by Dahlia Rose
She turned in the other direction and stared down the road, following the double white lines until they disappeared into the darkness. It would be easy to start walking. She returned her gaze to Jace and she had no doubt he would walk beside her. The idea of his constant companionship wasn’t as bad as she’d first thought. Leticia scratched at the scab now covering her bite. There was nothing in the reference books about marks and claimings. The information she actually needed could only be provided by Jace. She twisted her head between the lane and the man. Deep in her soul she knew if she went with him, her life would change and she wondered if she could handle it.
Leo told her he would come if she needed him. She didn’t want to worry her brother like she had the night before, and she really wanted to settle whatever it was that was brewing between her and the birdman. The door he was holding squealed as it closed. Jace tilted his head. Her heart rate sped up, holding his stare. It felt as if he was peering into her soul. She broke eye contact and stared up into the night sky, surprised to find a full moon tinged in red. A tidbit she read came to mind. There was a blurb in a book about it.
Rough fingers slid down her cheek and she dropped her head to peer at Jace. He dropped his hand and looked up. A half smile lifted his lips. “My people call that a hunter’s moon. To us it means change is coming.”
Leticia stuffed her hands in her pockets to keep from touching him. “How do you do it?”
He looked at her with his brows drawn together. “Do what?”
“Change?”
His eyes widened. “You’re asking how I become my condor?”
“Yes.” His answer would determine her decision. If she stayed, a whole new world would open for her, but what would happen to the world she left behind?
“I’m still me.” He chuckled. “The asshole that abducted you.”
“You’re not helping your case there, buddy.” She didn’t want to resist any longer. She placed her hand on his forearm.
“Is that not what you’ve been thinking?” He moved his arm and flipped his hand over palm side up to hold hers. Jace backed up and leaned against the side of the patrol car.
He tugged her toward him and Leticia dug in her heels. “It is, but you haven’t answered my question.” She stayed in place, their arms extended between them.
“I don’t know when it started exactly. The elders say select warriors were chosen by the Great Spirit Goddess many moons ago, which translates to a fucking long time. Anyway these guys were chosen to protect the tribes against the threat of enemies and spread out through the Native nations to come together when needed. As I understand it, I am a descendant of the one of those originals shifters.”
“So there are more of you?” Leticia swallowed.
“Sugar, there are more of us than I care to count.”
“Bird?”
“Predators.” He jerked her up against him.
Warmth flowed through her clothes. He wrapped his arms around her torso and rested his chin on the top of her head. She turned her face to the side to speak, and the rapid tattoo of his heartbeat was loud in her ear. “What kind?”
“There are coyotes, wolves, I know a few rattlers, but snakes tend to stay to themselves.”
She closed her eyes and tried to imagine men turning into animals. “My head hurts.” She lifted her cheek. “Why did you bring me here?”
He spread his legs and she slipped between the V he created. His erection rubbed against the side of her hip. “I knew if I took you anywhere else we wouldn’t get much talking done. But I don’t think it’s the location so much as it’s being in your company. I don’t just want to be around you, I want to be in you, covering your body with mine. Listening to you scream is my new drug of choice.”
“And you’re poetic, too,” Lettie shook her head as a half-smile sent the side of her mouth upward.
“I already told you, where you go I will never be far behind.”
“Why?”
Jace combed his fingers through her hair and gently scratched her scalp. “You’re my mate. The woman meant solely for me. My animal recognized you immediately.” He brushed the bite with his fingertips. “That’s why we marked you. Any beast that gets close to you will recognize this for what it is. My claim.”
“I’m not up on beast speak. Can you put in terms I understand?” She rested her chin on his chest and stared up at him.
“In human terms it means we are married.”
“No way.” She tried to pull away and his grip tightened.
“Sugar, it’s late, we can go to Blue Waters or we can go home. I don’t care which one, but I need to get you into a bed in the worst way.” He dipped his head and nuzzled her neck.
