The Enchanted: Council of Seven Shifter Romance Collection

by Juniper Hart

  Dane glanced quickly around the cramped quarters, unsure of what to make of her small home. It was unlike any other place he’d seen in his foggy, short memory, but as he stared about, he realized it wasn’t like anything else anywhere. It was wrought with functionality, with little room for luxury.

  He noted a room for bathing functions, and he realized how odd the concept of a bathroom was to him, not for the first time. It had been one of the first oddities he’d noticed since coming aware of his surroundings.

  He saw an area for food creation. Even the kitchen was strange to look at, although Dane wasn’t sure why. He had no memory of any other such room, and yet he knew inherently that something was wrong. There were small chairs in which to be seated against a folding table bolted into the wall.

  Dane sat in one of the rough, hemp seats and remained perfectly still. He waited for the woman to return from the closet-sized bathroom where he could hear her shuffling around, presumably looking for something to tend to his rash. He didn’t bother to tell her that he was already healing, even if the itching continued to annoy him as the red splotches disappeared.

  Poison ivy, he thought, shaking his head. Why didn’t I remember that? There was no reason for him to have remembered that—or anything else for that matter, yet he felt as if his memory was slowly coming back, even if he couldn’t nab the elusive details easily. It’s going to take time, but it will come, he thought with more confidence than he felt.

  An accordion-style door was the only separation between the miniscule kitchen and bathroom, but it was open, and Dane watched the woman busy herself pulling items out of the barely existent cupboards and placing them in the sink.

  “I’ll just be a second. Are you okay?” she called to him. Dane nodded. The woman wasn’t looking at him. She was muttering something to herself, and despite Dane’s excellent hearing, he couldn’t understand her words, as if she was speaking a foreign language.

  In all fairness, everyone seems to be speaking a foreign language, he reasoned. It wasn’t the first time he’d thought of how strangely everyone seemed to speak.

  “Ah-ha!” she finally declared, pulling out an unmarked jar and jumping to her feet. “I knew I had some calamine lotion in here somewhere.” She joined Dane in the kitchen and gently took his hand. “Do you mind if I put it on you?” she asked, looking at him questioningly, her aqua eyes wide. He didn’t detect a trace of guile in her face, but there was something underlying about her face.

  She’s got a darkness about her, he realized. She fights with it. Dane wondered why the idea excited him as much as it did.

  “No, I don’t mind,” he replied, even though he knew there was no longer any need for treatment. His body had already healed.

  He allowed her to roll up the beige sleeves of his coveralls and begin to apply the chalky white substance to his arm. A strange sensation prickled over the light hairs, and he wracked his memory for the side effects of the ointment. He did not recall tingling as one, yet small bumps seemed to overtake his body as she continued to rub lightly over the spot where the rash had been. She didn’t seem to notice that it had already disappeared.

  “This is completely natural, no toxins or additives whatsoever,” she told him as she rubbed.

  Dane said nothing but suddenly shifted uncomfortably in the simple chair in which he sat. The feeling had spread down into his lower back and groin area. It was not pleasant nor unpleasant, but he suddenly felt like he desperately needed something he could not understand.

  “Are you okay?” She stopped rubbing and peered at him with confusion. Whatever she saw on his face was causing her some alarm, but he did not know how to respond. An inexplicable wave of heat had overcome his body, and he was unusually energetic.

  “No,” he said slowly. She stepped back, and Dane rose to his feet.

  “What’s wrong? Is it the rash?” He shook his head, and before she could ask anything else, he was unbuttoning the uniform he’d stolen from the caretaker’s shed. “What—what are you doing?” She was stunned but did not move as the outfit fell to the floor and he stood before her naked. The woman’s eyes widened as her gaze shifted from his surreal mossy eyes down his sulky mouth to his broad, smooth shoulders and chest. He heard her breath quicken with her heartrate as her gaze fell onto his washboard stomach.

  “I-I’m hot,” he heard himself say. It was so much more than just being higher in temperature. He was giddy, excited… aroused. On a level, he knew he was behaving inappropriately, but she didn’t seem appalled by his behavior.

  Instead, her eyes floated back up to his, and before he could react, her lips were against his, and she was grinding her crotch firmly against his.

  Dane let out a surprised gasp but immediately returned her embrace, his lips parting to allow for his tongue to tease her mouth and teeth. He felt as though she had opened a floodgate in him. She playfully bit at him, drawing him fully into her open mouth, and began sucking on his tongue.

  Dane released another noise of surprise before reaching up to pull her head back. Their gazes locked, and while Dane had been uncomfortable before, he was on fire now. He desperately wanted something primitive and natural, even if he didn’t fully comprehend it. The woman seemed to read the uncertainty in his face and shoved him back into the chair, where he fell without a fight. Straddling him, she snaked one hand behind her own rear and gently teased his naked underside with her nails, relishing his moans of pleasure.

  Her other hand twined into his ebony hair, and her lips were on his neck, licking around his ear. Blood rushed to his center, and she slipped off the chair and dropped to her knees, pulling off her black sweater and baring her firm breasts. Instinctively, Dane reached out to run his hands over her hard nipples, rolling them around his palms and softly pinching them with his fingertips. She leaned forward on her haunches, her mouth trailing over his chest. Her tongue made a soft, wet line to his belly button and lower until she abruptly raised her head and took him into her mouth with one motion.

