Hunting a Mate Read online

  Delicious.

  And nearly whisker-worthy.

  Her cheeks tingled, her ferret nudging her and pushing forward, anxious to be a part of this mating as well.

  No. She jerked back, letting his thumb slip free of her mouth, and she pressed her hands to her face.

  “Paige?”

  Paige squeezed her eyes shut. “One second. She’s anxious and wants…”

  Her skin burned and her nose stung and…

  The bed dipped, telling her Archer joined her. She just wasn’t sure where he’d positioned himself. Then his touch told her exactly where he was. The rough hair on his legs brushed hers as he crawled toward her and when he softly stroked her calves, she parted her thighs for him so he could get even closer.

  His hands overlaid hers, cupping her cheeks and lending her strength. “Hey,” he whispered.

  “Hi.” Her voice was equally low.

  “Gonna open your eyes?”

  “No?”

  He chuckled, warm breath fanning her face. “Okay, so I’ll talk to your ferret while your eyes are closed.” His lips ghosted over her forehead, the soft kisses continuing down her nose, across her cheeks, and then finally settling on her lips for a sensual press. “I want you. I want your human half, and I want your inner animal, but you’re freaking her out by pushing so hard. So chill out, get claimed, and then we’ll go for a run later and you can rub your fur all over me. But for now, take a back seat.”

  Rough words. Annoying as hell words. But her animal listened. It definitely released a string of annoyed chitters and chatters, but it retreated enough for the sting in her nose and the throbbing of her cheeks to subside. The second her ferret ceased its continuous squeaks, Paige sighed in relief and opened her eyes.

  To meet Archer’s golden gaze. At least she wasn’t the only one dealing with a pushy beast.

  Paige slid one hand from beneath his and stroked his cheek bone. “Someone’s cougar is out, too.”

  “Uh-huh, but I’m okay with growing a little fur here and there. And someday, you’re gonna realize I think your whiskers are sexy as hell. Until then, I’ll negotiate with your ferret and make sure my mate enjoys every second of our lovemaking.”

  She was so good with that idea. “Oh. That sounds… wonderful.” She squirmed and opened her legs wider, anxious to get on with things.

  A grin split his lips. “Want me, baby?”

  “Uh-huh,” she nodded, just in case he didn’t get the point.

  Archer withdrew his touch and she nearly whimpered aloud. Okay, she did whimper aloud. She did it. She admitted it.

  Which turned that sensual grin to cocky assurance and she didn’t care. She’d bring him down a peg or two after he made her come a time or two hundred.

  It took him a few tugs on her shirt, a snap of her jeans, and before she knew it, she was bared to his gaze.

  He crowded her, leaning forward and she eased her back to the soft mattress. His gaze stroked her, his attention almost a physical thing as he stared at her breasts, hips, and then the juncture of her thighs.

  He skimmed her legs with his palms, callused hands scraping her delicate skin, and the sensation sent a shudder of arousal through her body. Her pussy clenched, aching and empty, and with each passing second, she grew more desperate for him, for his possession. She wanted to be his. Now.

  So when he eased back, his movements taking him away from her as he lowered his head, she reached for him. She sat up and grabbed his shoulders, her fingertips burning with the need to sink her claws in and really stop him.

  “No,” she shook her head, earning a single raised eyebrow and questioning expression from him. “I need you, Archer. In me, on top of me, claiming me.”

  He licked his lips, gaze flickering between her face and her pussy and she took the initiative and teased him.

  She released his shoulders and slid one hand down her body, ghosting over her skin until she cupped her pussy. Paige toyed with her slit, enjoying her own teasing touch and at the same time gathering some of her arousal. Fingertip slick with her need for him, she lifted her arm and extended her finger. “Taste me and then fill me, Archer. Claim me.”

  His reaction was immediate, mouth opening and drawing her in. The second he licked the pad of her finger, he moaned and then… purred. The sound vibrated the air and sent new trembles through her body.