“The casino…”
“And hotel. I have a suite there for when I can’t make it home.” He spoke against her collarbone and his breath tickled her skin.
“I’m going with you…”
He snorted.
She ignored him. “But this conversation ain’t over. I have questions about this, whatever it is…”
“I told you what it is.” Jace sighed.
“Will you stop interrupting me! As I was saying, I want answers.”
“A lot of sex and a little sleep and I will be prepared for your interrogation, sugar.” He raised his head and narrowed his eyes. “You’re lucky I’m not spanking you for running in the first place.”
“Dream on, birdman.” She pulled away and walked around the vehicle. “You said you had a suite. Suddenly I’m feeling really tired.”
His deep chuckle sent tingles down her spine. “You’re delusional if you think we’ll be doing a lot of that. You’ll be yelling my name and scratching my back long before your pretty face hits the pillow.”
“I’d like to see you stop me.”
Jace took a few steps to the driver-side door and yanked it open. “Challenge accepted. Get in.”
* * * *
They were buried under sumptuous layers of bed linen. Jace reached over to pull Leticia against him and gripped a thick pillow. He opened his eyes and stared at the spot he’d placed his hand. With a grunt he flung the covers back and sat up. He thought they’d reached an agreement and yet she was gone. Why couldn’t his woman stay in one place? In his mind his beast gave a quick shake of its head in agreement with him. He rose from the bed and stretched. The light sting on his shoulder blades made him smile as he twisted around and glanced in the mirror. Two sets of scratches trailed up his back in four long linear lines up both his sides.
A brisk knock on his door drew his attention from his reflection. Naked and annoyed at the disturbance, he stalked toward the door and yanked it open. The security officer on the threshold hopped back, his eyes wide. “Teka asked that you please come to the security office.” He held his hands palm forward and walked backward.
Jace slammed the door and spun around searching the room for his phone. He crossed the room and snatched up his jeans to check the pockets, only to find them empty. Memories of the night before flitted through his mind. His phone rang, and Leticia pulled it from his belt and dropped it somewhere. Fuck it, he’d rather look for her anyway. His sister could wait. Disregarding his boxers, he held his pants up and stuck one leg, then the other into them. Jace yanked up his uniform shirt and slipped his arms into the sleeves. After he located his boots, he shoved his feet into them and made a pit stop in the bathroom, rinsing out his mouth before leaving the room.
Hotel guests glanced at him and scurried out the way. One man grabbed a woman and jerked her back by the arm. When she opened her mouth to protest, the guy simply pointed Jace’s way. Her jaws snapped shut, and she positioned herself behind the fella. Jace glanced at her and winked. It was good to be a predator. He pushed through the door to the stairwell and jogged down the treads until he reached the lobby.
He shoved the door to the ground floor with such force it banged against an outer wall. Patrons too busy at machines and tables didn’t bother to take notice as he stomped
through the crowd in search of his mate. He raised his chin and took a deep breath.
“You’ve been hanging around that damn coyote too long. You’re starting to act like him.” Jerimiah sidestepped a group and stopped next to Jace.
“Dad, this is not the time, I’m in no mood to argue with you. If you have an issue with Myer, take it up with him.” Jace spun in a circle searching for his mate.
“Damn right I have a problem with that fucker. Care to take a guess as to who busted into my suite last night and poured a pitcher of ice water on me?” Jerimiah grumbled.
“One of the many women you have bedded and never called again?” Jace stilled and met his father’s gaze. Of course he knew, but his dad already looked like he was about to lose it. Jerimiah’s normally calm exterior was cracking. Sweat beaded his forehead and his hair was loose. Jace swallowed his chuckle. His mom must have been on a serious war path last night.
“Your asshole friend brought you mother to the casino last night and she has taken over my rooms. This is a perfect example of why you don’t befriend dogs.” Jerimiah kept his tone low.
“So sleep at home. You have a house and why are you whispering?”
