Current day...The quietly opening door at the top of the stairs jarred Emily from her stupor. She scrambled to her feet and tensed, sniffing the air. She listened to the routine sounds with a growing sense of dread. No food. Her stomach clenched tightly with hunger and fear. She listened to the clicking steps as her mother made her way down into the darkness. A light went on in the outer room and glowed under the heavy wooden door. The outside bar lifted and the hinges creaked when it slid open. Emily squinted at the sudden brightness. Her heart sank when her eyes confirmed what her nose had known; through the bars she could see Carolynn's empty hands. No food.Her mother grabbed the hose rod and though this normally caused terror, today was different. Something was going on within Emily's body. She was on fire and she was burning up from the inside. It had been this way for several weeks, but the feeling was now more intense. Despite the lack of food, she felt stronger. She wasn'
Dying during a challenge for alpha wasn't Brandt's original plan. But the fight continued and he realized it would solve his biggest problem; his lack of a desire to live.Cheri, his clan leader and the vampire who could help him heal from death injuries, was in Europe working to bring the overseas clans into the 21st century. So far, her success was minimal.Brandt knew she would be one pissed off vampire when she returned and found him dead. Not that it mattered because he wouldn't be around to feel her wrath. And, she would have no choice but to accept Clem if he won the challenge for alpha. Pack rules dictated that if Clem killed him, he deserved the alpha title. Unfortunately, the pack did not deserve Clem.Brandt's blood flowed and his life essence slowly faded. Over five hundred years old, three hundred of those years spent being leader of his pack, and a young barely two-hundred-year-old pup was getting the best of him. He could feel his broken ribs grinding and he knew they
Brandt's wounds healed quickly from the enzymes in Cheri's bites. However, his despair didn't lessen. He knew his father sent the distress call to their queen. He also knew the two loved one another and both deserved the love they found together.Knowing this didn't make it any easier for Brandt's heart to accept. He needed a reason to live.A soft knock on his door signaled an unwelcome guest. That, the individual could block their mind signature from him, the Alpha of the pack, immediately told Brandt who was knocking and that he couldn't deny him entry.With a resigned sigh, Brandt told his father to come in.Pausing just inside the room, Thomas took a deep breath. He raised his son with pride and honor and tried to keep violence away from him, but early on it was apparent Brandt would one day lead the pack. To do so, Brandt had to kill Thomas' best friend. It was the way of beastkind. Thomas grieved and missed his friend, but he loved his son more than anyone, except Cheri. He
"Let's get back to the house." Cheri's voice held relief. A little time might change the course of events that Thomas' challenge set in motion. She needed time. Taking a swift look at her mate, he waved her on. She flashed from the site.The relieved wolves began to disperse and return to their homes.Brandt jumped in the passenger side of the truck to get more of the story.Charles drove slowly allowing time for the entire rundown of events. "I was called to hold the scene last night and only told it was a violent murder. It wasn't until a few hours ago that I helped remove the remains and spoke to the investigator. The victim was in her sixties. The basement where they found her was a blood bath."His breathing remained harsh and clenched fingers tightened on the steering wheel, "It was a prison. There were female clothes for various stages of growth from infant to adult. Someone was in there for years. There was also a heavy-duty dog kennel inside, horse tranquilizers sitting on
The next two groups separated twenty miles later, with Brandt's group heading to the house where they knew they could locate the scent. It was risky but they hoped to remain undetected. In their last communication with Charles, he said there was a delay in getting the bloodhounds and the police wouldn't begin the forest search until later in the morning. It was now three a.m. and the night was dark with only a quarter moon showing. The wolves had perfect night vision so no moon would have been preferable if they were to remain unseen, but you take what you get.They removed their clothes, folded them, and stowed them neatly inside black duffle bags in the back of the vehicle. If someone found the SUV, they didn't want anyone thinking they had four naked men running around in the area."Move the vehicle into the trees and let's get this done." Brandt was wasting no time.Dense pine trees shadowed the forest floor and the needles crunched beneath their bare feet and then beneath paws.
He couldn't help but touch her and his large rough hands gently glided over her unclothed body learning the velvety texture of her skin. Removing his hands and covering her again with the blanket caused his chest to tighten. After an hour, with her body drawn securely to his chest, he managed to relax enough to sleep. The vehicle jerked slightly startling him awake. Looking out the window he could see the familiar landmarks of the clan property. He turned his head and his eyes caught Samson's in the mirror.The voice from the driver's seat was intense, "I stayed away from you so I wouldn't challenge.""I know.""What you don't know is that every fiber of my being feels the compulsion to take your position. I don't know how much longer I can withstand the desire to kill you. Get your shit together and take back your full alpha status. If not, I'll leave. I don't want you to kill me.""Do you think I could?""Until recently, I never doubted it. It's what keeps our drive to be leader
Running the warm washcloth over her body, he memorized every curve. He replaced the cloth with his callused fingers and learned the feel of her skin. His nose followed his hands. Her essence soaked into his pores and continued to make his heart thrum. She was malnourished and each rib protruded under her tissue-like silky skin. Her hair was a mess and saturating it with conditioner would be the only way to get the snarls out but it could wait. Even dirty the strands were such a light color, almost white like her fur. It would be a shame to cut it. She continued to sleep through his ministrations.An hour later, the tensing of her body told him she was awake and then unsurprisingly her unclothed body shifted to wolf. Low growls came from her throat. He waited patiently just watching her. Without warning, lethal sharp teeth tried to eat him. Her snapping jaws were a hair's breadth from his face and it took all his strength to hold her down. He stayed in human form and spoke soothingly,
Brandt tried to stop the thrashing of arms and legs and using his greater strength, pulled her back hard against his chest. It didn't stop her struggles so he did the only thing he knew to subdue an out of control she-wolf. His teeth took hold of her neck where her smooth skin joined her shoulder. He didn't draw blood but his mouth was firm enough to make her freeze. He groaned. His growing erection was becoming uncomfortable and impossible to hold back. Having her body this close with naked flesh to naked flesh was unbearable.Emily sensed his distraction. Twisting, she broke his grip and brought her knee between his legs allowing her to get away."Oomph," the air left his lungs. His arms released her going to his damaged manhood.Cheri appeared in front of his panicked mate. Her fangs flashed and the screams of demon began again. Brandt, breathing hard, walked gingerly forward. Cheri lunged and caught the girl in an unbreakable grip. Her fangs sank into the soft neck and quickly g
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