TalyaHow could one day make such a difference? I was happy. Loved. I never wanted it to end. My emotions were raw, but I was stronger. Ivan complemented my alpha. She didn't struggle to be in charge and I didn't struggle to hide her. She was at peace. Ivan's wolf seemed the same way. I could see it in his eyes. They both hungered... for me. And then when his wolf took a backseat, the man made me feel loved and cherished.I'd been so angry when Becca banished me to the cabin to spend two days with Ivan. I told her if we killed each other it was on her and The Moor. Now, everything changed. My life changed. I couldn't keep the grin off my face.In the afternoon, I found a pair of scissors and talked Ivan into allowing me to cut his shaggy hair. "Close your eyes," I said when I had him sitting naked in a chair."Hmm, sharp pointy object in your hand. I'm not sure if I should." He closed his eyes and I smiled.He was gorgeous and I finally had a chance to admire him. His square jaw h
IvanThe sight of my sons standing over us would have been comical if my damned broken arm didn't hurt so badly. I swear Talya was certifiably insane and I also knew that Alba would have done the same thing. The only difference is that Alba wouldn't have stopped because someone entered the room.If I wouldn't go to my sons, they decided to come to me and they brought the twins with them. Sierra looked like a tiny version of her mother and my heart ached. It wasn't the same, though. The pain was dull compared to the usual stabbing loss since Alba's death.And... I fucked up again. Talya was going for my head with the rolling pin. It wouldn't have killed me, so maybe I should have allowed the wood to connect. It might have knocked some sense into me. Conner and Asia couldn't stop laughing once we got upstairs."Remember when mom took a two-by-four and started beating us all?" Asia said between bursts of laughter."And when she cut up all the sweatpants because we left them all over
TalyaWe were home. Rondy was upstairs in a small room on the third floor being cared for by Becca. The rest of us were downstairs explaining what happened. Conner and Asia disposed of the human bodies and joined us at the tail end of the conversation.Ivan stood next to me while I reclined in a chair; everyone else was in chairs or on the floor. He took my hand and pulled me up. "My mate and I will return in an hour. Meet us back here at that time."He didn't give me a chance to protest. We left the house and within a few minutes I realized we headed to the cabins. Ivan lit a candle after we entered. The look on his face was not friendly, sexy, or welcoming. He began to pace and my heart sank. I couldn't take rejection from him again.He finally stopped. "I can't picture her face. Her smile is forever gone to me. You fill my head." He grabbed his head and at that moment I wanted to die. But Ivan wasn't finished. "I hate you. Everything about you. Your smell. The way you follow me
TalyaI went upstairs in search of Rondy the following morning. I could hear the vampire talking as I approached. Rondy looked exhausted. I knew the change would be difficult for him at first. He looked at me with amber eyes. He would gain control of the color as he grew stronger.I knew better than to take his hand. He had no idea how strong he was. I kneeled on the floor in front of his chair. "I'm sorry I took this decision from you. I couldn't lose you, Rondy."His slight smile turned into a wide grin. "You know I can kick your man's ass now, right?"The smartass. "Is that all you care about?""It's only one of many things. I have so much to learn and now I have lifetimes to learn it all. That's pretty cool if you ask me.""I love you, Rondy." I did. He was my friend. My brother."I'm told I can't touch anyone yet, but if I could, I would hug you. When I gain control, you will give me that hug."I saw him glance behind me and I knew Ivan stood there. "I will give you a hug
TybollHer hands move over my chest, her fingers silky smooth as they glide slowly downward. As she lowers herself to kneel before me, she trails kisses along my fevered flesh. I'm so hard I could burst at just the picture she presents. Fiery red hair covers her face and it's in my way. I want to see her lips surround me. I sweep her hair aside and...A heavy weight lands beside me and I groan into my pillow. "Come on, grumpy old bear. It's time to go."It takes me a few seconds to separate the dream from reality. I'm in my cabin, in bed, and the last thing I want to do is wake up. And I hate red hair. "Mandy, get out of here," I grumble. She doesn't need to see her adopted father with an erection. I can't help wondering if all female wolf shifters are as irritating as she is."If I leave, you'll fall back to sleep and we'll never get there," she grumbles back. I know that her complaint will turn into a low whine if I don't get up."I'll be out front in five minutes, but the clock
VedaI know today will change my life and I don't like it. Of course, I have no idea what the hell will happen to set fate in motion. Maybe I'll trip, hit my head, and forget who I am. It's the best scenario I can imagine.For months I've dreamed about today. Nothing solid and all of it confusing. Strange things - babies with long shaggy tails, an irritating gruff voice that makes no sense, and a burning heat that signals desire. Of all the stupid things, the last is the worst. The only thing I desire is peace and quiet.I collect the poison mushrooms carefully. They won't actually kill anyone, but the effects are unpleasant. For some reason gathering a supply is at the top of today's list. Nothing bodes well for what's to come.Sadly, I miss my mother more right now than I have in years. It's been a long time since she left and gave herself over to the Goddess. She told me it was her time. She said I will know when it's my time. She was far away from me when she died but I knew th
TybollI watch the stunned look on Veda's face with a sense of pride. Mandy does this to people. No one is exempt. A smile cracks Veda's stoic face. It changes her. For the first time, I see the same beauty Mandy spoke of after we entered Veda's cabin. Unfortunately, I knew of the witch's cold heart. I had asked her for one thing in my life - begged, actually - and she denied me.Twins are a great gift. If we're lucky, they will be just like their father. We can't handle two more Mandys. Mandy releases Veda and runs to me. I can't contain my grin. Veda raises her eyebrows. I'm not known for smiles, but what can I do when Mandy's arms are wrapped tightly around me? Her joy is infectious.My stomach rumbles.Odd.It rumbles again followed by a severe cramp that makes me release Mandy and stand from my chair. Veda's grin widens.She wouldn't!"What's wrong?" Mandy's concerned voice makes me stare daggers at the witch. "If you poisoned her, too, I will kill you.""No, only you, y
Tyboll"We are leaving now," I growl telepathically at Mandy when she walks up to the outhouse. I waited outside after I shifted to bear. Shifting helps whatever poison the old witch gave me pass through my system quicker."I wanted to talk to her more about the babies," Mandy whines.I turn away and head deeper into the woods leaving behind my favorite shirt. "You will stay far away from her. The old bat is crazy and I should never have brought you here."I hear Mandy following me. "Do you blame her for the mushrooms after you burned down her home?"Of all the bullshit I've ever heard, this was the worst. I can't hold my temper and shout my response. "I didn't burn down her home. I rescued her after she burned it down herself.""She says you did it," Mandy throws back not in the least bit intimidated.My roar makes every animal for a mile scramble for a place to hide. I turn and see Mandy with her hands over her ears."I didn't burn it down. I went to apologize for the names I
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