She leaped in between a long series of narrow trees, and could smell and hear the water flowing freely from a waterfall and stream just ahead. She felt so alive, so free, and almost perfect. As she leaped over the edge, prepared to sip from the cold water and maybe even bathe in the natural spring, she heard the growl.
* * * *
Kedar was filled with anger and annoyance as he roamed through the thick forest on royal land. He couldn’t believe that Saxton and Tango were staying here. It wasn’t right. Just because of what they did to secure the Goddess of the circle’s life, their pasts, and what they had done while serving in the Brothers of Were was forgotten. Well, he didn’t forget, nor did his brothers, even though Alden and Caton seemed to care less. Saxton was a ruthless killer, a pawn who took a woman’s life for no apparent reason at all.
As Kedar breathed in the fresh, clean air, allowing his wolf to explore the land, he couldn’t help but to feel on edge. He knew that Saxton was out here. Somewhere in the many acres of land doing the same thing. Being free and allowed to explore anywhere he wanted. Kedar puffed his chest out, and took a deep breath as he ran toward the water. He was thirsty, hungry after running for hours.
He leaped over the broken trees and toward the sound of the waterfall knowing he could quench his thirst. But inhaling deeply, his senses immediately zeroed in on both sound and aroma.
His wolf growled low. Something was coming toward him at great speed. It was a wolf, as far as he could tell. He looked around him, zeroed in on the location and path. It seemed the beast was either focused on something past Kedar or not really focused at all. He felt the fur on his back rise up. Then he sensed another sound coming from the opposite side. It was picking up pace. He would come up on the right, and they would collide if the other beast could pick up pace. Suddenly he saw the wolf, the coat as pure as snow, medium in size, and totally filled with emotion.
His wolf was in total control as he leaped through the air, inhaled deeply, and realized what it was.
Their bodies slammed together and rolled smoothly, as one across the brush.
He pinned her shoulders down, and stared into her stunning ocean blue eyes.
She tried to fight, but only momentarily.
He growled and held her gaze.
My mate. I found my mate.
* * * *
Maya was shaking she was so scared. She had no idea who this wolf was, just that he was enormous, and if her senses were correct, he was an Alpha. She recognized his scent but wasn’t sure how that could be, when suddenly another large growl filled the air. The wolf rolled her to her side and they sprung up together, him placing her behind him in a protective reaction.
The dark black wolf, different than the one now protecting her, growled deeply. His fangs were huge, his size like some sort of warrior and slightly bigger than the one protecting her.
They both growled and smacked paws at one another, as if they were enemies. That didn’t make sense at all. There were no enemies on this land, only family, pack members, and friends. Even if they were just visiting, they wouldn’t be allowed free roam of the land. Unless… She gasped as she realized instantly who they must be. That was why she recognized the one’s scent. He was one of Antoinette’s boys. She could smell his family connections through his blood. He had Crimson, Sinclair, and McFay ancestors, but she couldn’t figure out who the other one was.
They started to swing paws at one another, giving her the opportunity to make an escape. As she started to edge her way back toward the water, she felt herself hesitate as the two wolves bared their teeth and stared at one another in challenge. It was as if her wolf didn’t want to leave.
Was she turned on by this? Two wolves fighting over her? That was what was happening here, as she inhaled deeply, heart pounding as she tried to decipher what was taking place. Then she caught the other wolf’s scent and she was shocked.
I am mate to him, too?
She was suddenly scared out of her mind. She was petite, quiet, and easygoing. She was content in knowing that she would never be the love and possession of wolves so empowered and significant in the pack. She was content in doing things under the radar, and helping when the Goddesses asked for assistance with small things, like making the bracelets and offering a helping hand.
Their growls and then the sound of their massive bodies hitting one another as they fought frightened her.
Forget this. I’m outta here.
She took off running, as the echoes of the beasts fighting filled the air. Someone would hear them. Someone would stop them from killing one another.
She leaped through the brush and never saw or sensed the other wolf until it was too late. It slammed into her hard, causing her to collide into the large thick tree and howl out in pain. The scent of the rogue wolf hit her simultaneously as his claws came in contact to her fur. She howled louder as she tried to fight, but it was wild, strong, and fierce as it grabbed her like a rag doll and shoved her hard against the tree. Her head hit the trunk and she knew she was done.
The dizziness set in immediately as another wolf came into view. Drool dripped from his sharp teeth and she swore it looked like he smiled.
In a distorted voice, the one wolf spoke to the other.
“She’s a beautiful wolf. Can we take her with us and then kill her later?” He nuzzled close to her chest and then moved his muzzle along her belly and lower. She was disgusted as she tried to move and push him away but her paws didn’t work properly. She saw the evil in their eyes and knew that they were rogue. They had no laws, no rules.
“It’s what was asked of us.”
But before she could decipher what that meant, she heard the large growls and then both wolves disappeared. She could hear the growls, more fighting and howls, as she began to lose consciousness. She needed to shift to heal, but then she would be naked and even more exposed. She felt the tingling, and then the voice.
