Untamed (The Amoveo Legend 3)

by Sara Humphreys

He cocked one eyebrow, and before she could say another word, he started to move—giving her no choice but to follow. Holding her close, he led her around the dance floor, spun her, twirled her, threw her around in the most controlled, and yet out of control, way.

  It was akin to swing dancing but… not.

  Layla couldn’t catch her breath, and before she knew it, she was laughing loudly as he spun her out and pulled her back into the firm, warm shelter of his body. As the song ended, he whirled her out one last time, and she thought he might let go, sending her flying into the people who had gathered around them.

  But of course, he didn’t.

  He grasped her hand tighter, pulled her in, slipped one arm behind her back, and cradled her neck as he dipped her low. Both of them were breathless, her body suspended just a couple of feet above the dance floor and pressed tightly to his. She barely registered the applause and hoots from the circle of people around them. They hovered there for what seemed like eons, his mouth just inches above hers, and she thought that she could get lost forever in that smoldering stare.

  “I told you that I wanted to dance,” he said between heavy breaths.

  “That wasn’t dancing.”

  “Oh no,” he said, slowly pulling her to her feet, but not releasing her from the confines of his embrace. Eyes firmly locked on hers, his hands slid down her back and rested on her hips. “Then what would you call it?”

  “Foreplay,” she said in a far shakier voice than intended.

  Layla tried to convince herself that she was breathless from the dancing, from the physical exertion of tearing up the dance floor, but staring into the dark depths of his eyes she couldn’t lie, even to herself.

  William flashed her that devastating smile. “We’re just getting started.”

  Before she could respond, the band burst into another raucous number, and he had her twirling on the dance floor once again. As William dragged her body against his, and those thick muscles in his shoulder rippled beneath her fingers, she found herself hoping that he was right.

  Chapter 9

  They danced all night, and the band had even stayed on for an extra set because the crowd demanded it. However, after an extra hour of performing, they finally called it quits and were packing up their equipment as the last few patrons left.

  William couldn’t remember the last time he had danced like that, with such complete and utter abandon, and he knew the only explanation for it was Layla. She lit something inside of him, something that he didn’t think he possessed anymore.

  She touched the wildest, most carefree part of his spirit, something he thought had died with his youth, but somewhere along the way, she found it and ignited it. His Firefly.

  William waited patiently at the bar for Layla as she took her time using the ladies room. He wondered what on earth women did in there that took such a long time. He sipped his drink and scanned the thinning crowd for any sign of Sylvia, but she was gone. When he’d walked out of the men’s room earlier that night, he’d immediately noticed a change in the atmosphere of the bar that set his teeth on edge.

  A new ripple of energy snaked through the crowd, and it wasn’t good; in fact, it felt downright hostile, and it didn’t take long for him to find the source. It was coming from Sylvia Clark, and she was sitting at the bar next to Layla. Her hostility was most definitely directed at his mate, which was not at all acceptable.

  Her energy signature was remarkably strong for a human, and when he attempted to scan her mind, he couldn’t get a solid read on her. She hadn’t been blocking him, at least not intentionally, but she was without a doubt, definitely not a typical human. Most humans were transparent, and their energy signatures were wispy, akin to tissue paper, practically nonexistent compared to the Amoveo.

  The only humans he had ever encountered with dense energy signatures like Sylvia’s were psychic. In most cases, he’d be thrilled to encounter a woman like that, because she could potentially be a mate for one of his people. However, this woman’s energy also contained an extra layer of darkness, an ugliness that he couldn’t quite decipher, and that darkness had been aimed at Layla.

  “Looks like you’re playing your cards right.” Raife’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. William turned to face Layla’s brother, who regarded him carefully from behind the bar. “I can’t remember the last time I saw her have that much fun.”

  He spoke calmly as he wiped glasses dry before placing them on the rack. “I have to admit that she seems more comfortable with you than she does with most other people.” William opened his mouth to respond, but Raife held his hand up. “I’m not saying I like you,” he said abruptly. “But if you can make her happy, then that’s all I really care about.”

