“Where are you going?” she asked.
“To the road to make sure. I will call you when it's safe to come out.”
“Be careful, Anton.”
Anton smiled in satisfaction. His mate was beginning to care for him. Anton walked to the side of the road and squatted down. The truck sounded like the big green truck the pack used, but he wasn't going to take a chance that he was wrong. He reached for his sister Alena through their family telepathic link.
Alena, are you close? he sent.
Yes, Anton, and we brought food for your mate.
Anton heaved a sigh of relief. He stood up and moved into the road as the truck drew into sight. He waved his arms in the air, flagging down his sister and her mate. Kolya lowered the window and looked up and down at Anton.
“What happened to your clothes?” Kolya asked.
“I ditched them to go wolf,” Anton said. “Wait here while I go get Laurel.”
Anton hurried back into the woods and found Laurel waiting for him. He helped her up and led her through the trees and out to the road. He felt her stiffen when she saw the truck, but he quickly reassured her, giving her hand a little squeeze.
“Don't worry, Laurel. It is my sister and her mate,” he said. “They have brought food for us and will take us back to my home where you will be safe.”
“I didn't realize how hungry I was until you said food.”
Anton led her to the passenger-side door, which he opened. “This is my sister Alena and her mate Kolya,” Anton said.
“Nice to meet you,” Laurel said, ducking her head.
Anton climbed into the seat and reached down to help Laurel into the truck and onto his lap. Once she was settled, he closed the door.
“Congratulations on your heartmate bonding with Anton,” Alena said, smiling.
“You mean this golden cord of light? Oh, you have one too with Kolya?” Laurel asked.
“Yes, it is the outward symbol of our mating, as yours is with Anton,” Alena said.
At that moment Laurel's stomach groaned in hunger, and everyone stopped talking to look at her.
“Oh, forgive me. Here is a sandwich and a bottle of water for both of you,” Alena said, handing the items over.
“Where is your sandwich, Alena?” Kolya asked. “After all you are eating for two now, or more.”
“No, only two,” Laurel said. “Congratulations on your baby.”
“You know how many babies I have?” Alena asked.
“Laurel's gift is healing,” Anton said proudly.
“Yes, I can see the small spark of life in the womb,” Laurel said. “It is part of my gift.”
“The gift of healing is a great treasure,” Kolya said, glancing over.
“Yes, indeed. Welcome to the family, Laurel,” Alena said.
Anton ate half his sandwich and wrapped the rest back up for Laurel to eat later. He also drank only half his water. Then, he slipped the sandwich and water into her backpack. His mate needed the food more than he did. He wasn't sure how late it would be when they got back to the pack village.
Kolya turned the truck around and headed back toward the village. The girls were talking about babies. So Anton took time to talk telepathically to Kolya.
Make sure you go around the village and the Sakha Festival. I don't want anyone to see Laurel with us.
Is there a problem? Kolya asked.
Laurel's stepfather has been beating her, as well as starving her. He found us in the mountains at the hunting cabin. He said he was going to sell Laurel. I think into prostitution. I sent him away. But it would be best if we didn't encounter him again, Anton sent.
The man should be dealt with for beating her.
Not now. If he bothers us again, I will rip out his throat, Anton sent. Getting Laurel to safety is most important. We will deal with her stepfather at a later date.
Very well. It will take a couple of hours to get back to the other side of the mountain. When we get close to town, we can take the northern road toward our home. There should not be much traffic out that way.
Thank you, Kolya, for helping me keep her safe.
Have you bedded her yet? You know the bond must be cemented with physical intimacy, Kolya sent.
I know, but she is skittish and startles easily. I will have to go slow and be very gentle with her.
How are you holding up? We better inform Dmitry of your circumstances so all unmated males will stay away for a while, Kolya sent.
I am fine at the moment. My first concern is her safety, my second her malnourishment. Sex will have to wait until the other two are taken care of.
How will you handle the sleeping arrangements at the lodge?
She will share my room, if not my bed. I cannot let her out of my sight for a moment.