Shift, Maya, and your mates will protect you.
She recognized the voice, felt the comfort of the Goddess of Were as she spoke. She closed her eyes and brought on the change just as darkness overtook her.
* * * *
Saxton looked at Kedar in shock as the beautiful white wolf shifted back to her human form. They both reached for her, now fully naked, a voluptuous, youthful woman, his mate.
“Mine,” Saxton whispered as he reached for her but so did Kedar. When their arms collided before touching her skin, they felt something strange. It all became clear now that his rage over seeing his mate attacked sunk in.
“Mine,” Kedar whispered, then caressed her damp brown locks from her hair before his thumb rubbed over her lip.
They locked gazes.
“She is my mate.” Saxton growled.
Kedar showed his incisors as he growled his words. “She is my mate.”
The soft moaning sound immediately drew their full attention. The lovely woman lying motionless against the tree, battered, bruised and still bleeding from her arm was in need of medical attention. Saxton couldn’t believe this was happening. This woman, his mate was so young, and gorgeous, too, with the body his wolf and man would never get enough of.
“She needs medical attention. Then we’ll talk about you leaving us alone,” Kedar stated with a growl.
Saxton swung his head around to look at Kedar, shocked by his statement. He reached for the woman, too.
“I don’t think so, Kedar. I’ll never leave her side. Now let’s find out who she is and get her help. We should call to the others so that we can figure out who these wolves that attacked her Were and why?”
Kedar gave him a conceited look.
“My brothers are on their way. Our bond is strong. That’s something you know nothing about. You heartless bastard.”
Saxton growled as the sound and smell of wolves coming closer invaded his senses.
Saxton immediately covered up his mate to hide her body from the others. Kedar now growled low, but remained touching the woman. He caress
ed her cheek, as the guards arrived as well as Caton, Alden, Draco, Orion, Palidor, Tango, and Ariella.
“Is Maya okay? Were you able to protect her?” Ariella asked as she moved closer. Both Saxton and Kedar growled low, their wolves in protective mode as they still showed respect by bowing their heads.
“It will be okay,” Ariella whispered. Then a series of growls moved through the crowd. Caton, Alden, and Tango moved closer, inhaling Maya’s scent and taking a protective position around her as Saxton held her in his arms.
“Well, isn’t this going to be interesting?” Draco said and then smirked as he placed his hands on Ariella’s shoulders pulling her back against his chest. Palidor and Orion took position next her as well.
The growls continued.
“Let’s get her to Kentra, shall we? Then the five of you can sit down like civilized wolves and discuss how you’re going to handle all being mated to Maya,” Orion said. None of the men looked happy as they nudged one another to try and get closer to Maya as Saxton and Kedar walked Maya to Kentra’s.
* * * *
Ariella looked at Draco as he pulled her back to make her give the wolves their space with their new mate. She tried to shrug her shoulders from his grasp, which only riled up his wolf.
“This is out of your control. They were able to protect her. Now let’s try to figure out who these wolves were that went after her, and perhaps why?”
“They are rogue. Definitely not from around here, but how did they make it this deeply onto Venificus land?” Orion asked, joining Draco and Ariella, as Palidor spoke with the guards who were dealing with the bodies.
“And why go after Maya?” Ariella asked as she watched the men slowly disappear the further they walked their mate toward Kentra’s.
Orion placed his hands on his hips as he glanced around the woods.
“It could have been convenience. She was out here all alone, enjoying a run, and they waited for the opportunity to grab the first wolf they saw,” Orion suggested.
“Considering the series of events that have taken place over the last several months, I would have to say I disagree, brother. This was no coincidence,” Draco added.
“But how did they come this deeply into the woods and our territory without being scented or noticed?”
“Well, aren’t we lucky to have Task Force 8 staying with us? Considering it was their mate who was attacked, I’d say they’re the right team to be handling the investigation,” Palidor said and then took Ariella’s hand and brought it to his lips. He held her gaze as he kissed her knuckles.
“Shall we go try to keep the peace at Kentra’s?”
Ariella chuckled.
“This could be a terrible situation. All five of those men are Alpha wolves who do not bow down to anyone or anything. That being said, my concern is for Maya. She is sweet, quiet, and very private. She does not enjoy confrontation nor does she handle conflict well. I fear the men will intimidate her and ultimately scare her.”
“But you forget one thing, mate. There is one more Goddess to locate and declare. Perhaps Maya is the third?” Draco asked, and Orion and Palidor smiled as they began walking out of the woods.
Ariella nodded her head. “We will have to wait and see.”
“Just as the others waited for you to be ready?” Palidor teased.
“Something tells me that this situation, and bonding will be much more difficult than any other. Kedar, Caton, and Alden must work things out with Saxton and Tango. No matter what is the cause of their hatred, they must get over it, or their vulnerability could be exactly the weakness this evil preys upon,” Ariella said. She felt her mates become more serious as they quietly headed to Kentra’s.
