Beast's Claim: An Alpha Shifter Romance

by Piper Stone

  As I’d suspected, Daniel had been skeptical, peppering me with questions and reminding me for the tenth time that I had no business attempting to play a member of law enforcement. However, at least he’d taken me seriously.

  The entire situation remained surreal, yet perhaps somewhere in the far reaches of my mind I’d always known that I was more connected to the Breeds than most. There was one person who had the answer. I was certain of it.

  I’d been surprised that Jabari had taken me to his bed, something I doubted he’d done before with anyone. While he’d remained by my side, cradling his body around mine, I’d felt his discomfort and the same anger hiding just below the surface. However, the comfort of being in his arms had allowed me to fall asleep.

  At least for a little while.

  When I’d no longer sensed his close presence, I’d searched the room with my eyes, realizing at that moment that my eyesight was keener. Even his scent was more intense, every inch of my body covered. I’d shivered the second I’d noticed him, his eyes burning into the darkness.

  While a part of me should feel afraid, I’d felt nothing but comfort from his protection.

  I’d also felt extreme sadness.

  And so, he’d watched over me, hiding in the darkest portions of the shadows of the room. He wasn’t afraid that I would leave. He’d remained certain that the security in the village would be breached and I’d be taken.

  While he hadn’t noticed, I’d rolled over, allowing the tears to fall. At least he’d crawled into bed at some later point, falling into a deep sleep, allowing me to slide out from beneath the warm covers just after daybreak. I would need to find a way to convince Jabari to allow me to leave at least for a period of time or discover a way to slip out unnoticed. As if that was going to happen. However, time was of the essence. I’d been given all the pieces to solve a puzzle. I just had to ensure that happened before tragedy struck.

  The early morning light was just enough to allow me to find the telescan unit I’d seen after being taken to his house. Although I wasn’t entirely certain I needed any light at all. As I made the call, I only prayed that my contact remained accessible. There was no way of knowing since our last communication had been almost eight months prior.

  When the connection was allowed, a smile crossed my face. “Jax.”

  “Raven. If you’re calling me at six in the morning after several months, something must be wrong.” While he smiled at first, he craned his neck, likely staring at the darkened room behind me. “Where are you? Talk to me.”

  “I don’t have much time. I need to ask you a few questions. Do you keep up with any of the dissident groups?”

  He lifted his eyebrow, a smirk on his face as he held up his hands. “I’m no longer a Condor member.”

  “You know what I mean, Jax. This is serious. Have you heard anything about a formal extermination of the Breeds?”

  Coughing, he leaned closer in. “What have you gotten yourself mixed up in?”

  “I’m not entirely certain, but I think there might be a governmental plan that includes working with what appears to be a powerful group of dissidents.”

  “Okay. We’re going to end this call right now. You know better than to make accusations on any open line,” Jax huffed.

  “This line isn’t traceable.”

  “Well, mine certainly might be. If you want to meet, we can do that later today, but don’t call me again.”

  After he suggested a meeting location, which was actually a code leading me to another in case the call had been compromised, I found a way to ask him about the zoo, only not mentioning names or reasons for my question. I’d seen the look in his eyes, one of knowing.

  He knew something. Damn it.

  I only hoped he would agree to provide some kind of information. If anyone could, it was the former leader of the Condor.

  After ending the call, I thought about the mysterious scientist in relation to the tests I’d run. Shannon had actually been an excellent sounding board, allowing me to run ideas past her. She’d even had an idea about Jabari’s blood, a test that humans had no clue about. I was eager to hear what she’d been able to detect. In truth, I wasn’t certain I wanted her to find anything.

  I hadn’t been able to check my personal telescan unit, the danger that an unwanted asshole would find us too great. I could only wonder whether the mystery caller had attempted to make contact. There was no doubt I needed the bastard to call me again.

  As the sun continued to rise, I went outside, the slight chill a welcome feeling. Shuddering, I couldn’t believe how beautiful the area was, the village located outside the city. I knew exactly why my grandfather adored the open space, the feeling of freedom. There were forbidden zones in almost every city and state, the fear of remaining chemicals tainting the water, horror stories about disfigured monsters lurking in the darkness told to children in order to keep them out of the forest.

  There were also real dangers, twisted ruins and sinkholes created by the wars. There’d even been reports of entombed bodies, although I’d never heard a report regarding one. What I did know is that the land had a way of rejuvenating itself, something the American Indians believed in with their heart and soul. As I looked at the sun rising over the trees, I had to believe the old ways, the Lenape culture was correct. The landscape was beautiful as well as peaceful.

  A place I could find myself enjoying calling home.

  I’d always been able to feel his presence. Now I could hear his heartbeat, as well as the slight growl rumbling from his chest. “Jabari.”

  “You are truly disobedient,” he said in a deep tone, the velvety words slipping over me, creating a wave of quivers.

  “Just enjoying the sunrise. I didn’t want to wake you.”

  “I usually don’t sleep for more than a few hours.” He leaned over the railing, peering into my eyes. “You are afraid.”

  “Can you always read my mind?”

