More than two-hundred years ago...Marcus participated in a high stakes game of chance at a rundown ale house in England. It wasn't in the best part of town, but the stakes were high and that's all Marcus cared about.Wilson St. Clair was in over his head. He lost steadily all evening. The more he lost, the more he drank. When Marcus finally cleaned him out of his ready cash and a not-so-plush coach and four, he was ready to show some pity for the man.St. Clair did not want to quit."You have nothing left to wager and I do not need another home. I need to leave soon, but before I do, I'd like to share some of the other delights on offer here."St. Clair's speech was so sloppy it was hard to follow his words. "I have something you can't turn down. But you'll have to win her fair and square and I think my luck's a-changing."Marcus was thinking a prize horse when St. Clair added, "I have the prettiest daughter in England. She's worth more than anything I own. I wager my daughter,
"What would make you think that?""I have seen them change from wolves to human and then back. I know you are one too.""You know nothing about what I am. You would run if you did."Victoria walked to him, tilted her face up and met his eyes, "Show me."Marcus kissed her. He couldn't help himself. Victoria kissed him back.The kiss was wonderful, but he was hungry. He hadn't eaten in days. He could feel his teeth extending and knew he had to stop what was happening. Marcus stepped back."You do not want me," Victoria said. Again, it was a statement and not a question."That is the problem, I do want you, but you do not understand what I am, I am not one of them.""I will not run; I have been happier here these past weeks than any time I can remember in my life. I will not leave!"Marcus stepped towards her and tipped her face up to his. His teeth showed, "This is what I am.""You do not scare me," and she, kissed him, this time. Marcus kissed her back and then could not take
Current day..."The pride's queen is Victoria?" Amy said sadly."Yes, it's Victoria, but not the woman I loved. I took that away from her; I took it away from both of us."Amy hugged him. She wrapped him in her arms to soothe his pain. She felt no emotion in his body. He held himself stiff, not allowing her to give comfort. Her hands slowly started working their magic as they traveled over his body, her kisses over his face and chest. He finally held on tight and then carried her to the bed and made love to her.Amy held him long into the night. The last words Victoria spoke that fateful night were haunting her. "I am now damned." That was why Victoria was afraid of being a vampire. She thought she would be damned. Amy realized the church played a vital role during that century, but how could Victoria think Marcus was damned? He was so good.Amy hated her, hated Victoria with every fiber of her being. She began crying softly.Marcus gathered her into his arms. "Shhhh, I wish you
The following day Amy met Brian for lunch. The thing she worried most about was him noticing her four bodyguards sitting at the table beside them. After the conversation started, she then worried about one of the bodyguards taking Brian's head off. He was being his most obnoxious self. Amy was trying to figure out why they were friends, and why she loved him so much.After placing their order, he began, "Are you out of your mind? Marcus Lincoln will chew you up and spit you out. He's way out of your league and there's something fishy about him. If this is about a story, you've gone too far this time. You may find yourself with a lead anchor around your foot or buried in a cement foundation. That guy has ties with overseas' governments and possibly terrorism."Amy was becoming alarmed. The wolves were sitting next to them and heard every word. They would convey those words back to Marcus. It would be Brian with a lead anchor or worse, as an evening meal."Ah Brian, it's worse than yo
Marcus knew he was being uptight and overprotective. He couldn't bear to let go of her in the crowd. He hadn't thought it would be so hard. He wanted to stake his claim. He needed to. He also knew that since he had brought so many women to these events no one would take Amy seriously. That's why he was possessive. She deserved to be treated like a beautiful intelligent woman, not arm candy.Brian had greeted him cordially when Marcus went upstairs to get him and his wife. Marcus knew he would need to deal with Brian man to man. Amy cared about the suspicious man and Marcus wanted her to be happy. If he couldn't kill the guy the least he could do was become his friend. If Brian was game, they would work things out.Amy's guards had told him what Brian said at their lunch together. He knew Brian was investigating him. It would make things much easier on Brian if he stopped checking into his past. It was rock solid, but Marcus did not like unnecessary attention brought to his life. He r
The following afternoon they boarded the plane and returned to Arizona. Even if they were absent only three days, Amy missed the ranch, it was now her home but most of all she missed Alba. She got down on her knees and laughed as Alba's long rough tongue licked her face."I missed you," Alba mentally projected."I missed you too and I worried you would have the pups without me. You look like you might explode."The wolf gently nipped her arm and Amy rubbed the spot. "I didn't mean that as an insult, you are beautiful."Amy saw a similar look on Ivan's face, but his was from a lifetime of love and it was a heartwarming sight. He turned on his heel, left the room, and returned in wolf form.Ivan followed Alba over to her favorite rug and lay down beside her. He began grooming Alba and she didn't seem to mind.As Amy and Marcus turned to leave the room, Alba whispered gently into Amy's mind, "The pups will be here soon."Amy smiled and told Marcus she was starving. They went to the
Amy went into the kitchen. She saw Alba as soon as she walked into the room. Alba whined. Amy got on her knees and rubbed her head. She didn't want to touch Alba anywhere else and cause pain."You should have said something." Amy whispered."The longer I can put off letting everyone be aware the better it will be. Did Ivan tell you?""Of course, Ivan told me. You're being stupid and making me say mean things when you just need love, so stop with those thoughts. What do I need to do?""Go for a walk outside with me. It will be a while yet before the cubs come and I need to walk.""Okay, I can do that. Let me grab a jacket. Do you want the men with us?""Absolutely not! Birthing is for women and I don't care how the world has changed. When it comes to including men in childbirth I'm not changing.""I'll get my jacket. Can I at least tell them where we are going?"Alba just sent a long sigh through Amy's mind. Amy took that as a yes. Marcus was just waking up and Amy felt him. She
Ivan changed back to his wolf form and rested next to his wife and babies. Hours later Marcus picked Amy up and carried her to their room.She was exhausted, but it was a good feeling. Marcus cuddled her in his arms as she fell asleep. He held her as he lay awake throughout the night. He was thinking of how lucky he was, but at the same time, he was afraid of the future and knew he had to deal with Victoria for the last time. He always knew it was his responsibility to kill her and recognized that he owed her the end she wanted. The thought of Victoria's death no longer brought sadness. It brought completeness and was something he should have done long ago. He looked at the woman in his arms and knew he could not live without her. Nothing and no one would take her from him.When she began to stir, Marcus picked her up and carried her into the shower."I could wake up like this every day," she said and began kissing his chest as the water washed over them.Their time in the shower w
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