Sounds like your wolf is making you possessive, Kolya said. Don't worry. It’s normal. Does she know about your wolf spirit?
The first time she saw me, I was wolf. But I don't think she knows I am lycanthrope.
You Volkov boys with your Americans. At least Alena was one of us.
Would you have loved her less if she was an American? Anton sent.
No, and you know it. Stop trying to pick a fight with me, Kolya sent. Sounds like your wolf is making you a little aggressive as well.
What do you expect? Anton sent. I almost lost Laurel when she fell off the mountain last night. Then, I had to relive her memories of her stepfather beating her, as well as see her jump like a frightened bird if I moved too quickly. I feel very raw right now. My wolf wants to destroy the cause of her fear.
Relax. She is safe and in your arms. The rest we will worry about when we get home, Kolya sent.
A buzzing noise sounded in Laurel’s head. She looked at Anton. He must be talking to someone in his mind. She could almost make out the words, but they were just out of reach. She wondered if he was talking about her. It seemed as if he might be. Alena and her mate Kolya seemed nice enough. Laurel wondered if they were werewolves as well. Alena and Anton looked so much alike with their brown hair and silver gray eyes. The fact they were twins was easy to see. But how did someone become a werewolf? Were they born this way or bitten like in the movies? She wanted to see one of them change. Anton's memories of his mother changing were so beautiful. She really wanted to see the rainbow lights.
The road was bumpy, and Laurel kept hitting her elbow on the side of the metal door. She was sure she would have a bruise there. The truck was huge and old. Anton tried to keep her from jostling too much, but there was only so much he could do. Laurel tried to stay stiff and limit the amount of contact with him, but she was too tired to keep it up for long.
The sandwich Alena had given her tasted good, but she should have eaten more slowly. Now, her stomach was unsettled from the bumpy ride. Feeling a little green, Laurel closed her eyes and tried hard not to be sick. Feeling her distress, Anton patted her back and rubbed her arms lightly. She liked how he always seemed so in tune to her needs. She let herself relax against his chest and soon fell asleep on his shoulder.
Anton looked down at Laurel, as she slept soundly in his arms. Then, he looked over at Kolya who was trying to balance Alena on his shoulder as she slept. Alena seemed to sleep more now that she was pregnant.
Kolya glanced his way and smiled. “She must trust you to sleep so soundly in your arms.”
“Or she is exhausted and sick from malnourishment,” Anton said.
“If she didn't trust you, she wouldn't let herself sleep,” Kolya said. “Even though she is exhausted and malnourished, her fear would keep her awake. Have you kissed her yet?”
“Once, this morning.”
“And she let you?”
“I asked permission first.”
“Oh, how the mighty have fallen,” Kolya teased. Anton knew Kolya was thinking of their trip to Moscow and how women had thrown themselves at the handsome lycanthropes.
“Stop joking around, Kolya,” Anton said. “I didn't want to hurt her. She has been hurt enough.�
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“Well, it sounds like you are doing something right. Perhaps soon she will trust you enough to let you take her. The bond needs to be completed.”
“The bond is already very strong. She hears me telepathically, and I have relived her memories. I don't know if she has relived any of my memories yet. The bond will only grow stronger the longer we are together.”
“Stronger and harder to resist,” Kolya said. “She needs to trust you before you lose control.”
“I won't let anyone hurt her, not even myself,” Anton said.
“I hope you are right, my friend.”
Kolya turned onto the northern road when a black Lada-Niva off-road vehicle, appeared in the rearview mirror.
“Nice vehicle. I think we might have company,” Kolya said.
“What do you think they want?” Anton asked.
“Nothing good, I’m afraid. Wake the girls. We may need to make a run for it.”
“Alena can’t shift while pregnant, and Laurel is human,” Anton reminded him.
“Wake them. We’ll take it one step at a time.”
Anton woke Laurel and Alena, his blood going cold with fear. Both his sister and Laurel would need to be protected. What was going on here? What did the other vehicle want with them?
The Lada-Niva roared up beside them. Anton could clearly see two burly men in the front seats, tattoos covering their bodies. One even had tattoos on his face. “Looks like Russian mafia. What do you think they want?”
