of the stock was bulk supplies leftover from when this was a secret military medical facility.
The quarters were little more than oversized hotel rooms with two queen-sized beds, an ensuite bathroom, and a desk. The rooms were primarily for sleeping. Any free time the families had was spent in the communal areas, which included a living room, kitchen, and dining room.
Adding the toiletries to the rooms didn’t take long. Cara remained mostly quiet as we worked, responding only when spoken to. I wasn’t a talker, so other than comments about the room, I kept silent as well.
We were finishing the final room when Cara spoke again. “Is it always married couples who come? Or are some of the women single?”
I glanced at her. Cara’s expression was neutral, but I’d caught a hint of something in her tone. “It depends on who is available. Sometimes it’s close family members. Others, it’s a family friend. It’s whoever the clans can spare to act as escort and caretaker.”
She met my gaze, her expression changing to one of puzzlement. “How old are your patients? For some reason, I thought you were expecting children.”
I tilted my head. “Their ages vary. If you want to know more about what I do, I can take you down to the lab. It’s easier to show you than to explain. That’s where we’ll spend the majority of our time when they arrive.”
“Yes, please.”
We returned the empty supply cart to the storeroom. I led Cara to the elevator and pushed the down button. The car arrived swiftly. I punched in the security access code and the car descended. Within seconds, we were exiting on the basement level. “Welcome to my research lab.”
“Thad didn’t show me this area. He said the lab takes up the whole bottom floor?” Cara said. She turned her head from side-to-side, taking in the computer equipment, microscopes, test tubes and beakers.
“He wouldn’t. I don’t allow anyone down here who isn’t authorized. The information here is classified,” I said, ushering her forward.
The room was a sea of white: white walls, white surfaces, and white and chrome equipment. It was an open expanse with high ceilings and bright overhead lights. There were enough workstations for ten scientists.
“When Thad said you spent most of your time in the lab, this isn’t what I envisioned. I’ve never seen a medical lab like this,” she said.
I stared at her. “I have medical equipment I use for my experiments, but I’m no medical doctor.”
A frown formed between her eyes as she stared at me in puzzlement. “Thad introduced you as Doctor Samuel Robertson.”
Finally, she was showing an interest in me, the man. A small smile creased my cheeks. “I’m many things, but primarily a geneticist. I have doctorate degrees in several practices.”
Cara glanced around the room again, taking in all of the equipment. “So when you said you needed an assistant, you were talking about a research assistant, not a medical one?”
“Of course. Your scientific background makes you perfect for the job,” I said.
Cara walked around my space, examining the equipment. She had her hands clasped behind her back like a child preventing herself from touching anything. Surprisingly, I wouldn’t have been upset if she did. I kept my distance, extremely aware of my empty bed a few short yards away. I could take her in there, strip her naked, and be inside her in—
“You know, I never wanted to be a teacher. I applied for my teaching certificate because it was best for Jock. My favorite classes in school were always the Labs.” Cara turned to face me, waving her hands to encompass the room. “I’m not sure what all this is or what you do with it, but I’ll take that job offer. I want to learn, and I get the feeling you’re the one who can teach me.”
Every muscle in my body locked as I fought a surge of triumph. Oh, I’d teach her, all right. I’d teach her everything she wanted to know, but business first. “How much do you know about TS391?”
Her face scrunched in a confused frown at what she probably thought was a change of topic. “What we were taught in school. The virus was the result of our government experimenting with human and animal DNA, trying to create a super soldier. It escaped the lab, mutated, and now they can’t put the genie back in the lamp.”
It was a simplified version of events, but it was enough. “Come with me,” I told her.
“Where are we going?” Cara asked as she joined me.
“There’s something you need to see.” I walked over to a security panel on an empty wall. Lifting the cover, I pressed my thumb to the scanner and then my left eye. The computer beeped its acceptance, and the wall slid open to reveal a hidden elevator.
Cara’s eyes grew wide, but she didn’t ask any of the questions I could see brimming in her eyes as she stepped in after me. On the interior panel, I punched in a six-digit code, waited a second, and tapped in another four-digit code. The door closed, and the elevator began its descent.
The car moved silently and swiftly, taking us deep below the earth. Cara’s gaze never left mine, her expression one of deep curiosity. There was no sign of fear. More importantly, I didn’t sense any of the unease or distrust she usually displayed when I was near.
When the car stopped, I held out a hand. Cara glanced at it before slowly extending hers. I entwined our fingers together. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” she said.
“Be sure,” I warned. “Once you cross this road, there’s no going back. You won’t be able to leave here, go somewhere else, and live with the knowledge of what’s behind this door. We can’t allow it.”
She squeezed my hand. “I’ll be honest. Jock and I have nowhere else to go. That’s why this thing between us scares me. What if I give into it and it blows up in my face? I can’t jeopardize our security for sex.”
I stepped closer to her until our fronts brushed. “There’s more than chemistry between us. We have the opportunity to build something special. If it blows up, we pick our way through the debris and rebuild. I won’t let you leave. Neither will Thad and not just because of Jock. I see the way he looks at you. Face it, sweetheart, you’re stuck with us.”
Cara licked her bottom lip, and I focused in on the tip of that pink tongue. “How...?” She swallowed hard before continuing. “How do you see this working? The three of us, I mean, because I’m not giving up Thad. I don’t think I could,” she clarified.
I slowly moved her until she was boxed against the wall. Lifting our linked hands above her head, I cradled her cheek with my free one. “I’ll leave the logistics of us up to you. Agreeing to work with me is a start. We’ll figure out the rest.”
I shifted my hand so that I cupped her neck and raised her face for my kiss. Cara stared at me, her eyes slowly heating as her breathing grew choppy. “I won’t take you right now. You aren’t ready. I just want a taste.”
“A taste?” she repeated.
“A really, deep taste,” I murmured against her lips. I stayed just a breath away, savoring the moment. There was only one first kiss. I planned to make it memorable.
Slowly, oh so slowly, I pressed my mouth to hers. I brushed kisses against her lips, easing into it. Cara sighed in pleasure and her body relaxed. She raised her free hand and stroked it through my hair. I growled and pressed closer, letting her feel my need.
Cara opened her mouth, and accepting her silent invitation, I thrust my tongue inside. Big mistake. Her taste exploded in my senses, and the leash on my control slipped. Devouring her mouth hungrily, I crowded her against the wall, dominating her body with mine.
Cara didn’t passively take it. She gave as good as she got. Her nails dug into my shoulders. Her hips rocked against mine, her damp heat scorching my cock. She made little needy sounds in her throat.
I gripped her thigh, opening her cradle for a better fit as I ground into her. I was a hairsbreadth from erupting when the alarm blared. I released Cara and spun to face the threat, reaching for my nonexistent weapon. My brain caught up with my instincts, and I jumped for control panel. “Shit!”
