Detective Lion Shifter (A Paranormal Night Club Book 3) Read online

  He remembered her injuries just in time to resist the urge to tackle her.

  “You’re a turkey, you know that?” Nick asked her.

  “No, I’m a lion. You seem to have a hard time keeping your animals straight. First you call me a fox, then you call me a turkey,” she said, chuckling.

  Nick just looked at her and grinned. “I see that I’m going to have my hands full with you today.”

  “Literally, if I can hurry up and heal,” she said.

  Nick grunted at her. “Come on, Lazy Bones. Let’s go downstairs and get some breakfast. I’m ravenous.”

  Lana purposely looked Nick up and down and licked her lips. “I’m ravenous, too. However, I don’t think you will fit on my breakfast plate.”

  “Wow, a couple nights in bed, and you turn into a she-devil,” Nick said.

  “You are the one who ruined me. I was a sweet, innocent maiden who knew nothing about love and sex. Then, you came along and taught me about the carnal world. You have only yourself to blame,” Lana said, as she got out of bed and pulled one of her tunics on over her head.

  Laughing, Nick kissed her on the forehead and said, “What am I going to do with you?”

  “We’ll talk about that later. But for now, let’s go downstairs. I’m starving,” Lana said.

  Much to Nick’s relief, the king and queen had eaten much earlier and already departed. Although they were wonderful people and terrific rulers, he felt the atmosphere was much more relaxed and less formal with them gone.

  During breakfast, he caught Lana looking at him a little strangely. He thought that perhaps there was a secret she hadn’t shared with him yet.

  I wonder what she is hiding from me?

  Nick studied her, watching her. He loved how easily she laughed and joked with everyone, now that the weight of Dizag and her missing sister was off her shoulders. Clarence also possessed a sarcastic, dry sense of humor, so Nick knew that Lana came by her humor honestly.

  Sara and Lucy were quieter. They participated in the conversation from time to time, but mostly just smiled at the antics of Clarence and Lana.

  Nick knew that Lucy had a long way to go before her wounds were physically healed. She had been starved for quite a while and she had also been beaten and scratched pretty severely. He wasn’t sure how long it would take for her to heal from her psychological wounds, if she ever would. Abuse victims often suffered from post traumatic stress disorder. However, Lucy was strong, because she had survived this long. She came from a strong, loving, supporting family. He knew in his heart that although it would take some time, Lucy would heal.

  After breakfast, Lucy and Lana decided to go for a walk. Clarence and Nick opted to help some of the people working in the courtyard.

  Although his hands were busy, Nick’s thoughts were constantly on Lana. His eyes followed her as much as they could.

  “Nick. Nick,” Clarence said, clearing his throat.

  “Yeah?” Nick asked, startled out of his reverie.

  Clarence laughed at him. “You haven’t heard a word I said, have you?”

  “I’m sorry. I was just thinking,” Nick said.

  “Judging by where your eyes have been straying, you’ve been thinking about my daughter,” Clarence laughed.

  “You caught me, Sir,” Nick said.

  He continued helping in the courtyard, but still, his thoughts remained on Lana. He felt a tightness in his chest when he thought, I am afraid to let her out of my sight. Vardok’s crew is still out there, and I couldn’t stand it if something was to happen to her.

  Nick knew that he was being ridiculous. Lana fought the dragons just as hard as he did. She was just as responsible for the rescue of her parents and sister as any one of those who fought. She had proven that she could hold her own in a battle, and wouldn’t appreciate the idea that he felt like he had to protect her. Yet, he couldn’t vanquish the feelings.

  After lunch, Nick and Lana strolled through the wooded area outside of the courtyard. They stopped by a creek that was so clear that they could see the fish swimming and a turtle playing in the mud.

  “You know I love you,” he said.

  She smiled at him. “I love you.”

  “I was thinking of asking your father if he would give me permission to have a formal mating ceremony,” Nick asked, almost shyly. Although he knew that Lana loved him, he was caught by the sudden fear that she would deny him.

