More Than Pride by Kell, Amber (good books to read for beginners TXT) 📕

It took him a moment to realise what he was staring at. All along the walls were pictures of owls. Photos, sketches and small statues decorated Dillon’s room—all owls.

“Wow, that’s a lot of birds,” Chester said in awe.

Evin caught Dillon’s gaze. “I guess you don’t really have any question as to me being your mate, do you?”

Dillon shook his head. “I just didn’t think you’d believe me, and I didn’t know if I could give up Chester to accept you. It’s easier to take a kitten than a bird.”

“You were willing to give him up for me?” Chester asked.

“Yeah, and I know I would’ve regretted it for the rest of my life.”

Dillon’s expression went a lot towards soothing Evin’s battered heart. He’d always wondered why the birds pairing off at the nest had never appealed to him. The few hurried encounters he’d had never calmed him or kept him sated. He’d thought for a long time that maybe he wasn’t worthy of a mate. Now he found out he was, in fact, worthy of two…and what fine mates they were. 2“I think we should follow Talan’s advice and make sure we’re compatible.” Evin couldn’t stop the wide smile crossing his face…not for all the honey seed in the world.

Taking a deep breath he pushed his bird back under the surface. He doubted either man wanted to kiss him with a feathery face.

“You make a handsome human,” Chester remarked.

Evin thought he detected a bit of relief over his reversion to fully human. He’d let it go this time. Eventually the kitten would have to get used to all of his forms but right now he’d do whatever made life easier.

Keeping an eye on Dillon, Evin moved cautiously closer. Thinking they were mates was a far cry from watching a stranger kiss the one you were already positive was your mate.

Owl statues notwithstanding, just because Dillon had dreamt of an owl didn’t mean Evin was the owl he’d been dreaming about.

“Go ahead,” Dillon encouraged, breaking the last bit of restraint Evin had scraped together.

Evin stepped closer to Chester and waited for a nod from the man before brushing his lips against the cat shifter’s. Chester let out a little moan. Taking that as further permission to continue, Evin kissed him again.

“Oh fuck, you two look so good together.” Dillon let out a soft noise of need.

Evin barely paid him any attention as he leaned in to absorb the perfection of Chester’s mouth against his. A low purr vibrated his lips. Evin laughed.

He couldn’t remember the last time his heart hadn’t borne the burden of the bird shifters. His brother was the leader but Evin worked as his second in command. At least he had, until his brother had gone bat-shit crazy. He willingly let all his problems fade into the background while he claimed his mate.

A low growl had him lifting his mouth. Dillon watched them with hungry eyes.

Reluctantly he released Chester, grabbing the man before he fell. “Strip,” Evin ordered before turning his attention to Dillon.

“I guess that makes me next,” Dillon said. His voice, rough with desire, went straight to Evin’s balls.

Evin cleared his throat. “I guess it does.” 2Where his attraction to Chester was warm like a summer day, his attraction to Dillon crackled like an out-of-control forest fire. Dillon’s taller physique threw him off for a moment. His lovers were usually shorter or Evin’s height. He’d never kissed a man taller than himself. As one of the larger owls in the aviary, Evin had never made love to anyone as big as Dillon. He didn’t know if he would like being in the more submissive position.

However, he doubted he would have a choice. Dillon exuded alpha characteristics that were only overpowered by the man’s pride alpha. Evin didn’t know how pride hierarchy worked, but he’d bet Dillon was at the top of the power ladder.

Dillon broke their kiss, his eyes showing a flash of cat in the pupils.

Evin gave a low growl that sounded suspiciously like a cat purr. Damn, the felines were already wearing off on him.

Dillon began to pull off his shirt and a soft voice whispered “Wow” from the bed. Evin had to agree. The lion shifter’s chest was definitely wow-worthy. Muscles rippled as Dillon removed the garment and tossed it on the floor behind him. His eyes never left Evin during the entire proceeding.

Dillon licked his lips.

Evin shuddered.

A low purr came from the bed. Evin and Dillon turned to see Chester lying on his back, his legs spread and his hand wrapped around his long, dripping cock.

“Do you want first taste or shall I?” Dillon asked.

“You go ahead.” As much as he wanted to taste Chester, he didn’t want to ruin his chances by annoying the lion shifter. He had no doubt that Dillon could have him tossed out and banned from the lions’ lands with only a few words. Talan had as much as told Evin it was Dillon’s show.

Dillon examined him for a moment as if assessing his sincerity before nodding and heading towards the needy kitty on the bed.

“Feeling lonely, kitten?”

“You’re too dressed,” Chester complained.

“Sorry.” Dillon’s smile said he was more amused than anything.

“Get rid of your pants, now!” Chester insisted. 2Laughing, Dillon obeyed the demanding man, revealing a big cock that had Evin clenching his ass cheeks and Chester smiling with joy.

“Oh, definitely wow.” Chester flipped over and crawled towards Dillon, his movements slinky like the animal he had hiding inside.

Chester dragged his eyes away from Dillon to meet Evin’s gaze. “You strip too.”

“Yes, kitten.” Joy bubbled through him at Chester’s intent gaze. If he could get any fragments of attention from either of his mates, he’d accept whatever scraps they tossed his way.

Dillon turned to watch Evin remove his clothing. He’d never been self-conscious…most shifters weren’t. They spent too much time naked between transitions from animal to man to overthink