  “Oh God, do that to my pussy after you claim me. Promise me.” She didn’t care if she sounded desperate. Because she was.

  Archer released her finger with a pop and grinned at her, golden eyes glowing brighter. “Anything for my mate.”

  And then he proceeded to give her everything. Archer leaned forward, one hand planted next to her head while the other clutched and stroked his cock. He tugged it once, twice and then the blunt tip teased her center. He nudged her opening and she spread her thighs wider, giving him room to bring his hips forward, to sink into her with one, long stroke.

  His thickness stretched her, spearing her with his hardness and a sting of pain accompanied his penetration, but it was… So. Fucking. Good. He was hot and hard, and heated her from inside out. The second he was seated fully, a purr enveloped her. The vibrations bounced off her bones, her nerves sang with sensations.

  “Archer,” she moaned his name.

  Instead of whispering hers, he said something more delicious and touching than anything else he could have uttered. “Mine.”

  “Yes.” That was her only answer. “Yes.”

  He gently withdrew and pushed forward again, his hips snug against hers with his penetration. His pubis nudged her clit, pressing hard against that nub. It sent a bolt of pleasure racing through her veins, pummeling her with bliss, and then he did it again. And again. And again, as he set a maddening pace. He slid in and out of her soaked pussy, pleasuring her and taking pleasure from their lovemaking.

  His shaft stroked her inner walls, caressing her sensitive depths, and the head of his cock on that spot, that one spot. She moaned and arched her back with the new caress.

  Her hips rose to meet him of their own volition, body aching for release, aching to be filled with him. With each thrust and retreat, she neared release, blood alight with need and desire until she felt she was burning alive with desperation. The slap of their bodies filled the air, their raw, animalistic meeting of hips echoing and joining the rough grunts as they made love.

  Growls slowly replaced his sensual purring. And those growls… They had her inner-ferret chirping, loving that they drove their mate crazy. His fangs lengthened and descended from his gums as his cheekbones sharpened with his animal’s presence.

  Paige’s own teeth ached, her ferret shoving and nosing, begging to let that bit of her free while promising to keep her whiskers and nose to herself. It wanted to claim their mate. Soon. Now even.

  So she let it have its way, let it come forward as her orgasm neared. She let it slide her fangs free and form little points as her body trembled with her pending bliss.

  “Archer,” his name became a refrain, a reassurance and plea in one. “Archer, Archer, Archer…” She wanted more from him and yet it was too much, but she couldn’t stop begging for harder pressure or faster strokes. “Archer.”

  “Come for me, Paige. Come on my cock so I can claim you.” She arched and lifted her hips against him as his pace increased, slamming their bodies together with harsh slaps. “Come.”

  And, and, and… her pussy clamped down on him, milking him as pure pleasure, indescribable bliss, enveloped her from head to toe. Her cunt squeezed him and that pressure sent her orgasm spiraling higher, sending her flying. It raced down her spine, sliding into every inch of her body, consuming her from inside out. She was thrown into a wave of ecstasy and she shouted his name as she came undone around him.

  Their gazes collided, her pleasure mirrored in his eyes and he bared his teeth, pale fangs exposed as he pulled back his lips.

  Yet he hesitated. He paused, a question in his eyes, and she had one answer for
him.

  Do you want to be my mate? She practically heard his deep baritone.

  “Yes.” So many times, yes.

  Archer struck, his fangs sinking into her shoulder with a fierce bite and she came once again, his name on her lips as he sucked and bit deeper into her flesh.

  But her ferret wouldn’t be denied. No, she turned her head, small sharpened points bared and bit him in return. His coppery sweetness rolled over her taste buds and she swallowed each mouthful of the delicious liquid. It was his blood. It was her teeth in his shoulder and his blood filling her mouth.

  It was heaven.

  His cock twitched and swelled within her, the heat of his cum bathing her inner walls as he found his own release. The tendrils of their mating wrapped around them, tying them together and connecting them in a way a human marriage never would. Pleasure and need brought them together. Blood bound them forever.

