by J. D. Tyler
“Unless you want to just leave and make a run for it,” she suggested. “Maybe whatever it was is gone?”
“No, he’s still out there, waiting. I can feel him.”
“Then I guess we’re here for the duration. Want to watch TV?”
Alone with Kalen, and that was the last pastime on her list. But she wasn’t going to make a fool of herself by making a play for him.
He’s a coworker, Mac! And it’s never smart to sleep with one. Remember that. Strength, girlfriend. You can handle this.
Kalen flipped on the television and they settled on the bed, propped on pillows, watching a standup comedian on a cable channel. The show was funny, but her eyelids soon grew heavy. Too sleepy, worn out from their stressful ordeal, she let herself fall into oblivion.
What a freakin’ waste of a delicious Sorcerer.
Jax wasn’t surprised when, at two in the morning, there was a knock on the door to the quarters he and Kira shared. Nor was he surprised to find Nick standing on the threshold, frowning in concern.
His commander got right to the point. “Did you loan Kalen your keys to one of the Escalades?”
No point in lying when the man clearly knew the answer already. “I did. Isn’t he back yet?”
“No, and neither is Mac. I can’t reach either one of them on their cell phones. In fact, I can’t even contact Sheriff Deveraux. There seems to be an outage in the area—and not a normal one.”
“Shit.” A chill snaked down his spine. “We initiating a search?”
“Yeah. I’m not getting any premonitions except a vague sense that something bad has happened, and I don’t fucking like it.” The man sighed, raking a hand through short, dark hair a lot like Jax’s own, except Nick’s was beginning to turn silver at the temples. “Let’s take Zan and Ryon with us. Hammer will stay here and keep watch.”
“Good idea.” Four was a more comfortable number when facing unknown odds. Five would’ve been better, and his gut churned at the thought. Aric should’ve been with them, and it was his fault their friend had been taken captive. They’d find him. Jax had to believe that or he’d go insane with the horrible guilt. “Let me throw on some jeans and I’ll round up the others.”
“Meet me at the hanger.”
Then Nick was gone, leaving Jax to dress with warp speed. He stopped only long enough to give his sleepy mate a kiss and tell her not to worry.
As if. Their newest Pack member was out there somewhere, with Mac. Something was very wrong. Suddenly, Jax recalled the conversation he and Nick had about Kalen the very night they’d taken in the Sorcerer.
“Is the kid going to be okay?” Jax asked.
“Definitely not if he leaves, but even if he stays . . . I don’t know. His storm is still a good ways off, but it’s coming.”
“And when it arrives?” He was almost afraid to learn the answer, with good reason.
“Kalen will either find it in his soul to do the right thing, make the hard choice. Or he’ll destroy us all.”
Whatever had happened tonight, Jax had a terrible feeling this was the beginning. The rolling thunder before the storm.
And he had a suspicion that Nick knew it, too.
God help them all.
3
The trees were dead.
They weren’t supposed to be dead in the middle of the summer, but they were. Stripped of their leaves, skeletal branches touched the gray sky. Nothing moved. No sign of life anywhere, as though every living thing had perished along with their precious shelter.
Fish floated in the poisoned streams, eyes staring blankly at heavens, accusing. Who had let this happen? Why?
Studying the ground and the tree trunks, she saw that most everything was blackened, as though it had been . . . burned?
“Come with me and we’ll rule together.”
Glancing around, she wondered who’d spoken. A flash of black caught her eye, darting behind one of the barren trunks. A suit jacket?
“Who are you?” she called. “And rule what? This?” She spread out her arms to indicate the wasteland.
“What you see is merely a preview of what will happen if I’m refused. I enjoy getting my way.”
The amusement in his tone grated. “Would you really do this to the land, the wildlife?”
“Not me.”
“Then who?”
“You don’t know?” he asked, as though she was a small, confused child.
