by Colt, Shyla
“I’m ready.” Lifting her, he used his speed to bring them to the cabin. The door opened, and a sleepy Rainer greeted them.
“Where are the others?” Kaz asked.
“They all sought out their beds. We settled Brook into the spare room. We plan to reconvene after a few hours of rest. You need time to recuperate.”
“But they’re coming.’
“They won’t arrive tomorrow. I’m certain of it.” Rainer smiled and disappeared from the doorframe.
She’d never get used to the woman’s uncanny knack of knowing.
“I need a shower.” She sighed, too tired to contemplate it longer. Pausing in front of the door, she tilted her head. “You coming?”
Kaz grinned and nodded.
Turning on the shower, they stripped down like their clothes were on fire and stepped into the steamy stall. Soaping up her hands with the sandalwood body wash, she slowly learned the width of his shoulders and the breadth of his chest. His muscles twitched in response. Her knees grew weaker as he returned the favor, thumbing the rigid peaks of her breast. The water beat down on her back, easing the ache that had settled in as it warmed her from the inside out. Everything that happened left her cold. Her blood heated as he skimmed over her flesh, teasing as he cleansed and massaged tension from her body.
“I have to make sure you’re clean.”
“Yes, I can see you’re very thorough.”
His eyes flashed red, and his fans distended. “Your eyes are amethyst. You must like my attention to detail.”
“I could say the same for you,” she whispered, quivering as he knelt in front of her, kneading her calves, inches away from the aching core that demanded his attention. His nostrils flared, and he smirked up at her. The wicked vampire knew exactly what he was doing. She crooked her finger, and he complied, rising.
She cupped his face and brought his head down. Tracing his lips, she sought entrance to his mouth. He parted the perfectly formed lips, and she slipped her tongue inside.
“Remind me that good still exists, Kaz.”
“As my mate requests.”
Skimming his hand down her back, he cupped her thick globes as he took a breast into his mouth and sucked. She arched, seeking more. She buried her fingers in his hair, trying to force him closer. Chuckling, he pulled back, releasing her breast with a pop.
“No,” she whimpered. He gently nipped her nipple, and she pressed her thighs together as her womb clenched. Soothing the sting with a swipe of his tongue, he gave its twin the same treatment. Molten lava simmered inside of her as he built her up. He spread her legs with his knee, brushing her slick core in the process. Her muscles flexed, and she trembled. Pausing, he tilted his head and repeated the move, pressing his knee into her. Her thighs came together, and her hips rocked as she sought friction.
“You smell so sweet, my little sun. I think it’s time I experience how hot you burn.” He eased her legs open. “Wrap your legs around me.” He lifted her with one hand, and locked his gaze on hers. His hard length rubbed against her slick center. The pulse at the heart of her throbbed painfully in response.
“Are you ready?” he rasped.
“Yes,” she replied shakily.
He eased inside and she gripped his shoulder as he worked his way deeper, devouring her lips. She could taste his desire and the sinfully addictive flavor that was his alone as her inner walls wrapped around his thick length. She flexed, and he moaned as filled her inch by inch. Fully seated, he nipped at her neck, and circled the rapid pulse in her neck with the tip of her tongue as he gave her time to adjust to him.
Burying her fingers in his thick hair, she shifted her hips. Taking the hint, he moved inside of her, increasing his speed.
“Oh, Jesus.” They found a steady rhythm and the pressure built inside of her. His fangs brushed against her neck and she shuddered.
“Please,” she whimpered, wanting to feel all of him at once.
He pierced her neck. The burst of pain, followed my intense pressure sent her over the edge. She screamed as she shook, tightening around him as he quickened his thrust. He swallowed her down, removing his fangs and licking the sensitive pinpricks to heal them shut. Launched headlong into a second peak, waves of bliss washed over her. He thrust once, twice, and exploded inside of her, shaking as he moaned her name. The beats of their hearts synched and she rested her head on his shoulders, basking in the peace that came with being one.
