Five hours after the sun's rays dropped behind the highest mountain of the territory, bear and northeast clan members walked to the final resting place of the fallen. It was high in the mountains surrounded by tall trees and thick woods cleared from the middle where the dead came to rest. Six bears carried Rufus's body on a ceremonial wooden pallet and laid him on an elevated pyre. Vorlyk and his clan stood silently by as the bears paid their last respects to their fallen brother. Rufus had spent most of his time at the nightclub, but when he was home, he'd gained the respect of Nicolas's pack by warm greetings and offered friendship. He'd also died protecting Talya and he would forever be a hero in the eyes of the northwest clan. The soft sobs from his mother filled the clearing, her grief as powerful as any mother who loses a child. The Kodiak approached the body and laid his hands on Rufus's human face. Power rippled across the large clearing, casting a glow around The Kodiak and
"What has you so upset?" After a moment's hesitation he continued. "That was stupid of me. What if we try this?" He stood and walked to his dresser, returning with a tablet and pen.Nikka smiled. They could communicate. Zenya had been teaching the she-cats to read and write. Education was not a part of their life among the South American cats, but education was required for members of Nicolas's. Dmitri handed her the items, turned on the bedside lamp, and waited patiently. She wasn't sure how she should start this conversation, but quickly decided to jump straight in. She slowly printed out the words.Talya says her youth will not stop you from claiming her.He sat next to her reading as she wrote, while running his fingers across her back. "Hmm, that's interesting. I told her if I wanted her, her age would not stop me. I made it very clear her age and arm were not a factor in why I wouldn't be with her. I don't see how I can be any clearer."Nikka's hand shook when she wrote the n
Dmitri paced the confines of his great room. It was done. He'd made his intentions clear. He didn't shower when he woke up because he could still smell Nikka on his skin. Did she understand what he'd told her? Had he expressed the danger she was in because of his curse? Did she believe him?All these thoughts left him exhausted, but her scent left him horny. As vampire, little was denied him, but love made him hesitate. His greatest fear was that he would harm her and it terrified him. The Kodiak thought she might be his salvation, but how did Dmitri know without placing her in danger? If there was any chance he could harness the red haze, how could he not try? But if he did, he risked everyone's life, including Nikka's."Kodiak, I need you here." Usually he spoke normally when contacting the great bear, but he couldn't stop the tight demand of his words."Grrr."Dmitri waited while continuing to pace. The Kodiak didn't knock, just threw open the door and charged in. Hair dishevele
The following day, Nikka was on a rare visit with Sonora when the bear tipped her head and listened to the voice only she could hear. A huge smile appeared on her face."The baby comes."Nikka followed Sonora to Honey and Mandy's cabin. When Sonora tried to shoo Honey away, the large man growled at his mother, refusing to leave."These modern ways are hard to understand. I wanted to kill The Kodiak before he left my birthing chamber."Zenya arrived and obviously heard the grandmother-to-be. She looked between Honey and Mandy, speaking gently. "I understand Mandy; Nicolas never left my side. I needed him."The wolf whined with another labor pain, but continued walking beside her mate as they paced.Honey turned panicked eyes to Zenya. "If Nicolas was here, he could tell me what I need to do as a father."A low growl came from Mandy."Or maybe not," he said, smart enough to turn away so Mandy didn't see his quick grin. The worried look returned, but Nikka knew he'd survive the bi
Dmitri paced his library with a third tumbler of whiskey in hand. The challenge was taking place at midnight. The entire fiasco was ludicrous. Once Nikka was his mate, there would be no reason for her to fight any female outside of war. Just the possibility of her fighting to the death was absurd, and this entire mess was fucking crazy. He would kill Talya himself if she harmed his mate.The instability of Dmitri's world had his head pounding and red tentacles weaving behind his eyes. This wasn't a good situation and if there were any time he needed control, it would be at the challenge. He just didn't think it possible.A loud pounding at his door pissed Dmitri off even more. Troy and a few other wolves stood outside. Dmitri flashed amber eyes at his visitors; he'd love nothing more than to tear out Troy's jugular. "Don't think you can come in, growl, and throw your weight around. In my current mood, I might kill one or all of you."Troy grimaced, instantly lowering his eyes and de