“That woman—”
“My mother,” Jace interrupted him and waved his hand in a circle to hurry his father up.
“She has plans, son. And you should be worried. Twyla has your mate seated at the restaurant and last I checked they were laughing.” Jerimiah patted Jace’s arm. “Tidy up, Jace. Get your clothes on right. Armor yourself as best you can,” he said and strolled away.
What the hell just happened? Jace looked down his form and absently buttoned his shirt up halfway. He watched Jerimiah disappear into the crowd, briefly wondering what his old man was talking about. He shook his head. Of course when Twyla and Jerimiah were in the same room together they both got a little crazy. He would kill Teka for getting their mother involved in his issues. He turned and stalked toward Azure, the casino restaurant. A quick check of his watch told him it was breakfast. He nodded as he passed the hostess and scanned the area. At a corner table sat Leticia and across from her a smiling Twyla.
He hadn’t seen his mom in over a year and he could admit she didn’t change except for a few additional streaks of gray. Twyla was ageless. Her bronze skin was still smooth, supple, and makeup free. She wore her waist-length hair in two traditional braids that hung down her back. An old shirt tucked into a pair of worn jeans and boots completed the look. Looking at her, no one would know she was actually the CEO of the Blue Waters Casino and the tribe’s medicine woman. The chief’s mate always held a position within the scarcity. He cocked his head and wondered what Leticia’s station would be. Whatever his mother and she were talking about, it was engrossing. Leticia was animated. Her hands danced in the air and Twyla nodded with a big grin on her face. A tingle of worry went down his spine. His woman and his mother hitting it off, that couldn’t be good.
Teka ambled up next to him. “I tried to call and warn you that your mate was wondering around.”
“So you couldn’t stop her, leave that damn office and get Leticia’s attention?” Jace pursed his lips. “What do you think they are talking about?”
“That’s easy.” Teka snorted. “You. Mom has been itching to meet your woman and when I mentioned in passing that I saw her in the restaurant, well the rest is history.” Teka smirked. “I bet Dad didn’t worry you about your mating business, did he?”
Jace shook his head. “Nope, Jerimiah is just rambling about Twyla and plans…I think bringing Mom in broke Dad, and it’s your fault.”
“I did not break Daddy. He needs to spend time with Mom anyway. It’s been years since we have all been under one roof. With you claiming a human, we need to show a united front.”
“You’ve been reading those damn romances again, haven’t you?” Jace glanced over at his sister. “Who else did you call in? Our brethren?”
“I could only reach two of them, and they were very excited.” Teka answered defensively. “As Thunderbirds you need to stick together.”
“Did you ever think you might overwhelm Leticia? She’s skittish at best.”
“I didn’t just call them for that, even though it was a good excuse. The elders have gotten wind of your intentions. They are calling a Hala. You don’t know what their intentions are for this meeting.”
Jace stared at Leticia, and thought about the night before. They did eventually get to sleep. He wasn’t about to give her up. He was the Supai’s protector, second only to his father. The warriors would follow him if he called them to. Each clan had one. His brethren were an integral part of every Indian nation. If the other Thunderbirds supported him, there was nothing the elders could do. Teka knew more than she was letting on. If she’d called the others, she was worried. “Hey, can I borrow your phone?”
Teka pulled it out her pocket and handed over her cell.
He opened up the screen and dialed Myer.
“What are you doing?” Teka leaned over to see who he was calling.
He waited and the phone made its connection. Myer answered within a few rings. “Myer.”
“Hey, brother, put on your best jeans tonight. Teka agreed to go with you to our Hala.” Jace handed the cell back to a stammering Teka. Myer’s excited whoops could be heard through the line. “Remember, I promised retribution.” Jace walked toward the corner table his mother and woman sat.
Somehow shit was piling up on his plate. Find the trespasser slaughtering birds on the res. Get Leticia to agree to his claim, not that she had a choice. Find a way to separate his mother and father before they killed each other and now he needed to attend a Hala, probably to defend his chosen mate. He chuckled. At least his sister was finally going out with Myer. Maybe his day wouldn’t be so bad. He stopped at the table and the two women stared up at him.