  “Not always. While you are my mate, we are not mated entirely. Until then, our connection is strongest when we are together, but mind reading when I am human is difficult.” He grinned before sliding the tip of his finger under my chin. “Don’t go thinking you’re going to try and get away from me or this village. You will be protected if I need to leave.”

  “Jabari. You don’t understand. I don’t know how else to explain it to you. Come with me. Just allow me to run the tests. The only equipment capable of handling the task is at the scientific facility.”

  “That’s not going to happen.”

  Exasperated, I glared at him. “Why?”

  “Because I have a meeting with the leaders of the other Breeds.”

  “Why?” When he didn’t answer, I knew. “You’re going to free the others in the zoo.”

  “Yes, but we are also formulating a plan in case my fears come to pass,” he said, a snarl following.

  “Please. You need to trust me.”

  “I do trust you.”

  “I don’t think you do,” I said quietly.

  “I trust you with my life, Raven, but we don’t know what we’re dealing with right now. Until we have a handle on the situation, I refuse to risk your life.”

  “What about yours?” I demanded.

  I hated how often tension slipped between us. We really didn’t know each other at all.

  He tipped his head, taking a deep whiff. “We have company.”

  Damn it. I had to figure out a way of getting through to him. I trailed behind, waiting in the shadows as he opened the door.

  “Shannon. What are you doing here so early?” Jabari demanded.

  “I had to talk to you, both of you.” She glanced in my direction, the look on her face terrifying me.

  “You found something,” I murmured, inching closer.

  “I’m afraid so.” She handed me her telescan unit, her hand shaking. “I’m so sorry.”

  I glanced at the screen, blinking several times until I could tell what I was looking at. I closed my ey
es, trying to catch my breath.

  “What the hell is going on?” Jabari snapped.

  I turned to face him, uncertain of what to say.

  “I ran your blood against the various tests that I’ve performed on hundreds of Claw members, trying to figure out why they have difficulty returning to their animal form.”

  “Let me guess, whatever the bastards injected me with will eventually strip away my ability.” Jabari shook his head.

  Shannon glanced in my direction once again before looking away.

  “Jabari, the test results are different. Your blood is mutating, your DNA structure altering. I have no idea how those fucking bastards were able to do this, but...”

  “Just say it, Raven. What are we dealing with?” Jabari hissed.

  As tears slipped past my lashes, my heart racing, I realized something incredible, the emotion haunting.

  “It means you’re dying.”

  “Death isn’t the end of love, my child,” my grandfather had told me. “It’s the beginning of rebirth, the moment where the Phoenix rises to glory of the sun.”

  As I gazed into his eyes, the revelation was almost too much to bear. At that moment I knew that I was already falling in love with him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Raven

  “I don’t like this, Raven.” Jabari’s tone was the same as it had been before he’d learned of the results. Angry.

  “I understand but now you know I have no choice.” I stared up the scientific facility, my apprehension remaining high. He’d made certain we hadn’t been followed as he’d taken me back to the location, enlisting two of the others he called soldiers to follow us.

  “While that may be true, Degan will remain with you.”

  “You can’t do that. He will be noticed. We can’t risk anyone from this organization knowing that I’m working with you.”

  Jabari eased off the motorcycle, taking my hand and pulling me onto the pavement. “I assure you that he won’t be seen.”

  Which meant he would return to his beast.

  While I had no way of knowing how many of the panthers still had the ability to shift as desired, from what Shannon told me, the numbers were dwindling at a significant rate, even more so than several of the other Breeds.

  There were too many things I had to do, including a meeting with Jax. However, I knew there was no way of pushing back or Jabari would refuse to allow me to remain outside his compound. I would find a way to slip away from Degan. I’d gone to Shannon’s lab, watching as she’d run the test a second time. The results had been the same. The chemicals that were slowly destroying the DNA structure of humans had been introduced in some form to the drug used on Jabari, and I would suspect the other beasts held against their will. While it was almost impossible to estimate lifespan, from the degradation of Jabari’s cells, he had maybe six months to live. That wasn’t acceptable.

  There was a way to cure him and I would find it.

  I knew whatever tests I’d manage to perform would be minimal. My only hope was that the equipment I’d suggested the panthers try to find was possible. Even if I managed to remove my experiments without being flagged, I certainly couldn’t abscond with any of the scientific instruments. We’d be forced to perform under barbaric circumstances, but maybe we could solve the puzzle.

  I could only pray.

  “You will return tonight. Period,” he stated with utter authority.

  “Yes. I promise you.”

  “You will not disobey me, or I assure you that your punishment will be severe.”

  I pressed my hand against his cheek, able to feel his heartache. “I will return. I’m certain Degan will ensure that I do.”

  He snorted as he lifted his head toward the soldier. “Yes. He is my most trusted man.”

  As he drew me closer, pressing his lips against my forehead, I could feel his heart beating rapidly. He was under much more duress than I’d realized. “While you are aware of the dangers, I’m uncertain how strong our mental tethering will be. If anything occurs, call me.”

  “That’s not safe.”