  But making her come a few more times couldn’t hurt.

  Archer’s hips gently slowed, his cock softening within her, and he carefully withdrew his fangs. Paige did the same, lapping at the wound she’d caused, and she shivered as his tongue bathed her injury.

  The only thing that broke the silence was the continued rumble of his purr while he licked the blood from her skin. When he was done, he rolled to his side, dragging her with him until she was half draped over his body.

  He relaxed with a soft sigh and she snuggled closer, her ferret wanting to burrow into his side and stay there.

  He lowered his gaze, eyes still yellow with his cougar’s presence. “Mine.”

  The tone, the possessiveness, the way he murmured the single syllable that said he’d kill anyone who even thought about getting near her, had her shivering and her ferret…

  Pop.

  Popped a whisker. Dammit.

  He chuckled then, but at least the damn animal had waited until they were done. She only hoped she could get it to disappear before round two. And considering he was hardening against her hip already, she prayed he’d been telling the truth when he said he found whiskers sexy.

  Because… pop-pop.

  When he proceeded to make love to her all night long, she figured he was good with her furball. Score!

  Chapter Seven

  Archer could watch the sway of Paige’s ass for the rest of his life and die a happy man. They’d only been outta bed for three hours and he was ready to drag her to the nearest flat surface. That desk looked good. Or against that wall. They had a low coffee table in the lobby…

  A sharp finger dug into his shoulder and he whipped his attention from his mate to the woman at his side.

  “What?” he snarled at her, not disguising his anger.

  And she… rolled her eyes. “People are within sniffing distance. I know you wanna bang my baby sister, but I don’t need to know you wanna bend her over that filing cabinet.”

  Filing cabinet? The possibilities.

  “Ew, gross. C’mon.” Melanie, the middle Baxter sister, shoved him and he took a few steps away, letting her push him aside.

  “Earlier you said you like knowing we’re happy together. And Paige,” he waggled his eyebrows, “makes me very happy pretty damned often.”

  “Seriously?” Paige hissed at them and like good little children, they immediately wiped the smiles from their faces.

  “What?” He did his best to look innocent. Really.

  “He started it.” Melanie pointed at him.

  Eh, whatever. His mate smiled even if she was griping at them and that was all that mattered.

  “Children, the both of you. Why did I try so hard to make you like each other? Why?”

  “Because you’re a caring and loving sister. Archer and I think you were adopted.” Mel replied, full of sincerity.

  He, of course, glared at her. “I wasn’t serious about that.”

  Mel coughed. “Liar.”

  Paige stomped toward them. “Can you two please act like adults for five minutes? Please? I just need to grab this new hire paperwork and approve an ad they wanna run. Five minutes.” She pointed at Mel. “Grown-ups.” She pointed at him.

  Dammit, he wasn’t any more childish than Melanie. But he didn’t say that out loud. He’d do that in the car.

  “Thank you,” she snapped.

  The soft thump of bare feet on carpet reached them and as a group, they turned toward the newcomer. Archer immediately recognized the male, the smile, the swagger… hell no. He wasn’t sure why Paige decided to take the offer to be the PR Director at the M&M Mating Agency, but this guy needed to get one thing clear right away.

  Archer stepped forward, nudged his mate to stand beside her sister and then crossed his arms over his chest. The fucker would have to go through him to eye fuck the women.

  “You.” Archer glared at the male.

  His smile didn’t dim in the slightest, but his eyes flared violet before settling back to blue. “Me.”

  “The one on the left is my mate. The one on my right is her sister. Ogle, leer, stare or imagine undressing them and I will rip out your spine through your chest. You stared at her ass once. That was your one-time pass.”

  The male—Maddox Roe—raised a single brow. “No ripping out my eyes?”

  He shook his head. “No, then you could still scent her and I know she smells damn good. I’d want you gone.”

  Paige hissed at him, but he ignored her. They needed to get this settled from the start.

