by Kim Loraine
Pressure, unlike anything I’ve ever known settles on my chest, making it nearly impossible for me to draw breath. This is it. I’m dying. Again. I’ll never see Grant, never get to tell him how important to me he really is, but at least I know he’ll be alive.
The pressure builds until my ears pop and everything erupts into an explosion of brightness and power. My heart stops. My vision goes blurry. And I’m gone.
Grant
It’s been three days since I woke up on the wrong side of the hangover from hell and I’m still not back to rights. I don’t know what it is, but my head feels…foggy. For the life of me, I can’t remember anything much past walking into The Witch’s Brew Pub weeks ago. There’s nothing like waking naked in the middle of nowhere, Ireland with no recollection of how I came to be there. But, I’m not willing to keep trying to recall what must’ve been a bloody epic bender. Not when every attempt leaves me curled on the floor with a head-splitting migraine. All I know is Lachlan sent me to do a job and I’ll not be answering his call until I can deliver the three witches we’ve been hired to kill.
“Mr. McTavish,” the woman’s voice is small through the door of my hotel room. “There’s a message for you at the desk. I’m sorry to disturb, but we’ve tried calling up to the room and you didn’t answer.”
A low growl rumbles in my chest, annoyance building. “What is it?” I bark.
“Um, he said to meet him in the bar or he’ll make some new friends downstairs.”
I have to clench my teeth to fight the wave of unease those words cause. New friends is Lachlan’s code for adding to the pack. The last thing I want is to be the reason anyone is changed against their will. A flash of blond hair and startling eyes hit me, sending blinding pain right between my eyes.
“Fuck,” I mutter.
“Mr. McTavish?”
Damn, I’d forgotten the woman was standing outside my room. “I’ll be down shortly.”
I can hear her soft sigh of relief and the sound of her footfalls on the carpet as she heads away from my door. Thank fuck she’s gone. I tug a shirt over my head and run my hands through my unruly hair before sliding the key card into my pocket and making my way downstairs.
Lachlan sits at the bar, flirting with the busty barmaid. Normally, she’d be my type of woman, but even when she flashes me a sultry smile as I take a seat, I’ve got no reaction for her. I’m beyond uninterested and that’s strange.
“What’re you doing here?” I ask, turning my focus to Lachlan.
“I haven’t heard from you in nearly three days. You were supposed to check-in.”
“So you decided to come babysit me?”
“Yes. I thought those witches might’ve got to you.” He looks at the bartender, motions to his empty glass and raises two fingers in a gesture that can only mean he wants more. Then he locks eyes with me. “Any luck on that front?”
I shake my head, unable to admit I can’t remember a damn thing about the last few weeks. “Nothing yet. What’s the next step?”
He pulls a scrap of lace from his pocket and dangles it in front of my face. “I have this. The stupid bitches left it in their flat. Halston found it behind the dresser in the blonde’s room. Go on, get her scent. Moon’s tonight. We run, check out the area, and we find them.”
My blood hums with the need to shift, but we’re still a few hours from that. Inhaling the soft feminine scent on the lace, I fight the hardening of my cock and force myself to commit her scent to memory. I’ll be glad to have a break from this strange feeling in my head. When my beast takes over, maybe it will help clear things. “Fine. And if we find them?”
“Take them out. All three.”
He downs his drink and I glance in front of me. I hadn’t even realized the barmaid had delivered the highball glass. Following his lead, I take a long swallow of the brown liquid, unsure until it hits my tongue what it is. Whisky. Straight. A satisfying burn takes hold in my belly and I let the thought of finishing this task and the payday that comes with it roll around in my brain. The Three are dangerous and deadly witches, that much I know. They can’t be allowed to live.
“Any contact with your runaway mate?” Lachlan asks.
My brow furrows as confusion takes hold. “My mate?”
“The woman you were crying in your Glenfiddich over earlier this week. God, man, have you forgotten her already?”
“Seems like it. Obviously, she wasn’t my mate. I’d never let her go if I found her.”