  “We’re not safe, Raven. While Degan will protect you with his life, there are few humans who can be trusted. However, there is nothing that will keep me from returning to your side. Do you understand me?”

  The way he issued the words drove another slice of fear into my system. There was no doubt we were nearing a crossroads, the dissidents preparing an unspeakable attack. The humans behind the danger had to be found. “Yes. I promise.”

  When he eased a weapon from the waistband of his jeans, he took my hand into his. “Take this. I assume you know how to use it.”

  “I was a member of the Condor.” I took the laser gun from his hand, instantly slipping it into my duffle.

  A slight smile crossed his face as he stroked my cheek. “My beautiful and dangerous mate.” The change in his eyes was no longer frightening. I took comfort in the beautiful gaze from his beast. He leaned down, pressing his lips against mine, my desire immediately surging.

  I clung to his shirt, reining in my hunger. “I will obey you.”

  As he pulled back, I could tell he was searching my mind.

  I waited until he’d left before heading toward my vehicle, grateful the ancient bucket of rust was even still here. I was also thankful that I kept a change of clothing in my car. When I turned, Degan was nowhere to be seen, but I could sense him, the realization sending shivers skating down my spine. I glanced at the weapon before heading toward the building, hopeful I hadn’t been locked out of the system.

  When the door opened, I said a silent prayer and walked inside, scanning the perimeter nonchalantly before walking quickly to the restroom. After changing my clothes, I cautiously opened the door, my nerves on edge. I waited until the lobby was empty before heading to the back door, the pathway outside the building leading to the shuttle trains. From what I could tell, I hadn’t been seen by anyone. I knew there was only one way of finding answers and that would lead me outside the city to the forbidden zone.

  A chance I had to take.

  At least if I wanted to save the man I... adored.

  The shuttle train was only half full, allowing me to sit quietly and reflect on everything I’d learned. I yanked my portable telescan from the bag, staring at the screen. There’d been no calls.

  Damn it. What the fuck was the asshole doing? Maybe he had no idea what had occurred. Or maybe he’d been a part of the entire situation, enlisting his buddies to capture the alpha and his mate.

  I hissed, staring outside the window as the ugliness continued to roll through my mind. I had to think like a scientist and not go on an emotional rollercoaster. As if that was possible.

  My thoughts continued to churn as the shuttle train stopped to let off every other passenger. I was the only one left as the shuttle rolled into the last stop. The moment I walked off the platform, I could see my grandfather waiting. I hadn’t taken the opportunity to call him, determined to take the long walk to his village in order to clear my head. However, finding him waiting for me was a welcome relief.

  His eyes no longer held the same shimmer that they once had, a man so full of life. He was finally slowing down, his body no longer as strong or virile as it had once been. As I approached, his face finally lit up, his smile exactly as I remembered.

  “Grandfather. You knew I was coming.” As he opened his arms, I could see something entirely different than usual in his eyes.

  He pulled me into a tight embrace, squeezing my arms. “You were destined to return, Raven. If only for a little while. I knew when the time was right, you’d seek guidance. Come. We have much to discuss.”

  While my grandfather was a man of few words, I could tell by the concerned expression on his face that he was riddled with anxiety. But there was also something else. A quiet reverence, a spiritual knowing.

  I expected that he’d head back to his village, but when he went in the opposite direction, I instantly knew where he was going.
The very location where he’d told me about my parents’ death. As he pulled the ancient truck under a tree, I was surprised how well kept the area surrounding the lake remained.

  As I stared out the cracked windshield, I felt a rush of butterflies in my stomach. It was exactly the same as I’d felt on the tragic day so many years before. I’d always known when something was wrong, my sixth sense a gift my grandfather had always encouraged me to nurture.

  Whatever he needed to tell me had been on his mind for months. I was the one who’d avoided the difficult conversation.

  “Come,” he said quietly before climbing out of the cab, his gait slow as he walked toward the grassy meadow.

  A part of me didn’t want to hear what he had to say. I was fearful that I would never see him again. He was the only other surviving member of our family, the patriarch who’d raised me from the time I was seven years old. While I’d never wanted for anything, I’d always felt a sense of loss, the kind of intense ache that hadn’t been filled by any relationship or even my work.

  My heart racing, I followed him, sitting down on the grass and crossing my legs. His eyes were already closed, his nostrils flaring as he took deep whiffs of the air. The scent of the surrounding forest as well as the musty odor of moss and pine wafted across my nose. Even the light chill in the air was refreshing.

  Sadly, my heart and mind felt heavy, the burden of finding a cure more like steel shackles threatening to drag me into the depths of the earth.

  “Your parents would be very proud of you, Raven. You are an incredible woman,” he said with such a whispered voice that I had to strain to hear him.

  “Thank you, Grandfather. Things are unusual. I’m not entirely certain who I am any longer.”

  He tipped his head, gazing at the sky. “I think you’ve always known you were different, very special.”

  “Meaning what?”

  “You have been called on for service, to help enable the Breeds to once again become powerful.”

  “There is a group of humans preparing to attempt full extermination unless a cure is found for a drug they have created.”