  Time passed slowly, inching by while their stares remained locked and then the male finally quirked his lips in a grin and then laughed aloud. “I like you.” He reached out and thumped Archer’s shoulder with his fist. “I fucking like you a lot.” Maddox’s gaze flicked over his shoulder to stare at Mel. “How about one nice eye fuck of the sister and we’ll call it—”

  “Maddox Milton Roe!” The feminine booming voice cut off whatever he was about to say. Yelled and… saved the male’s life, literally.

  Mel and Paige snorted. Hell, even he got in on the action when Maddox winced.

  The little ball of curvy, blond bombshell woman known as Mari came storming down the hallway, her feet also bare. “What did we talk about? You’re supposed to be getting your asshole urges under control.” She pointed at her bare feet and ignored their trio. “We are walking around without shoes so we’re closer to fucking nature so we can fucking align our chakras or some other shit I don’t understand because you keep whipping out your dick for every woman who comes in!”

  The woman didn’t even pause to take a breath through all that. Impressive.

  “Aw, Mari…”

  Mari shook her head. “No. We can’t make a go of this business if you don’t start acting like a grown-up.”

  “At least I’m not the only one with a man-child problem,” Paige murmured and he glared at the back of her lovely head. Then she cleared her throat and raised her voice. “Hi, Mari, I’m just here to grab the paperwork we discussed. We can talk about all this tomorrow if you’d like.”

  Ouch. Archer recognized that tone. “Talk” meant her opening a can of ferret-fueled whoop-ass on the guy. Now that his mate and her inner animal were on the same page and strong as hell, she was pretty hardcore and unstoppable when she got going.

  He felt sorry for the guy.

  “Right.” A purely fake smile graced Mari’s lips. “Of course.” She padded to the nearby desk and withdrew a folder filled with papers. “Here’s the new hire stuff and the first ad copy we’d like to run this weekend.”

  Paige nodded, took the packet and flipped it open. He didn’t bother reminding her that she mumbled when she read. He’d heard some of the different approaches the duo had pitched during her interview. Archer wanted to see what they’d come up with now.

  “The M&M Mating Agency invites you to attend their first Meet Market—”

  “It’s meet with two ee’s. Did you see the whole play on words there and—”

  Archer recognized the stiffening of her spine and the low, nearly imperc
eptible growl that came from Paige. Damn that was sexy.

  “Oh my god, ew. Noseboner. Seriously? Now?” Of course, Mel had to shut it all down.

  He glared at Melanie and she glared right back, which had him sighing in defeat. He had crazy in-laws, his mate had crazier bosses, and his mate… His gaze went to Paige… he was just crazy about her.

  “Hey, baby.” He gave her a lazy smile. He wasn’t about to apologize for wanting her.

  Paige rolled her eyes and stepped closer, leaning against him, her papers forgotten. “Hey.”

  “Nosefucking. Gross.”

  “Are you paying attention? The play on words is the key to…”

  No, they weren’t paying attention because he was kissing her and she was kissing him back and he figured they could deal with the shit later. He had something better to do right now and then again later and then… forever.

  The End

  If you enjoyed this book, please be totally awesomesauce and leave a review so others may discover it as well. Long review or short, your opinion will help other readers make future purchasing decisions. So, go forth and rate our level-o-awesome!

  By the way… below are some links to help you hunt up the rest of the series:

  Quick & Furry #1: Chasing Tail – http://bookbit.ly/qfctare

  Quick & Furry #2: Tailing Her – http://bookbit.ly/qfthare

  Quick & Furry #3: On Her Tail – http://bookbit.ly/qfohtare

  Quick & Furry #4: Heads or Tails – http://bookbit.ly/qfhotare

  Quick & Furry #5: Wanting a Mate – http://bookbit.ly/qfwamare

  Quick & Furry #6: Hunting a Mate – http://bookbit.ly/qfhamare

  About the Authors

  Mina Carter

  Mina Carter is a USA Today bestselling, multi-genre author. She lives in the UK with her husband, daughter, and a very bossy cat.