“Anything they can take,” Kolya answered.
Laurel hid her face in Anton’s chest, while Alena glowered at the two men. Anton curved his body around Laurel trying to comfort her and keep her out of sight. The black vehicle swerved into them, hitting the side of the truck. The truck lurched to the side, coming close to the edge of the mountain road.
“Idi K Chyortu, Go to the Devil,” Kolya said, swearing as he wrestled the truck back onto the road. “They’re trying to wreck us. Hold on.”
Kolya pushed down on the gas petal, trying to get in front of the Lada-Niva. The black vehicle rammed into them from the back, pushing them forward. Anton growled when Alena cried out, and Laurel whimpered. How were they going to get out of this?
Chapter Four
Laurel clung to Anton’s chest. Was this her fault? Did her stepfather send these men after them? Was everyone going to die because of her? Anton gently ran his hand over her hair. This is not your fault, Malyshka. These men are evil, no matter how they found us, he sent into her mind.
Laurel wanted to believe him. Anton was always so aware of her thoughts. She felt his need to comfort her, even now in the midst of this madness. The truck lurched forward with the sound of metal grinding and shrieking. Laurel whimpered and pressed closer to Anton. He wrapped her securely in his arms, and she was grateful for the feeling of comfort he gave her.
The black vehicle sped up beside them a second time and rammed into the side of the truck bed, right behind the passenger door. The truck tipped, hanging for a moment. Alena gasped as Kolya shouted her name and dove over her. Then, the truck started rolling down the mountain. The windows broke, and Laurel felt glass cut her bare arms. Anton held her tight, and wrapped himself around her as much as possible to protect her. The roof of the truck crumpled, and they were pushed deep into the seats.
Finally, the truck landed right side up. Laurel opened her eyes, but could see only a small slit of light coming from where the windshield should be. Anton was lying over her. Kolya was over Alena, his eyes wide with fear. The roof had stopped collapsing at the top of the steering wheel, but even with those few inches between them and the steering wheel, they were truly trapped.
The buzzing in Laurel’s head let her know Kolya was speaking to Alena. She glanced up and blanched when she saw that Anton’s eyes were closed and he was bleeding from the side of his head.
“Anton? Anton, are you okay?” Laurel felt her heart lurch. Was she going to lose her protector?
Kolya turned his head slightly. “Use your bond. Call to him. Find his spirit. I am going to try to push the door open on this side. Alena, lyubov moya, my love, don’t try to move until I can get you out.” Alena moaned but didn’t open her eyes. She reached out toward Laurel.
The metal squeaked as Kolya pushed against it. Laurel followed the mating bond into Anton’s mind, looking for his spirit. Anton, where are you? Please don’t leave me. I am so afraid. Anton? She searched with her mind’s eye. Finally, finding the light of Anton’s spirit, she grabbed at it and surrounded it with her presence. She found her center and pushed the pink iridescent light of healing into the small spark, watching as the spark began to glow brighter and stronger.
Laurel? Anton’s voice sounded weakly in her head.
Yes. Anton, come back to me. You can’t leave me here alone. I need you.
Laurel felt, rather than saw, a surge of energy rush forward and surround Anton’s spirit, growing so bright and strong she was pushed from his mind. She opened her eyes when suddenly she was back in her own body. Light encompassed Anton’s form with rainbow streaks that shot out like sparks. Then, the light was gone, and a silver-and-white wolf was lying on top of her. She looked into the silver-gray eyes, and tenderness shined there. The wolf lowered his head and licked her face as she buried her hands in his fur. You are not afraid? Anton’s voice boomed into her thoughts.
Why should I be? I knew you were a wolf the first time my mind entered yours. I thought it was a good thing to have a werewolf to protect me.
Not a werewolf. A lycanthrope or lycan. But we will discuss this later.
