A Prideful Mate

By Amber Kell

Previously Published

When a lion and a jaguar shifter fall in love, the fur flies.

After having two boys of his own, Kevin, a werelion, is ready to find his mate. Searching on a shifter online dating service he finds Payce the werejaguar of his dreams. When someone tries to hurt the man who would be his mate, Kevin shows his new lover what he's willing to do to keep the supernatural mate of his dreams.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amber Kell
• Release date: Jan 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370837908

Amber Kell

Amber Kell is a dreamer who has been writing stories in her head for as long as she could remember.She lives in Seattle with her husband, two sons, three cats and one very stupid dog. To learn more about her current books or works in progress, check out her blog at http://amberkell.wordpress.com.Her fans can also reach her at [e-mail].

Book preview

Chapter 1

Kevin looked out the window at the pride of lions sunning on the porch, and released the sigh building in his chest. Leaning against the window frame, he thought over his life. As much as he loved the ladies, the addition of Adrian, the alpha’s mate, brought back feelings he’d long suppressed. The craving for the touch of another man burned through him each time he saw Talan stroke Adrian’s skin .

Kevin didn’t want Adrian for himself, he wasn’t suicidal, but the glances exchanged between the mated pair reminded Kevin how good it could be with another man.

Equal.

As much as he loved the lush feel of a woman’s body, he’d always known it was the hard form of a man he preferred. Now that he had two cubs of his own, it was time to find his mate.

Thinking about leaving us? Tia, the mother of his little boys, wrapped her arms around his waist and settled her chin against his shoulder. Kevin knew she was asking more for curiosity than because she cared if he left the pride. Tia was more than capable of raising their boys, but she was his friend and loved him in her own offhanded lion way.

Kevin sighed again. Not really. He nodded toward the couch where Adrian was curled up beside Talan. For a lone wolf, the smaller man was a cuddler.

Just wishin’ for a mate of my own, I want what they have.

Tia tilted her head. Extremely loud sex?

Kevin threw back his head and laughed. No. Well, I wouldn’t object to that either, but I meant a relationship.

Pickings are a little lean on the mountain, big guy, Tia said, releasing him and giving him an affectionate pat on his back. Maybe you should ask Adrian if he knows anyone.

Kevin shook his head. I don’t think I could go for a wolf. Don’t get me wrong—he held up his hands to ward off a blow—there’s nothin’ wrong with Adrian. I just have a feeling my mate will be feline. He took a careful step away from Tia in case she decided to attack anyway. The females were psychotically attached to Adrian, mostly because he made them chocolate treats. They all purred whenever he stepped foot in the kitchen. Kevin suspected Adrian laced his brownies with catnip, but he hadn’t been able to catch the wolf at it.

Tia frowned. There aren’t any other prides nearby. Oh! Tia’s face lit up. What about that new dating service?

Kevin let his expression show his opinion of that idea. I’m not signin’ up with Werekin Wanted. I don’t care if they guarantee a match or your money back.

Hah! Tia pointed an accusatory finger at him. You checked them out.

Kevin blushed. He hated to admit it. He had considered the site. Shit, he was getting desperate, but as Tia said, there weren’t a lot of choices up on the mountain.

I might have, but I don’t think I can go through with it. I mean how pathetic is a guy who finds someone through an online dating service?

About as pathetic as a guy who’s afraid to try because he might fail, Tia said. She nudged him with her shoulder. The boys are old enough that you don’t need to be here all the time anymore. They aren’t babies.

I know. How could he explain that for a lion he had an unnatural attachment to his children? Most lions would’ve moved on after his babies were born, but Kevin adored his five and seven-year-olds and couldn’t bear to leave them.

I’m not saying you have to go, she said, as if reading his mind. We all love having you here, we just want you to be happy.

I know, darlin’. He gave the female lion an affectionate smile. You’re sweet on me.

Tia gave a snort. "You may be great in bed, darlin’, she said, mimicking his accent, but we both know it isn’t a love connection."

Kevin smiled back. But we’ve had some fun.

Yes, we have. Tia grabbed his wrist. Now come with me.

Hey, Adrian, can I borrow one of your computers? Tia called across the room.

Adrian lifted his head from Talan’s lap. No problem. Use the laptop with the green case.

Okay.

Adrian was weird about his computers, but since they contained his livelihood, Kevin didn’t hold it against him.

Kevin didn’t speak while Tia dragged him into Adrian’s new office. The wolf’s digs were amazing. There was a wall of glass with special coating that darkened when it was bright outside, which allowed them to view their forested property. The furniture was comfortable leather, and his work desk covered an entire wall with a multitude of computers.

Interspersed through the room were display cabinets, encasing limited edition paraphernalia from video games Adrian had worked on, including a full reproduction of an ogre axe with a real blade.

Shaking his head at the wolf’s outlandish collection, Kevin watched Tia grab the green laptop and open the case.

Come sit here, she said, pointing to the chair beside her.

Sighing, Kevin plopped down onto the spot indicated. He knew better than to argue.

It only took her a moment to get to the site. The dating home page showed a bunch of people gazing with disgusting adoration into each other’s eyes.

I bet they used actors, Kevin grumbled. Even as he said it, he doubted they did. The pairs had the same expression in their eyes Adrian and Talan did when they saw each other.

Stop it. Tia nudged Kevin in the shoulder. Let’s do a little shopping, shall we?

Don’t we have to sign up for this?

Nope, see. She pointed to the note in the corner of the screen. It stated viewing was free. He would only have to sign up if he wanted to communicate with one of their members.

Fair enough, but once we’re done lookin’ over these losers, I’m gonna have a big lunch and a nap, and if you’re good, I’ll let you fix it for me.

And if I’m bad? Tia asked with a smile.

Then you can fix me dinner too.

The lioness laughed. Lucky me.

They sat in companionable silence as they clicked through the pictures.

He’s cute, Tia said about a gold-haired man with brown eyes.

He’s straight.

"It says here he likes