  “I think that’s a brilliant idea,” Lana said, staring into his eyes.

  Nick leaned over and consumed her lips. The passion in his kiss promised a lifetime of love and passion.

  He traced her lips with his tongue and nibbled on her bottom lip. He pushed his tongue into her mouth, claiming her as his until her body was healed enough to consummate their formal mating.

  Nick spent the rest of the afternoon trying to find the right time. He knew that Clarence liked him and that Clarence would give his permission. However, he still was nervous about asking.

  After dinner, Lana and Lucy went to her room. Lana was trying to help Lucy cope with everything she had been through.

  Nick slipped outside and stared up at the night sky, thinking that the moon and stars had never looked so beautiful. Half the time you can’t even see the night heavenly bodies in the city, either because of the smog or because of the bright city lights.

  He was so engrossed in watching the sky, that he didn’t hear Clarence and Sara approaching until they were almost next to him.

  Nick stood up so quickly that his head began to swim from vertigo.

  “Hi, Nick. There is something fascinating about the stars and a full moon, isn’t there?” Sara asked. “They are magical.”

  “They are,” he agreed.

  Nervously taking a deep breath, Nick said, “I was hoping to talk to you both tonight. You know that I love Lana. So much so that I would lay my life down for her.”

  Clarence smiled and nodded, but didn’t say anything, waiting for Nick to finish.

  “Well, I would like to have your permission for a formal mating ceremony with Lana. I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. My life would be empty without her,” Nick said, the words pouring out once he got started.

  Sara smiled and clapped her hands together. Clarence put his hands on Nick’s shoulders. “I know you love her. You have shown that. It is obvious by the way you look at her. I admire you, your character, and your bravery. I would be honored to have you as my son.”

  “Thank you, Sir,” Nick said.

  20

  Lana

  The day of the mating ceremony was hectic. Lana wore the same tunic her mother wore when she married Clarence. Even Lucy got into the mood. For the first time since she had been rescued, Lucy was smiling and laughing with everyone else.

  When they had a second alone, Lana asked Lucy how she was doing.

  “It’s hard sometimes, but I know I’m going to be okay. When I feel stupid and start beating myself up for not seeing what was going on, I remind myself that Brian, well, Dizag, fooled a lot of people. I also keep reminding myself that I still have a whole life ahead of me, thanks to my brave, incredible sister, and her sexy mate. Dizag may have taken a couple of years away from me, but he doesn’t get to have the rest of my life. That is for me,” Lucy said.

  Lana hugged her sister and said, “You are the brave one.”

  Then, Lana asked, “Do you think you’ll ever love again?”

  Lucy laughed and replied, “I know I will. I just happened to have the off chance of being targeted by a handsome, manipulative, psychopathic dragon shifter. What are the odds of the next handsome man to catch my eye being the same?”

  “I don’t know, Sis. Some people have all the luck—or bad luck,” Lana said, teasing her sister.

  Lucy became sober for a moment. “Next time, I’ll listen to you, Mother, and Father. You tried to tell me there was something off about him, but my stubborn self wouldn’t listen.”

  “Love makes us blind
,” Lana said softly.

  Sara knocked on the door and said, “It’s time.”

  Lana smiled and stood up. Her father was waiting for her outside of the door to escort her to her mate.

  She had heard that other women who went through a formal mating ceremony were nervous. However, Lana wasn’t. She figured that was because she was absolutely sure in her heart and soul that she was making the right decision.

  The Vow Giver was waiting for her, along with her very handsome man. When Lana looked at him, everything in the world disappeared, except for Nick. It took every ounce of willpower that she had to not run up to him. However, the ceremony called for formal behavior. Lana knew she could lose herself later.

  Everyone sat after Clarence presented Lana to Nick. Sara had a handkerchief and was crying. She was a sap for romance.

  The Vow Giver asked, “Nick, are you ready?”