  Dane moaned loudly, barely noticing as she unzipped her pants, still gently bobbing up and down against him. Kicking off her form-fitting jeans, she stood and spread her long, slim legs and remounted him. She paused to stare at him one final time and then lowered herself directly on top of him.

  Before she could catch her breath, Dane had grasped her hips and pounded at her from underneath with ferocity. He thrust hard and fast, grunting with intensity, the understanding of what he had been craving filling him with a prehistoric passion.

  This was what he’d wanted. Not the sex but her. He’d known it instinctively, unable to comprehend it until that moment.

  This is my mate. The thought filled his head, unbidden, but it didn’t surprise him in the least. He knew it to be true.

  “Harder!” she managed to gasp. “Don’t stop!”

  Dane stared at her, wanting her to cry out, and obliged, thrusting into her so hard, it was a miracle that the chair did not collapse from the motion. He could hold back no longer, and she continued to rock against him as she, too, reached his same point of climax. With a low groan, he released, his fingers digging into her soft, supple skin, and she fell forward in a sweating, heaving breath of hot air.

  They were both still for a long moment, still locked in each other’s eyes. Slowly, Dane pushed her back slightly, feeling oddly ashamed of himself.

  What was that? he wondered, feeling guilty when he looked at her. A small part of him expected her to be angry, but she didn’t seem to be anything other than as dazed as he felt.

  “Wow,” she mumbled, throwing on her pants and sweater in haste. “I don’t know what came over me. I, uh, I don’t usually do things like that.”

  Dane didn’t respond. He just stood up, pulling his own clothing around his chiseled body, casting her a sidelong look. Somehow, he could tell she was feeling humiliated, even if she didn’t meet his eyes.

  This is as surprising to her as it is to me, Dane thought with confidence. She shifted her
eyes away from Dane’s stare.

  “What are you called?” he heard himself say. She looked up, startled by the odd question.

  “Called?” she echoed. Suddenly, her eyes almost popped out of her head. “You mean my name?”

  “Yes,” Dane replied. “What is your name?”

  “Elle. Elle Jagger.”

  He nodded, processing the name through his mind. Elle. French for “her.” That is fitting. She is very feminine and beautiful. He liked the way it sounded, especially when she said her own name. Her voice was hypnotic to him, lulling him into what was probably a false sense of security, but he relished it all the same. He realized she was staring at him expectantly and returned her gaze steadily.

  “And what are you called?” she asked jokingly, and he could hear the embarrassment in her tone. It made him feel slightly better, knowing that she was just as uncomfortable by what had happened as he was.

  But why? We didn’t do anything wrong. We’re mates… I think. Dane, however, had no way of knowing if he could trust anything in his own head.

  “Dane. Hawthorne.” Even as he said the name to her, he didn’t know if he was. He was still watching Elle, his green irises alight with curiosity.

  “That’s an interesting name. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it,” she told him. He wondered if she was teasing him. “Is it foreign? Does it mean something where you come from?”

  He didn’t know how to answer her pointed question and decided not to bother. It was just easier to say nothing than to say something that might land him in more trouble, he reasoned.

  Dane buttoned the last button on his suit and leaned down to straighten his boots. When he stood back up, he found Elle still staring at him.

  “What were you doing out here?” she asked, folding her arms over her chest, a glimmer of suspicion touching her eyes. He studied her face, trying to decide how to answer her question.

  “Looking for answers,” he offered honestly. He didn’t want to lie to her, but he had no other way of explaining himself. Her eyes brightened, and Dane saw that he’d given the best possible answer.

  “Are you some kind of scientist?” she asked, a slow smile curving on her lips.

  “You could say that,” Dane answered in his even way.

  “What kind of research do you do?” she demanded.

  He wished she wasn’t so direct. “I’m researching my environment.”

  “Oh, I see. I guess you’re an environmentalist, then?” Dane considered her question for a long moment and nodded.

  “Yes.” Elle’s mouth dropped open, and excitement colored her cheeks.

  “Really?” she breathed. “T-that’s amazing! What have you found around here? Is the soil toxic? The water?”

  Dane knew the answer to that without being any kind of scientist.

  “Both your water and soil are highly toxic,” he said truthfully. “It’s a wonder that anyone can sustain themselves on this matter.”

  “I knew it! Is it because of the pipelines?” Elle had leaned in closer, her eyes huge now.

  “It is because of mortals,” Dane replied quietly, knowing he wasn’t lying in the least. “They have destroyed a perfectly sustainable planet.”

  She sighed heavily and nodded. “I know. I am so worried about the future of our planet. How can we even think about procreating with the way things are going? What has your research shown? Do you think our future is doomed?”

  “Very much so.”

  Elle grabbed Dane and embraced him, startling him, but the nearness of her body overwhelmed any apprehension he was feeling. He squeezed her tightly, inhaling her silken strands of hair. She smelled of citrus and honey, but not in a processed or manufactured way, and instantly, he felt his memory jog as he touched her. Before he could claim the illusion of a recollection, it was gone. She went to pull away, about to speak, but he maintained his hold upon her, relishing the reprieve from the smog and filth which had endlessly filled his olfactory sense.