He mutters, “That’s what you say now.”
“What do you mean?”
“You were damn sure she was your mate. But, if it gets you on track to do your job, I’ll let this go. She’s gone anyway.”
Finishing off my drink, I stand and drop some cash on the bar. “I’ve got some work to see to upstairs.”
He holds his hands up and laughs. “Fine, fine. I’ll see you at moonrise.”
I nod, but on the inside, all I can think of is how to steer clear of him when we run. I want privacy while I hunt, not to be watched at every turn.
Hours later, I’ve driven as far away as I can get before the moon begins its journey across the sky. Lachlan can likely find me, but this will give me at least a little time to myself. Walking into the cover of trees at the edge of the street, I disrobe, folding my clothes and leaving them in a neat pile behind a fallen log. I close my eyes and let the change take me, shifting with more ease than I’ve ever experienced.
It’s freeing to run through these uninhabited woods, to feel the wind caressing my limbs while my senses ride the high of my animal self. But I have a goal and I need to keep myself focused on that. Find the witches. Stopping in my tracks, I close my eyes and scent the air for anything that doesn’t belong. It’s then that I smell it. Her. Excitement for the hunt builds in my chest. She’s close.
I bolt through the trees, my body lean and powerful as I race toward the enticing smell of the one I’m searching for. If I can find her first, I can claim her life and take the prize, the prestige of besting my pack leader. The sound of an animal moving through the brush catches my attention, halting me as it rushes toward me. A deep growl builds in my chest and my hackles rise as a snow white wolf bursts through the nearby bushes and comes to a stop mere feet in front of me. She’s beautiful, and not of my pack. But most intriguing of all, she carries the scent of the witch I’m trying to find.
22
Izzy
Being a wolf is bloody brilliant. I’ve never felt so powerful, even when I wasn’t cursed. But now? Now I’m a hybrid. I can feel my witchy powers running through me even while shifted into the form of this beast.
The wolf in front of me is startling. He’s broad, intimidating and fierce, and when I lock eyes with him, I know he’s the one I’ve been aching for while at the same time, desperate to avoid. Grant. My mate. My wolf wants him. She’s pushing me forward, needing him to claim her again, but I can’t let that happen.
Witch.
His voice echoes in my head, catching me off guard.
Grant, I say, keeping my tone calm.
What magic is this? There’s never been a witch who can shift.
My chest burns with the need to go to him. I was turned.
He shakes his head and pads closer to me. Why do I smell myself on you? Is this some sort of trick?
Oh, God. He can’t remember. Not now. It will ruin everything I’ve done to keep him safe. I turn tail and bolt away from him. It’s equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. I can hear him giving chase. He’s going to catch me, I don’t stand a chance against his power and strength. Darting from left to right, I try to lose him, but fail. He’s at my side, his mind pushing against mine, trying to break through the wall I raised between our thoughts. Then, he pounces. His big body knocks me to my back as he pins me beneath him.
I should try to fight, but I can’t. His dark eyes stare into mine and I see the flicker of recognition.
He whispers, change. And I do. I can’t stop myself.
/>
In moments, we’re both human again, his big hands running over my bare skin.
“Why do I feel like I know you?” he asks.
I can’t answer. I need him so much. I want him more than anything. Spreading my thighs, I wrap my arms around him and close the distance between our lips. It’s passion and fire between us, just like it was the first time—every time. The quiet night air blankets us as we move together, lost in our kiss, but then he breaks away and cups my face in his hands, his strong brow furrowing.
“I’ll ask again, witch. Why?”
“Because you do.”
“And why do I feel like I bloody love you?”
My heart breaks at the words, but I whisper, “Because you did.”
His cock is heavy and thick between us, his piercing a whisper of cold metal against me. I’m wet and needy, aching for him to fill me. Reaching for him, I stroke his length and he hisses as his eyes roll back in his head. Then, I position him at my entrance and he slides home. His eyes widen and I feel it the instant Helena’s siren spell breaks. She can’t hold him captive with her song because he’s my soul mate.