* * * *
“You two can leave now. We’ll take care of our mate,” Kedar said to Saxton and Tango as Kentra asked them all to leave the examining room. It wasn’t even large enough to fit two of the five overlarge men. Plus, they had been arguing since entering the main office. Kentra wondered what the hell was going on, and then realized that they were all Maya’s mates. She felt bad for Maya. She was a woman who kept to herself, was independent with her own business, and she worked with Were public affairs. Considering that she dealt with Annabelle on a regular basis, Maya had to be tough as nails.
Kentra caught sight of Ariella and her mates right before she closed the door. Ariella waved her hand and bypassed the men who were about to take their verbal argument to the physical. Orion raised his voice.
“This is not acceptable. Take it outside or shut up while Kentra looks over Maya. This is a public medical facility.” He looked around at the very fearful expressions on a few patients waiting in the waiting area.
Kentra couldn’t see what happened next as Ariella entered the examination room and closed the door.
“So, what the heck happened?” Kentra asked, as her assistant covered Maya with blankets and began taking her pulse and checking over her injuries.
“She was attacked in the woods by rogue wolves.”
“Well, she did the right thing by shifting back to her human form. There are just a few bruises, and considering what happened, she looks fine.”
“Then why is she unconscious?” Ariella asked as Kentra continued to examine her.
“Okay, Maya, you can open your eyes now,” Kentra said.
Ariella gasped. “What do you mean she can—”
Maya blinked open her eyes and pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. “Are they gone?” she asked.
Ariella realized that Maya had played possum on purpose. The poor woman was downright scared out of her mind.
“They’re in the waiting room.”
“They’re going to hurt me, or one another. I need to get out of here.” Maya started to sit up. She swung her legs over the side and stared at Ariella and Kentra.
“You have to help me. Both of you. I can’t be their mate.”
“Honey, you are their mate,” Kentra said and then leaned back against the side table and crossed her arms in front of her chest. She was practically laughing, yet she felt Maya’s concern and anxiety. The problem was, Maya was mate to five very dominant, intelligent Alpha wolves. There was no way she would get out of here without them knowing.
“Oh god, I can’t be. It has to be a mistake. They are wrong.”
Ariella moved closer and touched Maya’s hand.
“There’s no mistake. But I understand your fears and concerns.”
They could hear the commotion going on beyond the door and it didn’t sound good at all.
“They hate one another. They’re going to fight and kill each other, and I won’t be part of that.” Maya jumped down and looked around for something to wear. “Do you have any clothes? Please, anything to cover me up so I can leave through the back door?”
The yelling got louder and even Ariella looked worried.
“Here. Take this sweater, and these scrubs,” Kentra offered. Maya took them and stepped into the clothing.
“Kentra, she must face them. What are you doing?” Ariella asked.
“Giving the woman some time to digest this. She was attacked in the woods by two rogue wolves and then saved by her mates. Now two of the mates are fighting with the other three over who knows what. I would need some alone time to in order to digest it all. She can deal with them later. They’ll find her soon enough.”
“Thanks, Kentra. I owe you.” Maya hugged Kentra.
There was a knock at the door and then they heard Kedar’s voice.
“We want to see our mate. Now,” he demanded.
“Go. We’ll stall them,” Ariella said and Maya smiled, hugged her and then exited the side hallway that led to the back door. Kentra looked at Maya.
“Too bad Selena’s at the courthouse working. She would be loving this right now.”
“She sure would be. But I’m not sure this is right. They need to be with their mate. Maya has to face them.”
“She will, Ariella. In fact, she may wind up with some company in
that hot shower I suggested she take when she gets home.”
Ariella chuckled. “You are too much. Just wait until your mates come along.”
“That may never happen, but if and when they do, I’ll be sure to make them work for this body and soul, just like you made your mates work for it and so will Maya.”
The door crashed open interrupting their conversation.
“Where is she?” Kedar yelled, and then the others pushed their way inside.
“She was fine and I gave the all clear,” Kentra said as the men sniffed the air and searched for any sign of the direction their mate left in.
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Alden asked.
“You were all too busy acting like a bunch of cubs on the playground fighting over the prettiest girl in school. Maya couldn’t take it anymore,” Kentra said. They growled as they hurried out the door in search of their mate.
Kentra and Ariella were laughing until Orion, Palidor, and Draco entered.
“Ariella, what have you done?” Orion asked with a stern expression.
“Nothing. It was Kentra.”
Kentra gasped and then gave her sister a swat on her arm. Ariella chuckled, but her mates were none the happier.
Chapter 4
Alden grabbed his brother Kedar’s arm to stop him.
“Wait. Everyone just hold up a damn minute.”
They all stopped, including Saxton and Tango. Alden looked at Saxton first. The man was big, like his brother Caton. He was closer to Caton’s six feet four and shared the same build. Wide shoulders, lots of muscles, and the ability to shoot daggers with their eyes alone.
Goddess of Unity [The Men of Five-O #8] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever) Page 3
