Without Desi and Corla, keeping watch required each of them to increase their guard time. They were exhausted. Talya and Sheeba noticeably dragged their feet and made too much noise. They slept during the heat of the day, and at one point veered off course for more than a mile due to a large group of cats coming within a few hundred yards of them.Every day in the jungle took its toll. They had to make it out of cat territory before Zenya contacted Amy. They knew they were close, but Nicolas also knew it was even more dangerous now. They passed a few settlements and then the settlements became towns and the jungle disappeared. They could only travel in human form during the day, but they pushed on. The vampire had no more trees to shelter him from the sun and his steps faltered. Finally, miles of desert stretched before them and Zenya made contact with Amy.She spoke out loud after several minutes of silent communication. "Amy and Marcus are sending vehicles to pick us up, but we nee
Troy and Bernard, in wolf form, accompanied Samson for the walk to the broken-down huts. Nicolas shouldn't have been surprised when Esta in all her petulance stepped forward first. Vorlyk immediately appeared by her side and placed his hand on her shoulder.Smart vampire.Zenya stepped out from behind the pair, and before anyone could stop Troy, he attacked. Esta went into instant fighting mode against Bernard while Vorlyk grabbed Samson holding him immobile. For a vampire not accustomed to fighting, it was a wise move, but Nicolas didn't have time to think of that until later. He went for Troy, grabbing him by the scruff of the neck and throwing him several yards away.Nicolas placed his hand on Zenya's shoulder while looking at the other she-cat trying to kill Bernard. "Esta stop." He put every bit of alpha command he possessed into his voice and then turned hard eyes to Troy, who was picking himself off the ground."What the hell has gotten into you?"Between breaths, the wolf
They ate, drank, and then rested inside the hut. In the wild, wolves and cats preferred smaller dens and the cramped space didn't deter them. Nicolas talked quietly to Samson and caught up on events. Talk of war spiked his anger. He wanted to feel cat flesh between his jaws.They ate again in the early evening and then heard the sound of more trucks heading their way. While they still remained far off, a lone vampire head peeked into the hut. It was Amy. She had eyes only for Zenya, and the two women managed to scamper over bodies in order to wrap their arms around each other."We almost lost hope when months went by without hearing from you.""I know, but the cats have a vampire who can intercept communications and I was afraid to make contact. It took months of living in the cat's camp before they trusted me enough to leave me alone. How are the babies?""Growing, but they ask about you every day.""They're talking?""Only a few words, but 'Wena' is one of them. They miss you s
Everyone took showers and changed into clean clothes. The women used one trailer and the men took over the other. Troy and Bernard had no interest in leaving Nicolas's side, though he managed to take a shower by himself. The three of them sat and talked when Vorlyk went to check on Madayah."Bernard's little sister died in the attack against us and we both lost our parents," Troy said."It took two weeks for us to get home. By then the funerals were over. They burned the bodies in a mass pyre due to the number of casualties. We went there, but nothing remained but a few cabins that escaped fire. The main house burned completely. We each took a small jar of ash and that's all we've had." Bernard's voice broke."Will we return?" Troy asked."Yes. There aren't many of us, and right now the danger is high, but I promise we'll return. Vorlyk is a good man. He's not yet proficient in warfare, but he'll learn, and he's strong. Don't let his pretty boy face fool you.""We'll honor anyone
It took ten minutes to drive to the large cabin. It had five bedrooms and would accommodate them all easily. One vehicle drove away, the other left for their use. Troy and Bernard expectantly settled into a bedroom with Nicolas. Vorlyk and Madayah took another room and the women decided to bed together.Nicolas called a meeting before they went to sleep. He wanted a chance to speak with them without Marcus's wolves around.The furniture in the main living area was large and comfortable and easily allowed them all to sit down.Nicolas looked around the room at the faces of his new pack and the vampire who made them a clan. "We're safe here, but if the cats go out I want you to have Troy or Bernard with you. There are three more wolves from my old pack who I hope will join us. The wolves outside our pack are jumpy right now and it will take them time to fully accept you.""They will never accept us." Esta's eyes glowed hotly with her dire warning.Nicolas's patience was running thin
His small group left the cabin - two mountain lions and a wolf walking side by side. Nicolas liked the look and feel of his new family and couldn't wait to hunt together. It would be interesting to combine their skills and learn from each other.The weather was perfect and it felt good to walk in woods that didn't have undergrowth creating barriers every few feet. His own land was densely wooded, but more similar to this than the jungle.He sensed Columbus's wolves in the distance, but none approached. They walked out a few hundred yards from the cabin and then circled. There was a small one-room unoccupied cabin to the east. The door was unlocked. They looked inside the neat, clean space, then shut the door and continued their trek.Nicolas watched Sheeba closely. She stayed a foot behind Talya, and used her ears and nose to guide her. She didn't seem to have as much trouble navigating in cat form. He figured she was more comfortable in cat skin and her better sense of smell, along
She collected the cubs and started making her way back. Nicolas noticed her guards following and realized they had seen them kissing. Now they would all know she was spoken for, and he couldn't help his grin when he walked back inside. Crying met his ears and he looked around for the source.Sheeba sat in human form curled up on the couch with Talya running her hands over the sobbing woman's hair.Nicolas looked around and met the eyes of Troy and Bernard. Both shrugged. He took a seat on the other side of the weeping cat and tentatively placed his hand on her shoulder."Do I need to discipline a couple of wayward werewolves?""Alpha, it wasn't us. We did nothing.""I wasn't speaking to either of you. Please go into the other room."Both wolves grumbled but left."I'm here to take care of you, Sheeba. If something makes you cry, then it makes me angry."Tear-streaked vacant eyes looked into his. Where other cat eyes were green, hers were a light almost clear blue. Her extremely
Inside the house, Nicolas grabbed sweatpants from inside a cupboard in a side room. The two men then went into the den."I hoped you would come by today, but I knew your group was tired and I didn't want to bother you.""We're taking it easy today, but I needed a run and also to ask about using the jet next week.""Sure, where are you going?""Two of our females have appointments with Dr. Stevens.""I see. Do you think it's wise?""Our pack needs this.""The jet is yours.""I probably won't be going with them, but I will send either Troy or Bernard. Do you have any idea when my other three wolves will be here?""Two of them should arrive later today and the other is overseas, so it will be at least a week. After not being able to locate your body for two months, Aster had some trouble and we sent him back to Afghanistan. Marcus notified the military and we're hoping they can get him home quickly.""What kind of trouble?""Feral. We kept him pinned in the basement for a week
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