Chapter Fourteen
“This is it?” Joss asked skeptically as they looked over the spell revealed by the stone. Scrawled in black ink on the back of the map taken from Nakeeta’s chest, the simple four-line verse seemed incredibly underwhelming.
“Don’t judge the spell by its content. This is blood magic,” Nakeeta whispered reverently as she trailed her fingertips over the aged leather.
“Wait. We need to do a blood sacrifice?” Joss asked, disgusted as she thought back to the innocent lamb Ian slaughtered.
“No.” Nakeeta clicked her tongue. “It requires the blood of the lines that were wronged. This is why we all had to be together and agree on how to proceed.” Nakeeta looked up at the others. “I’m willing to conduct this, but I can’t tell you what will happen as a result.”
“I don’t like the sound of that,” Joss said.
Crewe scowled. “What other choice do we have?” he asked.
“None,” Rainer replied.
The six of them gathered in a room they’d set up like a study with books and spell ingredients lining large oak shelves.
“The comet approaches swiftly. Our enemies plan to attack the final day. If we want to get the jump on them, we need to do this now.” Rainer seemed more aware than she had previously. Her time with Earth Mother healed some of the damage her power had done over the years.
“None of us like this,” Cyprian sighed. “But we are out of time.”
Joss tilted her head and peered up at Kaz, who stood behind her chair. Meeting her gaze, he gave a curt nod. “I concede. We’re out of options.”
“What do we need to do?” Joss asked, throwing her lot in with the others.
Nakeeta walked over to the bookshelf and plucked a silver chalice. “We’ll combine our blood, say the verses, and pray for the best.”
Joss nodded her head. In for a penny, in for a pound.
The three women gathered in a circle, holding their wrists out to their vampire companions. A second later, their blood dripped together into the chalice.
By my own blood, I swear
Fire, Earth, Water, Air
Restore your children born of night
Help make what is wrong right
The ground moved beneath the floor. Pictures rattled against the walls, and books fell from shelves. Joss struggled to stand.
“Get outside,” Nakeeta cried.
Kaz picked her up and rushed her to the back. The sky turned gray as clouds rolled in, blocking out the sun. Yellow streaks of lightning lit up the sky.
My God. What did we do? Snow fell in fat flurries that obscured her vision and stung her skin on contact. The miniature earthquake continued, and the wind whipped, tugging her hair. A round ball of ice made her flinch. The hail hit the ground with a heavy thud.
“It’s the elements. Water, air, earth,” Nakeeta yelled over the howling.
“What about—” Rainer began
A vicious flame burst through the circle, preceded by a scaly, black dragon with slit neon yellow eyes. Joss’s jaw dropped. An elongated snout and the spikes along its spine gave it a sleek, wicked look. The form was translucent but no less dangerous as it circled them.
“The sky people are sending your guardians.” They turned to see the Blackfoot pack walking toward them.
“We did a vision quest, and the ancestors spoke to us,” Koko explained.
“The Above People were the first beings created, similar to the Christian’s angels. They live in the sky, watching. It is rare that they become involved in what goes down bel
ow. If we can prove our worth, I believe they will join our fight. Being given such powerful spirit guides is an honor not many are granted,” Mingan said as he bowed his head.
The dragon dove down, landing in the snow. It bowed its head, and Rainer walked forward. Cyprian grabbed her wrist. “It just breathed fire, petite.”
“Imig won’t hurt me.” She smiled and tapped her temple. “He told me.” She pressed her hand on to his shoulder. “You’ve spent years taking care of me. Let me return the favor now.”
The dragon huffed impatiently, blowing smoke from its nostrils. Fearless, Cyprian stared down the golden-eyed beast.
“So, you’ve come to keep her safe then?” The dragon appeared to nod. “If you do not, I will find a way to kill you.”
Its wide mouth opened in what looked like amusement.
Rainer walked over and stroked its snout. “We’re going to be good friends. I can tell.”
“Of course. The dragon symbolizes coming into power and magic.”