Dmitri kept his hand clenched in Nikka's bloody fur. He knew she was badly injured and he fought to contain his own rage. Without The Kodiak's help, he would have completely lost control."Come with me." He pulled on the ruff of her neck and was relieved that she didn't resist.After a hundred yards, Nikka finally slumped against his side and shifted. He scooped her into his arms and carried her to his home. He didn't say a word until they were in his bathroom."I'm sitting you on the counter. Can you remain upright?"Her head moved up and down against his chest.Large, deep gashes, caused by claws and teeth, covered most of her body, but the worst damage was to her face. After grabbing a washcloth and towel, he ran water in the sink. The light illuminated the blood covering her and the tangy scent made it impossible to hold back his fangs.Her entire body trembled uncontrollably, but he unmistakably heard a small giggle.He glared. "You think this funny?"She shook her head th
Dmitri hadn't given thought to what Nikka would say when communication finally opened between them. It never occurred to him that lovemaking would consume them so thoroughly that there would be little need for words. Several hours and additional rounds of bonding later, they awoke and Nikka's stomach growled."I must feed you.""Yes." She sighed against his neck and licked his skin. "You must."He twirled her hair around his finger. "I love the sound of your voice in my mind." He gave a small tug along with a mischievous grin."I'm glad, because our one-sided conversations are at an end." She nipped his flesh.Laughing, he pulled her from the bed. "Food, then afterward, you may carry on your own one-sided conversation.""When will I get my lecture?" she asked as he placed one of his button-up shirts over her shoulders while she wiggled her arms into the sleeves. She smiled when he didn't button it, just took her hand and led her from the room.His brown eyes grew serious. "You w
Dmitri told Nikka of plans to send additional bears into battle against the cats. He also explained he would close the nightclub for renovations, bringing all available bears back to his territory until the danger passed.Tyboll, The Kodiak's brother, would lead the bears on their campaign. He was leaving behind his son, Patreous, with Honey and Mandy. The young bear took his responsibility to protect the newest bear clan member very seriously and had to be dragged from the baby's side when it was time to return to his father. Having Patreous stay with the new family was a good match. Dmitri also explained that Tyboll adopted Mandy into his family and Patreous was now her brother. To the bears, adoption was the same as giving birth. Mandy was bear even if she changed into a wolf.The thought made Nikka sad because she wanted badly to be accepted, but she didn't think the bears would adopt her into their clan. Dmitri told her that through their mating, she was the co-leader of their c
VedaWe hear the music before the lights come into view. The party is outside on the large patio at Dmitri's house. Nikka decorated with white sparkling lights and paper lanterns. The music is unknown to me, which isn't a surprise. Technology is not my friend and I prefer the peace of the forest.Dmitri's voice echoes over the music. "Welcome, Veda, Witch from the line of Josephine, mate to Tyboll, and new member of the bear clan."The music shuts off suddenly and I can do nothing but return the formal greeting. "Thank you, Black Demon Bringer of Death, mate of Nikka, Liege to the bear clan."A restless mumble from the bears fills the night. Have I said something wrong? Tyboll's hand tightens on mine. Nikka appears slightly shocked before she steps forward and wraps me in her arms. "What have I done," I ask her silently."You're fine. He just hasn't used his full title in centuries," she replies into my mindI turn to Dmitri, who looks at his mate with a soft smile. "I am sorry,
TybollShe shows me her circle of herbs - explains about upsetting the balance and using all the Goddess's gifts wisely. I listen. Part of me is terrified and the other in awe. To live separately from everyone to hide your secrets takes great sacrifice.She understands my need to examine what I've learned. She heads to the cabin to cook while I go running as bear. She holds no fear that I will give away her secrets. We are mates. Her secrets are mine.I close my mind from Dmitri as I think about all Veda has told me. I shouldn't have been surprised when the largest bear of our clan blocks my path a few miles from my cabin. The Kodiak, alpha to the greatest clan, stands in front of me. He is also my brother by blood and like most brothers, we have our differences. This situation will be no different."Tyboll," his snarly voice rings through my head."Alpha," I reply pleasantly."You don't fool me. You are mated to the witch. Did it occur to you that I should be informed of this?"