  William nodded slowly. “Thank you… I think.”

  The energy waves coming from Raife were thick with love and protection for his sister. He knew that Layla’s brother would do anything to keep her safe, and that was more than enough. William couldn’t help but like him.

  Raife leaned both hands on the bar and brought himself eye to eye with William. “But if you hurt her,” he said in a quiet, deadly tone and with a smile that promised retribution. “I’ll tear off your feathered head.”

  William held up his drink in a toast. “I would expect nothing less,” he said before taking a sip. Raife’s most admirable quality was his obvious devotion to his family, and that was something William could easily relate to. He hoped that Raife would come around where the rest of the Amoveo were concerned, because he could be an excellent ally against the Purists, and he had a sinking suspicion they were going to need all the help they could get.

  “You would expect nothing less about what?” Layla asked as she hopped into the seat next to William. She narrowed her eyes and looked back and forth between the two men. “What are you two talking about? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were actually getting along.”

  “With this guy,” Raife smirked and tossed a crumpled napkin into the trash. “I’m just being nice to the customers. All that dancing must’ve left you a little light-headed.”

  “Mmm-hmm,” Layla murmured through a laugh that belied her doubt.

  Their energy waves had shifted considerably over the course of the evening. They were actually starting to get along, and William could tell she wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.

  “Well,” she said, answering Raife but turning her attentions to William, “you’re right about the dancing. It’s left me a little dizzy.”

  “Let’s just say that we have one thing in common,” William said evenly as his gaze slid over her slowly. A smile played at his lips when their eyes met. “And it would seem that just one thing is quite enough.”

  “Oh really?” Layla cocked her head and pursed her lips. “You know something? You are… unexpected.”

  William’s eyebrows flew up in surprise. “I thought you’ve spent your entire adult life avoiding me, so how on earth could I be unexpected?”

  “Hey, Layla,” Tyler shouted from across the bar and interrupted before she could answer him.

  William attempted to hide his annoyance, especially from her ex-boyfriend. He assessed Tyler as he approached them: messy hair, along with disheveled clothing and black nail polish. All came together to create a typical indie-rock band lead singer.

  Men like this had groupies, didn’t they? They banged women two at a time, and based on the girls lingering around the band, he imagined that Tyler was no different.

  William’s jaw clenched at the idea of this person laying a finger on his mate. Don’t be a dick. Her perturbed voice sliced into his mind. He’s just a friend.

  William flicked his gaze back to Layla as she hopped out of her chair to greet her friend. He didn’t know what to say, because she was right. He was overreacting. He’d never been jealous of another man, and he didn’t like the way it felt one bit.

  When Layla hugged Tyler with familiar ease, the most irrational flash of anger flared through William
like a tsunami, and it took every ounce of self-control to keep his eyes from shifting. He wanted to pummel Tyler into the ground, and for a fleeting moment, he was afraid he’d actually do it. Steeling himself against the unfamiliar onslaught of emotions, William barely noticed Raife smirking at him.

  “You know,” he said, hardly covering his amusement, “she never loved him. They were just kids when they dated.” William glanced at him as he continued to clean up behind the bar. “To be honest, I don’t think she’s ever been in love—at least not yet.” He sighed and shook his head. “So why don’t you quit fuming at the guy, and go over and introduce yourself? I thought you were a badass?”

  A slow smile crept over William’s face. “I have my moments,” he said quietly.

  As much as he loathed admitting it to himself, he knew Raife was right. It was evident that Layla didn’t love Tyler and wasn’t even attracted to him, since her energy waves pulsed with the warmth of nothing more than friendship. Accepting his stupidity, he did all he could do and walked over to be introduced to the man embracing his mate.

  To his great relief, the two stopped hugging before he reached them.

  William slipped his left arm around Layla’s waist and glowered at Tyler. “I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of being introduced.”