A rumbling purr drew their gaze to the woods where a sleek black panther stalked forward. Its coat glistened in the sun. The dark eyes locked with Nakeeta’s and it came to kneel before her.
“The panther is a symbol of feminine power and magic,” Nakeeta whispered as she knelt. “Hello, my friend. Thank you for coming.” She petted the large head gently, and the cat leaned into her caresses.
“And we have our final guardian,” Kaz said, nudging Joss. She followed his gaze to the woods where a large gray and brown Dire Wolf padded toward them. Head held high, he was regal and muscular. She felt peace and protection flowing from him. Kneeling in the snow, she waited as he approached. The overwhelming sense of pack washed over her. She smiled as he nudged her shoulder with his muzzle. Lifting her hand, she giggled when his long tongue shot out to lick her. Like a powerful ghost, he had a foot in the spiritual world and one in the present. Almost solid, but not quite, he had an indescribable feeling.
“How are we supposed to prove our worth, Mingan? We need their help if we’re going to win this.” Joss scowled.
Mingan shook his head. “It’s not for us to question the wisdom of the ancient ones.”
The dragon flapped its wings and puffed smoke.
“What’s wrong with it?” Cyprian asked.
“Him. He knows where the enemy is, and where Isiah is being held. He wants us to bring the fight to them.”
The way she said Isiah’s name gave Joss pause. It was as if she knew him. Frowning, she studied the elfin girl. Her amber eyes were clear and focused. She stood tall and sure. The look was new.
“Why does he care so much, Rainier?”
“Oui, please sure, Rain,” Cyprian said suspiciously.
“For the same reason Cian avoids Brook,” Rainer said softly.
“Don’t drag me into your sibling drama,” the blond, mohawked man crowed.
Joss turned to eye her friend. Brook’s checks had turned suspiciously red, and she refused to meet her gaze. What have I missed?
“Surely not! A dog, Rain?”
“Do not call him that,” Rain snapped, amber eyes flashing.
The puzzle pieces clicked to form an image that turned her stomach. Mates? “You and Isiah?” Joss choked on the sentence, horrified. He’d eat her alive and still be hungry for more.
“Where do you think I went with Earth Mother? Have you heard him lately?”
“No.” Joss shook her head.
“Because he has a new link now. The burden is shared, the way it was always meant to be.” Rainer jutted out her chin, proudly. A tiny warrior, ready to stand her ground, and defend her beliefs. “You two are bound by pack and spirit. Nothing will change that. This is all that bond should have been. He understands that now.”
“Does he?” Joss challenged. She’d seen the wolf fool people far savvier than this naïve seer.
“If this wolf keeps Rain from descending into madness, I don’t care about much else,” Cyprian said coolly, reminding her of what was at stake.
“You will,” Brook promised.
“Soon no one will be what they once were. Holding on to the past will only lead to pain and confusion,” Rainier said sadly.
“What do you see, Rain?” Nakeeta asked gently.
Rainer smiled. “I see many possibilities, but it’s up to us to choose the final outcome.”
“More mystery.” Crewe spat the words out.
“If we’re to leave soon, we must gather our forces,” Kaz said. “Where are we going, Rainier?”
“To the Vortex. They’re using a leyline to draw power for their own spell for power not too far from here.”
“Jesus.” Joss closed her eyes. “When do we leave?”
“Tonight. We’ll need the power of the moon on our side,” Rainer replied.
“I need to gather my pack,” Joss said.
“You’re not going alone,” Kaz said.
She smiled wryly. “I wasn’t planning to.” They were a team.
“We meet back here before nightfall,” Crewe said.
“I’ll work on a spell for protection and strength,” Nakeeta said with a nod.
“Be sure you rest, too,” Joss said.
“I think we’ve all grown weary of the wait. I’ve rested long enough.”
One way or another, this would all end soon. The words were unspoken but felt by everyone.
“We’ll rally our people on this end as well. The groups have been scatted, but moving closer each day to remain safe,” Crewe said.
“Until we meet again, brother.” Kaz walked over, and they clasped forearms.