He moves inside me, the feel of him making me shiver in ecstasy. I love this man. I knew it when I made him forget me but still he found me again.
“Izzy,” he breathes. “You…you broke our bond.”
He continues thrusting over and over, dragging his crown over that special place inside me that makes my vision blur. “I’m sorry,” I moan.
“I love you. You’re mine.”
I nod. “I’m yours.”
With a sharp roll of his hips, he sends me over the edge and I come, screaming his name and without a care for who might hear. He presses his forehead to mine and kisses me long and deep while he finds his own release.
The harsh sounds of our breaths seem loud in the sudden stillness.
“Grant,” I start.
“Beauty?”
“How did you find me?”
He pulls out of me and rolls to his side, tucking me close to his body. “Your scent. You left something behind in your flat. Lachlan wanted to use it to find you. Thank God it was me. He would have killed you.”
I’m still slick with arousal, wanting him again. “I’m not sated. I need you so badly. Is this normal?”
Running his hand down my belly until he cups my sex, he groans. “The change brought on your heat. It’ll only get stronger as the night goes on. I’ll care for you until it’s over, mo leannan. I promise.”
He gets to his feet and holds out a hand for me. I follow, but my entire body seems to be on fire. I can’t wait to have him again.
“Change, Beauty. Then follow me. We need to get back to my car and get you to my room so I can see to you properly.”
I don’t argue. Instead, I do as he says, running through the forest at top speed. When I see him change, I follow suit, not caring about my nakedness. His firm arse is on full display, and I bite back a moan. We need his car, now. Or maybe he’ll just press me against the nearest tree and have his way.
“Come on,” he grumbles as he gathers his clothes and begins dressing. “We’ll pass the night at the nearest inn. Your scent is driving me mad with wanting. I won’t make it through an hour long drive.”
“Do we have to wait?” My voice is nearly a whine, but I couldn’t care less.
He smirks, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Aye, lass. We wait until I can have you without fear of being seen.”
When we step out of the cover of trees, my lack of clothes becomes more of an issue. I can’t traipse around Ireland naked as the day I was born. I clear my throat and Grant’s gaze swings to me. “I’m still naked.”
One dark eyebrow rises. “I can see that.”
“I didn’t exactly plan to be so far from the house when I changed back.”
He tugs the shirt off his body and hands it to me. It’s warm and smells of something innately Grant. I can’t help but sigh at the soothing feel of the fabric. The man is so large his shirt fits me like a dress. At least now I’m not going to get arrested for public indecency.
“Ready to go?” he asks.
I nod and climb into the car. The moment he gets in beside me and closes the door I feel it. Heat. His scent. His presence. My awareness of our proximity and the sensation of his clothing brushing my bare skin. All of this combined sends a rush of desire over me. It’s a wave more powerful than before and this time, the absence of his body on mine physically hurts. I squirm and give a small whimper.
His answer, as though he understands exactly what hurts, is to run his palm over my knee and up my thigh. “Don’t worry. I’m here now and I’ll never let you go again, Beauty.”
Curse or no curse, I’m in love and it can’t be stopped. Not the curse, not my love. I was stupid to think there was a way around my feelings.
Grant
It takes forty-five goddamned minutes to find a free room, but I do it and thank fuck for small favors. Izzy is nearly writhing in pain from the waves of her heat and my cock feels like it’s about to explode from my reaction to her. I can’t tell her yet, but our mating bond hasn’t been reestablished. It should have. The sex we’d had in the woods should have seen to repairing our connection. But right now, she doesn’t need that knowledge competing with the unadulterated desire controlling her body. She needs me.
We barely make it through the door before her lips are on mine and her hands are sliding down the front of my jeans.
“Please,” she murmurs against my mouth. “Please, Grant. It hurts.”
