"That figures," CJ muttered as she stared at the redhead leaning against her bike. She had a black leather miniskirt and a matching leather vest barely held together by two buttons.
"She look like she's our age," Evan noted. "But that's not Stephanie."
"She looks like she's going to need a hair net if she bends over."
Evan shifted into park and frowned. "Hair net? Why? She's got a pony tail."
CJ scowled. "Nevermind. Come on, let's go."
"Go where? Stephanie said she'd meet us here," Evan reminded her. "This chick isn't Stephanie, and I don't want to get into details about why we're here. I've heard stories about people down this way."
CJ laughed. "I bet they've heard stories about us too. Come on, let's find out. Besides, maybe Stephanie died her hair? That's not a natural shade of red."
"It's not?"
CJ rolled her eyes and opened her door.
Evan fumbled with his door before he got it open and hopped out. He shut it behind him and locked it at the same time CJ rounded the front of his truck and joined him. He glanced at her, expecting to see her waiting for him to take the lead. Instead she kept going and forced him to move to stay beside her.
"Stephanie?" CJ asked.
The redhead raised an eyebrow and laughed. It was a toothy laugh, showing off clean and even teeth. "Hardly. I'm a friend."
"Who's friend?" CJ asked. "Hers?"
"Who else?"
"I hoped ours," CJ said.
"I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you," she said.
"Wait," Evan tried to insert himself into the conversation. "Stephanie asked us to meet her here. Is she coming?"
"No. If you're serious, you'll come with me and meet her somewhere else."
"Not if you're going to drive like you're auditioning for the next Fast and Furious movie," Evan said.
The redhead smirked. "No driving, just walking. And maybe a little swimming."
"Swimming?" CJ asked as her head twisted to look at the path into the woods.
The redhead's nostrils flared as she sniffed and raised an eyebrow. "You know how to swim, don't you?"
"Yes, I know how to swim," CJ said.
"Then it shouldn't be a problem. "Leave your clothes here and let's go."
Evan gawked.
CJ glared while the redhead's eyes twinkled. She waited a moment for the two strangers to act and when they didn't, she shrugged and released the bottom two buttons of her vest. She rolled her shoulders and let it slide down her arms, exposing her trim breasts to the warm afternoon air. Her eyelids fluttered for a brief moment. Finished with that, she twisted and slipped her vest into one of the saddlebags of her bike. She turned back and, still watching them, unzipped her skirt and let it slide down her legs. She wasn't wearing anything beneath it.
Evan stared, shocked at her brazen display. He couldn't stop himself from follower her descending miniskirt and noticed something peculiar. He turned to CJ and asked, "Thought you said it was colored?"
CJ snorted.
The redhead chuckled at his observation. "All natural, above and below. Carpet matches the drapes."
Evan felt his face heat up and wondered if it was as red as the strange woman's hair. He tried to push the thought away, but it only embarrassed him more. Then she stepped her right leg free of her skirt and lifted her left leg up, bringing the skirt with it. She flicked her foot and sent it spinning through the air until it smacked him in the face.
Evan caught the miniskirt and stared at the black leather in his hands. It felt hot, and so did he. He jerked his head up, first to the redhead and then to his girlfriend. CJ was no amused.
"Nice catch," the redhead teased. "Can you shoot too? Two points if you can get it in my hole."
Evan's cheeks were ready to burst into flames by the time he realized she was talking about the saddlebag she was holding open. He stepped closer and dropped it into the container instead of throwing it. "Sorry, I only score for the team I'm playing for."
The redhead laughed. "That's cute," she said before she leaned against her bike and lifted one leg to untie her boot. The action exposed even more than being naked already had, but she didn't seem to be concerned in the least. Between pulling her first boot off and working on the second she glanced at CJ and asked, "How long has it been?"
CJ twitched and glanced at Evan. Her angry glare was replaced with uncertainty. "Has what been?" she asked.
The now-naked woman tucked both boots in the other saddle bag and tied them shut. She turned, unconcerned with displaying her lean body to two complete strangers. "Since the change started."