“Of course not,” she snapped. Inching forward, she crept up on the tree she’d seen him, or something, hide behind. And jumped around it to find nothing there.
His laugh echoed through the branches. “Your Sorcerer, who else?”
“You’re a liar.” What an asshole. “Kalen would never do anything like this.”
“Know him well, do you?”
He had here there. “No,” she admitted reluctantly. “But in my heart, I know he wouldn’t.”
“Ah, your heart,” he said softly, as though in great sympathy. “What do you know of matters of the heart, lovely one? What do you know of the Sorcerer’s? He who has a soul nearly as dark as my own, and requires only the correct guidance to realize his potential.”
Those words froze her to the bone. “What are you planning to do with Kalen?”
“Whatever I wish.” He chuckled. “That doesn’t answer your question, does it? Come with me and all will be revealed.”
“And if I don’t?”
From nowhere a bolt of light streaked from the sky, slammed her in the chest. Heat seared her heart, agony blasting through every cell in her body.
Writhing on the ground, she screamed. And screamed—
“Mackenzie!”
Screamed . . .
“God, Mackenzie! Wake up!”
A pair of hands were shaking her roughly. Mac jolted awake, heart pounding in terror. Someone was lying half on top of her, holding her down. A man.
“Don’t hurt me anymore! Please!”
“Honey, it’s me, Kalen!”
That penetrated her fright, and she paused in confusion. “Kalen?”
“Yes,” he breathed, pulling her against his chest. “It’s me. I’m here, and you’re safe. It was just a bad dream.”
“A dream? No! He was there and he was such a bastard, killing all the trees and animals, and blaming it on you! And he wanted me to join him and when I wouldn’t—”
“Sweetheart, slow down,” he soothed, stroking her hair. “You’re not making any sense. Take a few deep breaths, there’s my girl.”
She did, and gradually her panic calmed. “It seemed so real.”
“Nightmares usually do, but they’re mostly harmless.”
“But not always.” She didn’t like that qualifier. One bit.
“I won’t lie. I’ve seen a ton of weird and dangerous shit. And yeah, there are beings that can actually invade your dreams, attempt to do any number of things.”
She liked his strong arms around her. She burrowed into his chest, and the sense of his protection gave her the courage to continue. “I’m pretty sure this guy was real. He wanted me and you to join him. He wants to control you.”
“We don’t know that for sure,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “It could’ve been a really vivid night terror brought on by what we went through earlier.”
“Don’t you dare patronize me,” she warned.
“I’d never do that. I’m trying to look on the bright side, that’s all. Tell me about the dream from start to finish, if you’re feeling up to it.”
Relaxing some, she nodded. Taking a deep breath, she recounted the brief, scary encounter with the man she never saw. When she finished, Kalen was holding her tightly, his heart pounding fast in her ear. Despite his outward calm, his rapid pulse, the increased pace of his breathing, evidenced his fear. Her question was quiet.
“You think this is something to be worried about, don’t you?”
“I think it’s possible.”
“What are we going to do?”
<
br /> “Right now? Wait here until we can reach the Pack on the phone, or they find us. Then we tell Nick every detail about tonight, including your nightmare.”
“Okay.”
They fell silent for a time, Kalen still holding her. Stroking her hair. Placing kisses on top of her head. “This is nice,” he murmured.
“Yes, it is.”
He paused, and she sensed he had more to say.
“This is good, isn’t it? Me, holding you?”
He sounded so uncertain, and yet hopeful, her heart swelled. “It definitely is,” she said, hugging him. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
“This is new to me. Holding someone, being held.” His voice held a note of wonder.
“Then you’ve missed out on a lot.”
“I’m beginning to see that,” he said softly.
A subtle shift was happening between them. Then, gradually . . . comfort became something more. They didn’t have to be alone and afraid. They’d begun to bond tonight over a shared terror, and now that connection solidified as he held her against his heart. Tilted her face up to his.