VedaTyboll's new rule works. Less talking and more sex. This is one demand I am incapable of dismissing. We are stretched out on the bed with me lying on top of him. His fingers run up and down my back while he breathes into the hair against my neck. Where he bit me is sore, but I wouldn't dream of complaining. It feels right. Being in my mate's arms is right. I whisper a silent thank you to the Goddess.Tyboll answers. "You're welcome."I roll my eyes, but don't bother correcting him. I'm actually thankful to him, too."Come on, woman, we're taking a bath." He lifts me as he stands. I'm cradled in his arms and feel incredibly safe. And loved.Does he love me? I'm careful to keep this thought from drifting into his mind. Nikka told me how to do it. I just need to practice. He doesn't respond, so I must have been successful. Tyboll lowers my feet to the floor when we're in the bathroom. I watch as he leans over and turns on the water. His back and thighs are muscular and sexy. His
Tyboll"I've listened to you shout for an hour now. Calm yourself, bear."I hear the end of patience in Dmitri's voice. I take several deep breaths and try to do as my liege says. It isn't easy. I keep thinking of meat. Each time I do, I feel nauseated and my anger rekindles. To never eat meat again is not going to happen. I've run out of things to say anyway and throw myself onto the large couch in Dmitri's front room."I knew this happened last night. Your blood smells even better than bear. You now have witch blood running through your veins." He holds up his hand. "Do not blame me for my silence. You were in no condition to have this conversation. I also needed a night to think on what needs to be done."My stomach twists painfully. "You cannot reverse it is what you're saying?""No, I cannot. I'm not sure if you will actually want it reversed once you know your capabilities." He continues before I can object. "The difference between you and your mate is that I trust you."I
VedaThat did not go well. I didn't think it would, but I held onto a small amount of hope. I know eventually he will come to his senses. Right now, though, I am left in need. Staring at his bare chest and wanting to run my nails over his muscled flesh almost made me beg. The man might be stubborn, but he is gorgeous.As a mated pair, I know at this point we should be having so much sex that we are both sore. I've made plenty of tinctures to alleviate the soreness so mates can continue without a break.A lot of good the knowledge on how to make such a tincture is now. If I'm not running from Tyboll, the stupid man is running from me. It's strange because after the thought of Tyboll becoming a witch settled, I wanted to celebrate. I am not alone. I can share the sacred knowledge with another. I do not need a child. I will no longer be alone with the great texts.Tyboll might not like it, but the gift bestowed by the Goddess can only be undone by her. No vampire can help him. I decid
TybollI wake from what feels like a winter hibernation. I'm starving and the rumble in my stomach only enhances my need for food. Something smells wonderful. I'm naked in my bed and vaguely recall my illness the night before. I remember Dmitri coming to the rescue. I also remember my thoughts that Veda poisoned me again. Unlikely, because I ate nothing before going to Mandy's. She is a witch, though, and there's no telling what they're capable of.My nose leads me to the kitchen. Veda stirs a large pot on the stove. I peer over her shoulder to see what has such an amazing smell. Without looking at me she speaks, "Clothes or I will not feed you, bear.""Humph." I wrap my arms around her and run my nose down the side of her face and stop at her neck. "I could eat you, woman, and I'd start right here." She stops stirring the pot. I can smell her arousal. I bite down gently on the skin holding my attention. "How did you know I'm not dressed?" I breathe against the mark I've just left.
VedaStupid hare-brained bear, I mutter as I look the other way, pick up the slab of nearly raw meat, and toss it out of the cabin. Serving cooked meat was the hardest thing to do while I worked at the diner. The only blessing was that Becky didn't prepare the blood-dripping horror I just got rid of. I look through the kitchen and there are no vegetables. I settle on bread and cheese, though I'm no longer hungry. I just know I need to eat."You stay here or when I find you I'll lock you up," were the last words Tyboll yelled before he left.I thought about challenging his dictate, but right now I am too tired. I finish my meal and walk outside in the opposite direction from the barely cooked meat. My hope is that a wild animal will take it away in the night. This is what I did with all the meat given to me over the years by the bear clan as payment. My mother accepted their offering and then gave it to the wildlife, so I did the same. Maybe I should have said something, but politene
TybollThe feelings running through me are impossible to comprehend. It took hours to drive to Dmitri's club and another hour to track Veda's scent and find the diner. The closer I came, the more insistent an inner... well... buzz intensified. When our eyes finally met, I felt as if a mountain had crumbled over me. I fought collapsing at her feet. I knew it was her witch's power and wondered if she cast a spell that made it difficult for me to come close to her.I continued thinking this until her lips met mine. Now we're on the floor and she's wrapped in my arms. Words that turn me into an utter pussy slip from my mouth and I don't care. If it bothers her so much that she leaves me, I won't call her woman. Though, she is. A beautiful woman."I can hear your thoughts," she sighs against my neck. "Maybe the word woman is not so bad." She lifts up slightly and stares at me. "I've never done this, Tyboll. I've had very little interaction with anyone. I never thought to have a mate. You
VedaWhy is the pull to a mate so strong? I pour over the great texts expecting the answer it usually offers. Nothing. I've read sections about mating, but they don't offer a solution to the problem.Mating is a bond that only death can sever. A witch's power is not stronger than the bond and a witch shall not interfere with a mated pair.Blah, blah, blah. My mother told me not to mess with a mated pair. I understand this. But now I'm part of a mated pair. I need answers about a witch mating and there is nothing.A witch will take a human male into her body. A female child will form from this union. You will know the time to search out your human. Do not call the power of your beast when in the human's arms. Control your beast or bear the consequences.It's too late for that. Tyboll and I allowed our bears to rise when we mated. Now I feel Tyboll pulling my power from me. Can he feel it? He must. The texts are written for a human and witch. Not a beastkind and witch. I fli