  Elle laughed and stayed in his arms.

  “I have some people I want you to meet,” she told him.

  Dane abruptly dropped the hug, the headiness falling away at the mention of other people. He had fallen into some kind of dream state in that little hut, overcome by sexual desire and intrigue for this petite, beautiful female, and now her words had shattered the illusion, grounding him at once.

  “No.” His tone was as flat as ever, and Elle blinked, her smile fading.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, I just thought… never mind. Sorry I mentioned it.” She turned quickly, her face blood red in embarrassment. She cleared her throat but could not clear her eyes of the tears threatening to pour down her porcelain cheeks. Dane realized he had offended her. “You should probably go,” she told him without turning.

  Dane was puzzled by her reaction, but he understood her to be discontent. His answer had changed her demeanor, and he didn’t know why. He simply didn’t want to spend time with anyone else. He couldn’t even fathom how he was able to enjoy spending time with Elle. He was certain that any others would not be nearly as pleasant.

  If I want to stay near her, I have to agree to meet with these people of hers—whether I like it or not.

  “No,” Dane said again, and Elle’s eyes flashed with anger.

  “No, what?” she snapped. “We’re done here. You can go.”

  “No. I changed my mind. I would like to become acquainted with your people.”

  Perhaps I’m being too hasty. Perhaps meeting others will enlighten me as to my past and what I’m doing here.

  Elle’s face relaxed into a puddle of obvious relief, and she grinned, displaying a sparkling array of startling white teeth.

  “You won’t regret it, Dane! They are all members of a group who love the environment and care about the earth. We are all likeminded people, you’ll see.”

  No. We are not all people, Dane thought. He was already regretting agreeing to follow her out the door.

  He had a feeling that he would follow her to the end of the earth if that was what she wanted, because for the first time since he’d woken, he felt as if he finally belonged somewhere.

  7

  “Elle! You’re back! I thought—” Vern abruptly clamped his mouth closed as Dane entered the office behind her. Instantly, his disposition soured visibly. “Oh. You brought someone with you.” His voice went down an octave at the realization. Elle nodded eagerly, a smile filling her face as she ushered Dane inside the headquarters and closed the door behind them.

  “This is Dane,” she said breathlessly, shooting the other members a warning look. “He was arrested at the market today for that whole nonsense.”

  Vern’s mouth became a thin, white line of anger and disappointment.

  “I see,” he replied from between clenched teeth. “And why is he here, Elle?”

  Elle grinned disarmingly at Vern and plopped unceremoniously onto the sofa, flinging her long legs over the arm to sink back casually.

  “Dane has a lot in common with us,” she told him. “He’s an environmentalist.” There was a collective exhalation in the room. Vern stood up abruptly from his seat, the anger on his face almost palpable.

  “Elle, may I have a word with you in my office, please?” She shrugged and gave Dane a quick wink.

  “I’ll be right back,” she assured him. “Just make yourself comfortable.” She followed Vern into the inner room, leaving the door wide open so she could monitor what was happening in the sitting room. She had no doubt that Dane could take care of himself, but she wanted to keep an eye out, just in case.

  Avery smiled and rushed forward, extending a flabby arm toward Dane.

  “Hey, man! Nice to meet you! Who do you work for?” she heard the chubby tech ask. Dane stared at Avery’s outstretched palm as if he’d never been forced to shake hands before.

  It’s like he’s from a different planet or something, Elle thought with affection.

  “Elle, close the door and sit down,” Vern growled,
but she shook her head.

  “Why? We’re not going to be here long.”

  Vern’s scowl deepened. “What is he doing here?”

  Elle blinked and laughed. “Did you not hear what I said? He’s an environmentalist. He’s an attribute to our cause.”

  “He’s a stranger who hasn’t been vetted,” Vern snapped back. “I’m surprised at you.”

  “Come on, Vern. How long have you known me? You should know I’d never do anything to put the cause in jeopardy. Dane is solid. I promise.”

  “You should know better than to invite strangers here. We have a protocol for new recruits. You know that.”

  Elle waved her hand dismissively.

  “He’s fine. I vouch for him,” she said, spinning around like the matter was resolved. She rejoined the group, even though Vern called out for her to come back. “Dane has been taking water and soil samples near Asher Falls,” Elle explained to the others as she entered the room. “He says that the toxin levels are off the charts. He claims we have a big problem.” She could see that Vern’s face was a mask of controlled anger, but she looked adoringly at the newest addition to the group.

  Bernice looked up warily at Elle’s statement, the skepticism in her eyes tangible.

  “How big of a problem?” she asked slowly.

  “Dane?” Elle turned to him. “How bad is it?”

  Dane gritted his teeth together and shrugged. Elle eyed him imploringly.

  Come on, she begged him silently. Give them something, or I’m never going to hear the end of it. Don’t make me look like a fool.

  He pulled his gaze reluctantly from her lovely face and glanced indifferently at the group.