  “I am.” Then, facing Lana, he took her hand and said, “All my life, I have been searching for you. You are beautiful, inside and out. You are smart and loving. You are brave, willing to give your life for your family and for others. You are a part of my heart and soul. You are my breath and my every heartbeat. I vow to love you and honor you for the rest of my life.”

  A loud sniffle from the crowd indicated that Nick’s words had made Sara cry even more. Others had suspicions of tears in their eyes as well.

  The Vow Giver turned to Lana. “Lana, are you ready?”

  “I am.” Then, facing Nick, she said, “From the very moment I met you, you have been my hero. You have tried to protect me and help me with my quest. You have given me the strength to stay strong in the face of mortal danger. You have shown me what true love really means. When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of a handsome stranger coming into my life and sweeping me off my feet. You are even better than my deepest fantasies. I promise to love and cherish you for the rest of my life.”

  The Vow Giver, who also had watery eyes, said, “You are now life mates. You may now…”

  Nick didn’t wait for the Vow Giver to tell him that he could kiss his woman. He swept Lana into her arms. The kiss wasn’t a soft and gentle kiss. It was a powerful kiss, full of passion and promise.

  The celebration lasted all day. Lana thought it would never end. She was anxious to get her newly official mate alone.

  Finally, they were able to excuse themselves. Alone in their room, Nick looked at his woman.

  “You are so incredibly beautiful,” he said, his voice husky with emotion.

  He walked to where she was standing with her back against the window. The moon and stars made the perfect background to her beauty.

  Nick ran his fingers through her luxurious, silky soft hair. Then, he leaned down and kissed her softly on her forehead, on her cheeks, and the tip of her nose.

  Groaning, he captured her lips as he undid the buttons of her formal tunic.

  Lana felt the butterflies multiply by the millions as Nick touched her. She inhaled his scent, which was a combination of cedar and something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Whatever it was, it was Nick’s scent.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck, as he pressed his lips against hers. His tongue explored her mouth, rubbing the top of her mouth and stroking the underside of her tongue.

  His fingers finished their work, and he pushed the tunic off her shoulders. It puddled on the ground at her feet.

  Nick put both hands on the sides of Lana’s face, as he continued to express his love to her with his mouth. Lana felt her legs go weak and her knees buckled slightly.

  His hands slowly moved down to her neck and then her breasts. Holding her breasts in his hands, he squeezed them gently, massaging them with his fingers. His thumbs found her nipples, and he took pleasure from her groans as he rubbed the pink rosebuds.

  Lana felt as though a violent storm had taken up residence inside of her stomach and was spreading out throughout her entire body.

  She trembled as he continued to rub her nipples and pinch them lightly.

  Afraid that she was going to fall to the floor, she gently pushed him away. He looked at her questioningly.

  “It’s not fair that only one of us is naked,” she breathed.

  Nick was quick to comply.

  He reached for his mate’s hand and led her to the bed. He gently laid her down on it, then laid down beside her.

  Shyly, Lana reached down and touched his fully erect massive cock that proudly strutted out between his legs. She softly ran her fingers over the member, reveling in how silky soft the skin was, but at the same time, the texture was rigid.

  She loved how her touch made Nick moan and gasp for air. She wrapped a hand around his large staff and began to stroke it, wanting to send her lover over the edge while at the same time getting to know the part of his body that made her feel as though heaven and earth were colliding.

  “Lana, your hand feels so good. Baby, you’re killing me,” he said.

  His moans became even deeper when her other hand found his heavy jewel sack that hung below his cock.

  After a few seconds, he put his hand over hers. “Baby, you have to stop, or I’m going to explode right now. I don’t want to cum yet.”

  Once again, he pushed her onto her back. One hand grasped her tit. He rubbed her nipple, and rolled it between his fingers. He pulled it out gently from her tit, stretching it, not so that it would hurt, but that it would be an additional sensation.

  His lips descended on her other nipple. He sucked it into his warm, wet mouth, and his tongue flicked it back and forth. Then, he suckled it.