"Wh— what change?"
Evan shook his head. "Ceej, we're here to get answers and help."
"He's right. You haven't changed yet, otherwise you wouldn't be so scared and confused. But you haven't noticed much yet or you wouldn't be acting like this. A week? Two?"
CJ stopped fidgeting and lifted her head to stare at the biker. "Two weeks and a day. Half a day, really."
The redhead nodded and glanced to the side as she did the math. "Full moon. Nice. That should help."
"Help? Help what?" Evan asked. "What is going on?"
She smiled and turned to walk away from them towards the edge of the primitive parking lot. "Lose your clothes and follow me if you want to find out."
"This is crazy," Evan grumbled.
CJ pulled her shirt over her head and kicked off her tennis shoes. "Do it," she snapped before she peeled her sock off. Her shorts and underwear joined the growing pile before she scooped it up.
Evan stared at her, admiring how beautiful she was in the sunlight. CJ turned her face into the sunlight and closed her eyes. A soft moan slipped through her lips and her nipples stiffened as the basked in the Arkansas sun. His vision shifted and brought the redhead into focus. She was watching CJ with a gleam in her eyes and a predatory smile on her face. Evan's jerked when the redhead licked her lips.
"Hurry up," CJ snapped, now staring at him. "Put my clothes in your truck too... please."
Evan grunted and snatched up her clothes before he turned and jogged over to his truck. He tossed her clothes in the back and then swallowed and began to strip naked. He hesitated before dropping his boxers and forcing himself to move as quick as he could. Hearing the biker whistle as his pale white butt was exposed didn't help.
"Come on," she said.
Evan turned and moved as fast as his bare feet on the dirt lot would allow. CJ's eyes dropped to his crotch and then rose back to his face. She smiled and reached out to take his hand.
"You're cool with this?"
She shrugged. "Skin is skin," she said. "I just realized I'm not the only one that loves not wearing clothes."
The redhead laughed from her position almost twenty feet ahead of them.
"How did she hear you?" Evan whispered.
"Easy," she said. "Your girlfriend knows. Or she will soon."
"His girlfriend has a name," CJ said. "I'm CJ."
"Ceej," she repeated and nodded. "Makes sense."
"I'm Evan."
She offered him a weak smile in return. "Good to know."
CJ's brow furrowed in irritation. "So it's your turn. What's your name?"
She studied them both a moment before granting their wish. "Ember."
"Ember?" Evan repeated. "I've never heard of a name like that before."
"It's pretty," CJ admitted.
"Thanks. Can we go now? You can stare at my ass the whole way if you like, or do you prefer the front view?"
CJ gasped and Evan tried to laugh his way through another blush. "Go," he said. "And don't worry. CJ's got the only ass I want."
CJ turned on him, her eyes wide and mouth open. She pointed a finger at him and was about to say something when Ember beat her to the punch.
"I don't blame you, it's a nice one."
The color drained from CJ's face while she searched Evan's grinning eyes. He bit his lip and shook his head. She sighed and turned back around.
"No offense, but I hope this Stephanie is nothing like you."
Ember smirked. "She's nothing like me, but somehow that only makes her more fun."
Evan opened his mouth to ask what she meant but CJ squeezed his hand and shook her head. "We'll find out soon enough."
"Yes, you will," Ember agreed as she turned and led them into the woods.
They walked through the forest until the ground grew wetter and wetter underfoot. Mosquitos buzzed and came in to feed on their exposed flesh. Evan was swatting constantly and cursing at the biting bugs. CJ showed less concern and was distracted by almost everything around them, from her toes squishing through mud to the feel of damp moss on the bark of a tree. Only Ember moved with a purpose, unbothered by the mosquitos that trailed after her.
Evan's skin was red and smeared with his blood by the time they had to stop or run into Ember. She stood ankle deep in a mix of mud and water at the tip of a small peninsula of land. Clumps of earth with trees and bushes rising out of them dotted the swamp ahead of them, promising a shallow, if muck-filled, future.