And placed the sweetest of kisses on her lips. He started slowly, one nibble at a time. Paused in between, giving her the chance to put out the flame that had been kindled between them. But she wanted him every bit as much, wasn’t about to say no.
Sitting up, he pulled her into his lap. They were both still dressed in their jeans, but situated like this, she had no trouble discerning the erection pressing against her bottom. She wiggled against the hardness, wanting more.
“You’re trying to kill me.”
“Far from it.” Sitting up, she pulled his shirt over her head, baring herself to his gaze. From the sliver of light filtering through the part in the curtains, she could see his green eyes glittering with desire. With need. But also with uncertainty.
“I’ve never done this before.”
“Had sex?” She found that difficult to believe.
“Made love,” he whispered. “With someone I care about.”
Sweet man. “It’s fantastic. Like nothing else you’ll ever feel.”
“Tell me what you want.” Reaching out, he caressed her cheek. “I have to hear it.”
“Make love to me. Give me everything.”
Capturing her lips again, he lowered her to the bed. Kissed her thoroughly for several long moments. He had the best mouth and he knew how to use it—as he proved by nibbling his way down her throat, teeth scraping. Long ones.
“Are you using your panther teeth?”
“Mmm.”
She gasped as one canine grazed a tender nipple. I’ll take that as a yes.
His mouth latched onto the nub, suckling, and she moaned, burying her fingers in his long hair as she’d itched to do for weeks. The black mass was as silky as it looked, thick and just right to get a good grip. She enjoyed the feel of it as much as she loved him lavishing attention on her nipples.
He moved south, kissing her belly. When he moved lower, she had to relinquish her hold on his mane, and whimpered in protest.
“You don’t want this?” he teased, setting between her thighs. “You said to give you everything.”
“And I meant it. I just love my hands in your hair.”
He looked pleased. “Well, you can have it back in a few minutes. Promise.”
Unzipping her jeans, he worked them down and off, along with her panties. Pushing her knees apart, he lowered his head. Flicked out his tongue and lapped at her clit. With a sigh of pleasure, she spread for him as wide as possible. It had been much too long, and she wanted Kalen to have her. Like this, or any way he desired.
His mouth was every bit as talented in this area, too. He licked her folds, delved his tongue in between to fuck her channel slowly. Driving her mad. Then he’d withdraw and suckle the little clit, taking her to the edge. And withdraw again. Lick and suckle. Over and over until she was mindless, writhing.
“Oh, God!”
“What do you want, honey?”
“Fuck me,” she begged. “I need you.”
He didn’t require further encouragement, and shed his jeans quickly. Crawling over her, he settled between her legs, placed the head of his cock to her opening. Pushed inside.
There, in the darkness, they came together.
Rocking his hips, he began to move inside her. Deep, to the hilt, and out again. Slow and easy, stoking the fire once again, searing her to the depths of her soul. She buried her fingers in his hair again, watched his face as he made love to her. The pupils of his eyes had gone elliptical and smoldered with passion. The muscles of his shoulders bunched and his fangs protruded as he panted with each thrust, the disc of his pendant hanging from his neck, resting between her breasts.
“Harder,” she urged. “Faster.”
Increasing the tempo, he did as she asked, moaning. Driving them higher. She knew he was close when he gathered her to his chest, hips pumping furiously. She clung to his back, her own release building until—
She shattered with a cry, pulsing around his length. Her release triggered his and he came with a hoarse shout, sinking himself as deeply as possible. He stayed there, convulsing, holding her close, until at last they were spent. Then a bit longer as they came down from the high, kissing the curve of her neck.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
“No, thank you.” She hugged him. “You were wonderful.”
Carefully he pulled out. Rolling to his back he gathered her to him and she laid her head on his shoulder, content. Suddenly something occurred to her.
“We never cleaned your cut,” she said, feeling guilty.
“I did, after you went to sleep. It’s nothing, just a scratch.”