  Nick’s other hand found its way to her aching pussy. She spread her legs automatically, giving him access to her womanhood.

  He slowly rubbed her pussy from the bottom of her slit to the top, not quite reaching her clit.

  Lana gasped and pressed her head into the pillow, panting hard. Her fingers were tangled in his beautiful, tawny hair.

  Slowly, he caressed her pussy, while continuing to tantalize her nipples.

  Lightning flashed around them and the electric bolts entered her body, coursing through her like a rampaging river.

  Every part of her body felt as though it were on fire, and she was sure that any moment, she was going to explode.

  Nick pushed two of his fingers into her soaking pussy and began to pump them in and out of her. Meanwhile, his thumb found her clit.

  She cried out, “Nick,” loudly as he began to softly rub the swollen pebble that had grown large and rigid.

  The room swirled around her and she was sure that she was going to pass out. Her body was trembling and her breaths were coming fast and hard.

  She felt the heat build up in her pussy. With a sound that was half scream and half growl, she exploded, sending wave after wave of creamy hot liquid over Nick’s fingers.

  When she finally quit pulsating, Nick removed his fingers. He quickly covered her body with his and pushed his large cock into her sensitive, warm, wet pussy. With one swift movement, he pushed his way all the way in.

  Lana put a hand on his chest, tangling her fingers in the silky hair that was scattered across his taut muscles.

  Her other hand was on his back, her fingers massaging the solid flesh. It amazed her that Nick was such a big, powerful man, but was so gentle with her.

  After he had driven hard inside her pussy, he leaned down to kiss her lips softly.

  “Did I hurt you, my love?” he asked.

  “You could never hurt me,” she breathed back.

  He pulled his cock almost all the way out, slowly, oh so slowly, so that Lana felt every centimeter of him caress her walls. Then, just as slowly, he pushed back in. Nick hit her G-spot, which instantly created another set of sparks exploding in every inch of her body.

  Nick began to move faster and faster, until he had pulled his full nine inches out, and then plunged back in hard and fast. When Nick was completely buried inside of her, she cried out his name.

  “Nick. You feel so good
. My entire body is on fire.”

  “Good,” he said.

  Once again, he moved out of her and drove hard inside, sheathing himself completely.

  Lana raised her hips and joined his rhythm.

  Her breathing was even heavier, until she heaved a deep breath and her body began to quiver. She thrust her chest and hips high into the air. Her pussy began to vibrate and squeezed him tightly, as the muscles held his cock deep inside of her. Her fingers dug into his body and a raging river gushed over him.

  Her body tightened and wave after wave of pure ecstasy rolled over him. Finally, she took a breath and she relaxed.

  Nick stroked the inside of her steamy hot cave once more, and his thick cock began to throb. Hot lava roared out of him. His shaft continued to pulsate, sending his essence deep into her very being.

  Finally, he had emptied himself. Triumphant and exhausted he laid down next to her on the bed.

  Neither of them could breath for a moment.

  “That was amazing. Will it always be like that?” Lana asked.

  Nick kissed her gently and said, “It might even be better. I have so much that I want to teach you.”

  “I am your willing student,” she answered.

  Nick pulled her into his arms and said, “I love you.”

  Lana whispered back, “I love you too, Dad.”

  It took a few minutes for what she said to register. Then, he looked into her eyes. “Really?”

  “I think so. It’s too early to be a hundred percent certain, but I’m pretty sure.”

  “You are amazing,” Nick said, kissing Lana.

  As she fell asleep that night in his arms, Lana thought, Nothing could be better than this.

  Epilogue

  Lana

  There was a huge party at the Paradigm for the twins’ first birthday. David and Meaghan were adorable as they waddled around getting attention from everyone. Brady’s wife, Casey had joined them with their young one, who decided that it was his job to protect the toddlers from getting into any mischief. After a while though, he declared that it was too much work and they had worn him out. He settled at one of the tables with a cheeseburger and a soda.