  Tyler’s eyes widened as he looked William up and down. “Damn, man.” He laughed. “I’d definitely remember meeting you.” He offered a big smile and extended his hand. “I’m Tyler. Layla and I go way back.” He grimaced as William shook his hand with a bit more firmness than necessary.

  Be nice. Layla elbowed him. You’re twice his size.

  “It’s nice to meet you.” William released Tyler’s hand and did his best not to smile. He was considerably bigger and could literally crush this human like a bug, so for now, just knowing that was more than enough satisfaction. “Your band is quite good. I haven’t danced like that in many years.” He looked at Layla and stroked her waist with his fingers. “It would seem I just needed the right dance partner.”

  “Yeah, man.” He rubbed at his sore hand absentmindedly. “You two were tearing up the dance floor.” He looked back and forth between them. “So how long have you two been… dancing?” he asked with a knowing smirk.

  “Oh… you know.” Layla laughed nervously. “Say,” she said swiftly, changing the subject, “I heard you guys are cutting an album. That’s really exciting.”

  Chicken. William teased.

  “Yeah, actually, that’s why I wanted to talk to you. We need some shots for the website and the album cover. And since you’re the best photographer I know, and you just happen to be in town, I was hoping you would be willing to do it.” When she didn’t respond right away, he put his hands together as if in prayer. “Please?”

  “Sure,” Layla said with some hesitation as she leaned into William and wrapped her arm around his waist.

  William would’ve been completely ecstatic about her attentions, if it weren’t for the fact that she seemed to have done it out of the need for support. He sensed her nervousness and imagined that it had to do with what she might see in the pictures she would be taking. What worried him was how her abilities might be intensified by their growing connection, and there was no telling how her gift would amplify once they were actually mated.

  “That’s freakin’ awesome,” Tyler shouted and pumped his fist in the air dramatically. “Sweet. She’s gonna do it, guys,” he shouted to his bandmates and then quickly turned back to Layla. “How much is it gonna run us?”

  “Don’t insult me, Ty,” she said in a voice edged with humor. “Your money is no good with me, but when you get rich and famous, I get front row seats and backstage passes for the rest of my life.”

  “Done!” He pointed at her and smiled, but his smile faded when he caught William looking at him. “I’d hug you, but I’m afraid your boyfriend will kick my ass.” He laughed and backed away dramatically as he looked from William to Layla. “We’re playing here again in a couple days. Can you come and take performance shots on Saturday night?”

  Layla nodded and chuckled. “You got it, Ty. What time?” she shouted after him as his attentions were being demanded by the gaggle of ladies waiting.

  “We set up at seven.” A young blonde draped herself over him and nuzzled his neck. “I’ll see you then.” He waved, and within moments, he was swallowed up by the group of girls buzzing around him. William fleetingly wondered if that’s why they called them groupies.

  Layla glanced at her watch and whistled. “Holy Moses! It’s after two in the morning,” she said with more than a little amusement. “We better get home.” Her green eyes peered at him from under dark red lashes, and she smiled. “I may be almost thirty years old, but Rosie will still give me the stink-eye tomorrow for coming home so late.”

  Layla slipped out of his embrace and headed back to collect her jacket and purse that she’d asked Raife to stow behind the bar. William looked for Tyler only to find that he was nowhere to be seen and neither were the girls. It didn’t take a mind reader to figure out where they’d gone, and what they’d gone to do. He knew several men, human and unmated Amoveo, who were constantly in the relentless pursuit of female companionship, and in his youth, William had done the same.

  However, looking at Layla, he could no longer comprehend the desire to be with anyone else. She walked toward him, smiling, and tossing a wave to her brother. His throat tightened as the gravity of his feelings for her settled over him. He really did love her. There was no doubt about that, but one thought gnawed at him, and it was the one thing that threatened his very existence.

  Would she ever love him?

  ***

  On the drive back to the farm along the dark, tree-lined streets, Layla blasted the radio and sang lustily to the music at the top of her lungs. William hoped that the people in Upper Falls were heavy sleepers. Her energy waves were lighter. She was the happiest he’d ever seen her, and William couldn’t help but feel partially responsible for it. At least, he hoped like hell it was because of him. Or better yet, because they’d found each other.

