Dmitri watched Vorlyk sit down, but he couldn't unwind enough to take one of the empty chairs."Forgive me, but I need to stand while I speak."Everyone waited.Dmitri began his story. He'd told Nikka about Anastasia and watched her cry for a woman she'd never met. No jealousy or anger, just heartbreak for her mate and lost love. It helped Dmitri put his ghosts to rest.Now he told the story again, leaving nothing out. He knew Marcus was aware of some of it and had probably told Amy, but he needed everyone to know what his being involved meant."Nikka thinks I may have even more control than I think I do, but we can't be sure. I must be able to control my anger. I've been able to narrow down the destruction to a tighter area, but the environment is very controlled. We will not have that luxury here."Everyone remained silent until Vorlyk spoke. "You're saying whatever direction you let loose will be destroyed; every person?""Yes."This time Amy questioned him. "What exactly do
They attacked six hours later. It made no difference that they were outnumbered and out vamped. Dmitri, with The Kodiak and Nikka by his side, stayed on the outer edge of the battle, not that they didn't have plenty of cats to kill. They knew Raykon would try to flank their force and come at them from the sides and behind. The female cats with their wolf pack mates stayed to the rear for the same reason.Most of the surrounding jungle was cleared away. Dmitri could see permanent living quarters in the distance, but their enemy wasn't yet coming out to play. The Moor said they had more than three hundred cats. Suddenly, gunfire sounded in the distance and it took everything Dmitri had to hold his position. Each clan had a job and he would do his. Esta noticed the large group of enemy first, kissed her mate, and charged with the other females. "I'm winning this bet, but I'll let you win the next one."Aster's crazy laughter was right on her heels. "We'll see about that, mate.Fiftee
Nikka kept her arms around his chest, her face pressed firmly against his back. They'd discovered that he had more control if she touched him. He controlled the rage, allowing the red haze to build as he pushed it outward. The screams from the distance were not just those of animals but of friends as well as the enemy.He cast the burn out of himself, relishing the unquenchable need to destroy. Nikka's trembling and tears wet his shirt giving him a link to life. He could feel The Kodiak nearby. When it was time, he would stop Dmitri. Without thinking, Dmitri grabbed her hand, squeezing her fingers so she would know it was still him. But the monster wanted more... Why the fuck didn't The Kodiak stop him?With his power focused on death, there was a complete absence of pain in his head. The energy fed his inner demon, amplifying his need for blood. Boiling blood - he wanted to smell it, touch it."Dmitri."His mate's voice came from far away."I love you." She was closer. He felt
"Dmitri."Nikka pulled him closer. Loud crashing behind them had her preparing to fight, but The Kodiak placed his hand on her shoulder. "It's our clan."A group of bears came out of the jungle struggling to carry...Nikka cringed. It was Tyboll, but he was almost completely unrecognizable. Dmitri's hand tightened around hers and she turned. His eyes were open, now soft brown and completely aware of his surroundings."Help me up, you big lummox." He put his hand out to The Kodiak.Nikka had to smile as The Kodiak helped Dmitri stand. The bears lay Tyboll on the ground and Dmitri began barking orders. "Re-break the bones. If I don't feed from him quickly, he'll die. Once I feed, it will be much harder to break the bones again."They managed to reset some of the worst ones. The bear's back was another story, but shifting might help. Dmitri sank his teeth into Tyboll's neck, drawing blood and leaving behind the enzymes that healed.Dmitri finally pulled back and looked to The Kodiak.
Three days later, they made it back to Dmitri's territory. It took an extra day because they wanted Tyboll traveling with them. The ceremony for the two dead bears would be the following night.The claws of Hunter and his fallen brother were brought from South America, but that was all they had left.Nikka had lived with death her entire life. After the night of mourning spent under the stars, to live a life without threat didn't seem real."How are you, kotika?"His arms came around her shoulders, pulling her into his chest. "I'll be fine once you tell me the meaning of the endearment you're so fond of.""Hmm, it fits you even if you don't care for its meaning." He moved the hair above her ear aside as he nuzzled and scented one of his favorite places."How will I know if you don't tell me?""Pussycat," he said as he lifted his hands to her breasts. "My very own pussycat.""Grrr." But the growl changed to a moan as his teeth scraped across her neck.He turned her around and g
TalyaGetting away was easier than I thought, though I was far from safe. I'd gingerly climbed from the trunk of the car and escaped the back parking lot behind Dmitri's club. My broken leg slowed my progress, but I wasn't letting it stop me. Physical pain was nothing compared to the sizzling burn of desperation darkening my soul.I placed one shaky foot in front of the other. I could do this. I had no choice.I did my best to walk normally without drawing attention. The stretch-bandage secured beneath my loose sweatpants didn't help, but I was determined. Choosing my direction was easy because it didn't matter which way I went as long as it was away from Dmitri and the bear clan, who would quickly track me down once they discovered my absence.The city smelled different; car fumes, garbage, people. Human people. They went about their day - walking, talking on cell phones, and ignoring the sights and sounds around them. They didn't feel hunted.I did.Maybe it was my imagination.
I shifted, tearing my t-shirt in my haste. With only one front leg and a broken back one, you might think I was weak. No such luck for the three humans in the alley. A growl left my throat at the same time I attacked.The final word from the man landing the punches was a short burst from his lips, "Fuck."I was bigger than an average mountain lion and a hell of a lot more powerful. With my jaw pressure and body size, they didn't have a chance, but Goddess my leg hurt. I tore a large chunk of flesh and muscle out of the side of one of the two guys holding the boy up and pushed him away. The third man tried to run, but I leapt on his back and crushed his spinal column between my teeth, snapping his neck before turning back to the injured man. He tried crawling, but it did no good. I sank my teeth into the side of his neck ripping out his throat.Warm, thick blood coated my muzzle and I dropped the sinewy strings of flesh and muscle from my jaws. Yes, I was hungry, but in truth, human
TalyaWe held each other up and managed a slow hobble. My cat didn't like it - never show weakness, but I'd used up my reserves saving the kid and I had no choice.The kid, Rondy, didn't look sixteen, but I believed him. He was taller than me by a couple of inches. He was just too skinny, or maybe gangly was a better word, and it made him appear much younger. He also smelled of human blood and unwashed body. It wasn't pleasant. I knew his ribs hurt, but his legs were fine. My leg hurt so bad it was hard to breathe much less walk. We passed a few people and thankfully the ones in this neighborhood minded their own business.Rondy kept up a running commentary the entire way, and I noticed his eyes scan our surroundings constantly. "So, are you a ninja warrior or something?"Pain made my breathing erratic, but he didn't seem to care. "I don't know what that is.""Humph. Who taught you to fight?"His question made me sad. "Just some people I knew.""What you did by tossing that guy
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