"It's time to get wet," Ember said. She let her eyes linger on CJ and added, "If you're not already.
Evan was busy scratching a fresh bite and missed her lecherous behavior. "Where are you taking us?" he muttered.
"Evan, it's okay," CJ said. "Relax."
"I've lost a couple pints of blood," he whined. "With my luck there's some kind of fish that's going to get a taste and want more."
Ember shrugged. "Maybe. Walk fast."
"Oh great!"
Ember grinned. "Come on. It's only a little further to the— to where we're going."
"To the what?" CJ asked, catching her slip.
Ember ignored her and walked ahead into the murky water.
They watched her slowly slip deeper into the water until it stopped at her navel. She turned and gestured for them to follow her.
"This sucks," Evan complained.
"This is amazing," CJ corrected with an unrestrained grin. Her pensive mood was gone, now she was practically bouncing off the trees with excitement. "I'm sorry you're not having fun, but this experience is incredible! The things I'm feeling... Oh my god! Later, when we get back, I'm going to show you how awesome it is. You think this sucks now, wait until I get done with you! I'm going to redefine sucking!"
Evan chuckled when he remembered to breathe. He kissed her puckered lips and backed away to slap a mosquito on his leg. "All right, let's go. We've come this far."
"You're going to come a lot farther before I'm done with you."
He blushed again and shook his head. "Is this your dirty mind helping you get through, or..."
She winked at him and led him into the water. "Everything's so much more. Everything I'm feeling is making my mind go into overdrive. The dirty parts too!"
Evan grinned. "I guess that's cool."
"Oh, it is," she assured him. She gasped and let out a squeal as the water slipped up to her thighs. "Oh my god, I think I just had a tiny orgasm!"
"You need help."
"You're just jealous!"
Evan considered her retort and shrugged. "Yeah, maybe a little."
CJ laughed and pulled him on after Ember. They waded through the water, pushing hard to keep up with the redhead. They caught her as she rose up out of the water and walked across a small island with trees rising out of it. Moss hung from the branches and trunk, forcing Evan to duck and dodge to avoid running into it. They plunged back into the water once they reached the far edge. The difference this time was what lay ahead in the swamp. The swamp came alive in front of them with vines, trees, and moss forming a cabin in the middle of the open water. Flowers of every kind and color bloomed on the walls and ceiling. Only the deck in front of it looked to be made of worked planks of wood, though vines studded with leaves and flowers wound their way around the railing and across the floor.
"It's beautiful!" CJ whispered.
Ember chuckled. "Clover will like you."
"Clover?" Evan asked. "I thought we were looking for Stephanie."
"Clover has the real answers," Ember said. "Stephanie's just her apprentice."
"Apprentice?"
Ember nodded and slowed. She glanced back at them, her eyes narrowing and darting back and forth. Her voice dropped, all the humor replaced with a soft but serious edge. "Look, what's happening to you isn't the only crazy story that's happened. I had mine and a sister of mine had another. A lot of people had. This sister I mentioned, her story involved a lot of people. Including Steph. We've all been changed, some more than others, and we've all come to terms with things. Just like you will."
"What are you talking about?" Evan asked.
Ember's glare shut him up. "I'm saying that you will respect Steph and you will respect Clover. If you don't, I'll rip your throats out and feed you to the gators."
Evan stiffened and felt CJ bristling beside him. He was about to respond when he noticed Ember looked different. More gaunt and wiry. Her fingers were curled and her nails elongated and sharp. She licked her lips, exposing teeth that were sharper than any human had a right to. He blinked and the moment passed. Her body softened and her hands looked normal again.
"What just happened?" he whispered.
"You were warned," Ember said. "Now be a good pup and mind your manners. Clover is a witch and she knows more about the things the civilized world forgot than anyone else I've ever heard of. Steph is her apprentice, not just because she was born with the talent, but because she had to make a deal if she was going to survive."
"This is real?" CJ breathed.
"This is more real than any memory of your ignorant childhoods. I've told you more than I should, it's their stories to tell, not mine, but I want to make sure you treat them with the respect they deserve."