“Hello, Jace,” his mother coolly greeted him.
Uh-oh. “Mom.” He bent to kiss her cheek.
“Lettie was just telling me about her ordeal.” Twyla had that parental, you-know-better tone.
He dropped into the bench seat, sending his mate into the corner, and tried to head off the admonishment he knew was coming. “Teka just told me the elders have called me to a meeting.”
Leticia’s brows came together. “Are you in trouble?” Concern littered her tone.
“I called the Hala.” Twyla spoke up. “Last night I was looking over things and your father has let certain areas go to shit. I think I might be here a while.”
Jace couldn’t hold back his groan.
Twyla’s stare turned icy. “First, though, you need to have those old men acknowledge Lettie as your packri so she can start her training as shaman. And you need their blessing to start you ascension to chief. Your father doesn’t agree with me, but it’s time for you to step up,” she sighed, “and your old buzzard of a daddy to step down.”
“Um.” Leticia opened her mouth and Twyla held up a hand, silencing her.
“I realize this all new to you, but your journey was written by the Great Spirit Goddess long before you were a glimmer in your mother’s eye. I’ll teach you what you need to know.” Twyla turned to her son and peered at him. “It’s time. Get over it. See you at seven.” She scooted across the seat and rose. Strolling away, she left him and Leticia in the wake of the bomb she dropped.
He twisted to the side and peered at Leticia. Gently he pushed her chin up to close her mouth. Jace stroked her bottom lip with his thumb. “We can make a run for it.”
Chapter Nine
Jace spun the wheel to the patrol car and squeezed into the tight space between her neighbor’s cars. Lettie watched as he deftly centered the vehicle along the curb and shook her head. It was those very hands that had kept her up until the wee hours of the morning, tickling, caressing, and cajoling pleasure from her body. She skimmed her tongue along her lips and reached for the lever.
“We can still make a run for it. It will take days for anyone to track us down.” H
e winked.
“Nope, I’m curious to see exactly what goes on at this Hala. I want to go. Don’t tell me you’re ready to bolt now that I’m actively interested in this thing between us? Plus I still need to work. I do have a part-time job at the university, and I would like to start on my thesis.” She widened her eyes and blinked rapidly.
“Well damn, but leaving you.” He leaned back and gazed at her. “That’s never going to happen, at least not willingly. Now getting the hell away from the machinations of Twyla and Jerimiah, oh hell yeah, we would go someplace warm, fun and isolated.”
“Sorry, birdman, I don’t care who you are. I am going to get my PhD, and I can’t do that if I don’t sit down and write my thesis.”
“We’re both new to this mating thing, so for now I’ll allow you to finish whatever you started before I began the claiming. After the Hala, though, you and I are going to have a long talk. You will have other responsibilities to our people and you may have to learn various aspects of tribal business.” He leaned forward and reached past her to open her door.
“Let me?” Lettie pushed on the door. “I’m going to walk away now before I shove that boot you stuck in your mouth down your throat.”
“I love it when you talk dirty. I’ll pick you up at six. Give me a kiss.”
“Not. Next time maybe you’ll think before you speak.” She swung her legs out the vehicle and hopped out, slamming the door behind her. Lettie moved toward the front door of her small home. She never heard Jace as he moved. Swept up and over his shoulder, she pounded on his back. “Put me down, dammit. Why do you always pull this underhanded shit?”
The firm slap to her ass stilled her. He spun around and stalked to the automobile. “Given our circumstances, I have allowed you a certain amount of freedom that you appear to take for granted. I am not some guy off the streets sniffing behind you like a weak-ass man.” He used the back fender to step up and turned to drop down on the trunk. Jace hefted her off his shoulder and set her face down across his lap. “You will respect me as a man and your mate.” He smacked her behind again.