Metal screeched again as Kolya pushed against the door. Finally, with a wrench, the door opened. Kolya slid from the vehicle and reached back in to help Alena. She cried quietly, and Kolya lifted her into his arms and carried her into the trees next to the truck. Anton followed. Climbing over Laurel and sliding out of the torn and ripped overalls, he jumped to the ground. Then, he stood naked at the door of the truck, a man once again, and reached in to pull Laurel from the wreckage. He followed Kolya, carrying Laurel in his arms into the trees.
Alena was crying softly as Kolya knelt over her. “The baby. I felt a tearing. I’m going to lose the baby,” Alena said, grabbing Kolya’s arm with one hand as she clutched her stomach with the other, trying to hold the child within her. Kolya looked panicked, not knowing how to comfort his mate.
“Let me see her, Anton,” Laurel said. “Put me down. I’m not a baby.”
“Detka, Baby, you are bleeding all down your arms and from your right calf as well,” Anton said. He took careful stock of her injuries.
“It’s nothing,” Laurel said. “Let me help your sister before she loses your nephew.”
“A boy? Oh, please save him. Anton please let her try,” Alena begged.
“Of course, Alena. If Laurel can help, she will,” Anton said as he knelt and set Laurel next to his sister. “Laurel, you must stay here and be very quiet. Kolya, can you leave Alena in Laurel’s care? I think we should go see what is salvageable of the truck.” And see if those men are still here, he sent to Kolya. There could still be danger.
Kolya looked at Alena, and Anton could feel his indecision. Alena patted Kolya on the arm, trying to comfort him. He finally turned to Anton, fury in his eyes. These men had injured his mate and his unborn child. If they were waiting up above on the road, they wouldn’t walk away alive.
Anton and Kolya made their way back to the truck. Anton reached in for Laurel’s backpack and a small emergency bag behind the seat. Thank goodness, Violet had insisted they prepare a bag with extra clothes and a few rubles in case of emergency. There was even a small first aid kit, another safety measure Violet insisted upon. Most lycans could shift if they needed to heal an injury. But small children were not always able to shift on command, and pregnant women didn’t chance shifting with a child growing inside them.
Kolya removed his clothes and handed them to Anton. “I’m going to see if those men stayed to see thei
r handiwork,” he said, menace in his tone.
“I’m right behind you,” Anton agreed. He placed the two bags behind a large rock and shifted, letting his wolf come out to hunt.
Kolya was working his way straight up the mountain, using the cover of bushes and boulders to hide. Anton circled to the left, hoping to come up in front of the vehicle if it was still there. As they neared the top, Anton could clearly smell the men’s unwashed bodies and hear as they argued.
“You weren’t supposed to kill them, you idiot. What good are they dead? We were supposed to bring the women in to sell, remember? Gleb is going to take their price out of your hide.”
“Maybe they aren’t dead. We should go down and check the wreckage. Maybe one of them survived. We might still bring him a fine piece of flesh.”
“If they are alive, you’d hear them crying. Women always cry when they are afraid and hurt. Do you hear anything?”
“No, but I’m going to check. It’s not your hide in trouble. Maybe they’re knocked out.”
“Fool, suit yourself. I’ll wait here. If one of them is alive, call me. I’m not going down there and waste my time.”
Anton let the rage he felt at the men’s words fill him until he saw red. These men were after the women? They would die for their audacity. No one hurt a woman of the Volkov Pack and lived to tell of it.
The first man headed down the hill and right into Kolya’s path. Anton felt his wolf’s approval at the small shout and sound of breaking bones, followed by the smell of blood. One down and one to go.
Anton crept up the hill and rose up in front of the Lada-Niva. The second man was sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. The door facing the side of the hill was still open. The radio was on, masking the sounds of Kolya taking care of the criminal’s friend.
Anton crept closer, moving from the front of the vehicle to the side. His wolf was ready for the kill. This man was after his mate. He deserved to die. Anton felt his humanity start to question his aims, but buried it deep, letting the primitive instincts of his wolf side surge to the surface. He leapt into the vehicle, his teeth grabbing and crushing the neck of his prey. He shook his head, hearing bones break as blood gushed into his mouth and down his fur. He listened as the gurgle of the man’s last breath left his body.
My Mate's Embrace Page 4
