Dmitri was furious. His eyes glowed and his volume almost matched that of The Kodiak. "I will punish the bear who did this to you," he growled.Nikka grimaced, but ran her fingers through the hair on the back of his neck trying to calm him with her touch. "Why? I took care of the problem and our differences are settled."Nothing she said seemed to calm him and he went on, his voice actually rising further. "The bears rarely fight, and they are to never settle differences with my mate using physical force."She kissed his jaw then his neck, loving the taste of his skin. Her fingers tightened in his hair and her other hand smoothed along his collarbone before skimming over his chest. He needed to relax and she could think of only one way to take his mind off her sister-bears.He stopped her travels when her hand dipped lower. "You will not move my mind from your injuries. I want the name of the she-bear."Nikka had showered before joining Dmitri in bed to wash away the scratches, bu
Two weeks earlier; southwest territory...Brandt stepped off the plane and greeted Columbus with a bone-crushing hug. "Are your brothers here so I can see if they've outgrown the runt of the litter?"Columbus's laugh was as big as he was. "Who are you calling a runt? Even Amy complains I'm eating them out of house and home."Brandt kept his arm around Columbus as they walked to one of several waiting vehicles. They encountered no problems during the trip to Marcus and Amy's home. It was late August and the high mountains of Arizona were cooling down significantly with the end of summer approaching. The forest was not as green as Brandt's home in Colorado, but still lush and beautiful.Brandt's inner beast was struggling. He'd left Emily and their child behind. Magnus, a handful as only beastkind children can be, was the light of his life. Emily was his life. His alpha power simmered just below the surface as he fought to control his anger over leaving his family to save it from the
Blood boiled in Marcus's veins as he paced across the soft carpet of his bedroom. They'd been given the names - not one but two. After angry deliberations, they unanimously decided to leave the two wolves alive for the moment. They planned to feed them misinformation and use the betrayal to their advantage.Now Marcus worried for Brandt. After Brandt killed the two brothers, Zeb and Clem, in fights for alpha, the remaining two brothers came to Marcus's clan. Somehow, Raykon played on their emotions and turned them against their own kind. The two were liked and respected, which made the betrayal even harder to bear. They would die gruesome deaths - soon. And Brandt needed to hold it together. Marcus knew without Emily by his side that it would be difficult if not impossible for the volatile wolf.Amy's arms went around Marcus's waist, her cheek resting on his shoulder. She was incredibly powerful for one so young, but it was still difficult for her to leave and go to war, fighting wit
Tyboll arrived at the southwest territory the following week and they finalized their plans. They would go as two separate forces, each led by a vampire and two alphas. Amy's team consisted of Columbus and Brandt, while Vorlyk's had Nicolas and Tyboll. The Moor returned to the enemy to help from the inside and Ivan went to parts unknown."I'll be around. I no longer work well within a pack." Ivan gave his sons a final hug. The three younger men would be with Amy and their brother, Columbus.The two wolves who betrayed their clans, Jackson and Wallace, were also with Amy's group. The teams boarded separate airplanes when the sun went down two days later. Vorlyk and his fighters flew across the border to a prearranged destination that changed the minute they left, though only a few knew of the new landing location. They couldn't chance that Jackson and Wallace would discover their new plan.When Amy's plane touched down inside a military base on the U.S. side of the border, she called
The hot stickiness of the jungle surrounded them. Vorlyk hoped to never return here, but he'd agreed that the fight needed to happen in the sparsely populated region deep within South America. In his heart, he worried for Madayah and what she would do if he did not return.He felt Nicolas's presence in his mind.The alpha's voice was quiet but powerful. "You worry for those left behind."Vorlyk knew he needed to snap out of his bad mood. "Yes, as do you. If we don't win, they are in danger.""They have always been in danger, and if we lose nothing will change."Nicolas's tone held the same melancholy Vorlyk felt. "One day, we will live in our own territory, raise our children, and dream of other things besides war.""One day."Vorlyk pushed carefully, "Have you had any premonitions about what we face?"Before Nicolas's first clan was annihilated, he had what the clan's called the sight. It disappeared after the death of everyone he'd loved. It frustrated Nicolas but there was n
A week passed without Aster approaching or following her. She never expected to miss his irritating habit of being everywhere she went. But, she did. Her cat also gave her a hard time, so Esta trained the frustration away, or tried to. She lifted weights and sparred with anyone willing to get into the ring with her. And she waited.Nicolas called a meeting of the pack on the seventh day. Esta knew in her heart that Aster had finally challenged. She was as ready as she would ever be.Their alpha got straight to the point. "Aster challenges for his place as one of your leaders. Per beastkind rules, if you accept, Vorlyk's bite may only keep you from dying. Any other injuries will heal on their own. Aster, make your challenge."Esta straightened. Here it was. She gazed at Aster for the first time in a week. He turned away."Troy, I challenge for your position."For one moment, Troy was as stunned as Esta, but he shook it off quickly and began removing his clothes. "I accept."Esta f
The attack began two hours before sunrise, the enemy thinking they slept.Amy and Vorlyk faced two vampires knowing another ravaged the clan. The battle was ferocious, but surprisingly over quickly. The two vampires were mere babies and no match for Amy and Vorlyk.They quickly searched for the third vampire. Vorlyk saw a critically injured wolf and sank to his knees giving aid in the way of vampire and beastkind. The wolf would survive, but Vorlyk smelled death and knew several had not. He flashed to the women. They cowered behind their guards crying. Even though he knew they play acted, it unsettled him. He hated that they were forced to stand by and watch the first wave of fighting. His female cats deserved blood. But they'd discussed it, brought Esta in asking her feelings and she agreed. Amelia and her beasts had to underestimate their forces. Vorlyk shook his head. The she-cats and wolves of his clan would get their chance."Vorlyk, go to the bears," Nicolas yelled into his mi
Only a few rays of the sun remained, the orange and yellow hues casting peaceful radiance over the trees. Dmitri stood with Nikka and The Kodiak.He turned away from them when he spoke. "We travel to Cheri's territory tomorrow and fly out from there. Everyone will go."Nikka took his hand trying to comfort him. He squeezed her fingers gently, loving her, and knowing his gift could kill her.He pulled her close. "I need to do this and both of you must be prepared to stop me."She didn't understand. He sensed her confusion. It was impossible not to kiss her. He lowered his head, breathing in her scent before their lips met - she tasted like the sweetest honey. Pulling away, he peered over her shoulder at his friend, surprised that The Kodiak didn't grumble over the passionate display. But the intense dark eyes looked back at him understanding what he was about to do."Hold her. Both of you stay behind me. If even a tingling hits you, do what you must." A deadly sharp ax rested a few
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