Evan forced his anger and fear down with a swallow. He nodded, but Ember wasn't looking at him, she was staring at CJ.
"You're life depends on it."
CJ gasped and turned to look at Evan. He squeezed her hand. "We'll be good," he promised. "You don't need to threaten us."
Ember smirked. "That wasn't a threat. Without help, a lot of people don't survive the change." She turned her head back to CJ and said, "You've only got two weeks left. Listen hard and you might make it."
CJ clamped her mouth shut and turned to look at Evan again. "Ev?"
He nodded and looked deep into her blue eyes. "This is crazy, but we're standing naked in the middle of a swamp. We've been chased by wolves twice and you've been bitten. You've changed in these past couple of weeks, and we both know it."
CJ nodded slowly and turned back to Ember. "Okay. We'll be good little pups, like you said, as long as nobody tries anything. Then we'll see who gets fed to the gators— are there really gators in this water?"
Ember laughed. "Clover's got them tamed, as long as you're good with her, you're safe. Oh, and the bit about the pups? That's more for him."
CJ glanced at her boyfriend. "Why?"
"Because I can already see it in you, you're an Alpha."
CJ jerked her head back. "Uh...okay. What's that mean? Is it good?"
Ember grinned. "You'll find out. Come on, let's go. And don't tell them I told you anything. I'm not worried about Clover so much, but I don't want Steph pissed off at me."
Evan shrugged when CJ looked at him. Ember was moving again, which forced them to wade into the water and hurry after her. The water was open, save for floating islands of algae and lily pads with white flowers sticking out of the water. Ember led them through open paths in the water until they reached the cottage built on stilts and tree trunks that plunged into the swamp. She moved to an open part of the deck where stairs descended into the water and climbed up ahead of them.
"The wood's slippery," Ember warned.
Evan struggled to ignore her naked butt as she climbed ahead of them. CJ went after Ember got out of the way, giving him a chance to let go of his worries and enjoy the view. She turned at the top and caught him s
taring. He grinned and she rolled her eyes. With no more excuses, he climbed up and out of the water and joined them on the wide porch.
Ember wait at the door for them to join her. "Never enter a witches home without getting permission," she warned them before turning to the open doorway. "Steph, Clover, I brought the kids from Illinois."
Evan frowned at being called a kid. Ember didn't look much, if any, older than he was.
"Evan and CJ?" A girl's voice asked. "Bring them in!"
Ember stepped in and motioned for them to follow her. They walked in and saw the inside of the cottage was just as covered with flowering vines and growth as the outside. A large iron cauldron was in the middle of the room, as well as various tables, stools, and even a bed in the corner. The bed was covered with what looked like a blanket made out of woven grass and flowers.
Two women stood in the midst of it all. The first was an older woman with a brown and blond curls hanging from her head all the way to her chest and back. She wore a few small pouches and a strip of cloth that hung from a cord around her waist. The cloth hung free, rather than tucking between her legs.
Evan blinked, unable to process the savage but beautiful woman in front of him. Beside her stood a younger woman that he recognized after a moment. Instead of a cheerleading uniform, Stephanie wore a thin but tasteful pale blue robe that was unremarkable save for its missing sash. Instead of the loin cloth the older woman wore, Stephanie wore the top and bottom of a white bikini beneath her robe.
"Always good to see you," Ember said as she crossed in front of them and stepped up to Stephanie. The two embraced, wrapping their arms around each other in a quick hug that included a kiss that was a lot more than just a friendly greeting. The other witch turned her attention back to the iron pit in the middle of the room.
Evan heard CJ gasp but his brain was short-circuiting on him. He couldn’t do much more than recognize the sound she'd made.
Ember turned around and rolled her eyes. "Close your mouth," she chided him.
Evan slurped up the drool he nearly spilled and clamped his lips together. "Sorry," he mumbled after he swallowed. He looked at the beautiful blond behind her and waved. "Stephanie?"
Alpha Rising Page 2