I grab the hem of her shirt and pull it over her head. Immediately, she groans in relief and I’m sure it’s because she knows what’s coming. But then she drops to her knees and works open the fly of my jeans, freeing my length without ceremony. Her hot little mouth engulfs my crown before I can register what’s happening and then I’m lost to the agonizing pleasure of her tongue on me. Threading my fingers through her hair, I grip the strands of blond tightly as she works my cock.
“Fuck, Izzy.” Her answering moan vibrates down my shaft and sends me closer to orgasm than I want to be. “Bringing me off like this won’t help you.”
She continues as though she didn’t hear me, but I see her fingers working her clit as she bobs up and down on me. She needs relief.
As much as I don’t want to, I pull away from her warm lips and tug her to standing. My gaze is met by those bronze irises and the fire I see behind them makes me ache for her. Stepping out of my pants, I lift her until she straddles my waist. Her slick pussy presses against my straining cock and it’s all I can do not to thrust into her here and now. But I want her on the bed, under me with her hair splayed out and her beautiful body on display.
Five steps forward and we hit the mattress. I don’t let go of her as I crawl across the quilt and lay her in the center of the bed. Instead, the instant her head lands on the pillow, I sink my cock deep inside her. We both let out harsh groans and I nearly come right then and there. I’m sheathed fully inside her but I don’t move. I can’t. It’s too intense, the build up too much. Slow, steady breaths help me control the urge to spend myself right fucking now.
“Grant,” she moans. “Please, don’t stop. I need you.”
That’s it, I’m done. I can’t deny her and that’s not what I’m here for anyway. Servicing a female in heat means she is the absolute focus. This is about giving her pleasure until the moon sets and her heat passes. She grips my shoulders and her nails dig into my skin, the combination of pleasure and pain making my dick jerk inside her.
“God.” Her cry is a breathy pant against my neck.
“I’m going to love you until neither of us can move a muscle.”
She rolls her hips and bites out, “Stop telling me what you’re going to do and just fucking do it, Beast.”
So, I do. I pull out and slam back in, hard and fast. Her moans turn to high keening cries and by the flush creeping up her chest and neck, she’s close to reaching her pinnacle, at least
for this round. She comes around my cock, the tight pulsing squeeze pulling my orgasm from me without permission. Stars burst behind my eyes and I pour myself into her.
It goes this way for the rest of the night, until, as promised, neither of us can move. We lie together, sweaty, breathing heavily, and exhausted as we watch the light of sunrise creep in through the window.
Izzy trails her fingertip across my chest and down the defined muscles of my stomach. “So…last time we shagged in a frenzy outside we were mated. Does that mean we are again?”
My breath catches. I don’t know how to tell her without hurting her. I force a laugh and pull her tighter to me. “Eager to be mine again?”
“Don’t avoid the question.”
Dammit, this woman is too perceptive. “No. We’re not mated.”
She sits up and stares at me. “Why?”
Anger that I hadn’t been able to acknowledge threatens to surface. “I don’t bloody know. I’ve never been mated before, and as far as I knew, the bond is unbreakable.”
“Oh.” She sounds softer than usual. “I…I didn’t realize—”
“What? That by breaking our bond you’d ruin me?” The hurt and betrayal breaks past my walls and comes rushing out. “I thought you were dead. I saw you with that angel and came back for you to tell you I wasn’t going to let you go without a fight. And then it felt as though my heart had been ripped from my chest and crushed to a bloody pulp when the bond broke. I waited for death to come for me so I could join you, but it didn’t. I never thought my mate would want to be free of me so badly.”
She surprises me by rolling on top of me, her legs straddling my hips and her palms pressed against my chest. “You stupid arse. I was trying to save you. Do you know how lucky I am to be alive right now? Your bite should have killed me and if Tamiel hadn’t helped with the spell he did, I would’ve taken you with me.”
“But you didn’t die. You broke our bond for nothing.”
“I broke it because I couldn’t bear the idea of you dying because of me. Don’t you get it?” She blinks and tears run down her cheeks before she opens her eyes and says, “I did it because I love you.”