  Layla’s positive mood was contagious, and he even found himself tapping his fingers to the beat of the music as the crisp fall wind blew through the open-air Jeep. Perhaps things were actually starting to come together, and for just a moment, he allowed himself to believe that everything would work itself out.

  It seemed a moment was all the universe would allow.

  The dark surge of energy swamped him the instant Layla whipped the Jeep into the gravel driveway of the farm. The sudden wave of evil stole the breath from his lungs and had him struggling for control. Pull over, Layla. Stop the car now. He shouted it into her mind with all the force he could muster as his eyes snapped to their clan form.

  Another Amoveo had been at the house.

  The Jeep shuddered to a halt at the bottom of the driveway, but not before running over one too many rocks and popping a tire with a deafening sound that shattered the evening. With the engine idling, the two sat for a minute, breathless and shaking, as the air from the tire hissed like a snake beneath them.

  Layla, sensing the same sinister energy, white-knuckled the steering wheel, and her eyes glowed brightly in the moonless night. Her small body shook with thready, uneven gasps, and her lips quivered with fear and anger.

  “What-the-fuck-is-that,” she seethed through heavy breaths. She turned to him, her glowing eyes pleading with him for answers. “What the hell is that I’m feeling? I feel like I’m either going to puke or beat the shit out of someone.”

  William steadied his breathing and wove his energy signature with hers, hoping to give and receive comfort. “I’m not sure,” he said, prying one of her hands off the steering wheel and cradling it in his. To his relief, she didn’t pull away, but linked her fingers with his. “Give me a minute to get my bearings.”

  “Okay,” she said through a deep breath. Her glowing gold and green eyes flicked to him nervously, before fixating o
n the house at the top of the driveway.

  Her skin had paled considerably, and she was still shaking, which did nothing to calm his nerves. How could he collect himself when he was worried about her? If she didn’t calm down soon, it was going to drive him mad.

  How did Malcolm and Dante do it? How on earth did they manage to keep their composure when their women had been in such danger?

  “Focus on your breathing, just like you did tonight in the bar,” he said quietly, keeping his eyes on her.

  Layla’s energy flickered with the unmistakable flare of anger, her back straightened defensively, and she removed her hand from his. “I got it,” she bit out with her gaze still fixated on the house. “Now can you please tell me what is going on?”

  Disappointed that Layla was pulling away from him again, but satisfied that she had a handle on her own situation, William turned his attentions back to the dark energy that still surrounded them. He closed his eyes and searched for the source, only to find that whoever was responsible was no longer there.

  The tendril of evil that slithered around them was a phantom, a ghost left behind, and it was definitely coming from the farmhouse. The energy was layered with something else he couldn’t identify, but he was certain that at least one Amoveo he didn’t recognize had been here.

  His thoughts instantly went to Rosie.

  “Rosie,” Layla whispered. “Oh my God.”

  William’s eyes flew open just as Layla let out a small cry and scrambled out of the Jeep. With genuine awe, he watched her run up the hill at a breakout pace. Whether or not she realized it, she was channeling the speed of her cheetah, and it was evidence that their connection was developing with far greater speed than he expected.

  He didn’t have to tell her Rosie was in trouble. She’d sensed it when he did. Her life force was firmly linked with his, and she’d felt everything he did when he scanned the area.

  William cursed loudly and took off after Layla, who was propelling herself straight into danger. Running up the hill, he uttered the ancient language, Verto, and within moments the familiar warmth of the shift pulsated over his skin. The jarring sensation of his feet pounding against the gravel was swiftly replaced with air currents rippling through his feathers as he pumped his wings, flying low and fast in pursuit of his mate. In his gyrfalcon form, it didn’t take him long to catch up and ultimately pass her. He soared down like a bullet, landed in the open doorway of the house, and shifted back to his human form.