She turned to Brook. “Will you be one of my betas?”
Brook gasped. “I’d be honored.”
“There’s no one I’d trust more at my back,” Joss admitted.
They clutched hands, resting their foreheads against one another as the took a deep breath.
“I always knew you would be the leader we needed.” Brook’s voice shook as her eyes grew glossy.
“Hold that thought.” Pulling away, Joss wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. “I have to see if I still have a pack.”
Brook arched an eyebrow. “They’re followers. Where else would they be?”
“Halfway to anywhere else by now?” Joss replied.
“No. They witnessed your power. If the last Alpha held them with little more than threats, prophecy, and brute force, you are already respected for your show of actions,” Kaz said.
“I hope you’re right. Because if not, I don’t have much time to win them over.”
* * *
The lingering stench of blood, death, terror, and pain tainted the air as she entered the main courtyard of the compound. Someone had rigged the gates, but no sentry stood guard. Patches of burned ground and red flecks of blood remained visible. The silence and lack of people gave the impression of a ghost town, abandoned and haunted by bad memories. The snow crunched beneath her boots as she walked, observing the area. She could sense her people in their homes, waiting for a sign or traveling as far away as fast as they could.
There was no anger toward those who fled. Once, she’d dreamed of being one of them. She paused in front of the grand home that had housed Ian and her mother. Her stomach soured at the bitter memories. She and Isiah had suffered here. Anger tore through her like a wild horse. The need to do something to distance herself from her past sparked her into action. Stalking up to the house, she picked up one of the rocks along the path and pitched it into the main window. It caused a small dent. Choosing another, she repeated the process like a pitcher practicing at spring camp. Each throw harder than the last.
The window gave. Holes in the perfect window into their lives. The stage set where lies played out. It crashed inward, falling into the snow and onto the gleaming wooden floors. Ignoring the curiosity and alarm from Kaz and Brook, she walked over to the mess, stepped inside, and continued to the kitchen. Turning on the gas stove, she moved to the fridge, took out a chilled bottle of wine, and
dumped out the contents.
“Are you going to do what I think you are?” Brook asked.
“Burn this motherfucker down? Yes.” She tossed the ‘bless our home’ tea towel in the sink and hurried to the wood carving station where she unearthed two full cans of turpentine.
“Are you sure you won’t regret this later?” Brook asked.
Joss laughed. “Trust me. There’s not a damn thing I want from this house. If I never returned to it, it would’ve been too soon. Not having to see it will be a relief.” Memories of hours spent on her knees on the cold concrete basement floor beneath her feet beside Isiah when they were punished flickered in her mind. Not everything that sparkled was gold. Beneath his beautiful museum dedicated to Ian, awful things occurred. Ripping the tea towel in half, she dumped the can of turpentine onto the strip and filled the bottle. Shoving it into the bottle as a wick, she grabbed a lighter from beside the candles on the counter and walked out the way she came, trailing the remainder of the can onto the ground.
“For my first act as the new Alpha, I will topple the patriarchy … literally.” She tossed the bottle into the house and watched as it exploded into a puddle of fire, spreading like a hungry beast as it lapped up the trail of accelerant she’d left behind.
“Well, that’s one way to ensure your turn in office is fire,” Brook croaked.
“Stay with me, girl. I haven’t lost it yet.”
Kaz squeezed her shoulder in support as they walked away. The loud boom and the crackling of wood as it burned signaled it was time to move onto her next phase. Throwing back her head, she howled. Opening her link to the pack for the second time, she called them to meet at the Alpha’s house.
They showed up slowly, trickling in with huge eyes.
“If you want to leave, you know where the door is. I will not rule with fear or hold anyone against their will. That died with the old Alpha. His reign of terror, pain, and blood are over. It perishes in these flames.” She gestured at the house behind her. “To protect what we’ve built here, a place to be ourselves, free and unburdened, we will have to fight. The world is nowhere near ready to know of our existence. If they did, this peaceful place we have the ability to create would be destroyed.”