She thought it was more, especially in light of her nightmare, but didn’t want to spoil the moment by bringing it up again. “If you insist.”
“I do.”
“Fine. You’re just as bad as those macho wolves I’ve worked with for the past few years.”
“Are you saying I’m stubborn?”
“Yep.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Speaking of wolves . . .” She hesitated. “Would you do something for me?”
“I’ll try.”
“Would you show me your panther?”
“That’s right, you’ve never seen him,” he said, as though just realizing it. “You really want to?”
The amazement in his tone puzzled her. Why wouldn’t she be interested?
“Of course I do. He’s a part of you.”
The naked joy in his expression as he smiled was almost her undoing. Had nobody ever said such a thing to this wonderful man?
“Okay,” he said, sitting up. “Here goes.”
“Wait—you aren’t going to eat me, are you?”
“Honey, only my human half would do that,” he teased, heated gaze raking her body. “And we already know how much you love it.”
Before she could form a retort, his form wavered. Began to reshape. Pale skin became sleek, black fur. His face reformed into a squared muzzle full of sharp teeth, his ears pointed. Black fingernails became claws. A long tail twitched where none had been before, and emerald eyes studied her intently.
Kalen was now a big, gorgeous black panther.
“You’re beautiful,” she said in awe, stroking his head.
He butted under her hand, his demand clear, and she laughed. She scratched his ears and he started purring loudly, flopping onto his side. Eventually he rolled to his back, presenting her with his belly, which got a good scratching as well.
“Don’t think I’m going to spoil you like this all the time,” she said with mock sternness. “You’ll get lazy.”
Without warning, he morphed into a human man once more and lay there studying her, lips forming a smile. But the sadness had returned to his eyes, making his expression appear wistful.
“No one has ever done that before,” he said quietly.
“Done what?”
; “Asked me to change into my panther. Embraced him. Accepted me.” He looked away. “Nobody has ever cared. My parents thought I was a freak when I was a kid and they learned I could do magic, but when they found out I’d learned to use my power to shift into a panther? They threw me out on my ass. I was fourteen.”
Her heart clenched, aching for the lonely, hurt boy who’d grown into a lonely man. “I care. And you’re not a freak.”
“You’re a special woman, Mackenzie. Most people aren’t accepting, don’t have a good soul like you.”
The nightmare intruded again, the horrible stranger’s accusation, and she found herself asking, “What about your soul? I believe it’s good and kind.”
He fell silent for so long, she thought he didn’t want to talk anymore. Then his voice drifted in the darkness.
“I’ll tell you a secret.” He paused. “I don’t like to be touched. Or I didn’t before tonight.”
She stilled. “Before me?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you?” Please, dear Lord, don’t let it be what I’m thinking.
“I don’t have a good soul, honey. I sold myself to survive, to anyone who wanted me,” he whispered. “I had no job skills, wasn’t legal to work even if I had any, and I had to eat. So I did the only thing I knew how, and I did it well.”
So it was what she’d been thinking. No, worse. The self-loathing in his voice scared her more than anything. Because a powerful enemy, like the man in her nightmare, could take that hatred and twist Kalen into his own image. Into a man who would do evil things.
She gripped his hand. “You were just a kid. You were tossed from your home as a minor, a crime in any state. You got caught in the same trap as any number of homeless teens, and didn’t know where to turn. Who to trust. Your parents should’ve been thrown in jail. Give yourself a break.”
“Really? Well, this Boy Scout fucked you without a condom,” he said harshly. “Still think I’m good?”
Shit. The baldly stated fact hit her hard, scared her a little, but she squared her shoulders. “I’m a doctor and I let you. That doesn’t exactly make me a Girl Scout.”
“What if I’m not clean?”
“You are. I refuse to believe the man who made such sweet love to me would knowingly endanger my health. Besides, from our studies at the Institute, we’ve learned that shifters can’t pass or catch human diseases, and the males can’t impregnate those who aren’t their Bondmates.”
